One, where I talk about my favourite long-lasting creamy eyeshadow sticks
Foreword
If you are a friend to the blog (p.s. I love you), then you might know just how fond I am of Laura Mercier makeup line. I have reviewed quite a few of her new launches recently, but it was Caviar Stick Eye Colour that played the role of my gateway drug into the world of Laura Mercier to begin with. These are some of the most long-lasting, pigmented and overall amazing creamy eyeshadow sticks out there, so I figured now was the best time to finally sit down, have a cup of coffee and go through all of my must-have shades. If you are into your long-wearing, user-friendly and crease-resistant makeup - then this post will be right up your makeup alley!
About the Product
Claims: 12-hour wear // creamy // easy application // high-definition // transfer-proof // pigmented
Price: 29 USD (for 0.05 OZ / 1.64 g; Made in USA)
Packaging: since these come in two different finishes (matte, shimmer) you also get two types of packaging: one is glossy, one is matte. I quite like the fact that it is easy to identify what formula you're working with, by simply looking at the pencil itself. Every shade has a colour-coordinated bottom, so even if you own quite a few of these pencils, you won't have a problem finding the one you need. These little guys are retractable and do not come with a sharpener.
Formula: although both finishes are quite smooth and creamy, I do find that mattes here are a touch harder to blend than shimmers/metallics. Thankfully this does not affect the way they perform and from my experience, both formulas are a pleasure to work with. Even shimmery shades do not feel gritty or chunky. Caviar Stick Eye Colour is practically waterproof and once it sets - it is not going anywhere. Laura Mercier did not lie about just how bulletproof and long-lasting these bad boys are. Quality is quite consistent and I did not come across a single dud.
Application: now onto the fun part aka "how should I use Caviar Stick Eye Colour?" (and also why are these shadows so goof-proof and user-friendly?). Unlike a traditional cream eyeshadow, these pencils set and they set fast. You get around a minute or so to play around with it (e.g. layer or blend), which is why I highly recommend working one eye at a time. A densely packed synthetic brush is your best friend here (do not bother with fingers); I do not own any of Laura's eye brushes, so I use my KVD Shade & Light Eye Contour Brush; since it has two ends (one domed, one tapered) I can easily blend the shadow both on my mobile lid and lower lash-line, as well as perfectly define bits and pieces.
My Application Tip: if you want more colour payoff, apply your eyeshadow straight from the stick and blend it out with a brush. Alternatively, if you want a soft wash of colour, pick up some of the shadow with a brush first (similarly to how you would use a powder shadow) and gently place it anywhere you desire. The latter technique gives you a better precision, however, I switch between the two all the time. Quite often I will apply one shade all over the mobile lid, blend out the edges, pop some mascara and run out the door. In two words: you're the boss here, so dare to use your imagination!
Wear: just as promised, these last on my lids (without any additional primers) all day long and feel like nothing on the skin. Although I am dry, my eyelids do get oily throughout the day and most formulas (cream or powder) crease on me - but never Caviar Stick Eye Colour. Another funny thing is that if you spend an extra minute to blend mattes out, they will literally look like the most beautiful powder eyeshadows on your eyes (except never as chalky or dry). Wonderful option for those of you, who are always on the run and have only 5 minutes for makeup on a daily basis.
Colours: there are 25 shades in total and I have 19 to show you today. The colour range goes from pale ivory all the way to sultry black, with lots of flattering gold/bronze/silver shades in between; these are neutrals for the most part, with the rare exception of turquoise, blue or violet. Depending on the colour, these can be used instead of an eyeshadow primer or as a darker base for smokey eye/glittery looks; some shades here are perfect for that smudged, lived-in [rock chic] eyeliner look.
My favourites: Au Naturel, Moonlight, Caramel, Cocoa, Cobblestone, Copper, Plum.
Swatches
Please click on images to zoom in; as always all of my swatches are unedited and raw
The Look
To create this look I have used a variety of my favourite Laura Mercier face products including: Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation (2N1 Cashew); Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Concealer (2N); Face Illuminator (Inspiration); Translucent Loose Setting Powder.
On my eyes: a mix of Caviar Stick Eye Colour shadows: Vanilla Kiss (brow bone); Au Naturel (mobile lid/base); Caramel (crease); Amethyst (outer crease/lower lash line); Cocoa (outer corner/lower lash line); Moonlight (inner corner/mobile lid); Sugar Frost (inner corner).
On my lips: Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick (Fatale).
Most shades look better in person, so I highly recommend giving them a go next time you are at any Laura Mercier counter. The brand just launched a limited-edition kit called Shadows & Brights Metallic Caviar Stick Eye Colour Collection featuring four extra luminous shades (39 USD), which is a wonderful holiday gift (and deal) in my book.
PR Samples; full disclaimer here
