Urban Decay Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder For Holiday 2013

My first thought when I saw this Urban Decay Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder from the Holiday 2013 collection was that there was no way I'd use it on my face. Naked Illuminated packs some serious shimmer that is meant to be seen and noticed. However, dipping into the powder has revealed a finer texture than I expected. In fact, I think it's smoother and more usable than the face highlighters in both Urban Decay Face Case palettes for Holiday 2013.

Still, the pale gold shimmer of Urban Decay Naked Illuminated is at its best when lightly dusted over bare shoulders. It has a fairy dust look, and the powder base melts into the skin without leaving any chalkiness. The result is pretty yet wearable and makes me smile. An added bonus is that there's no flying glitter that tends to get caught in the cats' hair. Marigold above may wish to be an internet star, but I'd rather she doesn't achieve it for glowing whiskers.

The packaging is made of stiff cardboard and so far has proven to be sturdy enough. The pan is large and accomodates the largest body/bronzing brushes. I've found that a large fan brush, a massive Botan brush or Smashbox bronzer brush work well and leave just the right amount of glimmer on the shoulders. I haven't actually dared to leave the house sporting a shimmery cleavage, but one day soon I may. Perhaps for my 43rd birthday.

Bottom Line: for the young and young-at-heart.

 Urban Decay Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder For Holiday 2013 ($29) is avaialble at Ulta and urbandecay.com. The product for this review was supplied by the company.