I’ll be honest—Iconic London’s Illuminator always scared me. It’s one of those highlighters everybody talks about, the “legendary” one that makeup artists swear by. And usually, when something is that hyped, it’s either too metallic, too extreme, or just not my vibe.
I have always preferred wet, glossy highlighters over full-on metallic shine. For a long time, I really gave up on highlighters altogether. Then this summer, I got into laxer glow trends like Dolphin Skin, and suddenly I was open to trying glow products again. That’s when I lastly gave Iconic London Illuminator a proper chance—and honestly? I get it now.
Table of Contents
First Impressions: Way Brighter Than I Expected
I tried the Original shade, and right off the bat, it looked brighter than what I would usually go for. This is definitely not a “barely there” highlight. But once I blended it out, I had to admit—it looked really good.
In photos, the glow is stunning. My skin appearances smooth, healthy, and just… expensive. In real life, it is more dramatic, but not in a evil way. What surprised me the most is that it did not emphasize my texture or scars, which is usually my biggest fear with shiny products?
I completely recognise now why this highlighter is such a favourite for on-camera makeup and glam looks. It truly does show up beautifully.
Shade Range: What Are Your Options?
Iconic London keeps the shade range simple but effective. The most popular ones are:
- Original – A champagne-pearl shade that works well on light to medium skin
- Shine – Great for fair to light skin tones and amazing mixed into foundation
- Glow – A warm golden shade that looks gorgeous on medium to deep skin tones
- Blush / Bronze (depending on where you shop) – Perfect if you want warmth or a soft flush
All the shades are pretty intense, so you don’t need much at all. One drop is usually more than enough.
Texture & Formula: Why It Works So Well
The texture is one of the best things about this product. It’s a liquid, but not runny or oily. It feels lightweight and blends easily into the skin.
What I really appreciate:
- No chunky glitter
- Super fine shimmer
- Very buildable
- Doesn’t feel greasy or heavy
Even though it’s bright, it still looks smooth on the skin, which makes a huge difference.
Iconic London Blurring Primer – Does It Make Illuminator Look Better?
Before using a glow product as intense as the Iconic London Illuminator, skin prep matters a lot. That’s where the Iconic London Blurring Primer comes in. This primer is often paired with the Illuminator by makeup artists because it smooths texture while still keeping the skin radiant—not flat or overly matte.
Unlike traditional silicone-heavy primers that can dull glow products, this one is designed to blur pores, soften fine lines, and enhance luminosity, making it a strong base for liquid highlighters.
Key Benefits of Iconic London Blurring Primer
- Creates a smooth, soft-focus base
- Helps liquid highlighters blend more evenly
- Reduces the look of pores without drying the skin
- Prevents Illuminator from clinging to texture
- Extends makeup wear time
It’s especially useful if you’re applying Illuminator directly to bare skin or mixing it into foundation.
Iconic London Blurring Primer: Quick Breakdown
| Feature | Iconic London Blurring Primer |
| Primer Type | Blurring + Radiance-enhancing |
| Finish | Soft-focus, natural glow |
| Texture | Lightweight cream-gel |
| Pore Blurring | Yes (without heavy silicone feel) |
| Best Skin Types | Normal, dry, combination |
| Works With Illuminator | ✔ Yes – enhances glow payoff |
| Matte or Dewy | Balanced (not flat, not greasy) |
| Best For | Smooth base under liquid highlighters |
Why It Works Well With Iconic London Illuminator
The Illuminator is high-impact, and applying it over uneven skin can sometimes emphasize pores or texture. The Blurring Primer minimizes that risk by:
- Filling in micro-texture so the glow looks smooth
- Preventing patchiness when blending liquid highlighter
- Allowing the shimmer to sit evenly on the skin
This combo is frequently used in bridal, red carpet, and editorial makeup, where skin needs to look flawless both in real life and on camera.
How to Use Blurring Primer + Illuminator Together (Best Results)
For a natural glow:
- Apply a thin layer of Blurring Primer all over the face
- Mix one tiny drop of Illuminator into foundation
- Apply normally for a lit-from-within finish
For glam or event makeup:
- Prime skin with Blurring Primer (focus on pores & texture)
- Apply foundation
- Tap Illuminator on high points with fingers
- For no-makeup makeup days:
Blurring Primer + spot-concealer + a drop of Illuminator = effortless glow
Iconic London Blurring Primer vs Other Glow Primers
| Primer | Finish | Best For | Key Difference |
| Iconic London Blurring Primer | Soft-focus glow | Highlighter-heavy looks | Blurs + boosts glow |
| Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter | Radiant | Dewy skin lovers | More glow, less blur |
| Milk Hydro Grip | Natural | Long wear | More grip, less smoothing |
| Smashbox Photo Finish | Matte | Oily skin | Can dull glow products |
Who Should Use Iconic London Blurring Primer?
This primer is ideal if you:
- Use liquid highlighters like Iconic London Illuminator
- Want smoother-looking skin without heavy matte products
- Have visible pores or texture
- Prefer glow that looks polished, not greasy
You may want to skip it if you strictly prefer fully matte primers or extremely oily skin control.
How I Like to Use Iconic London Illuminator
This highlighter is surprisingly versatile, and that’s where it really shines.
Best Application Tips
Use your fingers
Trust me on this one. Fingers give you way more control and help the product melt into your skin. Brushes and sponges tend to soak up too much product and dull the glow.
