Kevyn Aucoin Ibiza The Neo Limelight Review, Photos, Swatches
Ibiza
Kevyn Aucoin Ibiza The Neo Limelight ($58.00 for 0.74 oz.) is a mega-sized cheek palette with three shades of highlighter that form a gradient from pale gold to light lavender to lavender. When mixed together, the effect was a light-medium lavender with a subtle warmth and a luminous finish. Each shade was wide enough to be worn alone, though there’s no distinct beginning and end for the shades. The consistency of the palette was fairly smooth, soft, and blendable, while the pigmentation varied from semi-opaque to opaque. The only shade I had trouble with was the darker lavender, which was drier in feel and had buildable coverage. There was a bit of excess powder that kicked up in the pan, but it did not read powdery or dry on the skin. The effect was moderate to high in shine, so the palette would work best for someone who likes a stronger highlighter/highlighting blush.
Ibiza
PPermanent. $54.00.
Ibiza (Left)
Ibiza (Left) is a light, white gold with warm undertones and a luminous sheen. It appeared darker and warmer in the pan than it swatched. The texture was soft, lightly powdery, but smooth and blendable on the skin; and more importantly, it sat well on skin and looked glowing and not at all powdery. It had good pigmentation that applied easily and lasted for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Albatross (P, $30.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Stole the Show (P, $10.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Lit (P, $20.00) is brighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Skylight (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Chanel Camelia de Plumes (LE, $76.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- The Estee Edit Snowlit (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Anastasia Starlight (DC, $28.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Sesso (Highlighter) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- LORAC Starlight (P, $23.00) is darker (90% similar).
- NYX Ritualistic (P, $9.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$44.00/0.11 oz. - $400.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to give "an angelic glow" that can be applied all-over or just where you want it most. It is a luminous, powder highlighter that strikes the right balance between being noticeable without emphasizing the skin’s natural texture. The shimmer is fine, while the powder is silky and smooth. The pigmentation varies from shade to shade but all shades I've tried have blended out well and lasted around eight hours on me.
Browse all of our Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder swatches.
Ingredients
TALC, MICA, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ALUMINA, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE. MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) MICA, TALC, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ALUMINA, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, TIN OXIDE. MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) MICA, TALC, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL. MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)
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.
Ibiza (Left)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $44.00.
Ibiza (Center)
Ibiza (Center) is a light lavender with warmer undertones and a pearly shimmer-sheen finish. It had excellent color payoff that applied beautifully to the skin. The finish was reflective without emphasizing my skin’s natural texture. The powder felt soft to the touch, was a bit powdery but did not appear powdery when applied to my skin. This shade lasted for eight hours before fading on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Gleamer (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Hippo (P, $10.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Aura (P, $28.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- L'Oreal Daybreak (P, $14.99) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever 5 Frozen Purple (P, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Milk Makeup Pink (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Monster (P, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Peroxide (LE, $26.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Nude Glow (Bottom) (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Tarte Spellbound Glow (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$44.00/0.11 oz. - $400.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to give "an angelic glow" that can be applied all-over or just where you want it most. It is a luminous, powder highlighter that strikes the right balance between being noticeable without emphasizing the skin’s natural texture. The shimmer is fine, while the powder is silky and smooth. The pigmentation varies from shade to shade but all shades I've tried have blended out well and lasted around eight hours on me.
Browse all of our Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder swatches.
Ingredients
TALC, MICA, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ALUMINA, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE. MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) MICA, TALC, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ALUMINA, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, TIN OXIDE. MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) MICA, TALC, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL. MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)
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.
Ibiza (Center)
PiPPermanent in Palette. $44.00.
Ibiza (Right)
Ibiza (Right) is a medium lavender with subtle, cool undertones and a more frosted sheen. There was also a modicum of sparkle strewn through it, but it did not appear particularly glittery when I applied it to my skin. The texture seemed drier and yielded only semi-opaque, buildable coverage. I was surprised that it actually felt different compared to the other shades, as they all shared a pan. On me, this shade wore well for eight hours.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Still Loading (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Unconventional (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Majestic (LE, $9.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Sephora Over the Moon (14) (DC, $14.00) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Black Tie (LE, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Too Faced Unicorn Tears (Highlighter) (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar).
- MAC Anarchista (PiP, $34.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Give Me Glow Welcome to My Dollhouse (P, $17.25) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Roseshock (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Fenty Beauty 7daywknd (PiP, $36.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$44.00/0.11 oz. - $400.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to give "an angelic glow" that can be applied all-over or just where you want it most. It is a luminous, powder highlighter that strikes the right balance between being noticeable without emphasizing the skin’s natural texture. The shimmer is fine, while the powder is silky and smooth. The pigmentation varies from shade to shade but all shades I've tried have blended out well and lasted around eight hours on me.
Browse all of our Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder swatches.
Ingredients
TALC, MICA, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ALUMINA, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE. MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) MICA, TALC, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ALUMINA, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, TIN OXIDE. MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) MICA, TALC, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL. MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)
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.
Yeah, definitely too much shine for me, but if you can pull it off, great.
Thanks!
I don’t think I’m going to be able to resist this one!!
Enjoy, Julia!
Hi Christine, this looks so beautiful! Do you think it’s possible to get the same look as with Mac’s Extradimension Skinfinish in Soft Frost with this? I looked at the side-by-side and they look different there, but I’m not sure…
Thanks for reviewing this!
I’m not sure what color or part of this product you are trying to replicate? There are three colors to it, and then of course everything swirled together, so I am not sure which you are trying to compare to!
Hi Christine, I’m sorry I wasn’t clear!
I was trying to compare the swirled version to Soft Frost from Mac, and when I compared the two swatches, they looked similar enough but appeared to photograph differently on your face. Would you say that Soft Frost is a stronger highlight/more violet in real life?
