The Gucci Illuminating Powder in Sunstone is part of the Holiday Collection. Most of you don't know this but I have a tattoo of a butterfly on my arm, something I did when I was eighteen in art school. Now I would actually like to get rid of my tattoo (which is another story) however my love for butterflies still remains. Details per Gucci:
The butterfly, a key motif from the Gucci Garden, is embedded into Gucci's Illuminating Powder. The powder, presented in a signature compact case, helps to achieve a lasting glow while evening skin tone.
You can't help but just stare at this compact, plus it's Gucci. I haven't ventured too much into Gucci makeup territory as none of their colors really seem to grab me. They're like Tom Ford--Too pale, dark, bright, warm or cool. There's not a huge neutral range of shades in Gucci. This compact lifts up as it houses a flat fan style synthetic brush below. The fan brushes in these types of compacts are terrible, I don't know why anyone still makes and includes them, but that's my picky side talking.
The powder is a warm shimmering peachy champagne neutral. Very much feels like a sunstone shade. The butterfly is sadly over-spray and comes off with a few uses. You're just left with the peachy champagne highlighter. This looks like a darker highlight in the pan but it's actually quite pale on my skin. It also applies more neutral in tone on my face than it looks in the pan. It's quite pigmented and frosty. You only need a hint of this to get a glow. So start light and build up. I use my Wayne Goss Air Brush to apply. That's my favorite brush for these types of pigmented highlighters. The powder texture has a moist hydrating feel. It's not dry or powdery at all. It lasts all day as well no longevity issues.
The compact has the signature logo on the cover and retails for a hefty $53. I liked the easy to use texture because it was pigmented, blends well and isn't powdery. The color wasn't my favorite. I don't find myself reaching for it that often. I have so many highlighters and I'm always reaching for the more unique ones. This is a more basic shade that could easily be duped. However, the formula is pretty spectacular. I don't know if it's $53 spectacular but if you love Gucci, highlighters, or are a makeup collector and want to have this just to have it, than it's a nice highlighter. I wouldn't say you need to rush out and buy it.
Top to Bottom--Natasha Denona Light, Chanel Plisse Lumiere de Chanel, Estee Lauder x Victoria Beckham Modern Mercury, Gucci Sunstone Heavy than Light:
