Laura Mercier L'Amour Exotique Face Illuminator Collection Review, Photos, Swatches
L'Amour Exotique
Laura Mercier L’Amour Exotique Face Illuminator Collection ($58.00 for 0.44 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette with four highlighters–two are new to me and two are also available in the permanent range. I found all four shades to be consistent with the permanent formula, which has a slightly drier, almost looser texture to the touch (not uncommon for this type of formula) with medium to opaque coverage that lasted between seven and eight hours on me.
Value
The full-sized shades of the highlighter retail for $44.00 each and contain 0.35 oz. or $125.71/oz. The palette contains 0.44 oz. worth of product or $55.31 worth of product. It would not be a “value packed” palette from a quantity standpoint; the way it would be “value packed” is in the sense that the full-sized highlighters are rather pricey on their own, even though they are large, so for less than the cost of two standalone shades, you would be getting four. (The price vs. amount is also not drastically lower.) If you’re someone who does not typically pan their powder highlighters, the palette would definitely be worth trying if you like this type formula.
Ingredients
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Talc, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Mica, Tin Oxide. May Contain(+/-): Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
L'Amour Exotique
LELimited Edition. $58.00.
Infatuation
Infatuation is a bright, medium gold with strong, warm orange undertones and a metallic sheen. It had excellent color payoff in a single layer, but the soft, lightly dry texture made it easy to pick up less product on my brush for sheerer coverage if desired, so I found it easy to work with. It was shiny on my skin but didn’t seem to accentuate to look of my skin’s natural texture. It wore well for eight hours on me before fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Rare Beauty Exhilarate (P, $25.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Becca Gradient Glow (P, $38.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Maybelline Molten Gold (P, $9.99) is warmer (95% similar).
- Catrice Warm Embrace (P, $6.99) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Bigger and Better (LE, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Ibiza (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Side Piece (LE, $26.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Double Take (LE, $42.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Makeup Revolution Gold Addict (P, $6.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Rose Cliff #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% 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.
Ingredients
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Talc, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Mica, Tin Oxide. May Contain(+/-): Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Infatuation
LELimited Edition. $45.00.
Indiscretion
Indiscretion is a muted, meidum-dark gold with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. The pigmentation was opaque rather than buildable (as described), but I felt like the softer texture was both blendable and controllable so I could just use a less-dense brush or a lighter hand to get sheerer, more buildable coverage. The highlighter lasted for eight hours on me before fading. It did not emphasize my skin’s natural texture, but I felt like this one was just on the edge where it might on someone with more textured skin.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Laura Mercier Spellbound (LE, $45.00) (100% 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).
- J. Cat Beauty Pink Goddess (P, $9.00) is less shimmery (95% 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.
Ingredients
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Talc, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Mica, Tin Oxide. May Contain(+/-): Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Indiscretion
PPermanent. $45.00.
Temptation
Temptation is a medium-dark, rose gold with warm, brown undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. It had semi-opaque color payoff in a single layer, which was buildable to full coverage with less than a layer more. I found the consistency to be a little looser and with slightly larger sparkles in it, so this would be ideal for someone who preferred a stronger highlight. On me, the powder was blendable and I could sheer it out for less coverage/more moderate sheen. It wore well for seven and a half hours before fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Estee Lauder Modern Mercury (LE, $65.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Moira Rose Petals (P, $14.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Afternoon Glow (P, $48.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Lancome Rose Twinkle #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Medium #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Tawny Glow (P, $48.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Whimsical Ride (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Estee Lauder Mirage (LE, $47.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Morning Glory (P, $9.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Fenty Glow (LE, $38.00) is less shimmery, less pigmented (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.
Ingredients
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Talc, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Mica, Tin Oxide. May Contain(+/-): Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Temptation
LELimited Edition. $45.00.
Devotion
Devotion is a very light pink with subtle, warm undertones and a metallic finish. It had semi-sheer coverage that was buildable to semi-opaque pigmentation on the skin. The texture was soft, blendable, and just a smidgen dry in the pan but did not appear dry on the skin. The color wore well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- 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).
- 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).
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.
Ingredients
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Talc, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Mica, Tin Oxide. May Contain(+/-): Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
These look too pretty to even use!
The nice thing about this type of formula is that the designs take a lot of use to wear away!
I kinda drooled a little, so pretty. Sigh…highlighters everywhere hard to narrow down a pick.
I know – there are SOOOO many highlighters that we’re all on overload!
That’s what I feel like, Christine. I’m not drawn to this palette but a highlighter would have to be surprisingly unique for it to make the wishlist.
Infatuation reminds me of one of the Anastasia highlighters that were released a couple years ago. That had the same gelee like texture. There were four released, and Infatuation reminds me of the orange/peachy one. Got it! Peach Nectar!!
I can see what you mean!
So purrty! Loved last year’s, too, but didn’t spring for it. Not sure I even need this one, either, but it sure is a nice palette!
I’m sure you have plenty o’ dupes!
Pretty but who doesn’t already have these shades?
Someone who is just getting into makeup or someone who is not immersed it – there are always new readers coming to Temptalia so I imagine there are lots of new-to-makeup folks out there at any given moment!
Oh yes absolutely. <3 Great point!
I shudder at what this would be like in CAD. but I’m really loving these shades!!!
They are pretty!
Finally, i was checking your blog every day to see your review before I buy it and boy am I glad I waited. I know myself, know that I won’t use the pink and the very dark bronze (i thought I would but after seeing your review of it having sparkles I know I won’t). I am so bummed this won’t work for me I have never tried any highlighters from LM and I cannot justify the price for just 2 of the 4 pans. Oh well.
P.S. Christine a small typo in the value section with “doesn’t not”, no big deal but I know you are a perfectionist!
Thanks for letting me know. I’ve fixed the typo!
All but Devotion are too dark for me, but I still think this is a stunning palette.
Aw, darn!
I work for LM ^_^ This will sell-out within 2 weeks; get ’em while you can ! x
Hi Christine, how does it compare to last year’s palette? It looks lighter. thanks!
You can compare any two palettes for dupes on The Dupe List!