You know what would be really nice? I mean, besides a shirtless Alcide Herveaux baking me semi-sweet chocolate chip cookies from scratch in my kitchen.
I know I was going somewhere with that…
Oh, yeah! 🙂 It would be really nice to have an extra hour every morning just to put on makeup. Then I could blend, pat, and smudge till my heart’s content without having to hurry (or hear El Hub yell from downstairs, “Babe! What are you doing?! We were supposed to leave the house 15 minutes ago!”).
Dare to dream, right?
The reality is usually closer to 10 minutes than an hour, and I have to make every one of those seconds count.
Sonia Kashuk understands. Her new $14.99 Perfecting Translucent Illuminator makes the most of makeup time, so you never have to leave the house without at least a little highlighter.
It’s a warm, peachy golden cream/gel highlighter with a light-reflecting shimmer that creates the look of flawless, fresh skin.
It’s similar to Benefit’s Sun Beam liquid highlighter, which I love, but fluffier, and with finer shimmer.
As much as I love Sun Beam, I think Sonia’s version is a little easier and quicker to use. Because of how quickly the airy formula, which is like a mousse, sinks into my skin, I can highlight with it in half the time with barely any buffing or feathering.
For luminous skin that disguises (almost) every imperfection, I press the pump applicator to dispense a few drops on the back of my hand, and from there load a fluffy eyeshadow blending brush like the MAC 224 with a small amount of product.
Then, I quickly swipe down the bridge of my nose, beneath my brow bones, along the tops of my cheekbones and atop my cupid’s bow, finishing by going over the same areas with a few more soft, buffing swipes (without loading the brush with any more product).
I like the way it works on bare skin, foundation and/or powder. Plus, it lasts all day long and layers like a champ.
The paraben- and fragrance-free formula also contains berry extracts that are supposed to deliver additional long-term skin benefits, smoothing and brightening skin over time.
Only time will tell whether it works…because I haven’t been using it long enough, but I plan to, so I’ll keep you posted.
I do hope Sonia releases a cooler-toned version soon, since this warmer shade won’t work for everyone.
I think it’s great stuff, especially for busy babes, beauty beginners and makeup junkies who want glowing skin without a lot of blending or buffing.
PRICE: $14.99
AVAILABILITY: Coming this fall to Target stores
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A (an A+ if it also came in a cool-toned color)
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Yeesh, this week has been kicking my butt! I don’t know why, but I feel like I’ve been in a mental fog for days. Everything. I. Try. To. Do. Is. Taking. Forever.
Oh, well. Nothing to do but try to work through it.
I hope you’re having a good week so far. Can I interest you in a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich? 🙂
Purttty! Tabs must have given it a paws up as well.
Grilled cheese with tomatoes, YES!
You lost me at Alcide 😉
I really chose the wrong time to do a massive Sonia Kashuk haul–I went a few weeks ago and loaded up on brushes, blush, and other goodies but I REALLY want this one. I LOVE it! I don’t care what I said about not spending anymore money, I am definitely going back for this one ASAP! 😀
Alcide!!! I wish he went shirtless on all the episodes!! I just went gooey!! But Alexander cannot still lose out to him!!
I am loving your eye makeup Karen.. the lashes.. I want it all!!
Ohh, I love this highlighter, definitely on my wish list although I haven’t seen any new products at my target the last time I checked…
And yes, your eye make up looks amazing! What products did you use?
Ohh I want! I love my High Beam but have always wished that the texxture was less runny! This might be the happy medium! 🙂
Wow, what an amazing look! You would’nt mind telling us exactly HOW you achieved it… right? You look GREAT!
Sonia Kashuk products are really impressive. I love that pearl finish without crazy sparkles. It looks so nice on your skin!
I’ve loving all the products on your posts today, Karen! 🙂 I’ll definitely need to check this out! I’ve never used Sonia Kashuk before but I think it’s time for us to meet!
Oh, yes please on the grilled cheese and tomato sandwich! 🙂 I had High Beam but gave it away because I felt like it accentuated every little (ahem) wrinkle around my eyes. Maybe it was my application, which pretty much consisted of patting some on with my fingers. Oops!
I’m dying this week, too. But that’s because I’ve been staying up late every night, watching the Olympics. I keep saying “tonight I’m going to bed early, no matter what”, then I get caught up watching again.
Nice Alcide pic, btw. 🙂 How are you liking the “new Bill”?
This is gorgeous, but I don’t need another highlighter!
LOVE grilled cheese and tomato!
What a gorgeous glow! This looks like a really great illuminator. I wouldn’t use it on myself though, but I definitely would for photoshoots.
I’m not a huge fan of this. It’s a bit too shiny for me…I’m kind of over the highlighters! Liquid ones never seem to look natural to me, I much prefer a highlighter that’s got a softer feel and look, and those usually come in powder form. Not a fan.
Excellent review Karen! I find your grading system so honest and accurate.
You were the one that nudged me to give “out of bounds expensive” products, like the Hourglass Dune eyeshadow a try.
Also, I love the tip you gave us about using a lighter shade of Mac Mineralized Skinfinish as a highlighter! It works awesome with my MUFE 123, looks awesome in photos and *gasp* on film! I’m auditioning for a Canadian Food Host contest where you have to submit a video of yourself. I’m very pleased with how MUFE and the MAC Mineralized Skinfinish performed!
Link to Karen’s awesome post: https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/cosmetics/a-manic-mango-thursday-and-my-new-foundation-routine/
Looks like a stellar product! I love highlighters and illuminators, they add so much life to the skin especially when taking pictures of the look. My current favorite highlighter is Benefit Girl Meets Pearl!
Hi Karen
Loving the blog! Tell me are you wearing lash extensions/strips? They’re absolutely gorgeous! Any tips on applying, especially for the unsteady hands like mine?!
Thanks,
Renee
Ooo looks so fab! Right now I’m obsessed with Too Faced Candlelight duo highlighter.