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Laura Mercier Layer Up Caviar Stick Set Review, Photos, Swatches

Laura Mercier Layer Up Caviar Stick Set
Laura Mercier Layer Up Caviar Stick Set

Laura Mercier Layer Up Caviar Stick Set ($39.50 for 0.12 oz.) includes four miniature sized Caviar Sticks, which are cream eyeshadows in twist-up, jumbo pencil form.

Rosegold is a light-medium gold with warm, orangey undertones and a pearly sheen. It had semi-opaque coverage in a single stroke, which was buildable to opaque coverage in two to three layers. The consistency was smooth, lightly creamy, and didn’t tug on the lid and laid down even color. It was blendable for about thirty seconds, and then it set and stayed in place for eight and a half hours on me. Laura Mercier Rose Quartz (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). ColourPop Sunset Chaser (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar). Moira Showtime (P, $7.50) is more shimmery (95% similar). LORAC Rose Gold (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). Urban Decay Half Baked (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). NARS Icon (DC, $25.00) is darker (95% similar). Dior Poncho #1 (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar). NARS Endless (DC, $25.00) is darker (95% similar). Urban Decay Steady (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar). LORAC Rose Gold (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). Disney by Sephora Wanderin' Free (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). LORAC Primrose (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Sleek MakeUP Sunset #11 (PiP, $9.99) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Urban Decay Blunt (DC, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). bareMinerals Gold Leaf (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Golden Mink #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Wild Out (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Viseart Sucre (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). ColourPop Illusion (PiP, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Blunt (DC, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Amethyst is a medium-dark plum with warmer, reddish-brown undertones and lighter, purple-taupe shimmer. It had semi-opaque coverage in one stroke, and I did notice that it was cooler than the last time I swatched Amethyst–it seemed like it had more shimmer overall, too. The texture was nicely creamy; enough that it skated across the lids without skipping or dragging but did not slide around while it dried down. It wore well for nine hours before creasing on me. Sleek MakeUP Paradise on Earth (PiP, $9.99) is more shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Dragonfly (P, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar). Hourglass Infinity #3 (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (95% similar). Make Up For Ever I544 Pink Granite (DC, $21.00) is cooler (95% similar). Urban Decay Liar (PiP, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar). Urban Decay Midnight Rodeo (DC, $19.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Mortal #5 (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). Tarte Ring-a-ling (LE, ) is more muted (90% similar). Makeup Geek Prom Night (DC, $6.00) is cooler (90% similar). Tarte Minx (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Giorgio Armani Terra Sienna #2 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Thought Bubble (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). MAC Force of Nature #1 (LE, $21.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Laura Mercier Intense Amethyst (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Natasha Denona Vintage (49M) (DC, $29.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). MAC Until Dawn #1 (LE, $21.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Maybelline Sleek & Spice (95) (LE, $6.99) is darker (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Orchid Haze #2 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Nude Dip #3 (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Makeup Geek Night Life (P, $12.00) is warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Aubergine is a dark plum with warmer, reddish undertones and a natural finish. It had good color payoff in a single pass, and while it wasn’t buildable to opaque coverage, it was creamy enough that it was blendable on the lid without becoming patchy. The color started to crease after eight and a half hours of wear. MAC Worthy (LE, $17.00) is less glossy (95% similar). ColourPop Two Much (P, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar). theBalm #13 (P, $6.50) is lighter, less pigmented, warmer (90% similar). LORAC Eggplant (LE, $19.00) is less glossy (85% similar). Smashbox Save to Faves (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). Viseart Dark Matte #5 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). LORAC Cabernet (LE, $19.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Tarte Mulberry & Bright (LE, ) is darker, less glossy (90% similar). Anastasia All Star (DC, $12.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Blackberry (P, $17.00) is less glossy (95% similar). ColourPop Up in the Air (LE, $6.00) is lighter (85% similar). Tarte Vio-let It Go (LE, ) is lighter, more muted (85% similar). LORAC Plum (PiP, $19.00) is cooler (85% similar). Fenty Beauty Pinot Please (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). Tarte Mancat (LE, ) is less shimmery, less glossy (90% similar). Too Faced Blackberry (LE, $16.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Offline (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Too Faced Delectable (PiP, $16.00) is darker, less glossy (90% similar). Dior Magnify #5 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Natasha Denona Maasai (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, less glossy (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Tuxedo is a deep, inky black that leaned a little cool and had a natural finish. The pigmentation was semi-opaque in one stroke, but it was buildable to opaque coverage in two layers. The texture was creamy and easy to work with on the lid for general application, but it was somewhat patchy as I diffused and blended it out. It wore well for eight and a half hours before creasing on me. About Face Kill the Lights (P, $14.00)(100% similar). Illamasqua Zeitgeist (P, $25.50) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Tarte Silhouette (LE, ) is less glossy (95% similar). Make Up For Ever S102 Onyx (DC, $21.00) is cooler (95% similar). Sleek MakeUP Sunset #1 (PiP, $9.99) is warmer (95% similar). Surratt Beauty Scandal Eyes (Cream) (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC Smokeluxe #5 (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). Chanel Rêve d'Orient #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Hourglass Black (PiP, ) is less glossy (95% similar). Giorgio Armani Obsidian (01) (DC, $39.00) is cooler (90% similar). Anastasia D5 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, ) is less glossy (90% similar). bareMinerals Lights Down (P, ) is cooler, lower quality (90% similar). MAC Fashion Legend (LE, $17.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Nablack (PiP, ) is less glossy (90% similar). NARS Filbuste (P, $28.00) is warmer (95% similar). Anastasia Beast (LE, $12.00) is less glossy (90% similar). ColourPop Rock Bottom (PiP, $4.50) is darker, cooler, less glossy (85% similar). ColourPop Knight (LE, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Dior Khaki Design #5 (P, ) is warmer (95% similar). bareMinerals Penthouse (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Laura Mercier Layer Up 4-Piece Caviar Stick Set

