The festive season might be the time to stock up on the makeup empties that we religiously tried, loved and can't wait to get our hands back on. One such OG that has never disappointed makeup fanatics (including myself) is the MAC Strobe Cream which has become an irreplaceable step for my makeup routine as well as its loyal customers around the globe. The hydrating dew it gives to the skin with the finely milled pearls is simply unbeatable and I love how it's an easy choice especially for no-makeup makeup days. But truth be told, as much as I love and enjoy this product, INR 3,600 is a hefty amount to pay for a moisturising illuminator and so, we found alternatives that wouldn't pinch the pocket as much:
Love MAC's Strobe Cream? Here Are 8 Alternatives For Glowing Skin
Lakme Lumi Cream
₹549
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Probably the closet to the MAC Strobe Cream in terms of texture, the Lakme Lumi Cream has the same hydrating feel to it as MAC. It is great for your everyday makeup when you want to skip the foundation, and sport a bare face with maybe a few dots of concealer. This one isn't as luminous because of fewer pearl particles in comparison to MAC, but I don't mind that since it's a great base product that would lay well over sunscreen, and make your skin look naturally dewy.
Colorbar Spotlight Illuminating Lotion
₹950
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This one's a game-changer for those finding it hard to get over the MAC Strobe Cream but icked by its price point. The texture, application, and end result of the Colorbar Spotlight Illuminating Lotion are almost identical to the MAC Strobe Cream, both are equally hydrating, and give a similar soft luminosity to the skin. Colorbar has nailed the formula with the right amount of moisturisation that doesn't feel tacky on the skin, with a generous concentration of pearly particles that don't fall flat, unlike other illuminating primers in the game. Also, Colorbar is a cruelty-free brand (while MAC isn't) which is another plus.
Swiss Beauty Real Make-Up Base
₹429
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I have seen too many beauty content creators review this product from Swiss Beauty, a homegrown cosmetic brand that has taken the Indian market by storm. Their products are good quality and reasonably priced so you don't have to burn a hole in your pocket for your glam. Talking about the product, it's pretty close to the performance of the MAC Strobe Cream, however, it has specks of shimmer which aren't a great choice for skin with large pores.
Sugar Bling Leader Illuminating Moisturiser
₹699
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Sugar's Bling Leader Illuminating Moisturiser is a spot-on dupe of the MAC Strobe Cream. It has the same lit-from-within glowing formula—available in three different shades, just like the MAC Strobe Cream. Another thing not to be missed is that this one also has skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E and shea butter, just like MAC! This one ticks all the right boxes for a highlighting primer that would give a smooth and glowy base, plus it is also cruelty-free!
NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow
₹850
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For those who want their liquid illuminator to pop a little more than the MAC Strobe Cream, this one's your best bet! The finish is a little more shiny than the MAC Strobe Cream, but absent of chunky shimmer particles that might just be a bit too much for your skin to handle. The formula is comfortable on the skin, but not as hydrating as the one from MAC which is okay for your full beat days for a blinding glow.
Gush Beauty Glow Getter Illuminating Moisturiser
₹1190
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Blurs skin? Check. Pearly finish? Check. Moisturising formula? Big check! Considering this one’s a moisturiser, primer, illuminator and sun protector making it a four-in-one, product. It is free from toxic ingredients like parabens, sulphates, and synthetic fragrances—Gush Beauty has hit the ball out of the park with this one!
Faces Canada Strobe Your Way
₹599
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Although the product flaunts hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter, it isn’t quite as moisturising as the MAC Strobe Cream, but we would definitely recommend this for highlighting over your foundation because the glow it gives is definitely worth the purchase.
Earth Rhythm Glow Set Go All Day Strobe Crème
₹525
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Earth Rhythm's strobe cream is ideal for everyday use as it has SPF 50 which will keep you protected from the sun while giving an iridescent glow to the skin, similar to the MAC Strobe Cream. It has a lightweight formula that glides like butter on the skin. It's also available in three shades for light, medium and deep skin tones so choose accordingly.
