Estee Lauder Illuminating Powder Gelee - Heat Wave

This is a product I have had in my stash for a while now (since May 2013 to be exact). I purchased it from Harrods and because it wasn't available in Australia at that time, I decided not to review it. I don't like to post on products that readers aren't able to purchase, it seems a bit like teasing to me, yes?

Well, have no fear! I am not posting this to tease you. The Illuminating Powder Gelee in Heat Wave has recently been released in Australia as a part of the latest Bronze Goddess collection. 

Excuse my photos of an already used product, as I said I didn't originally intend to review this product. It does show how little you need of the product though - you can still clearly see the moulded lines in the product. 

The Gelee formula from Estee Lauder is very similar to the Extra Dimension formula from MAC. It is considered a gel-powder-liquid formula or at least that is how a Estee Lauder sales rep described it to me. To me, it is a powder without the powdery texture and achieves a much more pearlescent and metallic finish than a normal powder product does. 

Heat Wave is a golden champagne colour with a metallic finish. It is not an over the top metallic finish though, I would call it a fine pearl shimmer. Initial swatch on to a fingertip shows it to be quite pigmented but I have found it to be easily blended out on the face. 

Included is a large sponge tipped applicator - think an extra large eyeshadow applicator. The applicator does work but it applies a lot more product than needed and is difficult to blend with. I find the best application method is either fingers or a small fluffy brush like the Real Techniques Contour brush. You only need to dip the brush lightly into the pan before applying. 

Heat Wave can also be used as an eyeshadow which I only tried for the first time earlier. It looks beautiful on the eyes and really brightens the lid area. It provides a sheer, shimmery wash of colour. 

On the left I have applied Heat Wave with the included sponge applicator and on the right I applied with my finger and blended it out. It is still quite a heavy swatch though and can be applied much more lightly on the face.

Heat Wave can be purchased from Estee Lauder online (and I assume Estee Lauder Counters) for $75.00, the compact contains 6g of product.

Now if only all Heat Waves were this lovely! I am talking about the one currently terrorising Victoria. Is terrorising too dramatic? Nope it is not.

Are you a highlighter devotee? Thoughts on this pretty Heat Wave?