IBB Test Drive: M.A.C Strobe Cream

If you’re addicted to beauty blogs, you’ve likely seen more than a few makeup artists and celebrities extolling the virtues of M.A.C’s Strobe Cream. While I’m no stranger to this product, I never actually tried it simply because I’ve never found the need for extra illumination on top of the powder-based highlighters I only bust out for an event or a night out on the town. But then I got a deluxe-sized sample (I think from a recent Nordstrom order) and I’m happy to say I’m not part of the Strobe Cream Club.

I’d say this is more of a moisturizer than a highlighter—although it’s great for adding a little extra glow to my cheekbones after I’ve finished doing all of my other makeup. I’ve also come to find that it very similar to the Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow I’ve been using as a primer under my foundation (and as a radiance-enhancing finishing touch) for the past few years. The main difference between the two is that the Charlotte Tilbury has more of a peachy, skin-toned tint while the M.A.C. (which I received in “Pinklight”) is more silvery despite the name of the shade. And FYI, Strobe Cream is also available in “Silverlight,” which like “Pinklight” is best for lighter skin tones as well as “Goldlight” and “Redlight” for medium to darker skin tones.

The bottom line: I was first intimidated by this product because I thought it was going to be really iridescent, but it’s actually a very subtle way to revive dull skin with a luminizing boost.