No Joke—This Skincare-Makeup Hybrid Just Put My Foundation Into Retirement
I tried the new and improved Victoria Beckham Beauty Cell Rejuvenating Illuminators—and they gave my skin a post-facial glow.
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that Victoria Beckham knows a thing or two about looking polished. From her sharp tailoring to her signature smoky eye (thank you, Satin Kajal Eyeliners), everything VB touches carries an effortless elegance—and her beauty line is no exception.
So, when The Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator (£142) (formerly the Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturiser) received a recent glow-up, I knew it was finally time to try it out for myself. I'm already a superfan of Victoria Beckham Beauty and ever since I've been testing the illuminators, I've not only bid farewell to foundation for good, but I've had people asking me if I've just come from a facial. Scroll ahead for everything you need to know.
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator Review
For
- Contains Augustinus Bader's TFC8 complex
- Comes in three shades, including Pearlescent, Golden and Rose
- Helps to plump and hydrate the skin
- Works as a makeup-skincare hybrid to add a healthy gow
Against
- Expensive formula comes with an expensive price tag to match
- May be too rich or heavy on oily skin types or those who prefer a matte finish
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.
Shop the Product:
Shop More Victoria Beckham Beauty:
The Satin Kajal Liners have become a modern beauty icon and their cult status has been earned thanks to the versatile formula. These buttery soft kohl eyeliners glide on to create multiple eye looks from smokey eyes to cat-eye wings.
The nimble contour stylus makes contouring so easy, whether you're carving out your cheekbones or want to add definition to your jaw. They blend effortlessly for a realistic-looking shadow wherever your place it.
One of VBBs most underrrated products IMO is the Reflect Highlighter Stick. It bestows your cheekbones for a dewy (not glittery) radiance that looks like you've just stepped out of an expensive reformer Pilates class.
The new Eye Wardrobe palettes contain a curated edit of four chic, extremely wearable shades. My favourite is Victoria, which is inspired by VB's signature smokey eye.
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