There are a lot of cool things out there that make us wonder — do they really work? In our I Tried It series, we set out to use them in the real world and have determined that, in fact, they really do.
MAC Strobe Cream is a miracle in a bottle. Is it a highlighter? A color corrector? Moisturizer? Short answer: It is everything.
I originally tested out this versatile illuminating cream at the height of the “strobing” trend, and it has since earned permanent placement in my makeup routine. I always wear it under foundation for that lit-from-within glow.
If you’re thinking: “Why is she still using something that’s not on-trend anymore?”, let me explain. Strobing is a buzzy synonym for highlighting, one component of the classic art of highlighting and shading (aka contouring) to create the appearance of more sculpted features. This technique has been around since the 1500s. (Sorry, Kardashians!) Obvi, this technique will continue to evolve, but it's a fundamental staple in any makeup arsenal and it's not going anywhere.
But I digress! Let's get back to the Strobe Cream. This shimmering goodness skyrocketed to iconic status in my book back when it first launched, and my love for it has continued to grow, thanks to its seemingly endless benefits. Packed with potent botanicals and pearlescent pigments, it works to illuminate the skin, banishing dullness and playing up your glow to the max.
You can wear it alone to rock the no-makeup makeup look while looking all dewy and hydrated. It can also be used to prep your skin for makeup application since it offers hydrating and color-correcting benefits.
Originally available in just one shade (now known as Pinklite), MAC has since released several variations of Strobe Cream in addition to the original. You can now get yours in tints of Goldlite, Silverlite, Peachlite, and Redlite, too. If you have sallow skin, Redlite is the shade for you as it will help to bring life back to your complexion. Peachlite is great to pop under the eyes to neutralize any bluish dark circles. If you're looking to shine more than correct, you can really get creative with glam looks that Goldlite and Silverlite offer. Pinklite, my favorite and the OG of Strobe Cream, is universally flattering and works to diffuse imperfections as it gives you the glow-up.
If you want to use it as a highlighter, you can easily swipe it on the high planes of your face, like your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose, to quickly illuminate your skin and lightly define your features. MAC Strobe Cream also works exceptionally well as a base if you are a fan of layering your highlighters (liquid formulas first, with a dusting of powder highlighter after to set it)! You can even cocktail the cream with your foundation to give it a little shimmer and create a hybrid product with lighter coverage.
Another bonus? It's non-acnegenic, which I can fully attest to. In the spirit of transparency, there are many "cult-favorite" products that do cause breakouts on my sensitive skin, but I'm happy to report that this one never has in all of my years of using it!
It's a true multitasker, and any makeup bag without it is seriously missing out. So, what are you waiting for? Go get your glow on!
Pros
- Brightens and illuminates the skin
- Color-corrects
- Adds hydration
Cons
- MAC Strobe Cream literally has no cons!
Read more:
Say Goodbye to Bags Underneath Your Eyes
Moisturizers Made for Oily Skin
Follow BestProducts.com on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest!
Katie McBroom is an award-winning content creator and freelance writer. Prior to contributing to Biography, she served as Content Editor for Google and Beauty Editor for Best Products. Her work has also appeared in publications including CNN, WWD, Business Insider, Forbes, and Men's Health, among others.
