Get Glowing: Battle of the Illuminators

One of my daily beauty must-haves is a good illuminator.  When you mention illuminators, many people think of simply brushing on a shimmery powder or cream in areas of the face they would like to highlight and overlook liquid products that give your face an instant dose of dewy radiance.

While I do use concealer and powder products to highlight parts of my face, you can achieve amazing results by mixing illuminators with your foundation before application. I give my skin an everyday subtle glow by mixing a drop of Smashbox Master's Class Illuminating Serum with my liquid foundation. Illuminators tend to look more radiant and natural than a typical bronzer; eliminating the flat lifeless appearance that foundation can give to skin.

Even though I'm a fan of Smashbox's Illuminating Serium,  I thought I'd give a couple of other products a try and see how they fared in the battle of the glow.

Check out the results of  Smashbox's Master Class Illuminating Serum, vs NARS Illuminator in Orgasm, vs Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in Glow.

Smashbox's Master Class Illuminating Serum

This product promises to gives a gorgeous soft focus pearl sheen to the skin. It contains rose extract and hyaluronic acid to moisturize and revive the complexion. It can be applied  under primer but I prefer to mix it with my foundation for optimum results.  When I tried it underneath my foundation, I did not notice any difference in the look of my skin and/or makeup.

Two pumps of Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation, Tawny 865
with one pump of Smashbox's Master Class Illuminating Serum

Mixing foundation with  Smashbox's Master Class Illuminating Serum

Smashbox's Master Class Illuminating Serum mixed with foundation.

Pros: Makes foundation go on smoother.
Foundation feels less tacky and looks less chalky.
Less foundation is used for coverage.
Cons: Lightens foundation color slightly.

NARS Illuminator in Orgasm

This product claims to light the skin from within. It's described as a light-reflecting liquid that glides on to refresh and enhance the complexion with shimmering incandescence.  While this can be used as a highlighter on parts of the face like cheek bones and temples, my preference is to mix with my foundation.

Two pumps of  Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation, Tawny 865
with one drop of NARS Illuminator in Orgasm.

NARS Illuminator in Orgasm mixed with foundation.

Pros: Gives a high impact glow without looking glittery.

Did not affect the color of my foundation.

Makes foundation looks less chalky.

Less foundation is used for coverage.
Dramatic glow diffuses skin imperfections (like the large pores around my nose!)

Cons: My face felt slightly sticky even after setting with powder.

Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in Glow

Smashbox promises superior blendability in a brand-new airless pump for freshness to the last drop. Blend this luminizer into primer, foundation or lotion for an allover glow, or use alone to highlight cheeks and brow bones. Packed with vitamins A, C and E, ginkgo biloba and green tea for added skin benefits; I chose to once again mix this product in with my foundation.

Two pumps of Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation, Tawny 865
with a drop of  Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in Glow.

Mixing foundation with Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in Glow.
(This one is a LOT more glittery. Notice the subtle sparkles in the mixture.)

Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in Glow mixed with foundation.

Pros: I used less foundation for coverage.

Cons: Magnified my pores and
made the texture of my face look rough and bumpy.
Made me look very greasy. As the day wore on I tried to blot several times but realized I couldn't fix it due to the reflection from all the glitter. 
Altered the color of my foundation and made it look unnatural and shiny.

Final Thoughts:

The amazing glow from NARS Illuminator in Orgasm is undeniable!  I was blown away by the subtle shimmer that made my skin look healthier, and my face more sculpted.  This will be my special occasion illuminator for when I want that "extra" glow.

My go-to illuminator, Smashbox's Master Class Illuminating Serum, is still my choice for an everyday look.  It gives just enough of a glow without being over the top. It makes my foundation go on smoother and allows me to get more coverage with less product.

Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in Glow came in last place for me.  The shimmer and glitter accentuated every pore and imperfection. By the end of the day my skin's texture looked rough and greasy.  I will not be repurchasing and will try mixing the rest of Glow with a body lotion instead.

Do you use illuminators/luminizers?  Share your favorites below!

Thanks for reading!

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