How Much Shimmer Can You Handle?

Laura Mercier Sequin Eyeshadow ($22.00 for 0.09 oz.) are a shimmering, glittering formula of eyeshadow. It’s similar to Stila’s Jewel Palette, Urban Decay’s Stardusts, and Bobbi Brown’s Sparkle Eyeshadows. They all have this nearly creamy, slightly tacky, texture that’s chocked full of shimmer and glitter. It’s this new breed of glitter eyeshadow with a base that seems to hold the glittery bits together, so they don’t end up all over your face instead.

Laura Mercier’s Sequin Eyeshadows feel a little smoother, less glittery, but still incredibly shimmery. I found both shades I tried sheerer than Bobbi Brown’s (which are the most pigmented that I’ve tried), but infinitely more opaque than Urban Decay’s. Bobbi Brown’s are better bang-for-your-buck at $24/0.13 oz. but they’re both considerably more shadow than your average powder shade (I imagine this new glitter formula is heavier). However, neither of these shades are represented in Bobbi Brown’s line, so it’s more about what shade tickles your fancy.

• Peacock is a darkened teal with a silver sheen and a gray base. It reminded me a bit of MAC’s Teal pigment, except more of a glittery finish than a frost.
• Sterling is a silvery-white with a lilac sheen. Very icy and cool-toned–think MAC Vellum Eyeshadow. This one was sheerer than Peacock.

I was able wear these alone without any noticeable fallout throughout the day, but more importantly, they did not crease during the six hours I wore them.   I do prefer them over a base, just because it feels so bizarre not to use one!

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• Product: 27/30
• Value: 8/10
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Packaging: 4/5

RECOMMENDATION: The color range for the Sequin Eyeshadow line is still quite limited, with the brand seeming to release one or two shades with each seasonal collection.

AVAILABILITY: Nordstrom

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Laura Mercier Peacock Sequin Eyeshadow

Laura Mercier Peacock Sequin Eyeshadow

Laura Mercier Sterling Sequin Eyeshadow

Laura Mercier Sterling Sequin Eyeshadow

Laura Mercier Sterling Sequin Eyeshadow

Laura Mercier Sequin Eyeshadow: Peacock, Sterling

Beautiful, Glittering Eyes with Stila’s Jewel Eyeshadow Palette

Stila Jewel Eyeshadow Palette ($32.00) is a mysteriously glittering, shimmering palette. When I saw the promotional images for the palette, I was definitely curious — who doesn’t love some glitter? (OK, I know a few of you don’t, but shh!)

I find myself at a loss as to how exactly to describe the texture and feel of these eyeshadows. They feel almost wet, but not really creamy and certainly not powdery. They apply fairly sheerly when used, though they can be layered for a slightly more intense look.

Since it has a bit of a creamy feel (but it’s sooo not a cream shadow!), I patted the Golden Topaz shade all over my lid, just to see what kind of fall out we were looking for. I wasn’t even concerned about staying power, because it wasn’t over a base, so I expected it to crease. Well, it didn’t. It didn’t crease after just having patted it on my lid for over an hour. There was also very, very minimal fall out (like I saw three or four sparkles). Typically, I find myself having to strategically apply foundation over glittery bits and doing all sorts of tricks to make sure my undereye area isn’t more sparkly than my eyelid.

• Golden Topaz is a soft peachy-brown with champagne shimmer/glitter.
• Amethyst is a medium dark purple with red undertones and soft golden glitter.
• Black Diamond is black with silver glitter.
• Rose Quartz is a light-medium rosy pink with silver glitter.

I was pleasantly surprised at Stila’s newest palette for the spring season. I just wasn’t expecting it to knock my socks off, and I admit I was totally expecting the glitter to fall everywhere. But you know what’s REALLY awesome about this? It looked like my lids were wet. The color really does look like shimmering water. Gorgeous!

Now, I just hope they’ll release another one of these, but with vibrant jewel-tones… say a deep blue, mermaid teal…

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• Product: 29/30
• Value: 9/10
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Packaging: 4/5

Recommendation: If you love glitter and have always wanted glitter that looks like reflecting water… you have to check this out!

Availability: Sephora, Stila

See product photos & swatches!

Golden Topaz, Amethyst, Black Diamond, Rose Quartz