Makeup Geek x Kathleen Lights Highlighter Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Makeup Geek x Kathleen Lights Highlighter Palette
Makeup Geek x Kathleen Lights Highlighter Palette ($39.00 for 0.75 oz.) has three warm-toned highlighters–peachy gold, rosy pink, golden bronze–that leans toward the more extreme of highlighters, as they’re very shimmery and produce a strong sheen when applied. They are easiest to use at medium or higher coverage, but with a light touch and a feathery brush, you can get a less intense look. The powders were consistent in feel, performance, and payoff: they were soft, just a smidgen dusty but blendable on the skin with rich color payoff and a high-shine, frosted finish. I had a noticeable emphasis of pores when I wore the shades at medium or greater coverage. All three shades lasted a solid eight hours on me before fading. On my light-medium skin tone, all three produced some color as well as shine, so I expect that lighter skin tones will find these more to work as highlighting blushes, while darker skin tones will appreciate the lack of white in the bases across these shades.
Each shade is 0.25 oz., which is larger than some full-sized highlighters; but as soon as you open the palette, it’s clear that you’re getting a ton of product. I think they could have definitely gone with smaller pans and decreased price, but at least you’ll know you’re getting a good value for the price!
Nightlight is a light-medium gold with warm, yellow undertones and a sparkly, metallic sheen. The texture was soft, blendable, and just a smidgen dusty to the touch, but it applied easily to the skin with rich, opaque coverage. I would use a lighter hand or a less dense brush if you prefer a sheer to medium coverage application. The shimmer did emphasize my pores/skin texture slightly. The color lasted for eight hours on me before fading. ColourPop Starflower (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Illamasqua Rush (P, ) is lighter (95% similar). MAC TheBlonds (LE, $41.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Guilded Glow (P, $5.99) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tarte Whimsical (LE, $29.00) is darker (95% similar). Laura Mercier Addiction (P, $45.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Chanel Ivory Gold (10) (P, $58.00) is lighter (95% similar). Pretty Vulgar Sparkling Sass (P, $32.00) is lighter (95% similar). Tarte Spotlight (LE, )(95% similar). ColourPop On the Loose (PiP, $12.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC Hot and Heavy (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Dior Glowing Nude (002) (LE, $58.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Ciate Celestial (P, $32.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Milani Sunglow (P, $10.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Becca Royal Glow (LE, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). LORAC Twilight (P, $23.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). Becca Opal (P, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Precious Petals (LE, $4.99) is more shimmery (95% similar). OFRA Rodeo Drive (P, $29.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay Viserion (LE, $26.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Starlight is a slightly muted, medium rose pink with warm undertones and a sparkly, metallic finish. It had nearly opaque color payoff with a soft, smooth, and lightly dusty texture–it felt almost like a baked highlighter in that sense, as it did not look dry or sheer out instantly like a truly dry or dusty product might. There was a noticeable sparkle in this one, and the resulting finish was shiny and almost metallic on, so there was some emphasis of my skin’s natural texture. Of the three, this was the most forgiving on the skin. It wore well for just over eight hours on me. LORAC Bold Spirit (LE, $23.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). Bobbi Brown Wild Rose (LE, $46.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Pink Gold Glow (LE, $48.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Viseart Highlight #2 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Sydney Grace Swinging Vines (LE, $9.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Hourglass Rose Gold Flash (P, $42.00) is lighter (90% similar). Sydney Grace Melody (P, $9.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Cover FX Blossom (P, $42.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Becca Amethyst Flashes Geode (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Halo Gorgeous (P, $5.99) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Cover FX Magic (P, $28.00) is lighter (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Sunset Glow (P, $48.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Violet Argente (Highlighter) (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Makeup Geek Rekindle (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Cover FX Celestial (P, $28.00) is lighter (90% similar). Dior Rose Glow (005) (P, $50.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition #16 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Kosas 8th Muse (High Intensity) (Highlighter) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Anastasia Sassy Grape (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Physicians Formula Pink (P, $10.99) is less shimmery (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Sunlight is a medium-dark, reddish-brown with warm, golden shimmer and sparkle. The texture was drier and a little looser compared to the other two shades, but it remained blendable on the skin, and I really didn’t notice it being dry during application as it didn’t sheer out too readily nor did it look dry or patchy on. It had good pigmentation that lasted for eight hours when I tested it. Cover FX Gilded (LE, $34.00) is darker (95% similar). Bobbi Brown Sunkissed Glow (P, $48.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Cover FX Candlelight (P, $34.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight (P, $44.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Viseart Highlight #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Go With the Glow (P, $5.99) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Kaja Chocolate Moon (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Bronzed (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Sunlight (P, $52.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Looxi Beauty Honeychild (P, $7.50) is lighter (85% similar). Makeup Geek Ignite (P, $20.00) is darker (90% similar). Give Me Glow Take Me to the Tropics (P, $17.25) is darker (90% similar). Becca Topaz (P, $38.00) is lighter (90% similar). Laura Mercier Seduction (P, $45.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Milk Makeup Glazed (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Fenty Beauty Afternoon Snack (PiP, $36.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Awesome Blossom (P, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Anastasia Iced Out (P, $34.00) is less shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (85% similar). Cover FX Candlelight (P, $42.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). elf Sun Chaser (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Kathleen Lights
LELimited Edition. $39.00.
