Highlighters and illuminators may seem like one of those products that are superfluous and unnecessary…it almost seems counterintuitive to voluntarily add shine when most of us go to great lengths to keep unwanted shine at bay. However, I’ve discovered that there is a profound difference between unkempt shine and etherial glow. When properly selected and applied, highlighters can enhance your complexion and be that finishing touch that whispers sophistication and class. In turn, illuminators deserve a place in every woman’s cosmetic collection.
I remember buying my first highlighter in early college; made by Estee Lauder, it came in a tube and delivered a very shimmery effect that border lined on disco ball if applied with a heavy hand. At the time, it felt cutting edge, but in retrospect, it reminds me of how far we’ve come in terms of formulation.
Lately, I’ve been using Edward Bess’ All Over Seduction in Sunlight. Retailing for $38 at Sephora (as well as Neiman Marcus and NYC’s Bergdorf Goodman), this little compact yields some of the most flattering “liquid light” I have ever encountered.
The product itself is weightless and gossamer in nature; when applied, it is almost invisible until light
(natural or artificial) hits your face. That is when the illuminating effect activates…the pale champagne tones of “Sunlight” add glow and dewiness that is neither oily nor glittery.
Above and Below: Edward Bess All Over Seduction in Sunlight (in direct sunlight and shade)…note the subtle sheen in the center of my arm
I apply my All Over Seduction with my ring finger to my brow bones, on the high part of my cheekbones (nearest to my eyes), lightly down the top of my nose (I admit this feels strange, but the effect is remarkable) and sometimes at my cupid’s bow. After using a minute amount of product, my face is transformed…it banishes an overly powdery look that can spawn from foundation application and just makes my face look natural in the best possible way.
Above: A basically bare face (just a bit of By Terry Foundation and pink nude lipstick) enhanced with a glow achieved with an application of Edward Bess All Over Seduction in Sunlight on brown bones, nose, cheek bones and cupid’s bow.
In comparison to other popular highlighters like NARS Copacabana and Benefit Watt’s Up, the EB Sunlight is more subtle in color and depth and, in my opinion, more preferable due to its ability to illuminate without being obvious.
If you have the means to add just one highlighter to your collection, I urge you to procure Edward Bess All Over Seduction in Sunlight…the glow is unprecedented.
Comments (2)
I own EB sunlight from last year and the pan is slightly larger. It contains .08 oz/2.2 grams compared to your .05oz/1.5 grams. The ingredients have also changed. My original sunlight contains parabens. The newer formula (your version) does not. Interestingly, the size has been reduced but the price remains the same. I must agree the results are spectacular!! Nothing compares. I have Becca shimmering skin perfector, the balm, Bobbi Brown shimmer brick, Giorgio Armani sheer fluid, etc. and none of these imparts "the glow" that sunlight captures.
Hello Anonymous,
Thank you for the interesting observation about the size change! I will say, that I have already run through my original pan and am on to a new one now, thereby making me wish it was a bit larger to begin with. It is heartening to hear that they removed parabens from the ingredients list and I agree, of all of the illuminators I tried over the years, this one is by far the most glowing and flattering!
Thanks so much for reading!!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor