El Hub and I have been talking about taking a trip somewhere soon. It’s been about a year since the last time we got well out of Dodge, and even though we have no definite plans whatsoever, the very mention of the word, “trip,” is enough to get me thinking about travel makeup.
I’m wondering if these Neutrogena Crease Proof Eye Shadows should tag along…
The formula for this new line of six smartly priced $8.49 shimmery cream shadow sticks contains a primer, supposedly reducing/eliminating creasing and fading, while the colors brighten and revive your eyes.
Not a bad idea for the price, right?
Sounds good to me. I like the convenience of stick products like these and love the notion of skipping primer. And then there’s the price, which works out well for travel, seeing as accidents (crushed or missing makeup bags, GASP!) occasionally do happen when I’m out and about.
Well, I gave these every opportunity to wow me over the past few weeks… I really tried to make ’em work, but dang — not impressed. I’d even go so far as to say, “bootsie.”
It’s like I’m working in construction with these. I have to load up the layers, three or four high, just to be able to see them on my lids. Then, not to my chagrin, I see creases within minutes of application, even atop the heroic NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, as shocking as that seems.
Seriously, Pro-Prime has the grip strength of a bengal tiger! — and yet it can’t keep these shadows from starting to fade and crease after 10 minutes.
What a bummer… Perfect price, lovely colors, too, but what’s a girl to do with a 10-minute wear time?
PRICE: $8.49 for a 0.10-ounce stick
AVAILABILITY: Available now in six shades at drugstores and online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: C-
Time management
What up, yo? How’s tricks? I’m doing okay so far today, although Tabs has been ignoring me this morning… He’s going through one of his emo phases, where he nips at me when he doesn’t get the lurvies he feels he so richly deserves.
In other news, time management. I’ve probably mentioned this before, but I have some issues with time management. I lose track of time, like if I’m taking pictures or drawing or writing, hours can get away from me before I realize what’s happening; it’s gotten much worse since I started working from home.
Anywho, I’m always looking for new time management techniques and tricks to try, not because the old ones don’t work. They do. I think I just like trying new ones all the time, like the one I’ve been using lately.
First thing every morning when I sit at my desk, I map out a rough schedule for the day on a Post-It note, complete with break times. I stick that right at the bottom of my computer screen, right in my line of sight.
That’s the important part — having it in front of me where I see it all day long.
I try to stick to the schedule, but something usually comes up, and I have to shuffle things around, especially in my afternoons. Afternoons are always harder for me…but the Post-Its help.
How are you about time management? Are you hyper organized? How do you plan your days (to-do lists, iPhone notes, Evernote, something else), and does it work for you? If you have any tips, tools, programs, websites or tricks up yo’ sleeve, please share. I could use the help.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Boo for ten-minute wear, that’s ridiculous 🙁
As for time management, I am really organized as well 🙂 I live by my to do lists and I write everything down!
Yes, writing down everything really helps!
Bummer! These looked promising.
Hi Chris,
I know, right?
Aww, the colors are quite soft and pretty for spring! I would definitely have checked them out, if not for the dismal application and wear time :/
Hi Sonya,
Yeah, I was bummed about both. I was really hoping they’d be my drugstore go-to.
Too bad these didn’t work out. They seemed promising. It’s still freezing here in Ohio, so I’m desparate for a warm vacation.
I have a desk job working in IT. I have to keep track of multiple software releases, so my biggest challenge is prioritizing based on project due dates. I have different “to do” items based on when each release is supposed to go live. I keep track of everything on a spreadsheet with headings for each project. Then under each heading, I can add tasks with detailed notes, color coding, etc.
For home stuff, I keep a running to do list using Evernote. I love that app b/c I can access it from my phone or any PC. If I think of something that needs to be done, I try to add it right away, so I don’t forget.
Sometimes, I find it helpful to set a timer for certain tasks so I don’t lose track of time. I would love to spend a day without having to look at the clock, but I don’t always have that luxury. Maybe some day when I win the lottery. 🙂
Hi Ruchita,
These are really GREAT ideas. I think I need a spreadsheet to keep track of my admin tasks. The adding items to Evernote right away is helpful too. I’ll have to start doing that as well. Thank you so much! 🙂
Hi Karen!
I’m so glad the info was helpful. Here’s a few more details about my “to do” spreadsheet.
I have a column for task and another one for notes. If I have a task titled “Update spreadsheet ABC”, but I’m waiting on feedback from someone in order to update the spreadsheet, I’ll put that in the notes column and color the row green. Sometimes, I need to wait on a meeting to complete a task, I’ll put that in yellow. I’m a visual person, so the color coding helps me.