Nightlight
LELimited Edition. $20.00.
Starlight
LELimited Edition. $20.00.
Sunlight
LELimited Edition. $20.00.
See more photos & swatches!
Makeup Geek x Kathleen Lights Highlighter Palette
Makeup Geek x Kathleen Lights Highlighter Palette
Makeup Geek x Kathleen Lights Highlighter Palette
Makeup Geek x Kathleen Lights Highlighter Palette
Makeup Geek Nightlight Highlighter
Makeup Geek Nightlight Highlighter
Makeup Geek Nightlight Highlighter
Makeup Geek Starlight Highlighter
Makeup Geek Starlight Highlighter
Makeup Geek Starlight Highlighter
Makeup Geek Sunlight Highlighter
Makeup Geek Sunlight Highlighter
Makeup Geek Sunlight Highlighter
Gosh, such pretty swatches!
They are!
I’m honestly more amazed by that booming lip color you have on and that lovely eye shadow! What are you wearing?
As for the highlight, they look nice and great for my skin tone but not for the price. If it were about $21 I’d definitely pick it up.
Here you go!
MAKE-UP LOOK
ON FACE:
Tarte Double Duty Cream Foundation
Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder
Makeup Geek Starlight Highlighter
Makeup Geek Sunlight Highlighter
Too Faced I Will Always Love You Blush
ON EYES:
Too Faced The Power of Makeup Palette
ON LIPS:
ColourPop Flitter Metallic Liquid Lipstick
You look gorgeous!!
Definitely rocking those lips with that color.
Love It!! Lovely swatches.
I thought the same about the lip! I literally did a double take
I agree about the price… I was surprised this was priced the way it was. Unfortunately it’s what will prevent me from picking it up. It looks nice, though.
The highlighters are gorgeous, but your lipstick is distracting me. It’s lovely!
Haha! I could see that occurring.
Pretty colors, but don’t think they are universal highlighters for everyone– the darker shades would be mostly blush highlighters for me, and I’m light/light med. With that said, I have dupes for this, so will skip. But agree, wish she had broken this up into 3 separate pans, so people can pick the color they want, would also make it more portable and affordable, too. BTW, I can’t stop staring at that lipstick!! I was going to get MAC Star Trek Where No Man has gone before, but this CP one looks beautiful too. Which one do you prefer?
They’re definitely not universal – they can work on a lot of skin tones and undertones, but they aren’t necessarily just a highlighter on everyone. They are also warm-toned, and I know some prefer cool-toned highlighters as well!
Haven’t tested the ColourPop lipstick for wear yet, so no idea!
Looks like a lot of interest in that CP Flitter lipstick! Trying to decide if I should get the CP or MAC one. MAC Star Trek is launching Aug 25, do you think you will get to the CP review by then? If not, no worries. I might end up with both, they look so pretty
I really couldn’t say, sorry!
Beautiful palette, but too dark for me. They look gorgeous on you, though.
Thank you, Rachel!
Agree too both statement!!! the lack of sheen/shine in Nightlight make it way too dark for me.
I’m surprised by these shades because Kathleen considers herself fair but you have to clearly be light to light medium to start to rock these shades. lol
Oh my, these sure look great! I like these a whole lot, but am not 100% certain I’ll be getting this. Idk, we’ll see.
However: it’s your eye look and lipstick that have me “oohing and ahhing” over here! Flitter is PERFECT. And I will be very interested to see how this eyeshadow palette fares in your review.
Wow the highlighter swatches look great on you Christine! I will skip, since I have dupes.
I am thoroughly enjoying your makeup look today! Soooo glad I ordered Flitter. Can’t wait for my lips to be poppin’ too!
This is pretty but for the price I would rather get an ABH highlighter palette, with 4 shades.
