Beauty review: Marc Jacobs Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator

The Marc Jacobs Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator. Courtesy of Sephora Middle East

Highlighting has become a huge deal in recent years, and if you are not "on fleek", you are not with it. But while most highlighters can be too bright for day-to-day wear, the Marc Jacobs Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator works perfectly.
What it is: A sheer cream luminiser packed with micro silver-and-gold glitter, it comes in a stick form that can be swiped right onto the high points of your face and then blended in. It is available in one shade, Spotlight, which is supposed to be universally flattering on all skin tones.
How it works: Even though Marc Jacobs recommends swiping it directly onto the face, I find it is better (and more hygienic) to apply some to a brush (like a fan brush, Real Techniques Setting Brush or MAC 234 duo fibre) and place it on the high points of your face - top of the cheeks, bridge of the nose, above your cupid's bow and on your chin. Once placed, you can choose to either blend it in with a brush or make-up sponge, although I find that tapping it in with your hands works best as the warmth from your fingers helps to meld it effortlessly with the skin and look natural. One swipe is usually enough to give you a radiant glow, but if you want a bright highlight, you can add more product to achieve that too.
I have oily skin and was impressed that the cream highlight didn't slip off and lasted a good four to five hours before it began to disappear. I have also used it as a base for a powder highlight, and it helps 'pop' the colour even more.
As for it being universally flattering, I have to agree. I tried it not only on myself, but on a few friends with lighter and darker skin tones than me, and this pearly-gold illuminator shines irrespectively. It is a little pricey, but given that you don't need too much product, and can use it as an illuminator and a highlight, it is well worth the investment.
Where to buy: The Marc Jacobs Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator costs Dh195 and is available at Sephora.
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