I worship the convenience of eyeshadow in the form of a stick – just one tool and no fussing with a brush. The downside? Precision and blending. When using stick-shadows, you’ve got to take a more laid-back, rougher edged, and hands-on approach.
The creamy texture of MAC‘s Shadestick is quite nice, but it is harder to blend than powder shadow. If you don’t want to completely forsake your powder shadows, you can mix both, but here’s a note of caution – if you apply the Shadestick first, before using a powder shadow, it doesn’t mix well and it can get messy. The powder just sticks to the cream. My suggestion: use the powder shadow first, then apply Shadestick. It works much better.
I personally use Shadestick alone or mix it with another one. I use my fingers to blend around the edges so it doesn’t form a straight line and it looks more natural. My favorite combo is Street Cool, taupe with a hint of violet (for the crease) and Cakeshop, a frosty pewter (to highlight). I tend to only use it when I’m in a hurry for a light make up look. It does stay on well and it’s great to keep in my bag for on-the-go application. But if I’m going out and want a full major made up face, Shadestick is simply not an option. At MAC for $17.50.
