Smashbox Gold Glitz Petal Metal Shimmer Drops Review, Photos, Swatches
Gold Glitz
Smashbox Gold Glitz Petal Metal Shimmer Drops ($32.00 for 0.34 oz.) has a clear base with light pink, silver, and peach glitter. It had a water-based texture, so the bottle needs to be shaken first to redistribute the glitter, and it dries down quite quickly whether applied to lips or the skin. I liked it a little more on cheeks, as it was sparkly without looking like grit or dirt, and it was easy to work with even on top of foundation. It applied well over a liquid lipstick but seemed to make it feel clingier. There was minimal travel during an eight-hour period when I wore it on my cheeks, and it didn’t shorten the wear of the liquid lipstick when used as a topper.
It’s an interesting product, particularly because of the water-heavy formulation, and I definitely felt like it lived up to the expectations the brand set for it, but it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Felicity (LE, $10.00) is darker, more pigmented (90% similar).
- Chanel Ivory Gold (10) (P, $58.00) is more pigmented, warmer (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever 3 Gold Champagne (P, $24.00) is brighter, more pigmented, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Gnomie (P, $7.00) is more pigmented (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Medium-Nude (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever 4 Golden Peach (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, more pigmented (90% similar).
- Too Faced Rainbow Strobe (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, more pigmented, cooler (85% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Who Needs Clothes (LE, $60.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- LORAC Twilight (P, $23.00).
- Natasha Denona Tan #4 (PiP, $42.00).
Formula Overview
$32.00/0.34 oz. - $94.12 Per Ounce
It's a very liquid, water-based highlighter that dries down quickly after it's applied, whether patted onto lips or cheeks (it can be used for either purpose, per the brand). The glass bottle has a dropper that dispenses a moderate amount of glitter, which I'd describe as medium in size--bigger than shimmer and sparkle but not super chunky glitter. I was surprised at how well it applied onto cheeks, including over base makeup, as it did not lift it away, and it did not seem to sit in my pores either. It dried down and stayed on well with minimal migration over an eight-hour period. I did feel like it felt a little clingy layered over lip products (I tried the liquid lipsticks from the same release by Smashbox), though. I also found the applicator harder to work with, though I am at a loss as to what might be better. The bottle needs to be mixed thoroughly as the glitter settles to the bottom of the bottle.
Browse all of our Smashbox Petal Metal Shimmer Drops swatches.
Ingredients
WaterAquaEau, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Pentylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Magnesium Sulfate, Silica, Tin Oxide, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Bronze Powder (CI 77400), Carmine (CI 75470), Copper Powder (CI 77400), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 28 (CI 45410), Red 30 (CI 73360), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 22 Lake (CI 45380), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Red 33 Lake (CI 17200), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985)]
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
I bought this and returned it the next day, which is something I really don’t like doing. The problem was not the product itself, but how it looked on me. I thought I wanted glitter on my cheeks. I was wrong. Looks great on other people, not so much on me. I exchanged it for the Gilded Rose highlighter, which worked out a lot better for me.
In any case, here’s a great tip from the woman who sold me the Shimmer Drops: She said that if you apply the drops directly to your face, it could interfere with your foundation or blush. Instead, she said, put a drop on the back of your hand, then use your fingers to dab it gently onto your face.
It’s not my cup of tea either, but it looks sensational on you Christine.