Soft Frost has more of a shift, I think it runs cooler overall 🙂
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer! I think I’ll go with Soft Frost!
The purple in Soft Frost runs a bit bluer than any of the color options in the KA.
Thank you Celia, that helps a lot! There are just so many purple highlighters out there and I just need to decide!
Yeah it’s great that there are so many awesome options now. I’ve been collecting purple, blue, various duo/holo, etc highlighters for years and it used to be really hard to track them down. Indie and pro film/theater cosmetics were the only way to go. Now there’s a sea of choices but the downside is that makes picking harder haha.
I’ve been waiting for this review – the colours just seem so wonderful! It’s a little pricey for what it is so I’ll just have admire this blush from afar!
Happy to help!
I wasn’t going to and then I did. Have to drive into town to pick up package tomorrow. It’s waiting at the post office.. would have loved to have worn it today with BITE Mauvember.
Can’t wait for you to get it! 😀
Tis a bit shiny, but very pretty. If my skin didn’t have so much texture I’d be down to try it.
It is a lovely set of shades!
FINALLY. A warmer lavender. Everything else is just too cool-toned for my cheeks, but this looks as if it could potentially work! Won’t know till I get a chance to swatch it. And in daylight, for sure.
Let me know what you think once you get a chance to play with it, Nancy!
The shine is almost ethereal! Very pretty
It is very glowy!
Fairly shiny, but I like the idea of swishing my brush over all of it to get a good shade going. But this palette would last a lifetime.
It is huge!
I wish this was 1/3 the product at 1/3 the price! .74 oz is ginormous, would need to highlight/strobe my entire body to make a dent in this one. I don’t understand why KA comes out with these ginormous palettes. I’m interested mainly in the darkest lavender shade, and I don’t see any close dupes for it, but hoping there will be a dupe in the future.
Yeah, it is a TON of highlighter at once!
This is definitely a miss for me.
That’s too bad!
Lavender blushes are a favorite of mine, so the thought of a lavender highlight is right up my alley, but that pan is just so huge! I might wait for a sale to bring the price down to something more palatable.
The pan is massive!
I do not want to like this! I do not! But I do.
I’ll have to go through my hightlighters and blushes to see what I have got and try to make an informed decision. It’s quite a lot of money, but it’s so beautiful and I could use it as eyeshadow as well and, yeah, here I am talking myself into buying it. HA! Going to stop thinking about it now!
Hopefully, you’ll find that you have some similar shades!
I saw the picture of this item on instagram before it came out and fell in love with it. I was worried it would look too ashy on my skin tone, which is similar to yours. It looks so nice on you though. There goes my $60!
I thought it might not work on my coloring, and though I’d say I’d need to mix it more than use any shade alone, I liked it on!
I’ve applied mine on a friend who’s about NC-44ish. Alone it does look very pretty but I did concentrate on the darker side when I mixed for her. Looked beautiful and even more beautiful when I added some other similar-colored highlights as well. If you enjoy mixing or make sure you’re adding more of the darkest end than the lighter end it can definitely go on without looking ashy 🙂
I am around NC25. I usually only use lighter highlighters, my favourites being Laura Mercier’s Matte Radiance in 01 and Kevyn Aucoin’s Celestial powder in candle light. I was more concerned about the darker Lilac shade in this, it can clash with gold tones and make me look ashy I thought. I bought this yesterday, it’s so pretty and looks nice on my skin tone too! So, I am able to use it light or mixed, it looks great! I lean more towards mixing in the lighter shade so the lilac is not too dark on me.
So glad you like it! I’m about NW-05 and as neutral as people come haha. But the friend I tested on definitely has more golden tones in her skin and it looked super nice. I think because it’s not as cool as many lavender highlights it’s a bit easier to work with on warmer skin than others.
I was so excited to try this. Then I got it. It was awful.
I have used highlighters a lot, so I am not shy with them. I have Natasha Denona, as well as many of the colored highlighters and the holographic ones too.
This, however, had a texture that was awful. It magnified pores and it also had a chunky texture to it. I thought perhaps it was just my skin, but tried it on my teenager and she even said it was awful. It is a combination of chalky aura around it and chunky appearance on the skin, I guess.
Maybe I got a dud, but I took it back. I was SO excited about this, and so disappointed when I got it. I have loved other Aucoin products in the past very much. This was a real disappointment. 🙁
The darker lavender shade had a drier, looser texture to me, though the other two were finer with more of a strong shine than chunks of sparkle or shimmer. I’m glad you can return yours!
It sounds like you got a better one than I did. I am glad they took it back. I lost my discount for VIB on it though. I would have rather used it for something nice that I kept! 🙁
I still love the Contour book Vol 2 anyway, so at least I have a subtle highlight that is okay from that company.
It does sound like a dud. How awful there’s a bad batch out there! Mine definitely wasn’t chunky at all. Though I agree with Christine that the lighter ends are a bit finer. I’m sorry that happened! I’m a massive colored and holo highlight collector as well and wish this worked better for you. I like mine a lot but definitely it doesn’t beat out some of my more holo or more intensely colored ones.
Celia- what are some of your top favorite holo or more “unique” highlights? I bet you have an impressive collection!
Sorry for the delayed response! Super busy week. I’ll put a curated list from multuple brands up in response ASAP this weekend when I’m with my collection 🙂
I would love to see this too as I am looking for a holo highlight and can’t decide on which one I should go for! 🙂
It looks perfect for very pale skin. Highlighter and blush at once and without a trace of orange pigment which makes fair skin look sickly
It would work well on fairer skin!
I have no need for highlighters (I have one or two I use for parties or nights out) but that is just so damn pretty.