I also deal with a ton of email, and I have folders to categorize everything. Recently I started creating a “Waiting for Response” folder for emails where I needed a response from someone. A lot of times, I’d send an email and forget to follow up if I didn’t see a response or I’d have to search through my Sent items folder.
I’m glad you asked this question, b/c it’s been helpful for me also to read through other’s responses.
I have to say, even though I try to stay organized, some days I just stare at my to-do list and have a hard time getting motivated. 🙂
Hi Ruchita,
I’m a visual person too, so your spreadsheet sounds like it would work for me.
Oh, and the “Waiting for a Response” folder is GENIUS! I constantly feel like I’m under a deluge of emails, so that will help a TON. 😀
Things are starting to look up…
Pity these don’t last very long, But I still really like the all the colors, especially the Forever Platinum. Thanks for sharing.
Sure thing, Marisa!
Too bad about those eyeshadow sticks but recently I found out and in most cases with make up you get what you pay for. I bought one of the new Wet’n’Wild LE spring palettes because I was drawn to beautiful pastel colors. I used it on Sunday, on top of my Urban Decay Primer Potion, went grocer shopping and when I got home the green eye shadow I put on was almost gone. What a bummer.
As far as productivity and time management, have you heard/tried the Pomodoro technique? My hubby tired it a few times and it works pretty well.
Hi Agata,
I haven’t! I’m off to google that right now…
Ok, let me know what you think. I think it might be really useful for you to let you stay on task 🙂
I need all the help I can get, LOL! 🙂
DANG! I think that might be the worst wear time ever, esp. over a superhero of a primer like NARS’! Thanks for the head’s up!
I’m great at time management at work but horrible at it at home! I think if I worked from home, I would have a LOT of trouble not letting time get away from me. You’re a bit of a dreamer/artist, so you get wrapped up completely in what you’re doing at the moment, right? I can relate! Will have to try out this post-it note schedule suggestion.
PS: I picked up Maybelline Full & Soft WP mascara this w/e based on your recommendation and so far, I’m loving it! Can’t believe how much pow it added to my lackluster lashes this morning! Thanks, K-dawg! Virtual fist bump from the ATL!
Hi Kristen,
Yes, you totally get me! I can easily get lost in artsy daydreaming for hours.
I’m so glad to hear you like the Maybelline mascara! 🙂 Virtual fist bump back from Cali, boo!
Time management: Since you’re working at your computer a lot, consider putting all those post-it notes on your Outlook calendar – if you use Outlook for email. That way reminders start to pop up before the deadlines and they’re hard to ignore.
Hi Kris,
Thank you for the tip. I don’t use Outlook, but I do have a Calendar on my MAC and a Reminders too will alarms, so maybe I’ll use those more to keep track of time. 🙂
Yeah I wasn’t sure how the pen thing would work out!
Hi Jennifer,
I love the idea and think that there are other brands out there that do it well. I just wish I could find a drugstore version for the gals on a budget! Gotta keep looking…
Hope you are having a nice Tuesday!
I’m not sure this is even possible but I felt like I wouldn’t like the texture, just looking at the pics. And I’m 2nding your shout out to NARS Pro Prime. I’m SO glad you recommended it – I love it! 🙂
Oh, I’m not your girl for time management. I’m a procrastinator and enable that behavior by convincing myself that I do my best work when under pressure. HAHA! I’ve never been good at organizing my day or writing lists and notes. It’s a shame because now I’m getting old, forgetful and in need of a system! Btw, I will say that even if you aren’t the best time manager, we can’t tell from this end of the blog. Your content is abundant and excellent. 🙂
Hi Kim,
YAY! I’m so glad that you love NARS Pro Prime as much as I do. I freak out when I think I’m running low — our relationship is *that* serious.
And thank you for that last sentence. I needed it today.
Hope things get better at work. 🙂
I agree – I was shaking the heck out of my sample tube until my full size Pro Prime arrived! 🙂
I only speak the truth, my friend! And, thanks for the kind wishes!
Ouch, that wear time and level of pigmentation… not good news at all!
I write things I have to do down in my agenda, and usually I can stick to it! I do tend to procrastinate though. If I know I can get away with starting at 10, I won’t start at 8!
That’s great that you can stick to your schedules. Procrastination — one thing I like to do is tell myself that if I start a task and still don’t want to do it after 15 minutes, then I can stop. Usually, after I’ve been invested for that amount of time, I want to keep going.
Creases, Not showing up… 🙁 Thanks for reviewing Karen!
You’re welcome, Vineetha.
Yikes! These sound exactly like the Covergirl Blast shadow sticks (or whatever they were called), just horrible! I actually really stink at time management and would love to put myself on a schedule. Things to do better this year!
