February 6, 2013

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick Review & Swatches

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

For Spring 2013, Bobbi Brown launched an eight shade selection of new Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks ($28). The Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick is kinda a new take on Bobbi’s long wearing shadow formula in a pencil format which applies easily onto eyes in a handy, travel friendly pencil.

I’ve been testing these for a few weeks so I thought it well past the time for a review.

Here are some thoughts!

I used to dislike cream shadows in a major way but they’ve grown on me to a point that I embrace and even love the formula more than shadows sometimes.

Bobbi’s Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks are sort of a new take on her already popular Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadows in the pot. Take that great formula, stick it in a swivel up pencil, and you basically have a brand new way to apply those shadows. Just like the Long-Wear Cream Shadow these have a thick, creamy formula. The texture is similiar but not as creamy as Laura Mercier’s Caviar Pencils. They are soft and creamy enough that they glide onto lids easily without tugging. They have a little bit of a tacky feel, if you’re familiar with the Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadows (pot) you’ll likely know what I mean. This tackiness isn’t uncomfortable at all but typically it prolongs the wear of the original format of these shadows however, in the pencil formula it didn’t seem to aid much but more on that in a bit.
Hover your mouse over the photos to display the shade name.

Bobbi Brown Violet Plum Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick Violet Plum

Bobbi Brown Sand Dune Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick Sand Dune

Bobbi Brown Iced Blue Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick Iced Blue

Bobbi Brown Golden Pink Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick Golden Pink

Bobbi Brown Bark Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick Bark

Shadow, Violet Plum, Golden Pink, Forest, Bark

Vanilla, Sand Dunes, Iced Blue

I did find these a tad challenging to work with. In two cases, I ended up losing the dome shaped tipped of the pencil. Not sure if I was too heavy handed or they are prone to breakage but they snapped right off as I was applying. Thankfully the other six shades didn’t have an issue. I find they sheer out quickly and prove a little difficult to build up. You have to have patience to apply..it’s a technique of swiping it on your eye two to three times, blending with your finger, and rebuilding the color because certain shades go a little patchy and reveal the skin of your lid as you blend. Pigmentation is excellent but the color needs building in order to get the best saturation on lids. In this case, application and blendability, Laura Mercier has the supreme formula as a single swipe yields color and as I blend I don’t experience issues with patchiness.

Wear time varies but on my dry lids I did experience creasing within a five hour period. Typically the original pot version of the shadows will last me eight or more hours sans any issues with creasing but the pencil formula wasn’t as long wearing.

On the upside some of these shades are essentials that I’d happily rebuy! Vanilla and Sand Dune are amazing shades for a natural look and make excellent bases for powder eyeshadows, strangely enough they pro-long powder wear and allow it to remain crease-free for hours, too bad they don’t do the same on their own.

If you dislike shimmer you’ll be very pleased that most all the shades are a cream, semi-matte finish sans sparkle or shimmer of any kind the exceptions being Golden Pink and Iced Blue.

Overall, I’d if you’re a fan of using cream shadows under powders these work a treat at prolonging the wear of powers, giving it more depth, and laying the grounds for excellent eye looks. On their own they do have a few issues with creasing and a difficult to blend and perfect formula. I find the price a little questionable as well, $28 for .05 oz is a tad high especially when the regular potted shadows are $24 and contain .12oz! I would recommend not missing Vanilla and Sand Dunes, even the higher price on these wouldn’t prevent me from a repurchase as both shades are very flattering. In some ways I feel like they are worth the effort of application but a little shave off of the price tag would really be nice!

I’m a huge Bobbi Brown fan but these missed the mark with me a little bit sadly.

They are available now on counter.

Tried ’em?

Do share!

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Cj

    I got golden pink and I had a huge problem with creasing, which is beyond weird because I never have problems with creasing! I used by itself without a powder on top so that might be the problem, I have no idea 🙁

    • the Muse

      I did too, with all of them, some within four hours others at five hours. 🙁 even with plenty of primer!

      • Cj

        Definitely a miss for bb 🙁 Have you tried the new mac prolong wear paint pots? I ordered vintage selection 😀 Christine gave it an A+ so here’s hoping it doesn’t suck lol

        • the Muse

          I got three still have to test ;-D! I read her review so I’m happy ;D!

  • Larie

    Thanks for these swatches! They do look like an easy way to put on essential shades…low-maintenance shades.

  • Jessica

    I was really disappointed and returned the shades I’d chosen. Creasing was horrible, and they felt so tacky and uncomfortable that they made my eyes feel heavy all day. I’m a huge fan of both the long wear cream shadows and Laura Mercier’s Caviar Sticks, but these were a major fail. I’ll stick to what works for me! Curious to try Clinique’s version, though!

  • Jessica

    At $28 these are way over priced for what they are especially since Laura Mercier’s are so nice AND cheaper!

  • Jill

    My first response to trying them was , hey they copied Laura Mercier! I bought the plum , (it was the only shade that appealed to me) before I discovered that Laura had increased her caviar stick shades, just in time for spring! I snagged 3 of her latest shades so far— grey pearl, sand and orchid. Love them! Ive loved the caviar stick since the debut– especially amethyst– but the other shades were all quite smoky for me. Her spring shades are delightful! Not only are they cheaper than BB, I think they are smoother, and more lasting. Dont forget LM dual action makeup remover. It removes eye makeup like a dream!

    • the Muse

      i saw those and want! I really enjoy her formula as well and unfortunately for BB they have a way nicer wear time!

  • Joyce

    How are these different from Urban Decay’s Shadow Pencils and Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks?

  • Sophie

    Wow your blog is great! Every time I look up a product I see you have already reviewed it!! Thanks for all the help you’ve given me ! 😀