Dolce and Gabbana Shimmer Illuminator Review, Photos and Swatches!

Dolce and Gabbana The Illuminator Powder in Shimmer

I picked up this powder recently through a blog sale as it was a great deal, and I was curious to step into the world of Dolce and Gabbana cosmetics. It's not a D&G product you hear much about, nevertheless I still wanted to write a review for it, because there isn't much info online about the product, and I figure it may help someone sooner or later.

Dolce and Gabbana Illuminator is described as a "lightweight powder highlighter offering effortless radiance. An enviable natural glow is created as every area of the face is brightened by the exquisite blend of pearlescent tones."

The Illuminator is available in two shades: Eva and Shimmer.

For a product that is labeled as a highlighter, Shimmer is not one to follow the crowd. In fact, Shimmer, isn't very shimmery at all. I'd say that Eva (light, golden-beige) is more of a traditional highlighter.

Shimmer is a soft, mauved-taupe with a sprinkle of ultra-fine shimmer. So sparse that it's barely there.

It actually doesn't work as a highlighter for me, and I can't really see this working as a highlighter for anyone - rather, a shade to add warmth and depth to the skin. For myself, it works great as a natural contour through the hollows of my cheekbones, or as a nude blush (ya know, the kind of blushes that are a cross between a bronzer).

In some ways, it reminds me a bit of MAC Taupe Blush (Pro shade) but more sheer with an added hint of rosy mauve, whereas Taupe is purely a pale, neutral brown that pulls slightly plummy on my cheeks.

The powder itself is very dreamy. It's so soft and finely milled that it blends like a dream. A product that you don't have to worry about overdoing, as the results are always very natural. It really makes me want to look more into the line! Maybe pick up a blush or two? (Champagne taste on a beer budget, I swear.)

The pigmentation is sheer, but very buildable. You can achieve a good amount of color if you want to, or keep it more au naturale with a light dusting.

And of course you can't ignore the chic gold metal compact. It's durable, functionable and oh so pretty.

Here it is swatched on my arm. Bear in mind, my arm is very fair (MAC NC15 coloring). The swatch on the left is the powder applied heavily with a sponge cosmetic wedge and the swatch on the right is the powder applied and blended with my MAC 168 Contour Brush. Can you spot a couple of sparkles?

I find the lasting power to be quite good as well. When I wear this as a contour, it's always still there by the end of the night.

Overall, I like this product, but it's not something I'd purchase again. Although I would really like to explore the brand a little further as I love the texture of this product and love the luxury of the compact - and the line itself. The price is expensive, but there is a whopping 15g/0.53 oz amount of product, which is over half the amount of MAC, Nars, Tarte, etc. So, you're paying more, but getting more in addition with great packaging.

Have any D&G favs you can recommend?

Price: $47, Saks.