Today I will be sharing one of my favourite beauty buys of the past half year with you guys, something I picked up when I visited Sephora for the first time during our trip to the French Riviera and have used basically every day since. Meet Nars' Albatross highlighter!
Albatross is a bit of a cult favourite, and for good reason - I have never quite seen anything like it! The highlighter looks like a stark white in the pan, but as soon as you swatch Albatross, you see that the product leaves a sheer, yellow-gold glow on the skin. No glitter, just a stunning pearl sheen!
I never thought that such a warm-toned highlighter would suit me, or that I would be so into a conspicuous highlighter. After all, this highlighter absolutely has a noticeable yellow/gold glow, which might frighten people off. However, you'd be amiss to pass up on this beauty if you get a chance to try it (or a similar product - I've heared that ELF's Gotta Glow blush is a pretty solid dupe), because it gives the most beautiful healthy, warm flush to the face. Let me show you what I mean.
before - after
This is what the product looks like demonstrated in indirect light. No glitter or sparkle, but a semi-magical, light gold sheen. I think the result is gorgeous, sort of like having a candlelit glow bouncing off your cheekbone!
I love how the highlighter brings out my cheekbones, and the effect of a more warm toned highlighter pleases me: I always feel like a cool toned highlighter looks like light reflecting off the skin, while a warm highlighter gives off a lit-from-within glow. Distinctly different. But that doesn't mean the highlighter doesn't catch the eye! Just look at what Albatross does in slightly more direct light, around sunset.
I've used it on the tip of my nose and along my cheekbones here, and you see how it complements my tan! I simply adore the effect and Albatross has become my favourite highlighter, sharing first place with Urban Decay's Hush blush from the Gwen Stefani palette.
In short, this is a gorgeous product for everyone who is looking for a quality highlighter that is a bit different from your usual fare. I have neutral-cool skintone and this warm highlighter works perfectly for me, so I think it would suit any skintone except probably the very pinkest, or anyone who is so dark that the white base of the yellow/gold glow might leave a greyish cast. Depending on what foundation I'm wearing underneath and whether I set with powder, this highlighter lasts most of the day on me but the glow does fade a bit towards the end of the day. I like to apply it lightly with a fan brush, or if I want a more in-your-face effect, I dab it on with my fingertips. The highlighter blends beautifully, even when applied messily with the fingers.
NARS doesn't have any Belgium selling points, but you can order products online, for example from Sephora.fr, Sephora.es, ASOS.com or narscosmetics.eu. Cheapest product + shipping (€30.67 + free shipping) is found at ASOS!
No comments