Review| Josie Maran Argan Enlightenment Illuminizer

Josie Maran Argan Enlightenment Illuminizer ($26 for .5 fl oz) is one of the best and more affordable option for those looking to create a dewy look with their foundations. It's infused with loads of "good for you" things like argan oil (duh) and flower extracts, if such a thing is even possible. I believe this is a repackaging to give you LESS product for your money, hooray! (It's probably because an average human doesn't need that much product on a daily basis and argan oil breaks down and spoils eventually.) 

Spell check also thinks "illuminizer" is a nonsensical made up word, but I digress. 

I'm not the type to use liquid highlighters alone because pumping out the smallest amount for my cheekbones is well nigh impossible and things get ugly when highlighter sits on top of pores. I have to focus all of my effort when using this pump, but it can get out a tiny drop of product or a good dollop depending on how much pressure (and concentration) you use. 

As always, Josie Maran products contains natural and often organic ingredients and they are cruelty free. Their "How to Use" section is cheesy but still put a smile on my face. 

Below are swatches of this product next to my other liquid bronzers (RBR Sea of Showers on the right and As If It Were Summer Still bronzing liquid on the left.) It's considerably gold and sparkly when swatched on the hand but sheers out to a soft golden glow when mixed with foundation. 

Indoors.

Outdoors, indirect sunlight.

Outdoors, direct sunlight. 

Indoors, flash photograph.

Here it is on the face if you don't mind my slightly bloated double-chinny goodness. In natural lighting, there's not one speck of glitter to be found. It's soft, radiant, and doesn't look "metallic" like other liquid highlighters. 

The texture is a tad thick, so you'll want to pump carefully and blend vigorously in order to avoid lumps and patches of mega glitter on the skin. I think the viscosity makes it easier to use strategically on the high points of the face, since product isn't running or streaking down your cheeks as you try to blend it out. 

xo Be