BREAKING NEWS — A Novato woman discovered a Stowaway in her makeup bag today, and to her surprise, it wasn’t only an XXL tabby…
Yes, Tabs wasn’t the only stowaway trying to hitch a ride with me today. He had to share space with Stowaway Cosmetics, a new makeup line that launched last spring with a selection of pint-sized products.
Apparently, Tabs didn’t think I’d notice a 20-pound tabby cat next to all the shoes…
Poor guy. I love him and all, but he’s not exactly minuscule.
These petite pieces in the new Stowaway Cosmetics line, however, are.
Small and streamlined
All of the products fit into the palm of my paw/hand. According to the brand, the idea is that, for once in your makeup-lurvin’ life, you may actually be able to finish that tube of lipstick/BB cream/concealer before it expires.
The smaller sizes also make the pieces easier to bring along, whether to the gym, or when you’re traveling, or when you’re headed out to yo’ booty call’s house and you don’t want to bring a suitcase stuffed with makeup.
If you’re a girl/guy who’s into the bare necessities, you might like the minimalist vibe of the line, which includes a beauty balm, a concealer, cream blush, lipstick, liner and mascara.
Before…
After…
Their products range from $10 for a twist-up pencil eyeliner to $22 for a tube of BB cream, and there’s also a $75 Stowaway Kit, which includes a Radiant Complexion BB Cream, Creaseless Concealer, Cheek & Lip Rouge, Creme Lipstick, Effortless Eyeliner and Defined Lash Mascara, and you’re able to choose your own shades.
The brand uses paraben-, pthalate-, gluten- and cruelty-free formulas and, even though the company is US-based, their products also comply with European Union cosmetics standards.
Generally, Cave Girl Karen believes that getting more is better when it comes to all matters related to personal grooming products…but this is also why she has tall stacks of toilet paper sitting in her garage.
Meanwhile, Suburban/City Karen thinks there’s something charming, dainty and practical about this brand (must be the thing she has for little lipsticks and small bottles of perfume).
These products are smaller than regular products from most other brands, but they don’t seem too small to me, and the prices are pretty reasonable.
Their petite products
I’ve liked everything I’ve tried from the brand, with the exception of the eyeliner, which I’ll explain in a minute. I think the BB cream, concealer, cream blush, lipstick and mascara are all tiny but top-notch.
Radiant Complexion Beauty Balm — This moisturizing beauty balm has a matte finish and a formula designed to prime, conceal and reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines. I like the sheer finish and natural-looking formula, which I apply with my fingers, where it evens out my skin tone while blurring my pores. The shade I wear is called Medium, and it’s very neutral, color temperature-wise. It’s $22 and available in four shades.
Creaseless Concealer — Under-eye circles, spots and pigmented patches of skin stay hidden with the help of this concentrated cream concealer, which is highly pigmented and full coverage. It doesn’t crease, either, and one or two drops is all it takes to disappear my dark circles (as much as anything does). Unfortunately, the formula requires some cajoling with a damp BeautyBlender to look like skin (you can’t just slap it on), but I love the results. This stuff covers everything and doesn’t look like two tons of paste, which a rare feat for a full-coverage concealer. I wear shade it in shade Medium, a neutral tan that isn’t too pink or two orange. It’s $16 and available in four shades.
Cheek & Lip Rouge — These cream-to-powder matte blushes can be used on cheeks and/or lips, and they contain antioxidant grape seed oil and moisturizing cocoa and shea butters. The formula is easy to blend, long-lasting (I get about 6 hours, which is great for a cream blush) and won’t leave you looking like you just escaped from UCCCC (the University of California Crazy Clown College). They’re $15 and available in three shades.
Creme Lipstick — These opaque cream lipsticks contain moisturizing wild mango butter (from mangoes that are totally WILD!). The way I feel about these tiny tubes is the way I feel about kittens. They’re both SO SMALL! AND SO CUTE! So gimme kisses. 🙂 They work well, too. The highly pigmented, highly moisturizing formula feels smooth and has a light vanilla flavor and scent. They’re $15 each and available in four shades.
