Lancôme Blush Highlighter Illuminating Powder in Moonlight Rose captures the unique light that bathes Paris at midnight.

This Fall, Lancôme introduced this unique highlighter crafted by a new technology combining a high-comfort “marshmallow” texture with an illuminating effect. This extremely fine, light-infused powder is adorned with an embossed emblematic Lancôme rose. The powder feels whisper-soft on application, leaving just a veil of sheer pearly radiance.

This limited edition piece retails at S$70 for 5g of product, made in Italy.

Moonlight Rose comes in a slim and compact black casing, similar to their eyeshadow palettes – nothing special nor exciting about the packaging.

Formula of this number is soft, smooth and creamy. Feels silky and almost cream-like. It’s highly pigmented, a light touch is all you need. The formula and texture are comparable to Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Météorites, Laura Mercier Rose Rendevous Face Illuminator and MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb.

Moonlight Rose is a silvery-champagne with iridescent multi-coloured shimmers sparkling through when light hits. A thin layer creates a subtle veil of luminosity to enhance features and I find myself using this product on my cheek bones most often.

Lancôme suggests using this highlighter in delicate strokes following the lines of the shoulders, the Blush Highlighter beautifully emphasises a low-neck dress. Or delicately apply using a sponge applicator, it catches the light, playing with “matte and gloss” contrasts.

I have a little comparison for you above. All swatches taken under natural day light without flash – swatched on dry arm. Do note that the comparison swatches above are done heavily to show their colours clearer.

1. Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Météorites
2. Lancôme Blush Highlighter Illuminating Powder in Moonlight Rose
3. Laura Mercier Rose Rendevous Face Illuminator
4. MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb

As you can probably tell, Moonlight Rose is very similar to Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Météorites but the former is less warm. And because it’s less warm, I reckon it is suitable for fairer skin tones but universal across the board. It doesn’t has quite the same finish as the other two, less metallic looking.

I love how it looks on my cheek bones. However, due to its reflective properties, this product does emphasize flaws such as little bumps or uneven surfaces. I like to use it over my blush for that extra drama and definition. I also like to use it under my blush for more depth, glow-from-within illusion.

You can also use it over foundation (before setting with loose powder) to add extra radiance to your complexion – this method makes the result so much more natural, very similar to a liquid illuminator. Use fingers to gently tap over cheek bones, nose bridge and chin.

Overall, a great product to have if you missed Guerlain Cruel Gardenia Météorites earlier this year. When worn, they look too similar to justify owning both.

Thank you for looking.