Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Indiscretion Review & Swatches

Good news! For those who missed out on the Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Spellbound almost 2 years ago or on the Indiscretion released on Sephora website last month, now you have another chance to own it because Indiscretion has made a comeback as part of the Un Été À Ibiza Collection for Summer 2015! This makes me happy because I really don’t like reviewing products that you can’t get your hands on! :)

Laura Mercier Indiscretion Face Illuminator is a face-illuminating powder with a delicate metallic rose gold shimmer. The product is packaged in a standard but bulky makeup mirrored compact casing. It has a clear plastic cover over the powder that keeps falling off the compact every time you open it, so I threw mine away. The powder has no scent and was pressed into a rather unique swirly ribbon-like design. The very top layer looks like a metallic overspray to make the surface appear ultra smooth but once that is removed, it will reveal the true nature of the rose gold powder underneath.

The rose gold shimmer is highly metallic when applied on the face. Dusted lightly, it creates a soft, transparent rose gold radiance on the skin. Built up, the shimmer becomes more and more metallic and you will be able to see both a metallic sheen and warmth added to your complexion. The more you layer, the “rose” color becomes more apparent and you may look like you’re wearing a blush, bronzer, and highlighter together in one product.

Depending on the amount applied, and the angle where the light hits, you may see more of a golden sheen or the warm rose color; it’s almost iridescent in a way. Very pretty. :)

Since the powder is highly metallic, it is important to choose wisely a place and amount to apply on the face. On me, it tends to emphasize pores and skin’s texture to the point that I will try to avoid applying it anywhere on and around my nose (visible pores), forehead (fine lines), and lower cheek areas (acne spots). I only keep it on the high cheekbones to add dimension to the face.

The powder is fairly pigmented and I find myself building up to between 2-3 layers for the color and glow to show up the way I like. For those with lighter skin, you may get away with less, and those with darker skin, you may need more. I would always keep a watchful eye on the amount applied as you go because if overdone, it can make your skin look extra oily.

Texture-wise, it’s smooth, but not buttery smooth like some other highlighters I’ve tried. I didn’t experience any crumbling or powderiness but I have to say it feels a little on the dry side. Thankfully it still applies and blends easily and evenly on the skin. I tried using a fan brush to apply but it didn’t pick up the product well so I recommend using a dense, but not too dense, brush instead. With most metallic highlighters, it’s tricky to soften the hard edges but I’m happy to say that it’s not the case with Indiscretion. It pretty much softens itself as you go so you will not have a hard time during blending at all.

The pigment seems to grab onto the skin really well as it doesn’t begin to fade until after 8-9 hours. Pretty impressive given that my skin is pretty much on the oily side now in summer.

Besides applying it on the face, I also like to dust it onto my décolletage, shoulders, and arms for a soft, glowing skin. It looks extra magical at night when the light hits! :) Sometimes I’d layer it on my lids, too, for an extra sparkly eyes effect. For those who are passionate about rose gold makeup, I highly recommend you check Indiscretion out in person! :)

Note: For a comparison swatch between Spellbound and Indiscretion, check out Cafe Makeup! The two are pretty close and I’d say almost identical. I don’t think you can even tell them apart when worn on the face.

Purchase