Alright, can we all agree that strobing is everywhere these days? Honestly, I like strobing way better than contouring, because it’s just easier to sprinkle my fair skin with glitter and make it lighter than to find the right dark contouring products to use without venturing into the muddy territory [even everyone’s favorite NYX Taupe looks like dirt on me]. So, strobing it is, and I’m owning it! My medium-sized collection of highlighters welcomed a couple new friends from Korea, and boy are they gorgeous. Created in collaboration between Memebox and a super talented Korean MUA PONY [she is as popular in Korea as Michelle Phan is in the US], these pressed powder and liquid skin illuminators are well worth your Hamiltons.
Pony Effect Highlight/Strobe Collection currently includes five products to give you some gorgeous glow this summer:
- Strobing Luminizer
- Radiance Glow Hydrating Starter
- Mirage Highlighter in Lucid Dream, Fairytale, and First Chance
PONY Effect Radiance Glow Hydrating Starter [$21, available here] is a luminizing base for makeup that also contains brightening niacinamide, and various plant extracts that provide skin caring properties. Makeup that makes my skin look better every time I wear it? Yes, please!
“This skin-perfecting makeup starter will give you candle-lit glow!”
The color is described as pearly iridescent candle-lit glow without visible shimmer, and I think that’s a pretty accurate description. There are lots of tiny shimmery particles that reflect the light in the most flattering way, making large pores and discolorations less visible. The texture of this primer is slightly slippery, but it creates a surprisingly great canvas for my foundations and BB creams. I thought they would slide off, but instead they cling to it like a magnet, so not only does my skin look like it’s glowing from within, my makeup seems to last longer, too. So far this one is a keeper!
PONY Effect Strobing Luminizer [$21, available here] can also be used as a base for makeup for a more obvious glow, but I’ve been rocking it on my cheekbones. In terms of texture, this liquid highlighter feels the same as the primer above: slightly slippery, but lightweight and adheres well to the skin. This beautiful shimmery champagne shade is universally flattering and will work for people with different skin tones, from very fair to deep.
“Shimmer is oh so fine it almost makes your skin look wet!”
And can we just talk about the packaging on these? Super functional pumps aside, those rose gold accents are not exactly a common sight among non-luxury makeup. I think these pretty bottles would fit right in even with fancy-schmancy makeup.
In comparison, PONY Effect Mirage Highlighter [$15, available here] comes in a much simpler magnetized plastic compact outer case, but these too have rose gold lining on the inside. They do not come with applicators, so you need to have your own. There is also no mirror in the compact, in case that matters.
“Glow from within with this silky soft highlighter featuring light-reflecting Pearl Powder.”
Currently, there are three shades available. Lucid Dream is described as a white pearl shimmer. It’s a fairly neutral highlighter that will look good on every skin tone, and work well with both warm and cool blushes. You know how white pearls have that slightly pinkish iridescent shimmer to them? That’s what it looks like – mostly white, with faint pink/purple iridescent shimmer that you only notice when the light reflects off of it.
Fairytale is described as a pale yellow gold shimmer, and it leans warm so it will work best if you prefer your makeup to be on the warmer side, or if you are looking to change the undertone of a blue-based blush by adding a layer of yellow-toned shimmer over it. I’ve done both, and I definitely prefer to just pair warm with warm to be honest. Warm colors look best on my olive skin after all 😉
First Chance is the darkest of the bunch, and if you have very fair skin it can even be used as a peachy blush. Memebox describes it as a warm peachy gold shimmer, and I currently use it as a neutral blush for days when I want my skin to look extra glowy, and as an eyeshadow. You can totally use all three on the eyes, but this one in particular looks so pretty when it catches the light!
I want to note that none of these are glittery in the slightest; the finely milled pigments are truly shimmery, so they never emphasize pores or lines, making these highlighters pretty universal for different skin types and age groups. The formula is very smooth and buttery, and I had no issues picking up a good amount of product with all of my brushes. So whether you use ultra soft artisan-made gray squirrel brushes or budget-friendly ones, you will be happy with the result.
The longevity depends on the base product you use, as these highlighters melt off at the same rate as the rest of your makeup. When I used a matte foundation, they stayed on til the end of the day until I removed it, and when I used a sheer BB cream they melted off along with it right before dinner.
BOTTOM LINE:
Okay, first of all I want to admit that when MEMEBOX originally partnered with PONY for her first eyeshadow palette, I bought it and was totally disappointed, so I never even reviewed it on this blog. The packaging looked cheap, even though the brushes inside were pretty decent quality and actually practical. The eyeshadows were hard as a rock, and the quality was basically what you would get out of a dollar store makeup. This collaboration has come a long way since then, and a many of their latest products seemed to be pretty impressive, in terms of packaging and consumer feedback. That was literally the only reason I even decided to review this highlighter collection, and I am happy I gave it a chance. I’ve been very happy with every product here, so instead of recommending something specific and picking favorites, I can honestly say that no matter which one of these five you get, you will be happy. The formulas are top notch, and compare to some of the best products that you can find at department stores. For instance, Strobing Luminizer and Radiance Glow Hydrating Starter are basically dupes for Armani and Burberry liquid makeup bases, and cost way less, so I totally think these are a steal for what they offer.
You can purchase MEMEBOX x PONY Effect Highlight/Strobe Collection at Memebox.
Have you tried MEMEBOX x Pony makeup? Do you use any Korean makeup or skincare products in your routine? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclosure: This post features products received for editorial consideration and may contain affiliate or referral links. For more details about my product review policy, copyright, and information about affiliate links, please refer to Disclosures & Content Use page.
