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Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette Review, Photos, Swatches

Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette
Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette

Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette ($14.99 for 0.32 oz.) consists of four highlighters–three powder, one cream. They’re designed as “highly pigmented metallic finishes” that give a “luminous sheen” on the “face and body.” It’s a fun palette for highlighting that doesn’t break the bank, and I think that the biggest issue is that not all shades were “highly pigmented” but imagine for many, that’s not a deal-breaker when it comes to highlighters.

Ecliptic is a subdued, light-medium rose pink with warm undertones and a pearly shimmer-sheen finish. It had semi-sheer coverage, which was somewhat buildable but never to more than medium coverage. The creamier consistency made it prone to sheering out as it was blended onto the skin, though I think that works well for the type of product it is as it is hard to overdo. On me, the cream highlighter wore for seven hours before becoming patchy. Makeup Revolution Liquid Starlight (P, $9.00) is lighter (95% similar). Maybelline Iridescent (100) (P, $9.99) is less shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Bikini (P, $36.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Poker Face (LE, $10.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). L'Oreal Daybreak (P, $14.99) is lighter (90% similar). Lancome Moonlight Rose (LE, $42.00) is lighter (90% similar). Smashbox Petal Metal (LE, $39.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Algenist Rose (PiP, $38.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Rare Beauty Enchant (P, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Rosy and Ready (P, $5.99) is darker, brighter (85% similar). ColourPop Sugar Trap (P, $7.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Rare Beauty Mesmerize (P, $22.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). ColourPop Just for Us (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Hourglass Rose Gold Flash (P, $42.00) is warmer (85% similar). Sydney Grace Melody (P, $9.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). L'Oreal Ice (P, $12.99) is lighter (85% similar). MAC Softly Does It (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Anastasia Starburst (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Makeup Geek Starlight (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Becca Rose Quartz Flashes Seashell (LE, $34.00) is lighter, less glossy (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Hemisphere is a cooler, pinky lavender with a luminous sheen. The consistency was soft and blendable, but it was a touch drier and looser in the pan, so it didn’t have the same finely-milled feel as some highlighters/powders can. I don’t think this is something really seen on the skin (at least not for me), as it imparted a nice, glowy finish that didn’t emphasize pores or look dry on. It had good pigmentation and lasted for seven and a half hours before fading. Make Up For Ever 5 Frozen Purple (P, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Big Tough Girl (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Royal Calyx (P, $4.99) is darker (95% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Ibiza (P, $54.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Rocket Science (P, $10.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar). MAC Lights on Lavender (LE, $42.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Stila Transcendence (PiP, $32.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Halographic (P, $5.99) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Anastasia Purple Horseshoe (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Confetti (P, $25.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Guerlain Holographic (Right) (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Over the Moon (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, less pigmented (90% similar). ColourPop Still Loading (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Sephora Twilight (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Makeup Geek Celestial (P, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar). Laura Mercier Obsession (LE, $45.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Laura Geller Charming Pink (P, $26.00) is warmer (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Ibiza (Center) (PiP, $44.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Physicians Formula Iridescence (P, $10.99) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Makeup Geek Glitz (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Subsolar is a very light yellow with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It doesn’t seem warm enough to be your traditional take on a gold highlighter–it almost has a green cast to it at some angles. The texture was smooth but had a firmer press to it compared to the right two highlighters, which resulted in more semi-sheer to semi-opaque coverage. It gave my skin a subtle glow without adding warmth to it (I am warm-toned, though) and did not emphasize pores or my skin’s natural texture. The highlighter wore nicely for seven and a half hours. Makeup Revolution Holographic Lights (P, $6.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). NARS Give In Take Blush I (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Milk Makeup White (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Worth the Wait (LE, $49.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Chanel Or Blanc (LE, $70.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Anastasia Helia (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Winter Bloom (LE, $4.99) is less shimmery (90% similar). J. Cat Beauty White Goddess (-, $9.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Shadowplay (P, $22.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Makeup Geek Lit (P, $20.00) is lighter (95% similar). Jouer Ice (PiP, $24.00) is lighter (90% similar). Makeup Revolution Ice Kiss (P, $9.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Gold FX (LE, $31.00) is warmer (90% similar). Becca Pearl Flashes Gold (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Ghostlight (P, $22.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Makeup Geek Electrify (P, $20.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Burberry Metallic Pearl No. 1 (LE, $35.00) is warmer (90% similar). Chanel Duo de Camelias (Right) (LE, $80.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Huda Beauty Santorini (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Perilune (DC, $10.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Equinox is a bright, light-medium coppery peach with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. This shade was richly pigmented with a very soft, blendable consistency that was a smidgen dry in the pan but didn’t look that way on the skin. On the skin, it had more of a metallic finish, which made it the most reflective of the four shades in the palette, and it was just shy of emphasizing pores on my skin if wore at medium coverage (or sheerer). This shade lasted for just over seven and a half hours for me. Urban Decay Spotlight (LE, $26.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Dior #001 (DC, $56.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Lantern Fest (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). Smashbox Shimmer (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). Pat McGrath Lunar Nude (LE, $60.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Anastasia Forever Young (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). NARS Hot Sand (P, $30.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Milk Makeup Blitzed (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, more pigmented (90% similar). NARS Queen (LE, $38.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). MAC Nuanced (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Morning After (PiP, $12.00) is darker (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Nudegasm (Super Glow) (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Milani Dayglow (P, $10.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Pretty Vulgar Glow Up (P, $32.00) is lighter (90% similar). Natasha Denona Love Glow (Glow Impact Powder) (PiP, $42.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Fair-Medium #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Lancome Rose Twinkle #3 (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). Dior Nude Glow (001) (P, $50.00) is more muted (90% similar). Tarte Lit (PiP, ) is darker, more muted (90% similar). MAC Highlighter (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Solstice

