When I was about fifteen, I went through a bit of an obsession with highlighters. I just couldn't get enough of them, and would constantly be picking them up in various shades and forms. My favourite was a cream stick, in a gorgeous pearlescent pink, and I wore it religiously every day. Sadly, the label wore off over time, and as at that age I was a little bit less aware of what brands I was choosing to buy, when the time came to purchase a new one it was nowhere to be found. I had bought it from a tiny local Boots, so had been sure it would be easy to find the next time I was after one. Alas, I was wrong, and though I have continued to buy highlighters on and off over the years, I have never really felt the same way about one since.
I had really high expectations when I decided to pick up Mac's Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle. To be honest, the shade wasn't one I would usually go for, as I tend to be drawn to highlighters with a subtle hint of bronze or pink, but having seen Louise (Sprinkle Of Glitter) wearing and talking about this in some of her blog posts, I was swayed. She looked so healthy and glowing in those photos, and who would say no to that!? So, on a recent trip abroad, I decided to pick one up in duty free. Just a side note really, but I also got myself matched for a Mac Satin Finish foundation, and it turned out to be completely the wrong shade. Note to long-haul travellers: Never get matched for makeup when you've just stepped off a twelve hour flight! I always look super pasty after flying, so I ended up with a foundation that was too shades too light and I can't use it, which is a bit rubbish, as it does give a beautiful dewy finish to the skin, which I love.
But anyway, I digress.
Onto the review.
Soft and Gentle is one of the few Mineralize Skinfinish shades in the permanent core collection, and is described by Mac as a 'gilded peach bronze'. It's a really finely milled powder and is marbled and baked. To be honest, this was one of the things that drew me to it in the airport, as although I wanted it anyway, it just looks so pretty. It's not the cheapest of highlighters, at £21.50 on the MAC UK site, but it looks expensive and elegant in it's sturdy signature packaging, and you do get a large amount of product (10g).
The highlighter comes out as a pretty champagne shade with a subtle gold shimmer when swatched. Upon closer inspection, you can spot some tiny little flecks of gold glitter, but what I like about it is that you really can't notice them unless you are looking for them, and they just give a gorgeous overall shimmer effect. Personally, I find getting glitter on my face to be really unflattering, so I much prefer a nice glow than full on sparkle.
You can use this product in lots of different ways (much the same as any highlighter, though the subtle shade definitely makes it more versatile), but personally I tend to just stick to my cheekbones and my browbone. This is actually subtle enough to include in your everyday makeup, as it's buildable, so you can go to town when you are after a more dramatic evening look. Luckily, with this, there is no risk of accidentally walking round looking like you've either been tangoed or have serious sunburn, as can sometimes happen when using an all-in-one shimmery blusher or bronzer. I find that with those, many people tend to layer up a bit too much, as either they want more of a golden glow but forget about the extreme shimmer that comes with it, or they want a bit more shimmer and forget about the colour. Best to use separates, in my opinion, as you can then make sure that you get just the right amount of each.
That said, you do still need to be careful with Soft and Gentle and try to apply it in natural light, as a little does go a long way, and it's easy to over-apply thinking that you can't really see it, when as soon as you step outside it will be blindingly obvious! One of the things I wasn't so keen on with this product is precisely that - while I've seen photos of other people wearing it and looking amazing, I always feel that I can't really see it or notice much of a glow when I put it on myself. But I know that it's just the lighting and that other people looking at me can see the effects, so fingers crossed it looks nice!
Hope everyone has had a lovely day. Just think, we are more than half way through the working week now, the weekend is in sight!
Hurrah.
xx
you always do great reviews, mel! i love how they're detailed -- not just a couple pictures and a few lines.
ReplyDeletei'm actually heading to the mall of america tomorrow (shopping overload!!) and i'll be heading into MAC. i'm actually sort of making myself a list to save myself some time -- i've put skin finish/highlighter on there. i'll pick it up if i haven't broken the bank by the time i get there -- i LOVE highlighters!
-alexandra
http://alexisinodak.blogspot.com/
Thanks, that's so nice of you to say :)
DeleteLooking forward to hearing what you got! I mentioned another Mac highlighter, Lightscapade, from the Reel Sexy collection in a previous post, which looks ah-mazing. Don't know if you saw it but it might be worth checking out! So envious, would love a shopping spree right about now!Haha x
Hi :) great blog!!
ReplyDeleteI have heard a lot about this highlighter, but not seen it swatched before and it looks great! I still need to actually buy a Mac product.... Crazzyy! Might have to treat myself! hehe
Come and check out my blog:
www.itsablondeslife7.blogspot.com
Jen xxx
Once you buy Mac, it's a dangerous downward spiral, haha. I put it off for ages and now I have a mini obsession!
DeleteYou should also check out Lightscapade if you're after a pretty highlighter, it's limited edition. I haven't got it yet but it looks so beautiful!
xx
I've never actually used a highlighter... I've always been tempted to get one, but I'm useless and always just stick to what I know in makeup.
ReplyDeleteI think I might have to pick one up though, this looks good!
Xx.Emma - hellandmilk.blogspot.co.uk
I used to use them every day, but nowadays I like to tone down my makeup a bit more for daytime, otherwise I feel as though I look the same when I am going for a night out, so I like to keep some extra finishing touches like this for special occasions. But, now that I've got Soft and Gentle, I keep finding myself sneaking a bit on in the morning, haha. Thanks for visiting! :)
Deletexx
Great review!I have always been tempted to pick this up, looks so nice :) x
ReplyDeletehttp://wewereraisedbywolves.blogspot.co.uk/#
You should, it's lovely and it goes with any blush because of the neutral tone :)x
DeleteThis is a really great review, and I think it might have been enough to make me take the plunge and purchase this next time in MAC. I too have seen Louise wearing it, but for some reason just thought it would never look good on me as I've been out of love with highlighters for a couple of years now, but maybe I need this to ease me back into the shimmery way of life!
ReplyDeleteshinyprettythings-alice.blogspot.co.uk
x
Thanks lovely, look forward to hearing what you think if you decide to go for it! I thought it would be too pale for me, but it looks great with any blush. x
DeleteGreat post! I actually got this product 2 years ago, and it literally hasn't lowered at all! I really o love it! I also find that it can be use as a really simple, yet effective, eye-shadow. Just don't use too much! xo
ReplyDeletedomandellie.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks for the tip, I am wearing it as eyeshadow now and it does look lovely!
DeleteIt's definitely value for money :)x
I adore this and use this every day almost. I've had it since the end of march and the dome is barely dented! x
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