Clionadh Clionadh (Dark) Highlighter Review & Swatches
Clionadh (Dark)
Clionadh Clionadh (Dark) Powder Highlighter ($12.50 for 0.21 oz.) is a medium-dark pink with moderate, warm undertones and a metallic finish. It was intensely pigmented where a little went a long way, which is fantastic for those who prefer higher coverage, but it wasn’t as buildable as described by the brand.
It had a smooth, lightly creamy consistency that wasn’t too firmly-pressed into the pan nor too thick, so it picked up readily with a blush or highlighter brush. The product applied evenly to bare skin, diffused well, and didn’t emphasize my skin’s natural texture. It lasted well for eight and a half hours on me before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Swinging Vines (LE, $9.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sol Body Catwalk (LE, $12.00) is less pigmented (90% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Wild Rose (LE, $46.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Kosas 8th Muse (High Intensity) (Highlighter) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Sunrise Glow (P, $48.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Becca Amethyst Flashes Geode (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Makeup Geek Starlight (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Kosas 8th Muse (Highlighter) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Give Me Glow You Wanna Peach of Me (P, $17.25) is lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Iced (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$12.50/0.21 oz. - $59.52 Per Ounce
There's not much that describes the formula other than it has a "soft, buildable application." They tended to be quite pigmented--semi-opaque to fully opaque--with soft, smoother textures that weren't too dense nor too softly-pressed into the pan. For sheerer or more buildable application, I'd highly recommend using a lighter hand a less-dense brush to do so.
The texture was typically smooth, slightly dense and a bit thicker than most powder highlighters on the market, so they often needed to be really buffed and diffused on the skin. The finishes were often more intense, leaning toward metallic, and occasionally, they emphasized my skin's natural texture when worn at higher coverage levels. They wore between eight and nine hours on me for the most part.
Browse all of our Clionadh Powder Highlighter swatches.
Ingredients
Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide, Iron Oxides, +/- Ultramarines, +/- Chromium Oxide Green, +/- Ferric Ferrocyanide, +/- Bismuth Oxychloride, +/- Manganese Violet, Zinc Stearate, Calcium Carbonate, Kaolin, Silica, Allantoin, Magnesium Stearate, Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone.
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.
Hmm, as a highlighter this doesn’t look too bad as a blush on you!
Thank you, Brenda!
Gosh – this is so pretty and the metallic finish isn’t too shiny either.
Indie brands make their cheek products too intense for me!
I could see that! These are definitely more intense.
Right. I have a couple of SG blushes that are as intense as Nars Exhibit A or Taj Mahal. You have to whisper at them. I’ve been known to pick up a bit with one brush, touch a soft fan to that brush, tap it off, then apply. At least the SG colors aren’t as bold and in your face as my Nars examples.
I love this one, especially in comparison to the Light version. This, for me, would make for a beautiful rosy plum highlighting blush. Perfect for the cooler season for a wind-nipped look!