Laura Mercier Layer Up 4-Piece Caviar Stick Set

Laura Mercier Layer Up 4-Piece Caviar Stick Set

Laura Mercier Rosegold Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Rosegold Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Rosegold Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Amethyst Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Amethyst Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Amethyst Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Aubergine Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Aubergine Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Aubergine Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Tuxedo Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Tuxedo Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Tuxedo Caviar Stick

36 Comments

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Comments on this post are closed.
A Avatar

Nice to see Aubergine back! Even though I can’t see myself finishing my mini from last year’s set any time soon, I wish they’d make a full sized permanent version of the shade available. It’s a lovely colour and pairs really nicely with Amethyst (which I loved enough to already buy the full sized stick) for a quick but great looking eye look.

A Avatar

Definitely, I was worried it might look a bit ashy on me on its own, but it was actually both easy to wear and complex enough that it’s not boring – the purpley tone really shows up well on my skin!

Katherine T. Avatar

(sigh) I already have Rose Gold and Amethyst from prior set, so can’t justify $39 for 2 remaining shades, although I love Aubergine, and I can probably use Tuxedo as a black base to make glittery shadows pop.

Olivia Avatar

I have been wanting to buy caviar sticks for years but talk myself out of it every year. Absolutely going for it this time since the price is lower than the holiday set from last year. I think it was like $60? Of course, it had more colors but I love those plummy colors in this one.

Fran Avatar

Aubergine will be difficult for me to wear, but I think I should get this set anyway! Every year I skip it, because there’s one or two colors that aren’t the most flattering for me, but then I end up wishing I had sprung for it, so this year I think I will just do it! That does look like an especially pretty version of Amethyst, and I should be able to use the Rose Gold and Tuxedo.

AB Avatar

So this kit is not for me because I don’t use black eyeshadow. But I’ve never looked at these caviar sticks before, and rose gold and amethyst are both quite nice. So I’m going to look into when I can (happily these are permanent).

Lizz Avatar

This set is beautiful! I already own a full size of Amethyst but I love it enough to get this set to get the other shades! I love using shadow sticks since they are easy to just apply all over the lid for a quick makeup look!

Tracy Avatar

I purchased 2 sets over the weekend, one for me and one for my beauty-loving niece. We both love the shades since we didn’t own any and can see them lasting for quite some time. The price tag was also a factor which seemed reasonable compared to previous sets.

Lea Avatar

I have a few of these in the full size and they’re really good. They do come in second place to my byTerry Ombre Blackstars though; the color selection is amazing. Heftier price tag, but they take quite a while to go through and don’t budge. Definitely recommend checking them out if your a fan of the Laura Mercier ones but want some other color options. Oh and SpaceNK (which carries byTerry) is now at Nordstrom!

Lindsay Avatar

Really late to this conversation but could you compare the byTerry Misty Rock to the LM Amethyst? And if you have Bronze Moon, what do you think of it? Thanks!

Lea Avatar

Lindsay – sorry for the delay in getting back to you on this. I think some of the choice is going to come down to you preference on pigmentation and price point. For the money, the byTerry shadow sticks are the best bet in my opinion. The pigmentation is deep – though not overwhelming for my fair skin – it’s got a great shimmer and wears for hours without creasing or fading. I am a fan of the LM ones, but gave in and tried a byTerry and it just wasn’t a competition for me. I have four shades now, but Misty Rock and Bronze Moon are my top choices. I also have the Burberry Dusky Mauve, which is in the same color family and wears well too. If you can get over the price, I’d say go for Misty Rock. I think you’ll be pleased by the color and formulation. I’ve gotten a few friends hooked on that color particularly after they raved over it like mad.

Lindsay Avatar

Lea – thanks so much for your thoughtful reply. I have resisted Black Moon and Misty Rock for ages – but I know they are right up my alley and I hear nothing but raves so I suspect resistance will ultimately be futile!

Wednesday Avatar

I picked up last years and honestly, I don’t understand the raves. But cream/stick shadow formulas are very much hit or miss on peeps.. this one does not work on me. Weird I can wear Charolette Tilbury while it creases on everyone else and yet I find this one has no staying power whatsoever, transfers to mid eye gunk on me. Ick. Aubergine is a really nice colour.

AB Avatar

I’ll pass on the set because I don’t wear black eyeshadow, but the review has me considering rosegold and amethyst permanent versions — they’re very pretty.

Mel Avatar

I bought this and was surprised by how patchy Tuxedo was when I tried to diffuse it. It was the most disappointing color for me. I thought I had gotten a faulty one but am glad to read that your review matches my experience. I love Aubergine though, it’s perfect for fall.

Susan Dowman Nevling Avatar

Love Laura Mercier and love the price. I don’t have much experience with cream shadows though. This may be the time to try them.

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