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Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Stick Set Review, Photos, Swatches

Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Stick Set
Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Stick Set

Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Stick Set ($58.00 for 0.18 oz.) includes six miniature-sized eyeshadow pencils. Four shades are part of the permanent range, while two (Ganache and Aubergine) are limited edition. The Caviar Stick formula is supposed to “glide on smoothly” and “blend effortlessly” while also being “long-wearing, transfer- and crease-resistant” with “rich colour payoff.” Most of the shades I have tested from the formula are very good and true to the claims, though occasionally a shade is less pigmented or less blendable (but wear seems to be most consistent). The set contains $86.90 worth of product.

Sugar Frost is a light-medium champagne gold with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had semi-opaque pigmentation–about 85% coverage or so to my eye–with a creamy, slightly “wet” feel to it that glided across the lid without skipping or tugging. It was blendable for about twenty seconds, and after it mostly dried down, you could still diffuse the edge a bit with a stiffer brush, so the formula is forgiving and easy enough to work with if you’re comfortable with pencils. The color lasted for nine hours before creasing. MAC The Naked Time (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar). MAC Canter (LE, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Fringe (P, $6.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). LORAC Uninhibited (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar). Pat McGrath Astral Gold Allure (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Beam (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). Dior Jungle #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Inspire (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). NARS Dirty Talk (DC, $25.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Dior Gold Highlighter (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Milk Makeup Hotel Lobby (P, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar). NARS Oleander (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Ciate Vaycay (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Soleil d'Ambre #2 (Eye Color) (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Viseart Flirt (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Pat McGrath Lunar Champagne (LE, $25.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Cattitude (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Ardency Inn Sunday (DC, $21.00) is warmer (90% similar). Linda Hallberg Cosmetics Collision (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Anastasia Primavera (PiP, $12.00) is darker (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Rosegold is a light-medium, golden copper with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. The consistency was creamy and comfortable to apply, though the pigmentation was less impressive–at least it was buildable on the lid without lifting the first layer (the other one I have from last year is more pigmented). On, the color started to crease after eight and a half hours of wear. 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). Urban Decay Blunt (DC, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Illusion (PiP, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Amethyst is a medium-dark, bronzy taupe with warm, red-brown tones and a metallic sheen. It was richly pigmented with a nice creaminess that nearly applied itself with great coverage and adherence to the skin. It was easily blended out and lasted for nine hours. 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.

Khaki is a muted, medium-dark olive brown with lighter green shimmer that gives it a pearly sheen. It had good color payoff with a smooth, creamy consistency that applied evenly. The eyeshadow wore well for nine hours before creasing slightly. KVD Beauty Covenant (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tarte Bedazzled Spruce (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Giorgio Armani Eclipse (03) (P, $36.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Smashbox Moss (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). LORAC Jade (PiP, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). LORAC Seaside (LE, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar). Clarins Forest #1 (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Smoky Emerald (P, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar). MAC Green Clean #3 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Givenchy Kaki Brocart (6) (P, $23.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Hourglass Deep Olive (PiP, ) is brighter (85% similar). NARS Aigle Noir (P, $28.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Olive Blend #2 (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar). Make Up For Ever D326 Black Bronze (DC, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). NARS Never Too Late (DC, $25.00) is lighter (85% similar). Make Up For Ever I628 Reptile (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). theBalm Lead Zeppelin (P, $16.00) is darker (95% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Ganache is a medium-dark, orange-toned brown with strong, warm undertones and a semi-matte finish. It had nice pigmentation, though not totally opaque; almost like lipstick that has a little translucency and enables the natural lip color to come through. The consistency was creamy, but I found it dried down faster than the shimmery shades and was a little harder to blend out. It lasted for nine hours. Laura Mercier Truffle (PiP, $23.00) is less glossy (95% similar). KVD Beauty Rust (Define) (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). Too Faced Girl's Night (LE, $16.00) is lighter (90% similar). Sephora + Pantone Universe Russet (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Natasha Denona Thorn (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Zoeva Freshly Toasted (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). Make Up For Ever M656 Chestnut (DC, $21.00) is lighter (90% similar). Laura Mercier Cocoa (PiP, $29.00) is darker (90% similar). Gucci Beauty Autumn Fire #4 (DC, ) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Dark Brew (PiP, $17.00) is darker (90% similar). Urban Decay Twice Baked (DC, $19.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Bandit (P, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Fudge (DC, $12.00) is less shimmery, less glossy (95% similar). Becca Ombre Rouge #5 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). Dior Atlantique #5 (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar). NARS Dolomites (Right) (DC, $25.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Makeup Geek Cabin Fever (DC, $6.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Viseart Sepia (Dark Matte #4) (PiP, ) is lighter (85% similar). MAC Terre (Right) (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar). Viseart Minx #2 (PiP, ) is more muted, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Aubergine is a muted, plummy purple with warm, red undertones and a semi-matte finish. The consistency was really creamy, so I initially worried about wear, but it still held on well for eight and a half hours before creasing slightly. It had good pigmentation and took about thirty seconds to dry down to a semi-matte finish, but it was never totally matte unless blended out quite a bit. ColourPop Two Much (P, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar). MAC Worthy (LE, $17.00) is less glossy (95% 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). theBalm #13 (P, $6.50) is lighter, less pigmented, warmer (90% similar). LORAC Eggplant (LE, $19.00) is less glossy (85% similar). MAC Blackberry (P, $17.00) is less glossy (95% similar). Anastasia All Star (DC, $12.00) is warmer (90% 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). Zoeva Exquisite (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler, less glossy (85% similar). Melt Cosmetics Meanstreak (PiP, ) is darker, more muted (85% similar). ColourPop Up in the Air (LE, $6.00) is lighter (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Stick Set
Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Stick Set

Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Stick Set
Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Stick Set

Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Stick Set
Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Stick Set

Laura Mercier Sugar Frost Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Sugar Frost Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Sugar Frost Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Sugar Frost Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Sugar Frost Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Sugar Frost Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Rosegold Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Rosegold Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Rosegold Caviar Stick
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 Amethyst Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Amethyst Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Amethyst Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Khaki Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Khaki Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Khaki Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Khaki Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Khaki Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Khaki Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Ganache Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Ganache Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Ganache Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Ganache Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Ganache Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Ganache Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Aubergine Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Aubergine Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Aubergine Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Aubergine Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Aubergine Caviar Stick
Laura Mercier Aubergine Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Stick Set
Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Stick Set

Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Stick Set
Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Stick Set

59 Comments

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Olivia Avatar

Omg I want this SO BAD!!! I suck at eyeshadow. Like really suck. So I use the same two pots of cream eyeshadow all over my lids and I’m done. I like cream eyeshadow with dimension so I don’t need a transition shade and a lid shade and an inner corner shade and a crease shade ahhhhh. I’m hoping I can kinda do the same with these caviar sticks. I’ve never tried cream shadow in a stick form.

Katherine T. Avatar

Aaargh!! I was so looking forward to the holiday set this year , but I already have 3 of the colors (Rosegold, Khaki, Amethyst) so I can’t justify getting this. And none of my family or friends wear much makeup at all, so I can’t give some away or split the cost. Aubergine is so pretty, they need to make that permanent. Oh and I absolutely love the eye look you did, gorgeous!

canadianjammy Avatar

Omg these are so pretty! I bought this holiday set last year but it was only a pack four. I think I might have to get this one too! I love these sticks.

A Avatar

Yay, so glad these were good, I’m getting them for sure! I just got the Sandglow caviar stick this weekend and have been using it constantly since. I don’t have dupes for these shades, but most look wearable for me, so this looks great!

Amy Avatar

I got these a few weeks ago and they are awesome! I especially enjoy using them when I only have a few minutes to get ready but still want to feel a little fancy. They blend out so well with just fingers. Thanks for the review! I love it when things I splurge on get good grades 🙂

Amy Avatar

I really like aubergine so much! Looking at the tube I thought it would be a really dark eggplant that wouldn’t read very different from other dark colors but it actually blends out to such a pretty almost maroon on me. As for the other sticks, I have enough of a collection that I could dupe the colors easily but nothing stays on my lids without creasing and these do better than anything I’ve tried–even without primer!

Charlotte Avatar

I wonder how long these would last on oily eyelids before creasing or fading? I’ve tried other brands but they just don’t last on my eyes.

LilyM Avatar

I have oily eyelids (UDPP, TFSI and the smashbox 24hr primer can’t get my eyeshadow to stick around) and these eyeshadow sticks last a good portion of the day on me! I’d say 7ish hours, which is unheard for me lol! x

Nancy T Avatar

Gosh, these are so tempting! I love the way they blended out in your eye look, but I’m not as sure about me trying to blend these out nicely with a 20 second window? Unless I do all the main blending using my fingers, perhaps the warmth will make it pliable for longer.

Sabrina S Avatar

I have these but can’t seem to get them to work on my eyes!! How do you apply and blend them? I’m having a terrible time as they dry down so fast!

Genevieve Avatar

These crème eye shadow sticks are WAY better than the UD ones reviewed yesterday. They are gorgeous and such beautiful colours too. I love the Khaki one the best, although checking the dupe list I do have Speaker box from the Playlist – which is an absolute copy of this colour.
But they are so beautiful and I love that eye look you have done Christine. So very autumn.

Helen Avatar

Aubergine looks beautiful!!!! Christine I wanted to ask you, how do you apply these? Do you use a brush or just your fingers? I’ve been reading your blog for the last 6 years and I just want to thank you for all your hard work and honest reviews!!!

Jane Avatar

Have most of these shades in full size and could not use them. I don’t like their rough glittery texture and finish. I prefer By Terry ones to these, better texture, finish and even colors.

BonnieBBon Avatar

I’m holding out for the VIB sale cuz I kinda have to now. I’ve gone a bit wild lately. But I want this SO BAD! I have a full size in Orchid and it’s actually here at the hospital with me. I can’t believe I thought I’d care about makeup. Does anyone know why VIB is starting so late? and so long after Rouge? The small procedure I had done today was prep for big surgery sometime later this month…..just watch…they’ll schedule my surgery right during VIB while I’m to jacked to care. #priorityadjustmentneeded

Shana Avatar

I just bought this box one day before your review ! I’m happy to see that the new ones get good rates too !
They seem to be more resistant to be removed compared to the metallic ones.
Love them !
Xo

Susan Avatar

Stunning. I only have two color sticks, one is a sample from Laura Mercier. The problem is that I have no real idea how to apply and blend them. I tried cream pots of eye color but didn’t have any luck or skill with application. Wish I could get a small sample set to play with. How do they work on older eyes? I love Laura Mercier.

Musixmuse Avatar

Just like Katherine T… I too already have 4 out of 6 colors from this collection and I have no one to share my interest for makeup especially Caviar sticks, I simply adore them. I even have an extra for some of the colors, which I also bought in sets. Such pretty colors and convenient to travel with. Guess, I will skip this set… hopefully Laura Mercier hears our dilemma…

LilyM Avatar

Rosegold, Amethyst and Khaki were in last years holiday set! I picked that one up as soon as I could, and really love it to bits (they last really well on my oily lids too). I was tempted by the three I don’t have from this collection- but can’t justify the price, sadly 🙁

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