Day 92. Mac Strobe Cream [review & pictures]

The Mac Strobe Cream is an illuminating cream that is versatile in use. I own the travel size tube, which contains 30ml/1.0 US oz of product. The full size is 50ml/1.7 US oz.

Mac claims for the Strobe Cream:

The ultimate quick fix for the skin. Super-powered with potent botanicals; de-snoozes, de-stresses, moistens, freshens and boosts the look of dull, flat or tired-looking skin with a fully loaded vitamin zap and a mega dose of green tea. Brightens and clarifies with iridescent particles and antioxidants. Enhances the effects of light on all skin and in all lighting conditions from sunlight to spotlight.

The cream itself is white when poured from the tube, it looks oily but it's not. It absorbs in about 2/3 minutes for me, but I let it settle for about 10 before applying my make up.

I can fully attest that the cream is hydrating and brightens the skin. The brightening effect is what really makes this product stand out. Just look at the pictures below and you'll see that the Strobe Cream is packed with iridescence.

Mac Strobe Cream, just out of the bottle.
Swatch picture on the right taken with flash.

The cream spreads well on the skin and gives it a subtle glow that is particularly nice in spring and summer.

As you can see from the in detail picture below, there is a notable difference in brightness with the skin treated with Strobe Cream (left and top part of the picture) and the skin without any treatment (right and bottom).

Mac Strobe Cream.
Top picture in natural light, bottom picture taken with flask.

This cream is incredibly versatile because it can be use in several ways, as suggested by the MAC MUA I consulted before purchasing it.

The most obvious one is to use it as a moisturizing cream before make up. Applied as such, even covered with a light layer of foundation, it gives the skin a natural glow.

It also can be used during the day to give a boost to your skin. In this case, pour a very small amount of Strobe Cream on your hand, rub your hand together to spread the product evenly and then gently pat your face to give your skin an extra glow and a refreshing feeling. You can also do this over your make up.

Third is to use it as an highlighter. Pour a very small amount of Strobe Cream, work it quickly with the tip of your fingers and put it lightly on top of cheek bones, the middle of your forehead, your cupid's bow. Basically wherever you'd put your usual highlighter.

This last use I found on my own, and it's one of my favorite tricks. I mix together a little bit of Strobe Cream with my usual loose powder mineral foundation to have basically a luminous tinted moisturizer. Since in my opinion mineral foundations are a little bit too dull, this helps brighten up the skin but also gives it a light coverage. It's perfect for spring and summer, really.

I'll definitely repurchase the Mac Strobe Cream once I am done with this travel size tube!

Strobe Cream on the skin