The Wanderlust list is about pausing before buying something new to see if you have a product that already fits that “need.” If you like this style of content, you can check out my other versions of the Wanderlust List below:

• The Wanderlust List #1 (Natasha Denona Bronze Palette)
• The Wanderlust List #2 (Uoma Black Magic Poise Palette)
• The Wanderlust List #3 (Becca Light Shifter Veil Finishing Powder)
• The Wanderlust List #4 (Sonia G Cheek Pro Brush)
• The Wanderlust List #5 (Victoria Beckham Beauty Matte Bronzing Brick)

When I saw that this highlighter was being released, I got very excited because I liked the shade range, and it was fragrance-free. It is very uncommon for luxury makeup to be fragrance-free. I have sensitive skin and a sensitive nose, and it doesn’t take much to aggravate my allergies, so I avoid fragrance as much as possible. But as you know from the title and intro, this post is about not buying the new item I coveted. Today’s version of the Wanderlust List is a little different than older ones because I had every intention of purchasing the Gucci Glow Powder Gel Highlighter in the shade 03 Warm Gold, but I changed my mind once I saw it in the store. I love how Gucci’s packaging looks in photos, but when I physically pick it up in my hands, I’m always a little disappointed that it isn’t heavier. This highlighter is $59, so I want to be happy with every aspect of it.

Keep in mind that this is only my opinion. Tastes and preferences are very subjective and don’t always stay consistent from product to product. If you already like the Gucci Packaging, I don’t think you’ll have any issues with this highlighter’s packaging. It is not cheaply made; it looks pretty, and I didn’t notice any quality issues with any of the testers in the store. I just, personally, wish it was heavy like Westman Atelier packaging. If that extra weight doesn’t make a difference to you, then this could still be worth checking out.

While I was at Sephora this past weekend, I swatched 3 shades (03 Warm Gold, 04 Opal Pink, 05 Warm Bronze). I’ll show you those first and then wrap up with my thoughts on the formula.

Gucci Glow Powder Gel Highlighter Swatches ($59.00 each)

Left to Right:

• 03 Warm Gold – Champagne Gold
• 04 Opal Pink – Rose Bronze
• 05 Warm Bronze – Deep Bronze

So, getting to the formula, the name (powder gel) felt accurate to me. Dimethicone is the first ingredient in this formula, and I could feel the smooth slip it causes in formulas. Since I only swatched it in the store, I can’t say how this performs on the face. However, for my purposes, swatching gave me enough information to know I can stick to my favorite highlighters, which are from Pat McGrath and MAC. The soft to the touch texture reminds me of the Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Divine Glow Highlighter ($48), and the base’s translucency reminds me of the MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish Highlighters ($43). Well, actually, the translucent base reminds me of baked gelee highlighters in general, but the MAC formula is the one I currently own.

If I had to pick one alternative, I feel like the Pat McGrath formula (worn in the photo below) would give me the most similar experience. It isn’t as translucent, but it can be applied lightly, and the oils in its formula (Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil and Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil) provide a similar type of glow. The baked formula of the MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish can mimic the translucent base, and it gives shine, but there is something dry about it compared to how the Gucci Highlighter feels.

I’m glad I checked out the Gucci Glow Powder Gel Highlighters in person. It saved me from myself 😂. That’s all for today, see you next time. 🙂

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Leave a comment below if you have any thoughts or questions. Thanks for reading!

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