Marc Jacobs Glow Stick – Worth The Hype?
*INFLUENSTER sent me this product to try for complimentary testing purposes. Affiliate links included. Full disclaimer here. #MarcGlowStick
When I found out Influenster was sending me the Marc Jacobs Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator, I was pretty psyched because what beauty junkie doesn’t love getting high-end makeup for free!? [Side note before we go any further: Anyone can sign up for Influenster – not just blogger/vloggers – and they occasionally will send you items for complimentary testing purposes if it fits your lifestyle.] Today, I’m going to tell you if this highlighter is worth the hype, worth the price, right for you and show some swatches because it’s certainly made its rounds on social media lately…
What makes Marc Jacobs Glow Stick so special?
The Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator is a “portable cream stick highlighter in a first-ever universal shade for instant dewy payoff,” as described on Sephora.com. It advertises that first-ever universally flattering concept because of the combination between pearly silver and gold pigments that allow both warm and cool skin tones to wear this product. It’s creamy, but never feels wet or sticky and the shape of the highlighter allows for on-the-go and travel-friendly application.
How to apply it?
Marc Jacobs Beauty advises Glow Stick can be applied in two ways:
- Sweep a soft synthetic brush or makeup sponge across the surface of the product and lightly apply to the face where illumination is desired (possible suggestions: forehead, brow bone, bridge of the nose, cheekbones, cupid’s bow or along the collarbone).
- Apply directly from the stick to the face, blending with brush or fingers.
My experience(s) using it
I’ve been bombarded with highlighters lately, so I do a pretty rigorous testing trial period. I’ve used Glow Stick in the following ways:
- On top of liquid and powder foundations with a duo fiber synthetic brush and beauty blender
- On top of liquid and powder foundations directly from the stick
- Under liquid and powder foundations directly from the stick
My favorite way to use Marc Jacobs Glow Stick is under mineral/powder foundation directly from the stick. I find it gives a beautiful natural, lit-from-within glow when applied this way and peeks through the skin so nicely.
My second favorite way to apply Glow Stick is on top of liquid foundation with a beauty blender. This method gives a more natural finish, without appearing oily.
I disliked applying it with a duo fiber brush or my fingers on top of any foundation because it looked patchy and a bit glittery, honestly.
I also didn’t like applying it directly on top of liquid/powder foundations from the stick because – as you may imagine – it slightly messed with the foundation and I was left with a bit of a cakey mess to blend.
Overall, it never made my oily complexion feel greasy, which is nice. It never broke me out – another plus. Do I think this is universal? Sure… but if you’re darker complected, you may need to use this very sparingly, but I think it could still work.
Here’s a selfie of me wearing Marc Jacobs Glow Stick on top of my liquid foundation:
Who may love this?
I believe this highlighter is perfect for those on-the-go, who travel frequently, work long hours and like a bit of a pick-me-up before heading out at night, post-workout makeup, SATMs who don’t have the time for a full face of makeup but want to look fresh/glowy, and/or those with normal/dry skin. The packaging makes it ideal for travel/running around without having to worry the compact may crack and make a mess. It also doesn’t require the added tool of a brush/sponge for application, which is convenient.
Those with more oily skin may simply just prefer powder formulas, better than this. It *can* slightly exaggerate any texture in skin if not applied well (e.g.: breakouts, pores, etc.).
What does it cost/where can I get one?
Marc Jacobs Glow Stick will run you $42 for .49oz of product. It initially sounds pricey, until you do the math and compare it to other similar items. For instance, Becca’s Champagne Pop Poured (cream) compact will run you $38 for .19oz of product. So if you got TWO Becca poured highlighters (.38oz), you’re getting LESS than Marc Jacobs and would be paying a whopping $76. Decisions, decisions…
You can pick it up at your local Sephora or Sephora.com.
What do you think? Is this highlighter what you’ve been looking for or are you going to pass on it?
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Happy glowing,
-Steffanie
You always do such thorough reviews of beauty products and I LOVE you for that! I have been reading a lot about this, but I’m actually not too crazy about the color, it looks a little too silvery for me and I’m more about the golden glow. But, I probably would use this as a base under my foundation to give it a bit of a glowy look!
Aw thanks girlie! I always like to be as unbiased as possible when it comes to things sent to me. I definitely was most surprised about the financial value. I thought it was pretty pricey at first, until I did the math.
Wow I had no idea that it came with so much product! Even though it is pricey, that’s a great bang for your buck! I really have no reason to buy another highlighter but this one looks so lovely. I’ll have to swatch it in person to see how it looks on my skin 😀 Thanks for the thorough review!
Mili | Sharmtoaster
Right!? I was surprised myself when I ran the numbers. Definitely swatch in person because whenever anything says “universal,” I tend to raise an eyebrow haha.
I’ve heard so many great things about this product, and it looks so pretty on you! You did such a great + thorough review…super helpful!
-Kate // http://www.classyandkate.com
Thank you so much! I also was reading such mind blowing things and was really glad Influenster sent to me since I’m a pretty harsh critic, LOL. Hopefully, I was unbiased and helpful 🙂 Thanks for stopping by XO!
Such a pretty colour, I wish it was a little smaller topped though.
Yes… it definitely really pops a lot of shimmer on cheekbones, but was a little tricky on the nose to get a narrow strip unless you use the edge. However, it definitely packs a lot of product in the little tube, so that’s nice considering it’s a high end/pricier product.
The shade is so beautiful but I definitely am not a fan of this packaging. x
Oh really?? I thought it was sort of cute and compact. Definitely travel friendly. If you don’t mind me asking (out of the curious beauty blogger in me lol), what about it don’t you like?
Loved your review! We definitely had a lot of the same feelings about this product. I’m also really happy that you calculated out the price per ounce to compare with Becca’s. It’s always tough for me with a product like this to figure out if the price tag is worth it. You’re getting more product for your money, but at the same time, I also know I’m never going to go through the whole stick. This is why I love makeup minis. They actually probably have a much more reasonable amount of product considering the shelf life of most things!
YESSS… the price per ounce was a pretty good closer LOL. I honestly wasn’t expecting the savings to be that significant. Totally agree about minis – particularly with cream/liquids. I’m seriously storing this highlighter and my Glossier Haloscopes in my refrigerator as I type this because I don’t think I’ll ever finish them in time but don’t want them to go bad lol. Hopefully it helps!
I don’t like the packaging. I love the product — but I would feel like I was putting deodorant on my face! LOL. But you make it look so so beautiful.
HAHA! It definitely feels that way when applying from the stick. Kinda fun though. I wish he made a foundation in this shape because that would be SUPER quick application…
I love how you included the math in your post, because that’s totally something I like to know!! It’s super pretty!!
Of course! I always like to do the math when it’s a pricey product like this (or a subbie box) 😀 Thanks for stopping by!
It seems like it might be a little heavy for my older skin but it looks beautiful on you. 🙂
I can definitely see that. I think there are a lot better, smoother formulas out there for more mature skin. Although it looks ‘pretty’ in my photo, I like others better for my skin’s texture.