No Joke—This Skincare-Makeup Hybrid Just Put My Foundation Into Retirement

Victoria Beckham Beauty The Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator Review

The Formula

Developed in collaboration with Augustinus Bader (the cult skincare scientist behind the namesake brand), it includes Bader's patented TFC8® complex—this isn’t your average illuminator. It’s designed to support skin regeneration, plump out fine lines and bring radiance to lacklustre complexions.The pearlescent tint (which comes in three shades, including a pinky rose and radiant golden tint) it bridges the gap between skincare and makeup. The silky, light-as-air formula melts into skin to hydrate while lending the skin a dewy glow, which looks beautiful worn alone, underneath foundation or applied strategically as a highlighter.

Alongside Augustinus Bader's TFC8® complex (which contains a cocktail of vitamins, amino acids and peptides) the illuminators also include fermented black tea extract and ectoin to shield the skin against environmental stressors such as pollution. You'll also find niacinamide, squalane and hyaluronic acid in the formula. The radiance of the illuminators themselves comes from plant extracts that help reflect the light on your skin.

The Shades

Victoria Beckham Beauty illuminator swatches; Golden, Pearlescent and Rose.

The Pearlescent shade is a translucent, pearly base that leaves skin looking healthy, rested, and ever-so-slightly angelic. Think “I just got back from a facial” kinda of glowiness, but without the spenny trip to a clinic. Golden brings a warm, subtle bronze radiance that’s stunning on medium to deep skin tones (and doubles as a subtle bronzing veil on lighter complexions). And Rose is soft pearly pink and gives that lit-from-within glow.

I’ve been using Golden on no-makeup days for a touch of sheer bronze and Pearlescent under a skin tint for an extra dose of radiance. On the other hand, Rose looks beautiful worn alone on the days when I don't want to wear makeup but still want to look effortlessly glowy, or tapped onto cheekbones over makeup as a highlighter. Whether worn alone or with makeup, it wears beautifully throughout the day—no pilling, no greasy T-zone situation, just gleaming, healthy skin. Bonus points for the packaging, which feels satisfyingly weighty in-hand and looks very chic on a dressing table.

The Verdict

Yes, it’s a splurge. At £142 to 50ml, it's a considerable investment and eyewateringly expensive. However, it does come in a 20ml vial for £76 if you did want to try it before committing to a full-sized bottle.

But, if you’re someone who’s looking for a hybrid product that actually earns its place in your routine—think skincare benefits, radiant glow, luxe texture and skin blurring effects—The Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator ticks all the boxes and may even replace your foundation. The fact that it's what VB uses herself for her fresh, luminous skin is another draw, alongside the skin-boosting benefits of Augustinus Bader's skin technology. When you wear this, the light catches your skin just right, you might want to forgo foundation forever.

In fact, you'll notice that Victoria Beckham Beauty is yet to come out with a foundation (it's just the concealer pen in the complexion category right now) and I think the brand really leans into the "no-makeup" makeup when it comes to the complexion with these illuminators. When I used this, all I needed was a touch of concealer around a few areas of redness and I felt comortable enough to head out without needing to mask my skin in makeup. Perfect if you're someone who loves the look of invisible makeup while wanting to remain looking and feeling polished.

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