Laura Mercier Fall In Love Face Illuminator Collection Review, Photos, Swatches
Laura Mercier Fall In Love Face Illuminator Palette
Laura Mercier Fall In Love Face Illuminator Palette ($58.00 for 0.44 oz.) includes four, miniature-sized versions of the permanent Face Illuminators. It’s pretty neat, as they have the same swirled, raised design, but everything is on a smaller scale. For someone who likes different highlighter shades (or highlighting blushes/bronzers) and would use two or three of them, it’s handy to have and would be good for traveling. Since the individual Illuminators are pricey, this is a good way to try them all for less than the cost of two full-sized shades. I think that the palette versions are fairly comparable to the permanent versions I have, though there are a few differences that I noticed. I don’t think that those differences really impact the overall look of the products applied, but they are there. This formula (and thus palette) is most suitable for someone who likes moderate highlights and some sparkle but not over-the-top metallic highlighters.
Formula Overview
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 is typically more buildable from medium to opaque coverage with a noticeable sheen that can get more frosted/metallic if applied heavily but doesn’t emphasize my pores. The texture is smooth and blendable, but there is a bit of dryness to it that seems 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 tends to last around eight hours.
Indiscretion is a light-medium, rosy copper with warm undertones and a soft, golden sheen. It had semi-sheer to mostly opaque pigmentation paired with a soft, lightly dry texture that was dry to the touch but did appear dry or dusty applied to the skin. The sheen became more refined as I buffed and worked the product on my skin, and while the full-size version seemed to be more likely to emphasize my pores a bit, this one didn’t. It wore well for seven and a half hours before fading. Laura Mercier Spellbound (LE, $45.00)(100% similar). J. Cat Beauty Pink Goddess (P, $9.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Whipped (LE, $8.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Jouer Skinny Dip (P, $24.00) is warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay O.N.S. (LE, $26.00) is darker (95% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Gilded Glow (P, $48.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar). Burberry No. 04 Rose Gold (P, $68.00) is lighter (95% similar). Fenty Beauty Champagne Heist (P, $25.00) is lighter (95% similar). Rare Beauty Flaunt (P, $25.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar). Anastasia Amber Gold (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Crown of my Canopy (LE, $4.99) is warmer (90% similar). Tarte Daygleam (P, $28.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Dior Bronze Glow (004) (P, $50.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Laura Mercier Rosé (LE, $42.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Sephora + Pantone Universe Marsala (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). ColourPop Acting Up (P, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Inglot J203 Luminous (LE, $23.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Chanel Perles de Lumiere (LE, $70.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Becca Smoky Quartz (LE, $38.00) is darker (90% similar). NARS Orgasm Fever (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Addiction is a medium, yellow gold with warm undertones and a lightly sparkly, metallic finish. It had semi-sheer to mostly opaque coverage, and it was easy to blend on the skin. The texture wasn’t too soft or too firm, and it didn’t emphasize my pores when applied. The color lasted for almost eight hours on me. Charlotte Tilbury Gold Bullion (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). Tarte Idol (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Cover FX Moonlight (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar). Makeup Geek Nightlight (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Holly Gold-head (LE, $4.99) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar). Dior Midnight Wish (LE, $45.00) is warmer (95% similar). Dior Transatlantique (LE, $58.00) is darker (95% similar). Milani Sunglow (P, $10.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar). Becca Prosecco Pop (P, $41.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Anastasia Sunray (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Dior #003 (DC, $56.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). The Estee Edit 14K Glow (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Make Up For Ever #02 (P, $39.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Becca Prosecco Pop (P, $38.00) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Yellow Topaz (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Anastasia 143 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). bareMinerals Free (P, $29.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Tarte Spotlight (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition #17 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Looxi Beauty Luxe (P, $7.50) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Devotion is a light pink with warmer undertones and cooler, violet and light pink shimmer. It had sheer to medium coverage, so it was buildable to some degree, but it was never intense. The powder was a little dry, but it didn’t look dry and blended well in practice, so I don’t think I would have even noticed it had I not felt the powder with my fingertips. This shade wore well for eight hours on me. Burberry No. 03 Pink Pearl (P, $68.00) is cooler (95% similar). MAC Love This Bitch (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Tarte Gleam (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tarte Spellbound Glow (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Laura Geller Pixie Pearl (LE, $36.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar). NARS Devotee (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tarte Worthy (LE, $29.00) is lighter (95% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Air (LE, $6.99) is cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Upgrade (LE, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Halo, Goodbye (P, $5.99) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Make Up For Ever H102 (P, $23.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Dior #002 (DC, $56.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay Wicked (LE, $26.00) is darker (95% similar). Dior Pink Glow (002) (P, $50.00) is cooler (95% similar). Laura Geller Charming Pink (P, $26.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar). Make Up For Ever #01 (P, $39.00) is lighter (95% similar). Becca Rose Quartz (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Makeup Revolution Peach Lights (P, $6.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Smashbox Petal Metal (LE, $39.00) is less shimmery, less pigmented (90% similar). ColourPop Poker Face (LE, $10.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Seduction is a medium-dark bronze with warm, golden undertones and a frosted sheen. It was buildable from semi-sheer to fully opaque color payoff, if desired, and it had a soft, lightly dusty consistency. It was very easy to blend and diffuse across the skin, and it wore well for eight hours. Of the four shades, this one had the strongest sheen (and most pigmentation to begin with), so while I didn’t have issues with it emphasizing my skin’s natural texture, if there was a shade prone to it, my guess would be this is the potential troublemaker. By Terry Light & Tan Vibes #1 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Golden Age (LE, $23.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Estee Lauder Topaz Chameleon (LE, $42.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition #21 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Too Faced Jolie (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Glorify (LE, $42.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Dior #004 (DC, $56.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC I'll Hold My Breath #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Salt New York Bronze (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). MAC Royal Vibrancy (LE, $42.00) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Santos (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Looxi Beauty Divine (P, $7.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Poolside (P, $8.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Go With the Glow (P, $5.99) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Benefit 10 (Bronzer) (DC, $29.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Glo Up (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Anastasia Bronzed (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Melt Cosmetics Chocolate Dipped (P, $39.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Becca Topaz (P, $38.00) is lighter (85% similar). Bobbi Brown Bronze Glow (P, $48.00) is lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Fall In Love
$58.00.
