Anastasia Aurora Glow Kit Review, Photos, Swatches
Aurora
Anastasia Aurora Glow Kit ($40.00 for 0.90 oz.) includes six, sparkling highlighters that are supposed to have a “metallic” finish for “intense luminosity” that can be used on “eyes, face, and body.” I noticed shifts in Eclipse, Spectra, Helia, and Lyra, but Luna and Orion were more static, even with contorting my arm to view the swatches at different angles. I found incredibly difficult to capture the shifts noticeably on camera, but the ones I listed previously were visible in person as I turned my head. The shifts were more amplified when layered over blush colors. The formula was soft, smooth, dense but not too firm in the pan, and I felt like they were easy to apply and blend out. The majority of shades were quite pigmented, though a lighter hand or more feathery brush could be used for medium coverage. For me, the wear varied from eight to eight and a half hours across all six shades.
It’s presently available on Anastasia’s website but will release at other retailers this summer.
Look Using this Product
Aurora
PPermanent. $40.00.
Eclipse
Eclipse is a soft, yellowish white gold with warm undertones and a sparkling, metallic sheen that shifts from a warm, pearly pink to warmer gold (predominantly warmer gold). The consistency was smooth, almost cream-like in the pan, but it was easy to pick up product with a brush and blend it out on my cheeks. It had a strong, metallic sheen with one layer, but the luminosity definitely amplified with two layers of product, though it had mostly opaque coverage in one layer. There was no emphasis my skin’s natural texture with one layer of product, but if I applied a second, it seemed to begin to do so. This shade wore well for eight hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Tarte Believe (LE, $28.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Princesa (LE, $7.00) is less shimmery, less pigmented, cooler (90% similar).
- L'Oreal Rose (P, $12.99) is darker (90% similar).
- Tarte Gleam (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Upgrade (LE, $12.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Sol Body Jingle Jingle Jingle (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Pearl (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Catrice Champagne Campaign (P, $5.99) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- JD Glow Beyunce (P, $16.50) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Highlight #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Look Using this Product
Eclipse
PiPPermanent in Palette.
On face: Dior Star Foundation, Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder, Anastasia Helia Highlighter, Anastasia Spectra Highlighter, MAC Telling Glow Extra Dimension Blush. On eyes: Tom Ford Nude Dip Eyeshadow Quad, Stila Into the Blue Glitter Shadow, Stila Sea Siren Glitter Shadow, Stila Ballet Pink Glitter Shadow, Marc Jacobs Ody(sea) Highliner. On lips: Kat Von D Lovecraft Everlasting Liquid Lipstick.
Luna
Luna is a bright white with neutral-to-warm undertones and a metallic sheen paired with flecks of pink sparkle (very sparse). It had nearly opaque pigmentation in a single layer, though the softer, blendable consistency made it easy to use with a lighter hand or diffuse more for sheerer coverage. There was a moderate sheen with one layer but a second layer made it almost blinding in its reflectiveness–neither seemed to accentuate to look my skin’s natural texture, though. It wore well for eight hours on me before fading.
Top Dupes
- ColourPop S'il Vous Play (DC, $12.00) is less shimmery, lighter, more muted (95% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition #18 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- NYX Ice Queen (P, $5.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Clionadh Luna (P, $12.50) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Anastasia Forever Lit (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia Snow (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Quartz (P, $24.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior Strobe White (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Prove My Loyalty (Highlighter) (LE, ) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- MAC Barely Dressed (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
Luna
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Spectra
Spectra is a light-medium, grayish lavender with violet and pink pearl that shifts from a greenish-gray to pinky purple. The highlighter had rich color payoff with a smooth, blendable texture that wasn’t too firm or too soft in the pan, which made it easy to work with on the cheeks and kept it from being messy in the pan. This one had the most noticeable shift and deepest overall color on the skin within the palette. This shade lasted for eight and a half hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Bite Beauty Blush Pearl (P, $24.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Stila Frosted Lavender (LE, $18.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Over the Moon (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Anastasia Purple Horseshoe (LE, ) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Fenty Beauty 7daywknd/Poolside (P, $36.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Pallor (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Black Tie (LE, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Make Up For Ever 26 Old Silver (P, $21.00) is more muted (85% similar).
