Skin Illustrator Activator is a special proprietary blend of ethanol and isopropynal alcohol and is needed to activate all of the Skin Illustrator palettes. It is NOT 99% alcohol. While you can use 99%, Activator has a more mild fragrance and is much easier on the senses. Skin Illustrator Activator is used to activate the make-up pigments in the Skin Illustrator Palettes. 

A quick spray into the palette and the color is ready to be applied with a brush or makeup sponge. The Activator evaporates out of the makeup after it is applied leaving a semi-permanent makeup. (Only use Activator, Slow Activator or 99% alcohol on any of the Skin Illustrator palettes. Do not use anything else.)