Tarte Waterproof Cream Shadow Stick in Shimmering Sand with Tarte emphasEYES Clay Shadow Stick in Taupe - Review and Swatches

Back when Sephora had a sale, I picked up these two cream eyeshadow sticks from Tarte. I had always been a powder eyeshadow, but the price was so good on these I had to give them a try.

I somehow was expecting them to come in a box, but instead they arrived in plastic bags, which wasn't as nice. I suppose in then end the box is useless anyways...

These two shades looked like they'd go well together, with the lighter shade as an overall lid shade and the darker in the crease. Or the darker closer to the lashes with the lighter just in the corner for a mildly smokier look. I was right, they ended up going heavenly together! The formula is super soft and creamy, and blends together very well.

These are heavier swatches below, and as you can see they can go on darn pigmented, or can be lightly applied for a sheer wash.

Left: Shimmering Sand; Right: Taupe

Swatch #1: Shimmering sand over the lid, with Taupe lightly placed in the crease and lower lashes; blended out with ring finger.

(doesn't this look so natural?! Just the right amount of shimmer, not too much for day time. The two shades blended effortlessly together)

Swatch #2: Taupe over the mobile lid, with Shimmering Sand on the inner corner, blended out with ring finger.

(darker and more eye defining look, again blends sooo nicely together)

Here's swatch #2 with light liquid eyeliner. No mascara in this photo but obviously I'd suggest you wear this with mascara if heading out and doing more than taking swatch photos at home :)

Here's a heavier cat liner with swatch #1. I realized I actually would prefer the heavier liner with swatch #2. Falsies would go nicely...

In the end my favorite was swatch #1 with softly smudged brown pencil liner and light coat of black mascara.

I been using this look a lot for those days I want to be bit fancier but not really look like I'm wearing makeup. Definitely a go-to these days when school/work has been incredibly busy.

To conclude, these shadow sticks have completely converted me over from powder! They're so soft and easy to use, and blend out in mere seconds with a ring finger.  This is now my travelling eyeshadow combo of choice as brushes are no longer necessary (brushes are annoying for me on the road, I keep what I bring to a minimum).

Are you a powder or cream eyeshadow person? Why one vs the other? Have you tried these beauties from Tarte? Let me know your thoughts!