- Zoeva Sheers & Voiles (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Poolside (PiP, $36.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
Look Using this Product
Spectra
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Helia
Helia is a cooler, white base with lots of warmer, yellow gold pearl that shifts from bluish white to greenish gold. The texture was smooth, blendable, and slightly denser compared to the other shades in the palette, though I did not find it difficult to pick up color with highlighting brushes (which are often less dense and more feathery). It had good color coverage that applied well, blended out effortlessly, and did not emphasize pores unless I really packed it on (two to three layers). This shade stayed on well for eight and a half hours before fading.
Top Dupes
- Dior Eternal Gold #3 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Clionadh Cremait (P, $12.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- NARS Newbury Street (DC, $25.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Chanel Duo de Camelias (Right) (LE, $80.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Extra (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Winter Bloom (LE, $4.99) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Dior Strobe Gold (Glitz) (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Makeup Atelier Honey Brown #1 (P, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Give Me Glow Halo (P, $17.25) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Pale Gold 002 (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
Helia
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Orion
Orion is a light blue with cool undertones and a metallic sheen. It was hard for me to see the shift in this one; it seemed to get slightly less cool-toned at certain angles, but it always looked like a very light blue to my eye. The texture was smooth to the touch, blendable, and soft without being powdery or loosely pressed in the pan. It had semi-opaque pigmentation, which was buildable to opaque coverage with two layers. It had a moderate sheen on the skin initially applied, but it could be amplified by using a dampened brush or applying a second layer, though there was slight emphasis of my skin’s natural texture at that point. This shade wore well for eight hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Cover FX Halo (P, $28.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Milk Makeup Icy Blue (LE, $30.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Mint'd Mojito (PiP, $36.00) is more shimmery, more muted (95% similar).
- Looxi Beauty Wicked (P, $7.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Crushed Indigo (Left) (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever 6 Frozen Turquoise (P, $21.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- OFRA Space Baby (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Maybelline Waves of White (LE, $6.99) is warmer (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Halo Walkers (LE, $4.99) is darker (90% similar).
- Becca Icicle (LE, $38.00) is lighter (90% similar).
Orion
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Lyra
Lyra is a light-medium, yellow gold with warm undertones and flecks of pink and gold pearl. It shifted from a warmer yellow to a warmer pink noticeably on the skin. The texture was slightly looser in the pan, which resulted in some powderiness in the pan but did not translate on the skin. It was richly pigmented, and the color blended out nicely on the skin and did not emphasize my skin’s natural texture. On me, it wore well for eight and a half hours before fading.
Top Dupes
- Anastasia Gumdrop (LE, ) (90% similar).
- OFRA Rodeo Drive (P, $29.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Seychelles (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Boy Next Door (DC, $12.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC TheBlonds (LE, $41.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Get It Glowin' (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Looxi Beauty Luxe (P, $7.50) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Hu$tla Baby (PiP, $36.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- NYX Daytime Halo (P, $6.99) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Fiji (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
This palette looks amazing for most parts indeed. However I am still debating weather to get this one or the Nicole glow one. I mean both look seriously amazing. However the shades in NG one look more usable. The shades in this palette are great, but I am not sure if I’ll be able to carry them really well on my medium skin tone. What do you feel?
I’d probably take stock in your highlighter stash – do you already have “usable” ones like your typical golds and bronzes? These are fun but perform best layered with other blushes, but they aren’t your typical highlighting shades overall!
Is the Nicole glow one still available? I wanted that one, but I thought it was sold out. I bought this one though and don’t regret it yet. It seems to be pretty sparkly, but I like the colors. I’ve used the heck out of Moonchild (serious dips), so I felt good gettting this one.
I’m in love with this.
Me too! <3
I wasn’t sure if I’d like this but I really think it’s nice. I have been wearing Specktra and it gives the prettiest glow. Putting it over Halo is really pretty. These are not glittery which is what was hoping the Nicole G palette would be like but at least this one is a keeper. I do think the colors look best applied over another color as you mentioned, Christine.
