Improvements in security devices are provided that are used for authenticating or security applications. The security device includes a first color-shifting layer and a second color-shifting layer, which exhibits different reflective characteristics to the first color-shifting layer. A partial first light absorbing layer is between first surfaces of the first and second color-shifting layers and a second light absorbing layer applied to a second surface of the second color-shifting layer. The color of the partial first absorbing layer is selected to substantially match the color of light reflected at a normal angle of incidence by the combination of the second color-shifting layer and the second absorbing layer.