PPermanent. $14.99.
B+
B+
8.5
Product
9
Pigmentation
8.5
Texture
8
Longevity
5
Application
87%
Total

Ecliptic

PiPPermanent in Palette.
C+
C+
7.5
Product
7
Pigmentation
8.5
Texture
7.5
Longevity
5
Application
79%
Total

Hemisphere

PiPPermanent in Palette.
B+
B+
8.5
Product
9.5
Pigmentation
8
Texture
8
Longevity
5
Application
87%
Total

Subsolar

PiPPermanent in Palette.
B
B
8.5
Product
8.5
Pigmentation
8
Texture
8
Longevity
5
Application
84%
Total

Equinox

PiPPermanent in Palette.
A-
A-
9
Product
10
Pigmentation
8.5
Texture
8
Longevity
5
Application
90%
Total

See more photos & swatches!

Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette
Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette

Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette
Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette

Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette
Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette

Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette
Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette

Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette
Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette

Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette
Sleek Makeup Solstice Highlighting Palette

Sleek Makeup Ecliptic Highlighter
Sleek Makeup Ecliptic Highlighter

Sleek Makeup Ecliptic Highlighter
Sleek Makeup Ecliptic Highlighter

Sleek Makeup Ecliptic Highlighter
Sleek Makeup Ecliptic Highlighter

Sleek Makeup Hemisphere Highlighter
Sleek Makeup Hemisphere Highlighter

Sleek Makeup Hemisphere Highlighter
Sleek Makeup Hemisphere Highlighter

Sleek Makeup Hemisphere Highlighter
Sleek Makeup Hemisphere Highlighter

Sleek Makeup Subsolar Highlighter
Sleek Makeup Subsolar Highlighter

Sleek Makeup Subsolar Highlighter
Sleek Makeup Subsolar Highlighter

Sleek Makeup Subsolar Highlighter
Sleek Makeup Subsolar Highlighter

Sleek Makeup Equinox Highlighter
Sleek Makeup Equinox Highlighter

Sleek Makeup Equinox Highlighter
Sleek Makeup Equinox Highlighter

Sleek Makeup Equinox Highlighter
Sleek Makeup Equinox Highlighter

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Foundation
  • Guerlain Les Voilettes Loose Setting Powder
  • Sleek Solstice Highlighting Palette
On eyes:
  • Buxom Silver Screen Eyeshadow
  • Buxom Dusk 'Til Dawn Eyeshadow
  • Buxom Rose Gold Eyeshadow
  • Buxom Made of Jade Eyeshadow
  • Buxom Twilight Tryst Eyeshadow
  • Buxom Bronzed Bod Eyeshadow
  • Urban Decay Scorch Eyeshadow
On lips:
  • ColourPop Zebra Liquid Lipstick

53 Comments

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Christine Avatar

MAKE-UP LOOK

ON FACE:

