If you want a low-effort glow that looks like your skin but better, the Lakmé 9to5 Lumi Cream has been one of my go-to discoveries this season. I’ve been using it on and off for weeks, sometimes mixed with foundation, sometimes alone as a “no-makeup” makeup step. Here is my thorough review on it.
Price- Rs 325 for 30g BUY ONLINE HERE
Lakmé describes the Lumi Lit Cream as a lightweight moisturizer infused with a dash of highlighter that blends seamlessly to give an instant 3-D glow. It comes in tint options like Dewy Rose, Golden Glaze and Silver Shimmer, designed to add a subtle lit-from-within radiance while hydrating the skin. The brand positions it as a hybrid: moisturizer + highlighter (and many users even use it as a primer).
I have combination skin — a slightly oily T-zone and drier cheeks — and I love products that simplify my routine. I wanted:
- A lightweight day moisturizer that doesn’t look greasy.
- A product that gives a natural glow without glitter or heavy shimmer.
- Something I could use alone on “no-makeup” days and also layer under foundation.
The Lumi Cream’s promise of a moisturiser + subtle highlighter was exactly the kind of multi-tasker I was curious about.
The Lakmé 9to5 Lumi Cream comes in an elegant pearl-pink metallic tube with a sleek rose-gold sheen — very much in line with Lakmé’s 9to5 range aesthetic. The packaging instantly gives a premium vibe despite its affordable price tag. It has a sturdy, squeeze-style tube with a flip top cap that closes tightly, preventing leaks or spills.
Out of the tube, the Lumi Cream has a soft, slightly whipped gel-cream texture. It spreads easily, melts on the skin, and leaves a subtle sheen rather than an obvious shimmer. The scents are mild and unobtrusive — a light cosmetic fragrance that fades quickly (it didn’t irritate my skin). The three tints (Golden Glaze, Dewy Rose, Silver Shimmer) show up differently on skin: Dewy Rose adds a warm pink glow, Golden Glaze lends a soft golden radiance, and Silver is the most subtle shimmer. I opted for golden glaze as I have fair yet warm skin tone.
I tested the Lumi Cream three ways over two weeks:
- As a day moisturiser only: Morning cleanse → Lumi Cream → sunscreen → makeup (optional).
- As a primer: A thin layer under my regular foundation/BB cream.
- As a glow topper: A tiny dot on cheekbones and bridge of nose, patted with fingertips.
Each method delivered slightly different effects. Worn alone, it gave my skin a fresh, luminous finish (very “glass skin” inspired). Under foundation it smoothed texture and allowed foundation to glide better (less patchiness). As a topper it provided a natural, candlelight-like sheen — not disco glitter. If you like subtle radiance, this product is convincing.
Remember — Lumi Cream is not a foundation. The tints are sheer; they don’t provide coverage, but rather tint/illuminate. If you’re looking to even out redness or conceal spots, you’ll still need concealer. Skin feels moisturized for most of the day without being oily. The hyaluronic acid and glycerin combination offers a fresh feel. The finish is dewy and luminous. The finish photographs well and does not emphasise texture if you use a light hand. On its own, the glow lasts 4–6 hours before needing a tiny refresh (depending on skin type and climate). When used under foundation, the radiance is more subtle but helps foundation oxidise less and adhere better. Because it’s moisturizing, in very humid climates I noticed mild increase in surface sheen by mid-day — nothing extreme, but if you have very oily skin you may want to powder lightly on the T-zone.
How to use it (my favourite hacks)
- Mix with foundation: A pea-size Lumi + a pea of foundation = luminous base.
- Spot highlight: Use a dot on cheek high points & blend for a natural catchlight.
- Primer hack: Apply a thin layer all over before foundation to keep the base dewy and smooth.
- Mix into body lotion: Tiny amount added to body lotion gives legs/arms a soft sheen for evening looks.
Pros
- Lightweight texture that hydrates without heaviness.
- Natural, buildable glow — looks like skin, not like glitter.
- Multi-use (moisturiser, primer, top-up highlighter).
- Affordable, easy to find in India and online.
- Contains useful actives like niacinamide & hyaluronic acid.
Cons
- Sheer tint only — not a coverage product.
- May be too dewy for very oily skin types without powdering.
- Fragrance present (mild) — those who avoid fragrances should patch test.
- Slight chance of mid-day sheen on hot, humid days.
Overall Thoughts:
For my combination skin, Lakmé Lumi Cream is a winner for easy glow days and for layering under foundation when I want skin that photographs well. It simplifies routine and gives a reliable healthy radiance — exactly what I wanted.
Have you tried Lakme 9to5 Lumi Cream? How was your experience? Share in the comments section below!
Stay pretty & Loads of 💓!
Megha