November 15, 2013

Almay Shadow Softies Review & Swatches

Almay Shadow Softies Eyeshadow

Almay Shadow Softies by Intense-I-Color is a new eyeshadow that recently launched at drugstores ($3.99 at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Harmons, and Christmas Tree Stores). Almay Shadow Softies are available in 14 shades which hints they will likely be added to the permanent Almay Collection and are not limited edition.

Target actually got these in stock recently too but they are $4.49 each there.

Let’s take a look!

Almay Shadow Softies Collection Spring 2014

At first glance Almay Shadow Softies are deceiving as the displays say a whipped formula so you might make a big assumption they are a cream formula. I’m actually confuddled because I don’t know what to call them! They aren’t a powder and they aren’t a true cream either.

The texture reminds me of Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush as they have a soft, moldable texture that reminds me of softened modeling clay. They don’t retain their shape once you press on them they do however, have a certain squishy or spongy feel! It’s actually fun just pressing down on them! You can see below what I mean…it’s weird right?

almay shadows softies 20

This texture is actually great and not so great. Not so great because you can’t really use a shadow brush or an eyeshadow sponge applicator to apply them! You’ll have to rely on your fingers and I know well that icky feeling of using your fingers on any makeup due to bacteria, etc…but in this case you either have to use fingers for application or just skip them completely. Applying with fingers makes application a snap. The texture picks up, builds, and blends easily using the pad of your index finger.

I tried five shades and all are VERY subtly pigmented yet very pretty for no nonsense looks. They have a very soft, lightweight texture and in many cases the shades have a hint of shimmer to them (in others no shimmer at all). I actually loves them for quickie, light looks. If your eyes are aging and your lids are starting to become dry or showing crepiness this is the type of formula that applies so easily and flawlessly. However, on the down side they won’t be grand for oily lids as even with proper prepping and priming they tend to crease badly within a three hour period.

almay shadows softies swatches

Creme Bruelee, Moss, Hot Fudge, Petal, Peach Fuzz

Almay Shadow Softies

almay shadows softies 1

almay shadows softies 2

Creme Bruelee

almay shadows softies peach fuzz

almay shadows softies 4

almay shadows softies 3

Peach Fuzz

almay shadows softies moss

almay shadows softies 6

almay shadows softies 5

Moss

almay shadows softies hot fudge

Hot Fudge

almay shadows softies petal

Petal

They have issues but Almay Shadow Softies are actually pretty fun. I didn’t try using them as a base for powders but they might just make a nice lighter base to intensify loose pigments or powder eyeshadow. On their own they create some very fast and easy looks. I like the subtle finish of the shades as they add a touch of color so you know you’re wearing makeup but not so much pigment that your look will be too bold or dramatic. For no makeup looks these are a God sent! I know sometimes I wanna walk out of the house with really minimal makeup and these make that possible.

If you’re looking for easy makeup Almay Shadow Softies brings it to the table.

They have quirks you’ll have to be willing to put up with but the no nonsense application and soft looks they create seemed worth it to me. However, at near $5 each (0.07 oz each) I’d say wait for a sale, that’s a bit much!

Tried ’em?

Do share!

I purchased this item.

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

  • Tonya

    3 hour wear time, Booo! I had hoped these would be similar to the Maybelline color tattoo eye shadows 🙁 Thanks for the review

    • the Muse

      my pleasure tonya…yeah wear time is a bit iffy! if you do indulge prep prep prep prep!

  • Autumn

    Am I correct in thinking the texture looks quite similar to Tarte’s Airblush Maracuja Bluch?

    • Autumn

      I’m meant Blush, of course. I have no idea what Bluch is, but it doesn’t sound like something pleasant to put on one’s face. ^.~

    • the Muse

      mmm kinda but more like the maybelline bouncy texture…I think Tarte’s blush has more density to it this are a shy softer.

  • Kelley Sheley

    These look very interesting to me because I like a lighter and softer look for my eyes while playing up my lips with vibrant colours! Moss and Hot Fudge are calling my name.

    Thanks for the review!

  • Christina

    Hmm, they sound like they might be similar to the Buxom eyeshadows in the little pots with the dog names.

  • breyerchic04

    This looks like it might be a good shadow for my “omg I need different makeup” bag in my car. A brushless simple eyeshadow is ideal. And I hate putting expensive products in my car bag.

    • Janelle

      Omg! Yes I have a car bag too. When my car was stolen I was more upset about my makeup than anything else… I kept telling the police officer “my Mac Marilyn Monroe lipstick is
      In the car”. Inexpensive is good that way if it gets lost, stolen, or broken it’s not too bad

  • Deanna

    Just bought creme brûlée today. I love it. I love a natural looking eye with a hint of shimmer! Just what I was looking for 🙂

  • Sarah

    What a coincidence – I just bought two of these today (Hot Fudge and Petal)! I didn’t see Moss; I may need to go find that one.

    I think if you always apply it with clean hands, you don’t need to worry about bacteria accumulation…I don’t know, I wash my hands before I put on any makeup!

    Thanks for the review!

  • Janelle

    Looks messy. I am messy enough as it is and I don’t need it all the packaging! A skip for me

  • Gimt

    Tbh I think Kate Hudson is a bad spokesperson, she brings the brand down. Almay is seen as a very boring brand, what with the medicinal white packaging and nothing exciting or remotely sexy ever coming out. Which is sad because they have a whole lot of potential! The blemisheal concealer is a HG for me to cover acne, and the foundation from the same line is just as good. I choose to use their spectacular CC cream though. It improves skin over time and has SPF 35! I love the color+care liquid lip balms, I have 4 and yes they moisturize and protect, it’s just too bad Almay didn’t find a way to really bring out the color. These are cute, kind of like Revlon’s linkable shadows, but I trust your reviews and it seems like these ultimately disappoint, or at least don’t hit it out of the ball park. I’ll pass on these unless I come across a sale. These should be $2.99 or something! Thank you Muse, love the blog. <3

  • janechemi

    hey Muse, I love your reviews. I just wanted to share my experience with the shade Hot Fudge. I have super oily lids i didn’t have much hope for them but i couldn’t resist the fun texture. I wore it one day when i was in a rush so i forgot to prime. i didnt think they would last at all. I got home from work AND school and its still there and perfect! not even a crease. Now i wait for a sale and buy them all 😀

    • Isabella Muse

      AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😀 I’m happy to hear it Jane! They aren’t terribly pigmented but for quickie looks I think they are quite a nice shadow! Very no nonsense, easy to apply, and pretty soft color 😀

  • Jordan M

    If anyone is interested, Target is now selling packages of two different colors of these for $5.99 if anyone is interested in stocking up on them.

  • DivaDebbi

    Well Iz,
    I loved the colors, and the cheap and cheerful price point, but I hated Dream Bouncy’s texture and they look equally messy. I think I will take a pass but as always, appreciate your efforts 🙂

    DD

  • Annie

    When I first bought these I hated them. I felt like the color was way to delicate. But I found that “Smoke” neutral brown works perfectly on my brows without worrying that I over did it. It takes me awhile to go through and brow pan that they just shatter before I can get to a third of the pan. Hopefully I won’t have to worry about that with these.

  • Abbe

    And who do I always look for when wanting a review on a product I am interested in? Why it would be my lovely Musings of a Muse. Thank you for your blog. <3

  • Keren

    I’ve unknowingly been using this as a brow powder for about a year since I took it from my mom’s bag. I didn’t know until I searched it up because I’m in need of a new one! It’s honestly the best option for me because of the consistency; hot fudge matches my brows perfectly!