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Foundation
Guerlain Les Voilettes Loose Setting Powder
Sleek Solstice Highlighting Palette

ON EYES:

Buxom Silver Screen Eyeshadow
Buxom Dusk ‘Til Dawn Eyeshadow
Buxom Rose Gold Eyeshadow
Buxom Made of Jade Eyeshadow
Buxom Twilight Tryst Eyeshadow
Buxom Bronzed Bod Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Scorch Eyeshadow
ON LIPS:

ColourPop Zebra Liquid Lipstick

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

I have been wanting a bunch of Sleek products for some time now. Sadly, everything I want does not ship to the US. I contacted Sleek about a month or so ago and they told me they don’t have plans, yet, to ship here. I’ve looked around and buying them anywhere else the price almost doubles. 🙁

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

Maybe I’m cheap, but I feel like Amazon price gouges on products they carry that are not normally sold in the US. The palette still isn’t “expensive” but it’s like $7-8 more on Amazon. And since I don’t have Prime, I’d also have to pay shipping. I suppose I would for an extraordinary product but I’m not sure this qualifies for me in light of all the recent highlighter palette releases. I think I’ll just keep my fingers crossed that Sleek will do what Christophe Robin is doing and that is open a US shop. (FYI I spoke with Christophe Robin folks and their US shop, online, should be open either August or September.)

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

I never thought about looking on Ebay. I see a number of seller on there have the palette. I always wonder though when you buy from Ebay, are the palettes authentic? I mean they LOOK authentic online. Just kind of wonder; esp. since it looks like a seller in WA has it for $4.25 with $3.97 shipping. Although I guess whether authentic or not, if the palette performs well, it probably doesn’t matter that much. Thanks. I may chance it.

Trina Avatar

I definitely understand your concern. I’ve been selling and buying on eBay for about 4 years. My general rule of thumb is if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. The seller i got mine from is Phonelinksuk and it is authentic. I would be careful about the seller WA only because how did they even aquire it? They certainly did not get it from the manufacturer. The person I used is based in the UK. I’m thinking because they are not a big makeup corporation they are not under the same shipping rules as sleek. You do have to be careful on ebay because there are scammers. If you look at their feedback score and read other peoples comments you can quickly figure out who is real and who is not. The palette is amazing! Good luck I hope you are able to get it because it is gorgeous!

Rebecca Avatar

I wish Sleek were sold in the US. Online it’s just too much money in shipping and VAT. I put one thing in my cart under $8 and it totaled to almost $17 in shipping and taxes. I love the look of this palette though.

Stevee Avatar

Every time I click add to bag on any of the 3 highlighter palettes it just says “sorry this item isn’t available in your country”…. I live in the US….. -_-

Arantxa Avatar

That’s a pretty eye look, Christine!

I’m a tiny bit disappointed about the Solstice palette. The colors and the packaging look great, but I find it hard to apply. Not because of the texture/formula but because I feel like this is not really flattering on darker skin tones; I wear NC44.5/45 for ref and every color from the palette I’ve tried looks straight up white on me! I’ve tried it multiple times with different brushes. Still, I really like this product and when I see it on others, it looks absolutely beautiful. Do you have any tips on how I could make this work or should I just stick to my other highlighters?

Christine Avatar

Oh, no, Arantxa! 🙁 That really is too bad. I am a bit surprised that all the shades do it, so thank you for the heads up!

My best tip would be to try a blush underneath it, so that the blush is giving you more color and then the highlighter might not turn as white as a result.

Sara Avatar

These look so pretty! Side note – I LOVE the eye looks you come up with. Especially the colorful ones. I have so much trouble coordinating looks with colorful shadows and liners, and your looks create so much inspiration!

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

As of today (8/3) Sleek Makeup ships to the US! I am waiting to hear back from them as currently their site only displays pricing in Euros and Pounds. I know that in their Beta run, they were offering free shipping in the US for purchases $25+ so hopefully, when they get the currency issue fixed, the same will still be true. Just thought I’d let everyone know.

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

Hmmmm that’s odd. Thanks. I guess everything I’ve tried to buy from them in the past didn’t ship. They posted everywhere across social media “now shipping to the US”. They did respond to my pricing question and said I should just pick Euros or Pounds when I order. I’m not comfortable doing that because if I do, my credit card company is going to charge a foreign transaction fee.

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