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Laura Mercier

Review: Laura Mercier Candleglow Sheer Perfecting Powders

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I am a HUGE fan of Laura Mercier complexion products (this foundation is a holy grail formula for me and this powder is one that I will never be without), so I was ecstatic to try these new Candleglow Perfecting powders. The Candleglow foundation was actually a tad too shiny for my combo skin, but these powders were an instant hit for me. To date, I have never found a powder that rivals my trusted Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder. I typically like to use that powder to give my cheeks a natural glow and radiance, without adding too much color. However, my Hourglass powders have met their match with these new ones from Laura Mercier.
There are various shades suitable for different skin tones, though I find that I can use multiple shades for different purposes. Shade 1 is the perfect finishing powder for my cheeks and face. It helps to blur imperfections, give my skin a natural glow while never making it shiny. Shade 2 is one that I use before my blush or bronzer to give my cheeks a bit of warmth. The texture of each powder is smooth and finely milled which allows it to glide effortlessly onto the skin. The other shade I was sent to test was Shade 4, which I was afraid would be too dark but surprisingly worked as the most beautiful bronzer for my coloring.
I have all three swatched above, with Shade 1 being at the far left, followed by Shade 2 and then Shade 4. They all have a warm undertone but fall in the middle between being slightly yellow and slightly orange, which I find is perfect to add warmth and radiance to my skin without looking unnatural. I never thought I would see the day when something would rival (and on some days replace) my Hourglass powders, but these have impressed me greatly. Whether you are looking for a pressed powder to set your makeup without making it look too matte or you want to add a bit of warmth to your cheeks and face, these powders are so versatile and would work to create many different effects.
*pr samples included
Shop more of my favorite Laura Mercier products:

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Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powders – All Shades with Swatches

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Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powders - All Shades with Swatches
Frankly, I hardly even care how these perform, because look at HOW PRETTY THEY ARE! Ok, I do care about how they wear but it’s easy to get distracted by the pattern and shiny finish of these Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powders. Beware though because these are not for the subtle highlight fans – each gives a strong shimmer and major glow. 
Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powders - All Shades with Swatches
The two that work the best for my pale skin are Addiction and Indiscretion. Each are pale enough to give a highlight but the golden undertone makes it more appealing and warm on the skin. Devotion is icy with a silver undertone that is beautiful on my skin, but would only be suitable for evening. For those that are extremely fair with pink undertones, I can imagine this would look beautiful – almost ice princess-like. Basically it is a highlighter for Elsa from Frozen. LOL Seduction is the one I was most drawn to simply because I love a beautiful bronze, but it is wayyyyy too dark to be a highlight on me. That being said, I have been wearing it as a lid color and adore how it looks. For those with deeper skin tones, I can see this giving the cheeks a gorgeous sheen. It may not be a strong highlight, but it will make the face glow.
Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powders - All Shades with Swatches
The pigmentation is strong on Addiction, Seduction and Indiscretion with minimal chunkiness or fall out, however Devotion was the only exception. I needed to swipe 5-6 times to get the below swatch, however with a brush it applies a lot smoother on the skin. It is still chunkier than the other shades, but on the skin it gives the same finish. For those with oily skin, I would make sure that you are wearing a matte foundation (this one I adore) or base (I wear this SPF as a primer because it’s mattifying and amazing) because any additional oil will immediately be enhanced by these powders. I made sure to keep it just on my cheekbones away from the center of my face or cheeks because I can turn into an instant discoball.
Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powders - All Shades with Swatches
Though these are some of the boldest highlighters I have ever tried, I think the formula is also one of the best. The shimmer looks like a cream product when on the skin, and doesn’t have a powdery finish. If you are a highlighter junky, I think this is a must have to add to your collection. Maybe not all four, but definitely one, perhaps even two.
*pr samples included

Have you tried these? What are your thoughts?

Shop more of my highlighter recommendations:

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Past Posts

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Foundation Review: NARS, Laura Mercier and Estee Lauder

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The Lip Balms I’m Using This Winter

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Review: Laura Mercier Lip Parfait Creamy Colourbalm

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After falling in love with the Paint Wash Liquid Lip colors (read my review here) from Laura Mercier, it was only a few months later that another

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Rather than do a regular written review, I decided a quick video would be best to give you my thoughts on the new Laura Mercier Silk Creme

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