Once upon a time, I dreamt of becoming a world-famous celebrity makeup artist, made possible by the hours of complicated YouTube tutorials I’d watch. I’ve come to terms with the fact that that probably isn’t in the cards—but that hasn’t stopped me from loving a daily routine and always experimenting with new looks. In my adult years, I’ve pivoted toward easy-to-use products and simple hacks that deliver effortless, looks-professionally-done glam—like the Bobbi Brown gift set of mascara and five cream eyeshadows I recently discovered.
Admittedly, I was skeptical at first, given that my past experiences with cream eyeshadows have been underwhelming. Many of the ones I’ve tried need multiple layers to build up pigmentation, are tough to blend, or crease by midday. As it turns out, I’m not alone in my initial hesitation—professional makeup artist Molly Geiger says that many people share my concerns about cream shadows. But with the right formula, she says they’re actually easier to use (and often more effective) than powders.
As compared to powders, cream eyeshadows offer better adhesion and longevity without the annoyance of fall-out, Geiger says. “Bobbi Brown’s cream shadow formula is beautiful—crease-resistant and ultra-pigmented, it’s quick to apply and lasts all day.” With this in mind, I unboxed my new Bobbi Brown Eyes All Aglow Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick Set with a hint of my past makeup-artist aspirations—and I can officially say I’m sold. Here’s my review, and why I want everyone I know and love to snag their own set while it’s 40 percent off through the end of November.
Bobbi Brown Eyes All Aglow Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick Set — $59.00
Originally $99, now $59
Set includes:
- Two Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks in matte shades (Taupe, Cinnamon)
- Two Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks in shimmer shades (Soft Bronze, Mulberry)
- One Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in a multi-chrome shade (Moonstone)
- Smokey Eye Mascara in Black
- Can complete a stunning eye look with no additional products needed
- Long-lasting formulas
- No product transfer or creasing
- Easy to use
- Might end up wanting more cream eyeshadow shades
My review of the Bobbi Brown gift set
This set absolutely delivers in terms of results. The combination of the cream eyeshadows and the lashes-for-days mascara makes it a super useful (and cost-effective) addition to my morning and nighttime makeup routines. For effortless everyday vibes, I gravitate toward the matte shades—and the shimmer and multi-chrome shades make for the simplest transition to more festive evening activities.
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Plus, Geiger is right about the formula—this stuff is long-lasting. I don’t need to reapply throughout the day (even when I don’t use a setting powder), and I haven’t experienced any creasing or product transfer. Bonus: It feels barely-there on my eyelids.
As for the mascara? It’s my new BFF. The formula is both lengthening and volumizing, and whether I apply a single coat or build up to three, there’s no clumping in sight. When layered together, these products create a low-effort eye makeup look that’s anything but basic, offering all the impact with none of the hassle.
How to apply the Bobbi Brown cream eyeshadows
With my celeb makeup artist dreams fully reignited, I couldn’t resist getting all the pro tips from Geiger. She walked me through two go-to looks that have quickly become staples in my routine. First: “For the daytime, use one of the lighter shadows—Moonstone for an icy chrome effect, Soft Bronze for more of a golden glow—over the eyelid, and apply Taupe in the crease,” she says. “Then blend out with a brush or your fingertip.” I’ve been taking her advice and leveling up my weekdays with this technique, and (not to brag, but) I’ve gotten more than one compliment during Zoom calls.
Second? “In the evening, add Mulberry to the outer third of the eyelid, blending it out with your fingertip,” Geiger says. “Then deepen the crease with a hint of Cinnamon. Finish with the Smokey Eye mascara to intensify the lashes.” As someone who has spent years trying (and failing) to master a smoky eye, this look has completely eased my get-ready stress and elevated my night-out routine.
With these tips and the Bobbi Brown gift set in hand, I feel like I’ve finally cracked the code for effortless, impactful eye makeup—no professional skills or 50-step YouTube tutorials required. If you’re looking to simplify your routine without sacrificing style or quality, treat yourself to this duo while it’s 40 percent off—and then gift it to everyone you know.
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