Laura Mercier Affection Face Illuminator Review & Swatches
Affection
Laura Mercier Affection Face Illuminator ($45.00 for 0.3 oz.) is a light, peachy gold with strong, warm undertones and a smooth, metallic sheen. The shimmer was very fine, so it produced more of a high-shine finish rather than something overtly shimmery, which meant that the powder didn’t emphasize my skin’s natural texture.
It had good pigmentation that was easily built up to full coverage with less than half of a layer. The texture was smooth to the touch, firmer and a bit denser, but there was no powderiness and the powder almost “melted” on my skin for a very seamless application. With this type of formula, I’d recommend using a moderately dense, more rounded brush to pick up product evenly. It stayed on nicely for eight and a half hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Sesso (Highlighter) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Light #1 (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Sin (P, $26.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Glad You Came (PiP, $12.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Nooner (Highlighter) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Double-Gleam (P, $42.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Kaleidos Ray Rider (P, $14.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Kaja Gold Drip (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- LORAC Daylight (P, $23.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Light #3 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$45.00/0.3 oz. - $150.00 Per Ounce
According to the brand, Laura Mercier Face Illuminator ($44.00 for 0.30 oz.) supposed to be a “long-wearing, buildable” highlighter that gives a “natural-looking” glow. The formula was typically more buildable from medium to opaque coverage with a noticeable sheen that could get more frosted/metallic if applied heavily but didn't emphasize my pores. The texture was smooth and blendable, but there was a bit of dryness to it that seemed common to this type of formula (think MAC Extra Dimension, NARS Dual-Intensity, Estee Lauder Gelee, etc.). On my normal-to-dry skin, the highlighter tended to last around eight hours.
Browse all of our Laura Mercier Face Illuminator swatches.
It’s lovely both worn and in the pan! Wow!
But I don’t need it. I have both UD Sin and MAC Double Gleam, 95% dupes.
Wow, it looks gorgeous in the compact! There seem to be a lot of products doing this kind of shade and finish, but it’s hard to be bothered as an onlooker when they’re so lovely and well-done.
I also like seeing your notes about the appropriate kind of brush to use, especially with cheek products. That’s really useful information!
This is gorgeous too and it reminds me of the MAC one you have just reviewed. Soft and delicate.
This is lovely. It almost looks brightening but that might just be your lighting.
I just want to gaze at its loveliness in the pan.
How does this compare to the new MAC highlighter? Im thinking of getting one of them… just love the embossing..
I’m assuming you mean Postmodernist Peach? https://www.temptalia.com/side-by-side/?sbs_1_search=Laura+Mercier+Affection&sbs_1=423347&sbs_2_search=MAC+Postmodernist+Peach&sbs_2=423532
This is so pretty and I love Laura Mercier, but I can’t justify buying another highlighter.
Though lovely in the cases, I just can’t see owning lot so highlighters. It’s worst than blushes. There aren’t tons of colors that you can have that will really show a difference (I know, just my opinion, but I can’t see it.)