Whenever I see the name Hard Candy, I instantly become nostalgic for their nail polish, with the funky plastic rings, and their iconic, brightly colored eye shadows. Back in high school and college, owning anything from Hard Candy meant you were super edgy and funky. After all you could only find Hard Candy at select department stores and cool boutiques. The brand absolutely started my love for colorful makeup and nail polish, and not always needing to wear the status quo.
Up until about a year or so ago, I still had a couple of Hard Candy shadows in my collection. Sadly, they had passed their expiration date and had to go into the recycle pile. Since I hadn’t seen Hard Candy displays anywhere in awhile, I thought the brand might have faded over the decades, but I’m so glad they are still around, even if only at Walmart.
When I received the Baked Illuminating Duo in Twinkle Star (1061), $8, I couldn’t wait to try it out. I love me a good highlighter, and one with two illuminating powders to choose from is always a bonus. The Baked Illuminating Duos, available in two options (Twinkle Star and Candle Lit), are designed with camera filtering technology to be universally flattering on any complexion in any type of lighting. In addition to providing the usual brightening effect of most highlighters, these duos also contain focus pearls, which work to blur imperfections. If you’ve read any of my previous reviews, you know about my admiration for dual action products.
The packaging of Twinkle Star definitely has that fun Hard Candy look from days past. One thing I didn’t like was the way it was packaged to be displayed in-store. By leaving the top of packaging hanging open, it might make seeing the highlighters easier, but it also means it’s easy for the mirror to break in transport, which is what happened to my duo.
As for the products themselves, the duo features two opalescent pearl powders; the top being a light, peachy beige, and the bottom being a darker, coppery, rose gold. Both contain quite a bit of glitter. When I first swatched each powder, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the glitter. It is very pretty and definitely reflects light, but after a certain age, wearing glitter on your face feels like you are trying too hard. I don’t mind it so much on my eyes, but on my cheeks?
After swirling it onto my face, I will say that the glitter isn’t as noticeable as it was on my arm or hand. However, I do wish there was a bit less glitter and bit more illuminating powder. This is more of a personal choice. I know there are other, higher end, very popular highlighters who also have glitter in their formulation, which everyone, but me, seem to love. I should also mention that although the powder feels a bit chunky to the touch, it goes on smooth, blends very well, and feels extremely light on the skin.
That being said, I really do like the staying power of Twinkle Star; how the hints of glitter capture the light, and the fact that it is cruelty-free. The mirror and swirling brush are a nice bonus for on-the-go use. Though the packaging is a little bulky to stick in your purse or makeup bag, it does work for travel, especially since it comes with two different highlights in one palette.
Overall: At $8, the Hardy Candy Baked Illuminating Duo in Twinkle Star is an amazing deal. The duo gives you two great illuminating options to use alone or together. The colors work on every skin tone and provide a nice soft glow. However, if you’re not a fan of glitter in your highlighters, these duos probably won’t work for you. This will be fabulous for New Year’s Eve!
Have you tried Twinkle Star? What are your favorite Hard Candy products from today or yesterday?
