Product Reviews

NARS Hot Sand Illuminator Review and Swatches

April 22, 2014

Sexy, gleaming skin is a must-have in the warmer weather and the latest NARS Hot Sand Illuminator from the NARS Summer 2014 Collection is perfect for achieving that!

NARS Hot Sand Illuminator Review

NARS Hot Sand Illuminator


Containing light-reflecting liquids that glide on to refresh and enhance the complexion for a shimmering incandescence, the Hot Sand Illuminator is a multi-purpose liquid illuminator that can be used on the face, neck, shoulders or décolleté. You can wear it under, over or mixed with foundation as both blush or highlighter.

The color, described as a “peach champagne”, is a shimmery warm champagne with a hint of peachiness. NARS Copacabana is pinker, cooler and frostier. NARS 413 BLKR, also new for Summer 2014, is more yellow with cooler undertones. Against my NC30 skin, Hot Sand didn’t add much color but worked perfectly as a highlighter down the nose and on top of the cheekbones. I also tried mixing it with foundation and it gave me a glow that looked healthy and subtle. Those with pale to light skintone might be able to use this as a blush as well.

NARS Summer 2014 Hot Sand Illuminator Review

Closeup of NARS Hot Sand Illuminator

Closeup of NARS Hot Sand Illuminator

NARS Hot Sand Illuminator swatches

NARS Hot Sand Illuminator swatch

NARS 413 BLKR, Hot Sand and Copacabana Illuminators


Below is a quick look I did spotting the NARS Hot Sand Illuminator as a highlighter, along with Lost Coast Duo Eyeshadow and Turkish Delight Lip Gloss, all from the Summer 2014 Collection.

Wearing NARS Hot Sand Illuminator

Wearing NARS Hot Sand Illuminator

NARS Hot Sand Illuminator is available now at available at narscosmetics.com and Sephora for $30.

Disclosure: This review includes product that was provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for consideration only. It may also contain an affiliate link, which gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. Please see our Disclosure for more information on our posting policy.

You Might Also Like

5 Comments

  • Reply Coco April 23, 2014 at 3:47 pm

    Gorgeous! And I love the look you created x

    • Reply Phyllis Li April 24, 2014 at 8:20 am

      Thanks Coco 🙂

  • Reply Karen April 23, 2014 at 4:38 pm

    Wow! These all look gorgeous! Love the finish an illuminator gives! 🙂 x

  • Reply Jeannie April 23, 2014 at 5:28 pm

    Love the fresh nude look! Do you find that the highlighter emphasizes pores?

    • Reply Phyllis Li April 24, 2014 at 8:24 am

      Thanks Jeannie! I never had a problem with NARS Illuminators emphasizing pores.

    Leave a Reply