April 23, 2013

Bobbi Brown Lilac Sparkle Eyeshadow Review & Swatches

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

Bobbi Brown Lilac  Sparkle Eyeshadow

Have I told you how much I LOVE Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eyeshadow? Lilac is a brand new Sparkle Eye Shadow that was released with the Bobbi Brown Lilac Rose Collection for Spring 2013 and of course, I was right on top of it.

I seriously love the Sparkle Eyeshadow formula so when Bobbi does a new shade I’m all over it. They have a flaky texture but the finish just works for me and for some reason I think they are rather flattering on my larger brown eyes. I could be completely delusional about that but just let me have this one ok?

Let’s take a look!

Don’t buy this. Ok, buy it. But don’t buy it because you love Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eyeshadows. Lilac kinda falls short. Bobbi I love you so damn hardcore babe but this shade went south for me. I dunno what happened?!

Typically the Sparkle Shadow formula is kinda a creamy powdery creation. It’s a little flaky and somewhat comparable to Urban Decay Stardust and Moondust Shadow but with considerably less fall out and a creamier texture. For me it’s always felt like a creamy shadow with the finish of a powder. Some folks beg to differ and claim they have a sheerer finish but I’ve always felt they have a true to pan color on lids with just the right amount of sparkle but no hardcore glitter or shimmer.

Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eyeshadow Lilac

Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eyeshadow Lilac Swatches

Now Lilac I had issues with….the color itself is stunning. It’s a true lilac but has a reflective iridescent of pink to it. Once on the eye it appears all light purple but swatched and looked at very closely you’ll see elements of a bright pink. It’s rather pretty.

My issue was the formula…it’s a little inconsistent compared to others I own in this formula. It swatches fine, feels fine, but it applies rather patchy. I had a really difficult time getting it onto my eye. Bobbi typically recommends not touching it with your fingers as the oil in your fingers messes up the overall finish and formula of the shadow. However, I personally apply with a sponge and it just slid around my eye and seemed to go patchy with each pass. This basically results in a ton of building.

Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eyeshadow Lilac FOTD

Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eyeshadow Lilac Face of the Day

I admit this surprised me as I typically have a really easy time with application on these. In fact, they are so easy to use that I spend very little time on my eye look when apply them so yeah, I was definitely a little shocked Lilac didn’t perform as well.

Needless to say it still remains a gorgeous color but just prepare yourself if you like Sparkle Eyeshadows as this one was a wee bit tricky to use and the formula seems a little off!

It’s available now, for a limited time at Bobbi Brown counters.

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‘.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  • Christina

    I have my one sparkle eye shadow in Pink Ballet and I love it! I guess I will just stick with that one. It’s funny, but I am not into sparkle-y make up (I’m in my mid 40’s), but this shadow the works…I call it a grown up sparkle!

  • amy

    The color is so stunning, though! It may be worth the extra effort for the color. And yes, this sort of product is *very* flattering on those of us with big, brown eyes, especially in purples.

  • Allyson

    I agree. The color is gorgeous but shadow does not apply easily or evenly. I’ve even tried with different eyeshadow bases and still no luck. So sad… it’s so fab color wise.

    • the Muse

      agreed…do you by chance have any of the other sparkle shadows? the others are GREAT! it was just this color I seemed to have run into issues with so odd!

  • Jen

    Love love love your honesty, Muse! And using a sponge is definitely the fairest way you can test it – if that won’t make a glittery shade work, nothing will.

    Glad to hear you love the rest of the line, though – I’ll check them out! I have SUCH trouble keeping glitter shadows away from my cheeks, LOL. Doesn’t seem to matter what application or primer or lock ‘n’ seal I use, LOL!

    • the Muse

      aw thanks jen! 🙂 oh tell me about it…! I’ve learned the hard way that shimmer is hard to get off cheeks/face!

  • Lauren

    I don’t love the BB sparkle shadows in general”�they all look exactly the same to me: all sparkle, no pigment”�but this one really shows that gorgeous lilac. I can see what you mean about the formula being a little dry, but the color is so freaking beautiful I just don’t care. I wear this alone, just on the lid, with some black liner and mascara, neutral pink blush (Chanel Rose Petale or Rose Ecrin), and neutral pink lip (the new Fresh Sugar Treatment in Petal), and it’s a LOOK. Very few products give so much bang for the buck, you know? I own the Lilac Rose palette, which I’ve raved about, but I almost don’t even feel I need it because the Lilac Sparkle is a one-shade party. If your eyes are green (like mine), green-blue, hazel, or brown (Muse, it’s really, really pretty on you!) you just basically NEED it. In other words, if you have eyes, you should go ahead and get it. 🙂