I am painfully honest. Those close to me may even say *too* honest. I’m the friend who will say, “Wow, you actually look good in that picture,” and not mean it in a rude way (sorry, Jen). I impart this sort of honesty to all of my purchases as well, particularly beauty-related and high-end items.
The beauty community has been buzzing about YSL’s newest additions to the Touche Éclat line. It began with the cult classic highlighting pen (one sells every 10 seconds), recently added a luminous foundation and now is unveiling new perfectors – a radiance boosting primer and transforming balm-to-powder compact. I got my hands on these gems and put them to the gruelingly honest Brighter, Darling test over a two-week period in every which-way imaginable. Here’s the results…
// Touche Éclat Blur Perfector //
“The first blur on-the-go. Instantly transforms from a balm to a powder to sweep away shine and imperfections. Apply alone as an all-over complexion perfector, to set makeup or as a mattifying touch up during the day.”
This item is described on Sephora.com as, “A blur perfector compact that perfects the skin while retaining its luminous glow.” Anyone else find it interesting that this one product can simultaneously be mattyfing yet provide a luminous glow?
Trying it as an all-over complexion perfector (essentially, as a primer under makeup)…
The Blur Perfector is a balm that feels like pressed silicone, so it provides a poreless effect without irritating my skin (many primers turn me red). I applied it with the thin sponge provided mainly to my oiliest areas. Using it on two separate occasions, (with a mineral powder one day and a liquid foundation the next) it definitely smoothed my skin and gave me a softer appearance. After several hours though, the silicone started to feel a bit heavy in the humid temps of Houston and I wanted to just wash my face.
To set makeup…
What. So I should apply foundation, then take the sponge to pick up this balmy product, pat or wipe it on my face and you’re saying it won’t disturb the base? Let’s be real here. You can’t apply an emollient product on top of another emollient product (especially with a sponge/pad) and expect it to stay put. Needless to say, it didn’t work and left me with a waxy marbleized effect of perfector and foundation on my cheeks. This was the worst way to apply the product.
As a mattifying touch up during the day…
I tried using blur perfector after spending the day at the pool where I wore a bit of mineral powder. As I patted it over my skin, it completely wiped off (patchily) while simultaneously depositing a lovely greasy balmy texture. Just the way you want to feel after sweating at the pool!
I (of course) gave it another shot and used it after liquid foundation and had the same effect. I even tried it using my beauty blender, as well (it just caked up into the damp sponge). Additionally, it seemed to lift the makeup (kind of like if you had school glue between your fingers and it started getting tacky?). The product did appear to mattify, but the heavy film in addition to my own oiliness was less than desirable. I could have used a tissue to blot more efficiently.
Bottom line: I’m obsessed with the packaging. Can I frame it? As my one friend stated though, “Of course the packaging is beautiful, it’s YSL not drugstore!” Valid. I feel it’s best as a primer. Do you need a new primer? Pick it up here, you glamorous minx.
// Touche Éclat Blur Primer //
“The first radiance boosting primer. Formulated with four nourishing oils, skin is left incredibly soft without greasy residue. Immediately pores look diminished, skin feels smoother and skin tone is more even and luminous. This universal primer provides a subtle, golden shimmer for ultimate luminosity.”
I have yet to find a Holy Grail primer, so my expectations were at an all time low with this product. Also, let’s reanalyze the ironically contradictory claims here: without greasy residue, formulated with four nourishing oils. Hm. Magic?
Going straight off the claims:
I don’t hate this primer. This is the first primer I’ve ever tried that doesn’t break me out – that in itself is a record breaking achievement. I used this under mineral powder (not as great) and with all of my liquid foundations (it does alright). I needed the smallest amount possible because it has that silicone consistency, but slightly more gel-like than the perfector. If I applied too much, I would for sure feel and look like I put Crisco on my face.
Mr. Brighter Darling commented that my makeup looked very smooth and glowy. I didn’t think the microscopic gold flecks did anything once applied, but my husband used the word “glowy” and those are some strong adjectives for him to use.
Bottom line: The biggest gripe I have with this primer is the marketing claims. I think if the brand didn’t inflate the claims, this is a solid primer for most skin types (those who would maximize its effects have normal/dry and/or more mature skins). Pick it up here and feel extremely luxe and fancy with that stunning full-size bottle on your vanity.
YSL Beauty can be purchased at Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and YSLBeautyUS.com. What is your favorite YSL Touche Éclat product in the line up?
-Steffanie
Brighter, Darling received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes and utilizes some affiliate links which may generate a small commission from clicks that result in a purchase.
