I was so excited for my Sephora to finally get the “Glow For It” set back in stock! The website had been out of stock ever since I remember discovering it existed, (and actually, I am sad to report it’s not even online anymore) so I had naturally been obsessively checking my store everyday. Being a self professed highlight junkie, it was pretty much the only thing I wanted in the way of gift sets this season. I already have two of the products it included, the Benefit Watt’s Up and the Milk Makeup Sunshine Oil, but none of the others. And I was specifically excited about the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter and the Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder. I’ve had a chance to play around with the set and here are my opinions on how they all stack up.
As I stated already, I have this. In this same exact size actually, the mini trial size. I’ve had it for about a year, and though it’s not one of my go to products, It’s come in handy as a highlight for brow bone, inner corner of the eye, nose and cupids bow. The twist up stick – cream to powder formula is easy to use and it’s really pretty. Nothing bad about it at all. I’m really glad to have another little mini, but I see no need to purchase it in a full retail size.
Again, one that I have already in a trial size. And I like it a lot. I find it nice and hydrating with out turning my face into an oil slick. I’ve used it under my foundation and it gives a slightly more dewy look. But I have found that I use it mostly at night as a/under my moisturizer, and I’ve also been using it on my cuticles and hands. My biggest complaint though is the rollerball application. It’s really not good. It doesn’t glide against my skin smoothly or easily and I have to work at it for a while to get the product out. I feel like I’m set with the two trial sizes and once I use them up, will move on. There are other oils out there that are really very comparable and easier to apply. I won’t be purchasing this in full size.
Cover FX Custom Infusion Drops in C + Lemongrass
This is one of four formulas in the Cover FX Infusion Drops. The C + Lemongrass is the Radiance formula. It is less a product to highlight and more for use as skincare, in my opinion. It can be mixed into moisturizer and foundation, or used directly on the skin, which is how I’ve been using it. It smells pretty ok and though I’m not sure if the small size will be big enough to produce very noticeable results (this one is pretty tiny and I feel like a little does not go a very long way) but it’s probably subtly doing what it’s supposed too, or at the very least making my skin feel nice. I’m not even close to being in love with it though, and it’s kind of pricey, so I won’t buy the full size.
Lancome Glow Subtil Silky Creme Highlighter in Glowing Lights
One of 5 different shades, the glowing lights shade is definitely not the shade I’d have chosen for myself. I’m more of a champagne/peach/gold highlight girl and this one is very pink. It’s a cream to powder formula and found that with this formula, I couldn’t get my brush to pick it up. So It’s best applied with fingers for me…. not sure about if maybe a synthetic brush would be better? Maybe. Anyway, it’s pretty and has a lot of pigment, but if you’re going to buy a highlight that you have to apply with your fingers buy one of these from ColourPOP (ColourPOP suggests fingers for application for most of their face products.) Really, for the price of this full size Lancome highlight, buy 4 of the ColourPOP singles, which as far as I can tell are a pretty similar formula, if not almost exactly the same. I’ll stick to ColourPOP.
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid in Moonstone
I was certain I would love this, and I was right. I love it. And why wouldn’t I? Becca completely kills the highlight game. Liquid illuminizers like this (or this Josie Maran one, which I already have and love) are so versatile. You can really customize the amount of glow you want – directly on the skin under your foundation, mixed with your foundation, mixed with a primer or mixed with a moisturizer. And it translates into an all over lit-from-within glow. I will be happily buying this in the full size when my sample runs out (but not until I use up the Josie Maran.)
Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Incandescent
I was the most excited for this one. I’ve often looked at the Hourglass Strobe Lighting Powder line, but wondered, is it worth the price? Have you wondered too? Because it’s not cheap. And it seems like everyone raves about these powders. While I can’t say that I disliked it completely, I also cannot say I loved it completely. And truthfully, I probably need to give it more time and trial. But I am honestly totally underwhelmed. There is no denying that it’s very pretty and does give a nice glow, but it’s very, very subtle. SUPER subtle. Maybe it could just be this color? Maybe??? This would probably work well as more of an all over powder used in a situation where too glowy could be a problem…. yeah, don’t ask me what (absurd) situation that is….. wedding photos maybe? I can safely say that I am not sad that I never bought a full size at full price. I will happily use up this mini size, but probably never buy it in full size.
There you have it. I tried them all, and they all have very different but specific uses and effects. And while I know you can no longer get this set, I wouldn’t say you missed out – I am a little disappointed in it, if I’m being honest. But now I know! And hopefully, my trials and opinions will help you navigate your next highlight/glow/dewy skin product purchase! Let me know what you think of it if you were able to get your hands on it!
BTW, as usual I paid for this little ol’ set with my own money (and at full price too, as it was not in stock during the VIB 20% off event!)
Fantastic information!! Especially about the oil because I’m always looking for a better one. (And, I guess I’ll pass!) As far as powder shimmers, I love both the Becca and the Glow Kit from Anastasia http://www.sephora.com/glow-kit-P406576?skuId=1790633&icid2=products%20grid:p406576. It’s enormous and doesn’t fit into any makeup case that I have (which is annoying) but the colors blend so well, provides bronzer and light highlighting, and the effect is really beautiful. The only reason I bought the Becca product was because I didn’t want to travel with this one. So, what oils do you like better? I’ve only tried Josie Maran and that was a long time ago.
Hey Kendra!! I do like the Josie Maran argan oil, it’s good, but not as moisture rich as I would like it to be. Here are some of the ones I currently have on rotation.
I lOVE the Fresh Seaberry face oil it smells sooooo good and feels so hydrating on my skin alone or under a moisturizer. I have repurchased this one multiple times.
http://www.sephora.com/seaberry-moisturizing-face-oil-P374948?skuId=1448745&icid2=products%20grid:p374948
I’ve also been playing around with a new Dermalogica oil – the Phyto Replenish oil, which also smells amazing, and I like it so far. But at $75 for 1 oz. I’ll more than likely stick with the Fresh oil at $52 for 1.6 oz. This is currently what I choose for daytime use under makeup. http://www.dermalogica.com/phyto-replenish-oil/225,default,pd.html?gclid=CjwKEAiAjvrBBRDxm_nRusW3q1QSJAAzRI1tGn57xOZ92FB38SQHQlbx7QhjrslJ5OTZxV-DzwrIhhoCi_jw_wcB
I also recently purchased the Body Shop Oils of Life facial oil and I like it so far… which is probably the best value of all of them. $39 for 1oz. http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/skin-care/facial-serums/intensely-revitalizing-facial-oil.aspx
Happy facial oil shopping!
I completely agree with you on everything in that kit! I liked the Cover FX drops because they seemed to smooth out my complexion a little. But yes, the Hourglass powder was WAY too subtle, and so was the Lancome for me. The Becca was the only one that was noticeable, and that does not surprise me because so far the Becca Pressed Highlighters are the BEST I have used, and I can thank Pamela for that since she recommended it. They go on smoothly and you can SEE the glow or sparkle without lighting up the whole room like a disco ball. I bought the Anastasia Glow Kit that the previous commenter mentioned, and I love the colors and the packaging, but even when layering, it barely makes any difference when applied. I guess I will stick to the Becca products – I have the pressed in every shade! Still sulking that the limited edition Rose Quartz is sold out everywhere and that the prices on eBay are doubled. I wouldn’t even have known how awesome that was if the East Towne Sephora didn’t have a tester of it….but no product in stock. 😛
Jenni!!! Becca forever! You are seriously my hero for buying all the Becca highlights. Learn from my misfourtune and don’t drop them, they are so soft and break so easily! I just shattered my champagne pop….. it’s still usable, but a HUGE mess. Soooooo sad!