They might be a little dark for me but they are lovely!
Very beautiful but the best is the Lipstick !!!!!! I have ordered it and now I cannot wait to get it. I Love it sooooo much. I think this is what the Mac Star Trek Lipstick (where no man has gone before?) would Look like if it was not so sheer. I have also one from by Terry which Looks similar but it tastes awfull.
A lipstick that tastes? Say it isn’t so!
I ordered this yesterday. Glad to see it swatches pretty well! Kathleen said the formula is the same as the MUG foiled shadows. I mostly bought it for the pink in the middle, which I LOVE. The other two will probably be used mostly as shadow, which is fine because they’re very pretty. Great review, Christine!
Very interesting – it did not feel quite as dense or as cream-like as Foiled, IMO! It is denser than their regular eyeshadows and different from the blushes they have, though!
I feel like the colors are ones we all have multiples of already. It would’ve been cool if they’d done a duochrome or more unique shade… I would only buy the pink one of this set if it was individual shades. I can’t get enough pinky highlighters! Anyway despite the fact that I love Kathleen Lights, this is an easy pass for me.
I need whatever is on your lips! 🙂
I really like this palette, but with my fair skin, I don’t think I could pull them off.
I think fair complexions could totally wear the colors but maybe more as blushes! 🙂
I love the middle shade – it caught my eye when you first gave us a quickie look at this palette – but it would be a blush on me (a lovely, shimmer blush).
Ohh these are so pretty, especially Nightlight and Sunlight! Argh Christine, off topic but it seems Mac have discontinued True Chartreuse pigment!! 🙁 🙁
Since I have all dupes of these highlighters I won’t purchase it.
You definitely get a lot of bang for your buck with these! They are very pretty highlighters, though. I especially like Sunlight.
Thought it would turn out lighter than it looks in the pan. They are pretty bright, but in no way OTT. Bet this looks grand on darker than medium. Will google that. This could make a great gift for the right person. Pretty good work, K,M, and Nick.
These are just beautiful colours and shades and they suit you so well. Love the palette.
I just ordered this so I hope its not super sparkly/glittery?
AHh, i’ve been dying to get my hands on an Hourglass highlighting palette but it’s so expensive. Think this would be a nice alternative, great review!
Came for a post about highlighters, stayed for the eye look and lip!! To be fair though, I do love the two outer shades. But I’m going to have to get that lipstick!!
Love this, it’s very pretty!
Love the lip color it looks beautiful on you!
Nice highlight palette, but it’s not for me, I’d only use the first, and it had a tonne of dupes, didn’t it. The second might work as a blush, and the third wouldn’t get used at all, well maybe as an eyeshadow.
I. like so many others love the lipstick, I must have it!
There, it’s soon on its way to me. I was surprised Colourpop shipped internationally, I seem to remember they didn’t. Surprised and glad!
The shipping cost more than the four items I bought, of course I’d probably would have bought more, but I want to stay under, well under, the sum where you have to pay customes and other annoying extras.
I hope this makes sense, I’m almost asleep writing 🙂
Definitely not a great purchase if you’d only use one of the three!
I was super excited for this palette b/c I’ve been wanting MUG to come out with highlighters for so long, and I like KathleenLights. And don’t get me wrong — it looks fantastic on Christine, and if I had medium skin I’d probably still buy it. But I was completely shocked to see the price point. That’s a straight up high-end price point, and MUG is supposed to be about affordable makeup, and catering to all makeup lovers, even those who can’t afford high end prices Yes, it’s a pretty decent value compared to, say, a Becca highlight, but it’s nowhere near as good a value as the Anastasia Glow Kits.
And then what really gets me is that the product is advertised with the following phrase (from the MUG website): “A shade for fair skin, medium skin and deeper skin tones! So, no matter who you are, you can rock these highlights.” So, you’re saying no matter what my skin tone, there will be a shade in here that works for me…and 2 shades that don’t?!? How is that a way to design a palette? (I know it’s possible for people with different skin tones to make the shades work in different ways, I just can’t believe they’re actually describing it as, everybody buy this palette and one of the 3 shades will be “for” your skin tone.)
Not everything that a company releases will necessarily suit us because we all have different skin tones and skin types. Even if its marketed as a one size fits all, it’s usually not true. I applaud her for trying to suit as many skin tones as she can with this release. This is on sale now for 40% off on the Makeup Geek site for those of you who were interested but didn’t want to shell out the $40 (like me lol).
I received this as a bday present in August, and it might be one of my favorite highlighters ever. SOOOO silky smooth and beautiful!!