Happy to hear you’ve been enjoying yours so far, Allison!
SOOOO mine! I’m really glad to see that this is permanent as well. But this is a palette where I can use all the shades in it and there are less silver tones to this one than the Moon Child.
I love to have a powder version of Cover FX Halo in ORION. I’m still debating on getting Cover FX Halo as it’s $52CAD but dang is it pretty and something I can see myself mixing into my foundation to cool it down if that works.
Yeah! It seems like it’s permanent, but it’s hard to get a totally clear answer (or at least, it was when I tried searching a few days ago) from ABH! It’s not listed as LE on their website (like the more recent Nicole Glow Kit).
Nicole Glow Kit sold out locally quickly because of the range of shades people could use. I was glad they still had a tester to confirm I’d only use about two of the shades. lol
The whole LE model is the reason why MAC is still in business. The whole get it before it’s gone is a selling model but it’s a shame that so many people get sucked up into it they miss out on permanent products they could really use and enjoy.
I’m so glad this got a decent review and isn’t limited edition! I’ve been holding off on buying it, and now I have a reason to!
Glad I could help, Celesta!
oooo this palette is so pretty!
It is!
I wish they sold Spectra as a single, interesting more unique shade, a moody-looking lavender
Maybe one day!
One word for this: BEAUTIFUL! Yes, it went on my wishlist! ?
Although….truth be told, I probably don’t need it as I have KVD Alchemist, plus some duochrome highlighters from ColourPop and Nyx, so perhaps I should save my dough, no??
It sounds like you are covered 🙂
I am really glad that these turned out to be wearable shades!!! I absolutely love them!
Yayyy!
Just when I had almost managed to talk myself out of this one. How does the texture of Aurora compare to Moonchild in terms of glitteriness versus fine sheen? I love my Moonchild to death, but I’ve always felt like it’s rather more glittery and chunky than I’d choose to make it.
I think it’s comparable to Moonchild, possibly slightly less glitter overall but not significantly finer shimmer.
On one hand, I am kind of afraid that ABH went to far with this one – it is to extreme that it kind of just looks like an eyeshadow palette. The white and gray(!) bases scare me, since I want my highlighters to catch the light and not be actual color on my cheek.
On the other hand… It’s a Glow Kit so resistance is futile. Especially with an A- rating.
I will at least TRY to wait and see it in person first. We’ll see.
I guess it just depends on your perspective 🙂 I am loving it more on cheeks than on eyes!
I went off Christine’s pictures and they look super wearable to me!
Like you said, resistance is futile! (I am starting to use that phrase now!)
Hmm, a good number of these shades actually look like rather unflattering colors, with some grayish blue tone at a certain angle. It’s probably less noticeable in person as they look more reflective, but I don’t think it’s a palette I would reach for!
I don’t notice it in person since it shifts a lot as the light hits your face/you move! I had to take a lot of photos to show the shifts on camera!
Helia is a BEAUTY!!!!
It is!
Stab stab stab.. incoming ABH glow kit arrows ?
Uh oh!
I love this altho not as much as the Moonchild palette. Glad to see it’s permanent!
Is it something you’re considering getting?
I don’t have Moonchild as yet so I’d get that first, so glad it’s permanent as well!
Why, oh why do all of the interesting highlighter palettes (this, Moonchild, Neo Limelight) have to be made in China? *sigh*
(On the other hand, it is probably good to have some rules – I already own too much.)
There you go, money saved! 🙂
Same question here Reka. This is what kept me from buying Moonchild and now Aurora. I would love to see the ABH glow kits made in Europe or North America.
Wow, these look amazing. I appreciate that these do actually have a discernable shift, while still looking quite flattering! So many highlighters marketed as “duo-chrome” don’t really come off as such to me.
Yeah, most of these had some sort of shift! 🙂
I saw this last week on their website and had to get it. I wore as eyeshadow yesterday and it’s a fun summer look and I’m medium. It’s more color than Nicole g I would say maybe not as glittery? Nicole g I use as highlighter this I’ll most likely use as eyeshadow.
Yay! I’m glad you’re enjoying the palette, Janine!