Defined Lash Mascara — An excellent mascara for length, volume and definition, and it comes with a curved fiber brush.
I like this mascara A LOT. It’s an lovely gem. Two coats and my lashes look curly, thick, long and separated. Plus, no flakes or smudging. It’s $12 and available in one shade (black).
Effortless Eyeliner — Ironically, no matter how hard I try, I just can’t get down with this so-called Effortless Eyeliner. Maybe it’s due to my T-rex claws. I don’t know…but I can’t seem to get a good grip on the tiny tube. Also, the formula refuses to adhere to my water lines. It’s $10 and available in two shades.
Look for Stowaway Cosmetics exclusively online at stowawaycosmetics.com, or possibly in Baggage Claim at your local airport.
Just kidding about that last part. 🙂
Oh! — the brand also offers a 14-day return policy on unused and lightly loved products.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I love the concept of petite makeup products. Even if you’re not traveling, you can still pop these in your purse for everyday touch-ups.
Dude, you have the “no makeup” makeup look down pact. Your look is seriously poppin. The mascara peaks my interest bc it sounds like it’s magic in a tube, which is what I’m always looking for. =)
Ahhh, to finish a tube/compact/bottle of any makeup product would be a dream come true. But then, I’d only BUY MORE
Really cool idea! I love the “no makeup” look for a tropical getaway .. ah, I so need to go to Hawaii ;-P
Monica.
I’m excited to see a review of this brand! I kept seeing sponsored pins of it on my Pinterest scrolling. It’s not quite for me, but I love the concept.
Totally agree with you regarding the eyeliner. I finally became so frustrated I tossed it. I love the rest. I have mine in my purse. Love your blog!
I don’t really care about expiration dates on lip or eye products, as long as it looks and smells all right, I will keep using it. Finishing a lipstick is very satisfying and very rare though, so I do appreciate the smaller sizes.
I really like the concept behind the brand. It’s genius! Once you become a makeup junkie it does start to seem impossible to use up everything before it goes bad. I like that Stowaway is making things a little easier on us. I also love your no makeup look! It still doesn’t look like you’re wearing anything really lol. You’ve got fantastic skin!
Everything looks pretty! Especially the lipstick and BB!
Aaaaah, the magic of make-up! <3 Both those lip & cheek colors are seriously pretty. And yes, hurrah for minis! Make-up is soooo hard to finish!
Love the brand. Fantastic colors that I don’t have. Can’t wait to try
Ok, I have to say I’m on board with a US brand that complies with EU standards, since they seem to be way ahead of us on safety as far as ingredients go, etc. I also love the idea of being able to use up a product before it goes bad. IMAGINE. Sounds great! And boy are you ever good at no makeup makeup. That is something I have yet to master.
These are adorable and I love your “after” look. Too bad about the liner but the rest of the products seem like winners, especially the mascara. 🙂
I was just reading about this brand on A Cup of Jo, and I’m so glad to see your in-depth review! There are so few things that I actually use all the way up, it’s nice to see someone recognizing that (and adjusting the price accordingly)! I think I’ll have to try the cream blush and mascara, I’ve been on the lookout for a new one.
Hi, I was disappointed to learn that one of the co-founders of Stowaway cheated and faked a runner’s badge in the Boston Marathon. I was intrigued by the company and their unique product – which I think is a great idea, and something I would have purchased. However, I couldn’t get over the co-founder’s lack of integrity and dishonesty. I’m not sure if you knew that either and it’s worth looking into, but the articles that I pulled up were credible – so I believe it. No doubt they’re spending a fortune in PR, but I think that’s something that should come to light as well. Some people don’t shop at XXX because of they way they treat their employees, or eat YYY because of the way the animals are raised. I think people should be aware and make a choice as well. I choose not to buy Stowaway because of the co-founders lack of integrity.