Purchased from the Axiology Beauty website where they seem to not be posting reviews for this product, so I'm adding my thoughts here:
Pros:
- Lightly lavender scented
- Moisturizing as one would expect based on the ingredients.
- Provides a very natural glow, the same effect that you would get immediately after applying a rich moisturizer or an oil
- I purchased the pink version and I have light-med skin (Glossier M1 or M5 foundation/ concealer depending on the season), and this didn't leave me with a white cast. The advertising suggested that I buy the gold one and that the pink one would leave me with a visible cast, but I wanted a more natural silvery/white sheen rather than a gold one and I have had no issues with the pink base pigment.
Cons:
- This does not work as a highlighter. The glow it gives me is no different than the glow I get from using any other moisturizing product all over my face. If you are looking for an extremely subtle glowy base, this will work well for you, but again, you can get the same effect from any moisturizing product like a lotion or other blend of waxes and oils.
- I also would not note any blurring/ diffusing effect on my skin from the mica, in fact I feel like my skin looks more textured, particularly on my cheeks. I don't typically have any concerns about pores/ texture, my skin is probably as smooth as natural skin gets, and this makes my skin look textured. If you are already dealing with concerns regarding skin texture, this might not be the best product to use.
- The metal box is not as advertised (on the Axiology site). It is a flip top rather than a slide and silver rather than the pictured rosy gold/ pink. Is this a petty complaint? Perhaps, but it does make me feel falsely advertised to.
- The bar is a tight fit in the box which means that it scrapes all over the sides and makes a mess, not a huge deal, but not ideal.
If you want a skincare version of CT Hollywood Flawless Filter/ ELF Halo Glow/ Auric Glow Lust etc. this will give you a similar effect without any base pigment. I would also recommend that you apply this by rubbing it between your hands like a bar of soap and then spreading it all over your face like a lotion. I don't find it super effective when used as a Gua Sha―the soap method will also allow you to see what the product looks like when built up to it's highest level of sheen/ shine.