Indiscretion
PPermanent. $45.00.
Addiction
PPermanent. $45.00.
Devotion
PPermanent. $45.00.
Seduction
PPermanent. $45.00.
Laura Mercier Fall In Love Face Illuminator Collection
Laura Mercier Fall In Love Face Illuminator Collection
Laura Mercier Fall In Love Face Illuminator Collection
Laura Mercier Fall In Love Face Illuminator Collection
Laura Mercier Fall In Love Face Illuminator Collection
Laura Mercier Fall In Love Face Illuminator Collection
Laura Mercier Fall In Love Face Illuminator Collection
Laura Mercier Indiscretion Face Illuminator
Laura Mercier Indiscretion Face Illuminator
Laura Mercier Indiscretion Face Illuminator
Laura Mercier Addiction Face Illuminator
Laura Mercier Addiction Face Illuminator
Laura Mercier Addiction Face Illuminator
Laura Mercier Devotion Face Illuminator
Laura Mercier Devotion Face Illuminator
Laura Mercier Devotion Face Illuminator
Laura Mercier Seduction Face Illuminator
Laura Mercier Seduction Face Illuminator
Laura Mercier Seduction Face Illuminator
I already have the full size in Addiction (love!), so I can’t justify this, but glad it scored well for others. It’s a nice way to get a mix of high quality highlighters in one kit .
It is! Now if only more of us could wait until they slap ’em all in a palette, lol!
*gasp* Stunning! Now if you’ll excuse, gonna go pick up my jaw from the floor.
Haha!
WOW! This palette is so gorgeous. If only I needed more highlighters…. XD
lol! I hear ya 😉
Such a pretty palette! I’d snap it up if I could use those shades, but Devotion is the only one I could see myself using on my fair skin. Great palette for medium or darker skin tones!
True – this one is definitely more favorable for medium and dark skin tones!
Adding to the list!
Yay!
Finally, a holiday offering that immediately went on my wishlist! Been wanting to try out these LM highlighters for the longest time, but wound up buying quite a few MAC LE highlighters instead. Don’t get me wrong, I love the ones I bought, but then didn’t give attention to others. Like these, for example!
Totally understand, Nancy! Too many highlighters to try – plus, the MAC ones were LE, so 😉
They all look fabulous on you Christine! I purchased this at the Sephora Appreciation Event and now I really cannot wait to dig in when I get home tonight!
Aw, thank you so much, Ivelisse! 🙂
Hope you love yours!
The smaller size is definitely more handy, so hooray for that! I’m also glad that they didn’t alter the cool raised design when scaling down.
It’s neat that they kept the design!
Very pretty! I’m not sure it’s for me but I’m loving the quality and the look.
Glad you are enjoying it from afar!
This came in the mail yesterday. And while I’ve only used Devotion on my NC50 skin, I love it sooooo much! I use the Wayne Goss blush brush, though I don’t have it in front of me to tell you the proper name of it, it works beautifully. I’ve definitely been able to build up the intensity without looking like a disco ball. Looking forward to using & mixing the others.
I’m so glad you are loving the palette so far 🙂 Keep us posted!
I wish they would split sets like these in two, a light set and a dark set. The fair and dark skinned probably can’t
use all the colors, only the medium tones win, it’s such a waste.
That would be a great idea!
This is so freaking pretty. *sigh*
They come together nicely! 🙂
Would you recommend these for a very fair skinned person? Thank you!
Do you think you’d wear the darker shades as blushes?
Hmm, no, don`t think I would dare after having had a bad experience with the Beige Shimmer Brick from Bobbi B. used as a blush. Sigh. Thanks for putting things in perspective for me. I love your posts and they`ve helped make wiser decisions in selecting make-up.
Lovely, but these kinds of palettes are around a lot and I think once you have one that suits you, you don’t need any more.
Very true – you definitely don’t need too many of them!
You’re so right, Genevieve. I mean, I splurged on the Tom Ford highlighter duo and I absolutely love it, so I’ll be sticking with it for awhile 🙂 That’s the plan today, anyway lol…
This palette is very pretty but I decided not to get it because a) I already have a sh*t ton of highlighters in my stash and b) I think I’d probably enjoy just looking at it more than actually using it. So I decided to save my money and put it toward my ELxVB haul 🙂
Good call! 🙂
How did this last 8 hours on you?! I have worn it multiple times (don’t have oily skin, use setting spray) and it has dramatically faded within like 4 hours. Also, i find it very hard to pick up any product. Sadly, i will be returning.
I applied it to bare cheeks (no primer, no foundation), and I’m normal-to-dry at the moment!
I’m glad you are returning if it isn’t working well for you, Alison!
I never bought any of the Laura Mercier highlighters before. I was so happy when I saw all four shades in one! Was waiting to see your review of it and am happy you liked it too 😀 I am travelling at the moment and brought this palette with me, it works well as eye shadow too.
Awesome to hear it is working well as an eyeshadow palette, too!
I think these would make gorgeous eye shadows too. I don’t know that I would use the darker shade on my cheeks, but I would on my eyes. They all look great on you!
They would!