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MAC Strobe
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MAC Strobe Cream has always been raved about to get that "glow" look when worn under foundation. Recently, MAC also released Strobe Liquid, which seems to be the same thing. So, what's the difference?
Strobe Cream has been a permanent part of the MAC skincare line for a long time. It contains iridescent particles to reflect light and give that "glow" effect when worn underneath foundation. The difference between cream and liquid is that Strobe Cream is actually a moisturizer as well. So if you plan on using Strobe Cream, there's no need for a moisturizer in addition to using Strobe Cream because it has moisturizing properties as well. If you have oily skin and still wants to use Strobe Cream in your routine, you should apply the Strobe Cream first, and after it settles into the skin, apply your primer.
Now, the problem is that those with oilier skin (me!) will find that Strobe Cream may look good for the first hour, but end up looking oily after a while instead of "glowly". So Strobe Liquid was introduced to be a lighter version of Strobe Cream. Strobe Liquid has no moisturizing properties; instead, it's more like a liquid highlighter (similar to Benefit High Beam). It can be worn all over, but I like using it on the cheeks rather than applied all over my face. Start off with your primer, let it sink in, apply Strobe Liquid where you want to highlight, and then apply foundation over it (or, you could even use it over foundation if you'd prefer).
Strobe Cream has been a permanent part of the MAC skincare line for a long time. It contains iridescent particles to reflect light and give that "glow" effect when worn underneath foundation. The difference between cream and liquid is that Strobe Cream is actually a moisturizer as well. So if you plan on using Strobe Cream, there's no need for a moisturizer in addition to using Strobe Cream because it has moisturizing properties as well. If you have oily skin and still wants to use Strobe Cream in your routine, you should apply the Strobe Cream first, and after it settles into the skin, apply your primer.
Now, the problem is that those with oilier skin (me!) will find that Strobe Cream may look good for the first hour, but end up looking oily after a while instead of "glowly". So Strobe Liquid was introduced to be a lighter version of Strobe Cream. Strobe Liquid has no moisturizing properties; instead, it's more like a liquid highlighter (similar to Benefit High Beam). It can be worn all over, but I like using it on the cheeks rather than applied all over my face. Start off with your primer, let it sink in, apply Strobe Liquid where you want to highlight, and then apply foundation over it (or, you could even use it over foundation if you'd prefer).
It's kind of hard to tell just by looking at a photo, but hopefully you can see that Strobe Cream is more cream-like (duh, right?), and the Liquid version is more watery. Benefit High Beam has an entirely different texture where it's more viscous than any of the Strobe versions, and only a small amount is required when using it.
So what do I prefer? After using both, I still prefer my Strobe Cream. Even though it's harder to maintain due to my skin, I just make sure to properly prime my skin so it lasts longer. I like using Benefit High Beam to highlight certain small areas (e.g. browbone, or cheekbones), but it's not very useful if you want to get an all over glow.
EDIT: To answer a few questions that came up:
Does Strobe Cream stay on in the heat?
If you've got dry skin, probably. If you've got oilier skin, probably not. Heat = sweat, and sweat = runny makeup, so make sure to use a primer. In fact, if you've got good skin, skip the foundation altogether and just wear the Strobe Cream by itself. It really makes you skin glow without the foundation on top!
Is there a drugstore equivalent of Strobe Cream?
As far as I know, there isn't something exact. Revlon skinlights is similar, but I believe it's been discontinued. Wet 'n' Wild makes one called St. Tropez, but I haven't seen tested it out so I can't say if it's