One word. PRC. That says it all for me. I would buy Maybelline, Loreal, Cover girl before I buy this brand. This brand is the high end version of NYX. To me anything food product or cosmetics from China is poison. I don’t care how pretty it looks or feel, I have my reservations. I am so grateful to my mother for taking us out of HK when it was still a British colony. I am proud of my nationality in the U.S., but I rather be bare faced than to buy anything made in PRC. China has poisoned children with melamine added to milk, poison animals in the dog food, poison toothpaste by adding ethylene glycol, not properly removing poison aconite(sp) in the herb recently- killing one and almost another in Feb 2017 in San Francisco. The list goes on.
I thank Christine for this blog and free speech. I mean no disrespect to her. I do not want to sound negative, however…. an american company having its products made in PRC when its products were originally made in the U.S.. A light bulb made in China, I have no choice to buy. But with makeup, I have choices.
I’m glad you have choices! 🙂
I wholeheartedly agree. Made in China cosmetics are not for me either.
Hmmm, so pretty. I so don’t need it though!
Money saved 🙂
Loved your eye makeup ?
Thank you so much!
I am obsessed with this!!I adore the ABH Glow Kits.I have them all.I was trying to wait until this one hits Sephora or Ulta but I don’t know if I can hold out any longer.Normally as soon as they are released on Anastasia Beverly Hills website I order immediately since I have an extensive collection of highlighters l was waiting for your review to decide.The swatches are so beautiful Lyra and Spectra are my two favorite so far from just seeing them on you!
Happy I could help, Dominique 🙂
Love the Spectra (pink) and Orion (blue). I would plan to use them as eyeshadows. I love a soft wash of shimmer or frost all over the lid, under the brow bone, extended out to the side.
This is an easy pass for me since I have KVD Alchemist.
I wasn’t sure at first whether these were eye shadows or highlighters. Very interesting.
For me, this is a giant beautiful eye palette – especially the mauvey grey colour! ?
I don’t need any more highlighters, but this sure is a tempting palette with colours I’d love to wear. I’ll just wait and see if it’ll launch here.
Omg that eye look, Christine! Stunner! ?
Love it for summery eye looks like you did, but not so much on the cheeks except for Helia.
Christine, ( anyone else who might know) , could any of these be a dupe for the long discontinued benefit Moonbeam liquid? Moonbeam was beautiful and really unique- it had a peach base with a pinkish reflect. I am thinking either the top left or bottom right?
I’m not sure!
I am very interested in the moonchild palette – this looks similar. Which one do you recommend Christine and why ? I have lots of warm highlighter and would be interested in a more unusual “unicorn ” look.
Aurora Glow is a little warmer and has more shift on their own. I would really, really consider which palette has more shades you’d reach for – and that would be the better one for you!
Thank you !!!
I love that you used this as eyeshadow too! Definitely a great multi-use palette! I’ve been eyeing this up since before it was released, might have to pick it up!
I only have UD Aura highlighter and missed KVD Alchamist due to weird reasons ….
This looks like a nice palette I feel …. if I want just one duo chrome palette 😀
what say you ??
I think this one would work! 🙂
Oh why oh why did I look at this review? This looks sooo good on you Christine. Love the way you put it on your eyes. I have no more room for any more new makeup. I’m trying to use what I have. I’m on a no buy and this is sooo tempting, but I think I will resist. I must be strong.
Thank you, Brenda! Stay strong!
Any suggestions on how to help the staying power? On this it seems to wear off rather quickly creating the need to re-apply. Current regime is to use Lorac matte primer and I use NYX Drop foundation. I apply Laura Geller blush to cheeks and then use this with a flat tipped brush to strobe. I love the initial look this provides but hate the need to re-apply. HELP!!!
Hey Amber!
I really don’t know – I wore it over bare skin for testing and didn’t have any trouble :(. If you are already using primer, the other step would be to use a setting powder but it doesn’t seem like it would help THAT much 🙁
Amber I’ve had the saaaaame problem! I have no idea how to fix it!
Christine I got this as a gift and am not a fan of the colors for everyday. In your opinion what’s the best powder highlighter/pallet for everyday use? I’m medium fare with yellow undertones and larger pores, combo skin.