Makeup Geek Psychedelic Highlighter Review, Photos, Swatches
Psychedelic
Makeup Geek Psychedelic Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a very light, nearly-white base with a gold to pink duochrome finish. I did detect the duochrome with this shade, both swatched and applied to the skin. It had a tendency to look starker and lighter against my skin tone (despite it being designed for medium skin tones) straight on–almost ashy–but then very pretty and reflective at an angle, as it looked pinker. I found it more wearable when paired with a blush than on its own since it seemed to lighten the area on its own. I expect this to be more wearable on lighter skin tones, though.
According to Makeup Geek, the formula is supposed to be “super-smooth” and “incredibly pigmented.” The powder had a thicker feel to it, though it also seemed a little looser in the pan compared to the other shades. It had nearly opaque pigmentation that blended out well, and though it looked a little dusty swatched, it did not appear dry or dusty on the skin. I would say the finish of this shade was less reflective/shiny compared to most of the shades in the range, so it would be one to look for if you wanted something more moderate in sheen. It wore well for just over eight hours on me before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Hi-Sequincy (LE, $44.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Dior Glowing Pink (001) (LE, $58.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Burberry No. 01 White (LE, $68.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Trophy (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Worth the Wait (LE, $49.00) is more muted (90% similar).
- Chanel Delice (78) (LE, $45.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Lumiere Sculptee de Chanel Highlighting Powder (LE, $72.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Perles et Fantaisies (Left) (LE, $80.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- NYX Ice Queen (P, $5.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Becca Pearl (P, $38.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$20.00/0.25 oz. - $80.00 Per Ounce
According to Makeup Geek, the formula is supposed to be “super-smooth” and “incredibly pigmented.” The majority of the range is beautifully done with smooth, slightly denser textures that are blendable and easy to work with. They have good pigmentation, though some shades are more buildable than "incredibly pigmented." Most shades lasted between eight and nine hours on me.
Browse all of our Makeup Geek Highlighter swatches.
Ingredients
Triethylhexanoin, Magnesium Myristate, Silica, Boron Nitride, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. May Contain: Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Tin Oxide (CI 77861), Iron Oxides (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), Carmine (CI 75470)
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.
Duochrome highlighter…..I am not worthy
You are 🙂
Oooh in this one you can definitely see the pink shift!
Yay!
Hmm…I think I could see this working over a shade like MAC Cheek Pollen to add a pink reflect to the bronze base of Cheek Pollen? But my new foundation is Tarte AC formula Light-Medium Honey, which is like MAC NC35-37, so Idk?
Oooh, that would be a pretty pairing!
I kind of like this one. It’s pretty and it’s interesting. Still on the expensive side, though but it did get an A- so maybe.
It is a good quality product overall!
I can see that there is a starkness to this shade (and I like white highlighters). The shift is really cool, though…
I like it better layered over other products! Particularly for my skin tone.
Damn… if I was still clubbing I’d be on that!
Aww!
*Dreamy sigh* This one is so beautiful too!! Pink highlights are out of my comfort zone, I usually go for like Mary Loumanizer, or yellow golds. But this is drawing me in!!
It’s a fun one to play with!
Even though it’s an eyeshadow and therefore can’t be considered a true dupe, KVD Thunderstruck seems to be really similar to this! It’s popularly used as a highlighter, so I figured that might be worth mentioning. However, since I don’t own this MUG highlighter, I can’t truly compare, though it does look close when I do the two-swatch comparison. How would you compare the two, Christine?
Thunderstruck is more shimmery and less white-based!