| Review | Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder Modern Mercury Highlighter

Review | Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder Modern Mercury Highlighter

While I told myself a hundred times I didn't need a second Modern Mercury, here I am writing my review on my second Modern Mercury... Oh the life of a beauty addict. Long ago, I bought the first ever release of this, now very famous, highlighter. I actually almost walked away from it after swatching it, mumbling to myself "I don't need it... I don't need it..." then immediately turned around and bought it. Modern Mercury was actually the first (that I knew of) of the "gelee" formula that is now so popular among all the brands, many of which are owned by Estee Lauder. So when the VB x Estee Lauder collection came around last year, 2016, I thought well I already have it so I don't need another one. What made me change my mind this year? Well, I ended up buying a large chunk of the collection from last year and I didn't think my collection would be complete without the newly packaged highlighter. I know, ridiculous but truthfully, I have been using it a lot lately! 

The Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder Modern Mercury Highlighter retails for $75.00 USD for .26oz and is available at Sephora and other retailers. In line with the rest of the Victoria Beckham collection, the packaging is black pebbled leather with a gold metal trim and a clutch-like clasp. The compact is truly stunning which was why I wasn't too hesitant about getting a second highlighter. My old one is pretty beat up and comes in the classic gold and clear Estee Lauder packaging. I can't deny that the packaging of this collection is just stunning! These are definitely vanity show pieces! 

This highlighter formula has been around for several years now and has become increasingly popular for its high shine, blend-ability, and wet or dry use capabilities. This particular highlighter is one of the original ones to come out in this formula. It is best described as a gel-powder hybrid. It has a silky gel-like texture and finish but in the convenience of a powder compact. I have to admit, I love this formula! Anything that comes in this gel-powder formula, I have to have and I am very happy to see Estee Lauder repromote this beautiful shade. This is actually pretty typical of Estee Lauder and its brands to repromote popular shades or products. 

The shade is described as a rose gold which is not entirely accurate, it has rose gold tones but leans much more pink and silver on the skin. This shade is very flattering on most skin tones but I have heard those with a fair skin tone have hard time wearing this shade because it is so pigmented. Many people with fair skin tones like to use this product as a "blush topper" to add an extra glow. I have noticed in Victoria Beckham's makeup videos (watch them here), she uses a fairly large brush to dust the powder over the high point of her face, so the product is well dispersed and the pigmentation is not so strong. Also, keep in mind that this whole collection is catered to Victoria's prefernces and skin tone, which is fairly tan most of the time. On my medium-tan skin tone, this shade is perfect and gives me a stunning glow, not matter how much I layer it on to the skin. To make this highlighter more, skin-like or natural, I like to top it with the Morning Aura Illuminating Cream (full review here). This makes it pop but also dials down the frostiness of the powder.  This for me is a winning combo! The highlight alone, provides a very "wet", "runway model" kind of look and it so beautiful. It blends very beautifully and can be buffed out to be a softer sheen. I feel it is very versatile and it makes you skin look "expensive" and "surreal". If you ever wondered how to achieve that sexy, slightly-sweaty, summer glow... this is your product! 

I highly recommend purchasing this highlighter, if you don't already own it.  The shade and texture is so beautiful. I don't find it emphasizes texture on my skin. The packaging is just so chic and a worth the extra cost. This is easily one of the best products from the collection and it would be a shame to miss out on this limited edition beauty! I have been wearing it everyday with the rest of the Victoria Beckham collection. Seeing as this is my makeup of the product, I can confidently say, that this product is well worth it!

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