Blaq Vixen Beauty

Editor's Note: The products mentioned in this Beauty Closet review were sent by CoverGirl.

smoky shadowblast

I got a chance to play around with two CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast products ($8.49) five days ago. Secretly, I was yearning to receive Bronze Fire, Onyx Smoke, Silver Sky or even Purple Plume. However, I was destined to review two shades that will hit stores near you next month - Citrus Flair and Tempest Blue. Honestly, these shadow sticks could have been the collaboration between Crayola and CoverGirl. Step 1 (the rounded tip; used for lid) is a speckled crayon while step 2 (the tapered end; used for liner or to define crease) could pass for a futuristic but bulky arrowhead.

One aspect of this product is that CoverGirl failed to print the names of the shades on the product itself. In order for you not to forget the name of the shade duo that you were wearing/testing, you would have to save the package. Or, you could take a ultra felt tip marker and write the name of the shade on the ShadowBlast stick.

If I'm not mistaken, I actually did this with another CoverGirl product: the LashBlast Luxe mascara. Instead of labeling the mascara with the appropriate shade, CoverGirl just affixed a sticker bearing the number of the shade on the bottom of the tube. Writing the name of the product on a label and then sticking it on the product would probably be ideal. Over time, what you've written on the package could wear off.

Citrus Flair ShadowBlast is an unappealing, shimmery combination of lime green ("citrus"; step 1) and copper ("flair"; step 2). I remember thinking that these two colors did not complement each other well. When I was testing out the chartreuse on my lid, I mentally conjured a couple of other shades that would have been a better choice, like an emerald green.

For my first test run, I applied Citrus Flair on my left eye without a primer. My lids are a tab bit oiler than most so my results were less than successful. Step 1 is creamy and has the right amount of slip to glide over the delicate skin of your eye area without tugging or pulling. It also provides smooth, pigmented application - at first.

Unfortunately, you'll notice that while you're layering the product, it'll do two things: crease within 5-15 minutes and migrate. The end result: a sketchy, faded mono-toned look that you'll be itching to remove! It is because of this I was hesitant to complete the look with step 2, which just happened to be my favorite shade. Of all the metallics in general, copper is the most wearable choice.

Although step 2 is bulky, I did enjoy lining my lower waterline with the "bulky arrowhead." I even lined my upper lash line but the copper couldn't keep me from wiping away my entire eye look with a makeup remover wipe. I tried again.

I decked my right eye in Tempest Blue ShadowBlast - a soothing duo of perwinkle shimmer (step 1) and indigo (step 2). Same review applies here as well; I wasn't too crazy to try Tempest Blue since I'm more of a teal type of girl. The only time I really adored this combo was when I swatched it on back of my hand. If I had to choose, I'd wear indigo-rimmed peepers since Essence declared that a blue hue "is a quick way to dress up your eyes." It's also the color that I've chosen to wear on Christmas day, even if I silently waiting for the clock to strike midnight on December 26th.

The bottom line is that you can either wear these with an eye primer or layered underneath your favorite powder eyeshadow. Also, I'll warn you that both ends might break off and fall out of the tube. When I tested both products, I didn't experience this but I anticipated that it might happen.

CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast products are currently available at Drugstore.com and CVS.com. Both offer free shipping but Drugstore.com provides an extra incentive: you'll save $5. These offers are valid while supplies last.