Review, Swatches: Rodial Instaglam Highlighter, Powder Brush, Glam Stick Lip Gloss Butter, Airbrush Primer, Bronzing Tint, Makeup

An authority in beauty following her years as an international journalist, Maria Hatzistefanis founded Rodial in 1999. Her aim was to create a line of high performance skincare products that offered targeted, results-driven treatments. The brand has become known for its revolutionary sculpting app. The first of its kind, the Rodial Sculpt app gives customers a personalized guide to recreating the Rodial contoured look at-home. Autumn 2015 also sees the launch of the MrsRodial YouTube channel, which will offer fans exclusive, intimate, access into Maria’s life with weekly videos and make-up tutorials.

Rodial products are said to be high-performance skincare essentials that address a range of skin concerns. All Rodial products contain Pomegranate Ellagic Tannin, which is believed to firm the skin and boost collagen production. The contouring make-up line is a perfect complement to the best selling Rodial sculpting skincare. I received several products from the line to test and sample. Since I was unfamiliar with the line, I was very open to exploring this new-to-me brand.

Instaglam Highlighter, $32

This sheer fluid has a yellow tone, and is designed to add definition to skin wherever needed. Rodial says it is, “perfect to use over make-up to highlight cheekbones, centre of the forehead, the cupid’s bow, corners of the eyes and bridge of the nose to offset the shading of the contouring powder. The precision brush applicator makes for the ideal complement tool for sculpting and defining the complexion.”

To apply, I twisted to dispense and blended the product with my fingers. I applied it under my eyes, to the inner corners of my eyes, and under my eyebrows. Although the twist-and-dispense action took some adjusting to (at first, I twisted too many times and too much of the product came out, dripping all over the tube), the product itself was great, and really helped lighten and brighten those areas (for the under eye area, I used my regular concealer over it). I also applied it (over foundation & blush) to the bridge of my nose, to slim and define, and to the high point of my cheekbones, to accentuate and define. Glamour city! Bottom line? If you are not used to the sculpting/highlighting process, you may need some practice to get it down. But once you do, you will be hooked. This is a terrific highlighter that allows you to achieve some very professional results on your own.

The Powder Brush, $46

According to Rodial, the “soft, tightly packed brush hairs form a full, rounded shape to effortlessly deliver just the right amount of powder to the skin.” I used this with loose powder; it’s an excellent, high quality brush that feels luxurious and lush on the face. Loved it!

Glamstick in Bang and Thrill, $28

Glamstick is “a nourishing lip butter enriched with Vitamin E and Cocoa Butter to hydrate and protect.” I am usually a red lipstick gal but was willing to expand my range and I’m glad I did. This is an excellent, hydrating formula that feels rich and nourishing when applied—none of that waxy lip balm texture at all. I liked the color saturation, which was more intense than I would have expected in such a product, and thought Thrill was especially flattering. I also liked that the product contains SPF 15, which gives some sun protection to this delicate area, as well as the toasted coconut flavor—yum! If you are a lip butter/balm fan, look no further—this is one for you.

Also available Bite (light pink), Lust (dark pink), Bang (rose), Blow (bubble gum pink) Wet (coral), Revenge (hot pink), Crush (sand) and Psycho (geranium).

Instaglam Airbrush Primer, $38

Containing hyaluronic acid to plump the look of lines and wrinkles as well as gransil and osilift to tighten the appearance of skin and blur imperfections, this primer is said to be, “ideal for prepping skin for longer-wearing foundation to keep make-up in place during the course of an evening or to wear on its own for a lovely dewy base for the day.” The product comes out as a lightweight colorless gel and is suitable for all skin types.

I don’t generally use a primer and was curious about its effectiveness. I applied it post cleansing and before foundation, blending it with a make up sponge. It certainly felt nice when applied and had an appealing almond scent. But it offers no color and no SPF of any kind so in my view, it is an unnecessary step. I have found other tinted products containing various amounts of SPF (I aim for at least 30) that also serve as primers, evening out the skin tone and providing hydration. Though this is not a bad product, I would skip it in favor of other products that deliver more bang for the cosmetic-purchase buck.

Instaglam Skin Tint, $45

This is billed as a lightweight tinted moisturizer, providing medium coverage. It contains hyaluronic acid and hydromanil to increase the skin’s moisture levels, and it “plumps the skin to smooth out lines and wrinkles and provides a smooth base for make-up application.” It also contains SPF 30 and is non-oily.

Although this is meant to be used under foundation, I found the coverage sufficient enough to skip that step and use alone. This is a great, easy-to-apply product (it comes in a travel friendly tube) and performs several functions:

• Protects against sun damage
• Provides coverage
• Provides hydration
• Gives skin natural and attractive color

I would definitely continue using this product, though St. Bart’s, the shade I was sent was a bit too dark for my skin tone. I would opt for Hamptons or Capri, which are both a little lighter. For those you looking to go even darker, try Rio, which is the darkest of all four shades.

Instaglam Compact Deluxe Bronzing Powder, $57

Rodial designed this powder bronzer to “add natural sun-kissed color” to the complexion with this blend of pigments that suits all skin tones. Since I love the sun-kissed look but avoid the actual sun on my face, I was really eager to try the product. I used it—with the powder brush reviewed above—on areas where the sun naturally hits, like the bridge of my nose, cheekbones and forehead. What a healthy, glowing look it created. The powder has a soft, velvety texture that blends well and really looks soft and natural. And you can easily control how dark you want to go. Just a quick swipe gives you a natural, golden glow but if you gradually work the color up, you can create a deep, dark—and totally safe!—tan. Loving this lots!

For more information, visit www.rodial.co.uk/about-rodial

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