Review: Mally Shadow Sticks with Swatches

I love a good shadow stick and have reviewed quite a few on the blog (remember this post, this post and this post?). But I have never tried anything from Mally beauty before, and heard that her shadow sticks were one of her best products. I even used to watch her apply them on QVC and was always impressed with how they looked on the lid. Ha!

Though they are a shadow stick, I find them to have a thickness that makes them good as an eyeliner too. A smudgy, smoky eyeliner look that is. If you are a neutral lover like myself, then Mally most certainly is talking to us with her shade selections. There are so many great ones, though almost all the ones I have (with the exception of Pink Champagne) are bolder than a sheer pale gold or bone color which can often need another shade paired with it. It should be no surprise that Over the Taupe is the one I use the most - I love how it has a more silver finish that looks great for day or night.

The initial feel of the stick is harder than other formulas I have, but I don't always like a super creamy texture because it can mean that it will crease easily. Creasing is not an issue I have to worry about with these Mally sticks. I could get a full day's wear out of them without the color budging. But when a shadow is this crease proof, the trade-off is that you have to blend it quickly in the beginning before it sets. I like to use a synthetic brush to blend the color, rather than my finger, though if I was using it as an eyeliner - my finger would be a better smudge tool.

*pr samples included

Have you tried any other products from Mally? What do you recommend I try next from her brand?

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My Favorite By Terry Ombre Blackstar Shades

By Terry has been one of my favorite brands for years now (see previous reviews here). It gets attention but I like that is not too overly saturated in the marketplace. Both the makeup and skincare are remarkable (this toner is amazing at hydration and this foundation is great at keeping my skin perfect and matte all day long), and these Ombre Blackstar shadow sticks are one of the most well known products from the line - and for good reason! There are a ton of shades in this formulation, but I have 4 that are my favorite and will work well for neutral lovers. But for those that want more vibrant color options, there is something for everyone. The ones I have here are all shimmer, but there are matte shades that would work beautifully as a base eyeshadow or even an eye liner.

Bronze Moon was the first shade I ever used from the Ombre Blackstars, which is the most perfect golden bronze. The texture is smooth, creamy, blends seamlessly but sets after a minute and stays put for most of the day. It isn't the most creaseproof and smudgeproof formula I have ever tried, but I enjoy that I don't have to work that hard to remove it at night. I don't find that it creases on me unless I am in very hot weather. I am drawn to these because the shimmer is richer than other brands I've tried and they make the lid look smooth and even.  Blond Opal is gorgeous as a base shadow, inner corner highlight or even as a subtle fresh eye look. I pair it with heavy mascara as a contrast and love the effect. Ombre Mercure is not as dark as Bronze Moon and is the one I tend to wear the most. It gives my eyes some definition but is still appropriate for day. And since it is more cool toned, I like pairing it with a warm cheek and peachy lip to complement it. Frozen Quartz can look a bit red in the above swatch, but when on the lid it reads as more of a peachy bronze. This is the quintessential summer shadow stick and I envision those who tan well will love this color. Even though I stay pale as a ghost year round, I still enjoy the copper effect it gives my lids.

For those that are shadow stick aficionados, this formulation is one that is worth adding to the collection. Between the shimmer, shade range and creamy texture, they are a splurge-worthy item.

*pr samples included

Shop more of my By Terry recommendations: 

New Shadow Sticks From Sisley And Bobbi Brown

I am a sucker for a jumbo pencil application. Lip or eye - I love them all. I am already a huge fan of the Sisley Phyto Lip-Twists and swear by the Bobbi Brown Art Sticks (I live for the shade Sunset Orange) so I was excited to try these new eye pencil launches from each brand.

1. Sisley Phyto-Eye Twist - Just like the lip twists, these eye twists are creamy, easy to blend and effortless to apply. But after about 15-30 seconds, these set pretty well and do not move. I still like to wear them over an eyeshadow primer (because my eyelids are forever oily), but I can wear these all day long with no fear of creasing. Because the colors are vibrant yet easy to wear, I prefer to use these as my main shadow without layering anything on top. The shimmer is so slight and luminous that I don't want to dull it with any other color or texture. Naturally shade 2 and 3 made it to my top faves instantly, but shade 5 and 6 were fun liners colors on days that I wanted a hint of color. I live on the edge my way, you live on the edge your way.

2. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks -The texture of the Bobbi Brown shadow sticks were much creamier than the Sisley eye twists, yet surprisingly lasted just as long. As soon as I swatched these I felt they would melt off within a few hours, but after a full day of work they were still going strong. The colors range from shimmer to matte, and I love using them to layer because they pick up powder shadow soooo well. They create a lot of depth in a look but are still easy to swipe on and blend with my finger. Though I am typically a brush gal when it comes to makeup application, using my finger for a quick blending when I am half asleep in the morning is sometimes necessary. Whatever works, right?!

*pr samples included

What are some of your favorite jumbo eye pencils to use? Leave me a comment below!

Have you entered my Tom Ford Summer 2015 Cheek and Eye Palette giveaway?! Enter here. 

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