For the record, I do not recommend living a secret sneaky makeup double life.
Bolting out the door to school without so much as a stitch of lipgloss on your lips, only to covertly cosmeticize yourself from start to finish before the first bell rings, is initially a thrill, but it gets old fast…
Trust me on this. Half the time I’d be in algebra class with one sloppy purple-rimmed eye and little else. I did this for three years until, at age 14, I was given the official “OK” by my mom to wear makeup to school.
I did learn a few things, though, during those secret squirrel makeup days, like how to appreciate makeup that’s easy to sneak in and out of the house. It’s one of the reasons I was interested in the eyeshadow sticks from Bobbi Brown’s new $38 Mini Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick Trio.
Each of the little minis fits nicely in the palm of my paw.
Perfect for covert makeup application. 🙂
There’s a shimmery pastel rose called Pink Sparkle, a shimmery heather mauve called Smokey Topaz and a shimmery blackened charcoal that goes by the name, Espresso Bean.
The 0.02-oz. sticks fit into most of my pockets and makeup bags, even the really small ones, and are easy to quickly apply. I just run a stick directly on my lids, and smudge out the edges with a finger or blending brush (being careful not to go too far up into the crease).
Yeah, man, that’s it! The formula sets in less than a minute and lasts all day long, even without a primer.
Because the formula does set quickly, you do want to work fast; otherwise, you could be S.O.L., and no one wants to end up with patchy, uneven eyeshadow.
Of the three for me, Smokey Topaz is the belle of the ball. I think it looks complex on my skin — gold, taupe, gray and lavender — and it’s a mix I just don’t see every day.
I like Espresso Bean, the blackened charcoal shade, for dramatic smokey eyes. Tiny flecks of silver give it depth and flair. Keep this one in your makeup bag for impromptu drinks/dinner dates, ’cause hey, you never know.
Pastel rose Pink Sparkle is a wee smidgen too frosty for me, but still absolutely doable. I apply a bit and buff it out like cray-cray for a sheer layer of shimmer.
With these cream sticks in your life, you will most certainly get out the door in time to catch the express bus to work (shout-out to the 38AX Geary!), or make it to your first class before the bell.
Both good things. 🙂
PRICE: $38 for three 0.02-oz. stick eyeshadows
AVAILABILITY: Limited edition, and available now at Bobbi Brown counters and online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Kristina Vieweg says
November 12th, 2014 at 2:34 pmI agree, Smoky Topaz is defiantly the winner and it looks SO fabulous on you!
Kristina Vieweg recently posted … Urban Decay Full Frontal Lipstick Stash Set
Agata says
November 12th, 2014 at 3:08 pmSmokey Topaz looks beautiful but I like the rosey shade too. There is no such thing as too frosty!
Agata recently posted … My Sephora Makeover
Sunny says
November 12th, 2014 at 3:21 pmThis set is cute, and I like how it looks on you! Smokey Topaz is definitely my favorite here as well. I finally laid my hands on the 6-piece Laura Mercier Caviar Stick set though, so I am done for the season 😉 I’ve only tried one Bobbi Brown one. Unfortunately that shade doesn’t blend too easily, so I haven’t tried another one since! I’d like to think that one is an exception though.
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Karen says
November 12th, 2014 at 4:22 pmHi Sunny,
I’ve found that the trick with Bobbi’s sticks is to work quickly. The faster you can blend, the better off you are. No seriously, I have my 217 in there faster than you can say “Crazy Cat Lady.” lol
How are you liking the Caviar Sticks? Aren’t they super pretty? I love to use them as bases for powder eyeshadows.
Sunny says
November 12th, 2014 at 4:52 pmThe one shade I have (Violet Plum) does wear very well, but without a brush, it’s impossible to make it even. I know I am probably too lazy, but I like eyeshadow sticks because I can just blend with my pinky!
I looove Caviar Sticks! I already own 4 full-size ones, and now I’ll be adding new shades to my stash 🙂 I don’t like the lighter/matte shades enough to buy them full-size, so it’s a great way to add some versatility to my eyeshadow stick collection.
Tulipthecat says
November 12th, 2014 at 3:22 pmThose would be perfect for me. I’m always late and doing my makeup on the run. Sometimes I’m outside of work trying to finish up my lipstick in the car.
Karen says
November 12th, 2014 at 4:21 pmI do my lips in the car all the time. You want your gloss/lipstick/whatevs to look fresh once you get to your destination, right?
I hope that you and Tulip have been having a good week! Tabs has been naughty all week long, sigh.
Tulipthecat says
November 12th, 2014 at 5:15 pmThat is true….Why has Tabs been naughty all week? Tulip is always naughty. She’s always scratching the sofa to get my attention or pouncing on me when I’m not looking. The other week she got out of the house and my mom found her in our treehouse and of course she couldn’t get down.
Hope you are having a good week too!!!!
Karen says
November 12th, 2014 at 8:11 pmHe’s been really agro lately. When I pet him all he wants to do is nibble and bite my wrists. Usually he lets me pet him and hug him as much as I want but this week he’s not having it. Also, he’a been using the stairs as a scratching post, grrr. Bad tabby! How did Tulip get out of the house? Has she always been an indoor kitty?
Tulipthecat says
November 13th, 2014 at 10:59 amTulip was an indoor cat because one night she got stuck outside and then was afraid of the backyard. When my boyfriend’s cat Jazmine moved in she went outside so Tulip wanted to go out too. Tulip can open the screen door if it’s not closed all the way. She likes to open doors and drawers. In the kitchen she opens the drawer with the dish towels and then takes them all out.
Maybe Tabs is just sad that the time has changed and is still grumpy about it. Although, Tulip has been scratching me a lot on the wrist these days too….maybe it’s a phase
Lulle says
November 12th, 2014 at 8:25 pmI still haven’t tried this formula, but I think I may go for the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick instead. I often have issues with cream shadows that set too fast, I don’t work quick enough to get an even finish.
Lulle recently posted … Dior Golden Reflections palette: a tale of flying sparkles
Kiss & Make-up says
November 13th, 2014 at 3:42 amI have the Smokey Topaz gel eyeliner/eyeshadow. But the stick version looks pretty amazing too.
Kiss & Make-up recently posted … A flattering make-up look with soft effect powder eyeliner & pretty pink lips
LindaLibraLoca says
November 13th, 2014 at 6:09 amI swatched the full size sticks in store yesterday and was impressed by their staying power. They stayed put throughout the day, even after doing the dishes.
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Karen says
November 13th, 2014 at 8:00 amHi LindaLibraLoca,
They last a really long time, right?! I have to remember to grab a few when the weather gets hot again (sigh, whenever that happens again!). It’s rainy and cold here today. I can’t deny that winter is coming…
Anywho, if you liked Bobbi’s sticks, you have to try Laura’s. Hers are lovely, too.
LindaLibraLoca says
November 13th, 2014 at 8:12 amI have the Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks on my christmas wish list. They released a set of minis that calls my name.
It is grey and rainy over here too, I keep lighting candles to add some warmth to the days…
Karen says
November 13th, 2014 at 9:30 amYes, I saw that! I’m kind of lemming after it too. 🙂
Good idea to light some candles. I have one that I should burn by Nest — it smells like Pumpkin Chai!
Rachel R. says
November 13th, 2014 at 2:53 pmOh, my, these are gorgeous! Smokey Topaz does indeed look complex and versatile. The other two shades are mighty nice themselves.
Icequeen81 says
November 13th, 2014 at 4:16 pmlike the shades
Erin says
November 13th, 2014 at 8:55 pmI like the smokey topaz shade!
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Kazzle83 says
November 14th, 2014 at 10:28 amHi Karen, firstly I love your blog. And love the Smokey Topaz on you – they did a limited edition of this shade in the long-wearing eye shadow pots last year in the UK. Can I just ask what blush and lipstick you are wearing in the pics? It’s beaut 🙂
Karen
Jamie says
January 26th, 2015 at 8:52 pmHi Karen! Such a beautiful look, I have to know what you are wearing on your cheeks and lips! Pretty please give me the dets!