I love makeup. I do not love paying outrageous prices for makeup. Most of my collection (okay, probably all now that I think about it) was purchased at a discount or obtained through swapping or subscription services. I've always avoided "low-end" brands like L.A. Colors, because they just don't have the quality that I'm interested in. However, I've decided to start trying these dollar store brands in the interest of science lol!
So without further ado, following are swatches and thoughts on L.A. Colors eye shadow sticks:
I picked up seven colors at Dollar General for $1.50 each.
L to R: pool party, waves, bikini time, tropical bliss, sand castles, summer love and seashells
They are all nice and creamy, except for summer love which was pretty hard and took several swipes to get good color. It also has the most glitter, which probably accounts for the stiffness of the product.
Over e.l.f. eyelid primer in pearl:
It intensified the colors and summer love was much easier to apply over the primer than bare skin.
One swipe smear test:
Over e.l.f. eyelid primer in sheer:
Smear test:
Over Elizabeth Arden Advanced Eye Fix primer:
I dulled the colors, and as you can see by the smear test below, still smudges:
I can't find my Urban Decay primer potion (yikes!!), but I'd like to swatch them over that and see if there's any more staying power.
Bottom line: These were fun to experiment with, and with a great primer and possibly setting powder, they might stay put. For $1.50 each, they aren't bad for experimenting with color though!
What do you think? Any tips or tricks for making a cheap shadow stick stay?