Mix it with other products
This is my go-to for everyday wear:
- Mix a tiny bit into your moisturizer for a natural glow
- Add it to your foundation for luminous skin
- Blend it with sunscreen for an easy summer glow
Highlight specific areas
When I want more impact, I apply it to:
- Cheekbones
- Nose bridge
- Cupid’s bow
- Collarbones and shoulders (especially in summer)
If it ever feels too much, just mix it with something else—it tones down beautifully.
Wear Time: Does It Last?
Short answer: yes.
Once it’s on, it stays put:
- Lasts around 8–10 hours
- Doesn’t fade patchy
- Doesn’t get greasy
- Still looks good by the end of the day
As long as your skin is prepped well, the glow holds up really nicely.
Is It Good for Dark Skin?
Yes—just make sure you select the right shade. Glow is exclusively beautiful on medium to deep skin tones and doesn’t look ashy.
That said, if you prefer powder or want something a little bolder, Fenty Beauty Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter is another great option. It’s super pigmented, blends easily, and works really well on deeper skin tones.
How It Compares to Other Highlighters
Here’s a quick comparison to put things into perspective:
| Highlighter | Formula | Finish | Best For | Why Choose It |
| Iconic London Illuminator | Liquid | High-shine dewy | Glam & events | Mixable, camera-ready |
| Fenty Killawatt Foil | Powder-cream | Metallic | Medium–deep skin | Bold, intense glow |
| Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand | Liquid | Soft glow | Everyday makeup | Subtle and easy |
| Rare Beauty Positive Light | Liquid | Radiant | All skin types | Lightweight, natural |
| Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector | Powder | Satin | Classic looks | Reliable and smooth |
Who Will Love This Highlighter?
Iconic London Illuminator is perfect if you:
- Love glowy, radiant skin
- Do glam, bridal, or evening makeup
- Want something that looks amazing in photos
- Have dry or normal skin
- If you’re super into minimal makeup, this might feel like a lot—but it’s easy to tone down.
Popular Highlighters You Can Buy Online
| Highlighter | Approx. Regular Price | Discount / Online Price | Where Available |
| ICONIC LONDON Illuminator | ~₹3,790–₹4,500* (varies by retailer) | ~₹2,450–₹3,650* on discount deals | BrandMall India, Enchanted Belle, beauty sites |
| FENTY BEAUTY Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter | ~₹5,000* standard on Fenty Beauty India site | ~₹3,500–₹4,800 on import sites & deals | Sephora India, Ubuy, international sellers |
| FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter | ~₹12,400* high-end imported duo kit | May show occasional seasonal price drops | Ubuy & global marketplaces |
| Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand | ~₹4,000–₹5,300* depending on retailer & shade | ~₹3,600+ on Nykaa & sale sections | Nykaa, global beauty retailers |
| Smashbox Becca Mini Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter | ~₹2,100* | Generally similar on most beauty sites | Nykaa & makeup shops |
| Local/Budget Options (e.g., from searches) | from ~₹900–₹1,500+ liquid or budget highlighters | often on Nykaa & other stores with deals | Retail beauty sites |
Notes on Prices & Discounts
- Prices of makeup products can fluctuate depending on retailer, sales events, exchange rates, and stock levels — especially for global brands shipped into India.
- Iconic London Illuminator currently shows discounted prices at some Indian retailers (e.g., ₹2,450–₹3,650 instead of ~₹3,790–₹4,500) reflecting limited-time deals.
- Fenty Killawatt Freestyle (liquid/powder) tends to sit around ₹5,000 on the official India site but you can find import deals in the ₹3,500–₹4,800 range.
- Charlotte Tilbury products often go on discount during seasonal sales, which can bring prices down from ~₹4,000+.
- Mini or travel versions (like Smashbox/Becca minis) are more affordable and great if you’re trying highlighter without splurging.
Brand & Product Sales Trends (Iconic London)
| Year | Known / Reported Data | Context / Source |
| 2019 | Brand expanded with Amazon optimization; revenue rising post-launch | Iconic London reported improved sales after listing optimization, showing a 31% revenue increase YoY (2020 vs 2021) as listings improved. |
| 2020 | Growth via e-commerce and Instagram presence | Sales were increasing as the brand capitalized on digital-first strategy; Illuminator and other products trended on social media. |
| 2021 | Continued brand growth | 31% YoY Amazon sales growth reported; reflects increasing visibility and product demand. |
| 2022 | Product demand intensified | Iconic London expanded travel retail and U.S. availability; Illuminator remained a flagship. |
| 2023 | >1 million Illuminator units sold globally | The Illuminator specifically reportedly sold more than 1 million units worldwide, backed by strong social buzz and reviews. |
| 2024–Mid-2025 | Estimated high e-commerce revenue | Brand earned an estimated $5.4M in e-commerce sales revenue over a recent 6-month period, indicating strong online demand including from Illuminator. |
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
I didn’t expect to love this highlighter as much as I do. At first, I wasn’t completely sold—but once I changed how I applied it, everything clicked. Mixed with moisturizer or used lightly, it gives the most beautiful glow without looking heavy or greasy.
The biggest lesson here? Sometimes it’s not the product—it’s how you use it.
⭐ Overall Rating: 4.5/5
If you love glow and want something that actually delivers, Iconic London Illuminator is absolutely worth having in your makeup stash.