Fast Forward Eyes: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Grey Pearl

In the summer months, I generally start to resemble a make-up sloth, avoiding any effort or unnecessary amount of products like a plague. I found last year with Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze (read the original 'Summer Face Routine' post here) that long-wearing cream eyeshadows are an absolute godsend so that within a minute, some pat-pat-patting and vigorous mascara brushing, my eyes are done and good until the end of the day.

So naturally, this year I ventured out to find some more cream eyeshadow favorites, and here enters Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Grey Pearl. While I limited myself to purchasing only one, it has to be said that the entire Caviar Stick shade range is a neutrals' lover dream come true, and I can see myself eventually ending up with at least a couple more.

'A long-wearing, creamy shadow with an innovative, lightweight texture that glides on and adheres to the eyelid perfectly, leaving an even finish that lasts for hours.' (from Laura Mercier's website), the Caviar Stick Eye Colour ($24 for 1.64 g/0.05 oz) is a cream eyeshadow in a twist-up crayon packaging. The texture is quite thin and light but feels emollient enough so that painting straight onto the lids doesn't feel too harsh, and the formula allows for enough time to blend before completely setting. The setting part is really important for me; I am a lucky owner of a pair of very oily lids so usually even long-wearing cream shadow formulas benefit from a primer beforehand. Not so with the Caviar Stick; I tested it out during a 9-hour shift at work and it hasn't budged, no creasing or fading. So perfect for the warmer weather!

The shade Grey Pearl (far left) is a satin finish, very cool-toned taupe (or a rather warm grey) with some very fine silver particles that contribute to a glowy, not shimmery look on the skin - I would say just enough to give the shade some dimension. Compared to some other taupes in my collection, Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze is a lot warmer and well... more bronzy, Inglot no. 153 (middle) is a whole lot more metallic and cooler, Inglot no. 344 , contradicting the pan appearance, a whole lot warmer and lastly my trusty MAC Satin Taupe (far right) is probably the closest from what I own, but a bit deeper and leaning purple.

What I love most about this Caviar Stick is the utter convenience of use: I lightly swipe it onto my lids straight from the bullet, blend out with a brush and from there on I can do some add-ons, like eyeliner at the lashline/ darker powder eyeshadow in outer corner/ shimmery inner corner highlight, or I can just add some mascara and call it a day. While Grey Pearl doesn't have a very summery feel, the product itself is still ideal to take with you on a holiday... or pack in a minimalist make-up bag for everyday looks.

What is your favorite cream eyeshadow formula? Do you have favorite products that simplify your routine in the summer?