Hi Tina,
If I find some new time management tips I’ll definitely let you know! It’s always a struggle for me.
Yeah, I bought the taupe one a few weeks ago and was not impressed. I just ordered the Clinique Chubby Stick Eye Tint, so I’m hoping that goes better.
Hi Chelsea,
I remember you mentioning that it creased like crazy. Let me know if those Clinique Chubby Stick Eye Tints are worth a look after you try it. What color did you order?
Hmmm…I really liked the colors of the cream sticks too.You’re looking for a small, inexpensive but efficent eyeshadow to take with you…I see where you are going with the cream shadows as they won’t shatter. This is more expensive, but Benefit makes a good shadow stick in Gilded.
I’m horrible at time management and I’m ashamed to say that I am late to everything! I wish I had some suggestions. I will definitely be watching the comments to take some advice as I could use it myself!
Hi Christina,
Oh, I love Gilded! Have you ever tried layering it beneath a red lip gloss? It looks AMAZING! Here are some pics:
Makeup Tip: Layer Benefit Gilded Beneath Red Lip Glosses for Warmth and Shimmer
Ididn’t even think to use it on the lips! Great idea and it looks great on you! I’m actually going to try this right now
You’re welcome. Let me know how it goes. 🙂
Time management is a struggle for me because there just aren’t enough hours in a day! I keep a running to do list on a pad of paper. Yeah, I know that’s super hi-tech, but it’s so much easier for me than anything else. I’m used to crazy EMR systems like Mysis and Allscripts where I was drowning under multiple lists, in-boxes, a schedule, and etc. that didn’t help with organization so much as create more work.
To keep clients organized and schedule bookings, I do use Full Slate primarily because it allows for self-scheduling directly from my website and allows me to keep a record of all my clients.
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for the tips. I’m low-tech in that I love a good ol’ pad of paper and a pen, too. Makes things easy at home when I’m working at my desk.
Too bad! thanks for test driving these for us-sounds like your poor lids took one for the team! I was really hoping for an alternative to the Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier ones I have been wanting. Oh, well.
Hi Lorraine,
Those Laura ones are pricey, but they’re AMAZING. Grey Pearl (the light purple shade) is my favorite. I’m thinking that I’ll have to treat myself to the khaki color next.
Anywho, I’ll keep on the lookout for drugstore dupes. If I find any, I’ll let you know.
Hope you’re having a nice Tuesday! What are you up to?
Reminders on my phone, my desktop calendar, and if it’s really important a Post-It on my keys. If I need to hit the gym after work, I put my gym clothes next to/under my lunch bag.
It really sucks those shadow sticks don’t last even with the super duper primers.
Hi Tennyoceres,
Thanks for the tips. 🙂
Yeah, I had high hopes for these shadow sticks! Too bad they don’t last, because I could totally see them becoming my jam if they did.
Shame these cream shadow sticks didn’t work. Neutrogena has some good stuff, but I haven’t had much luck with eye stuff other than mascara with them.
As for time management, I stay pretty organized, especially if I have things that I have to get done. If it is something like cleaning the house or a specific workout, I can be flexible with that but still get it done. I’ve always been pretty efficient, and part of it comes from working in a place where I’ve had to be efficient to be effective for my team and the people I care for. I’ve also had to be very reactive and quick thinking in my job, and that translates over to my personal life with making decisions. For school/desk work type stuff, I set time limits on tasks. I have to get a certain amount done in this amount of time, and if I don’t finish it, I take a break and come back to it at a later time if it’s a big project. With working out, I’ve learned that skimping on workouts doesn’t get me anywhere and actually hinders my progress. Now that I’m on a half marathon plan, it’s easier to get out the door for my runs because I want to finish the half in under 2 hours. Upper body strength for me, especially being on the finer boned and leaner muscled side of things, means I have to work at it every day in some way, shape or form to keep and build the strength. I’ve learned much of this the hard way, but time management and getting things done was a lesson I needed to be doing as well as I have been doing with getting things done on time. That, and my OCD-ness means I want to get it done well and right!
Hi Katherine,
I always enjoy hearing how other people handle their time management, so thank you for sharing this. I do really need to get better about setting my timer for certain tasks and sticking to that schedule!
Good luck on the half-marathon. When is the big day?
Wow, I’m surprised you had bad luck with these. They wear like iron on my lids!
Hi Emily,
Oh, lucky you! Do you use them with primer?
I guess I am lucky! I’ve done it both ways – with primer and without and both work well for me. Maybe because I am just doing an allover wash of sheer color.
Hi Karen!
Bummer about the sticks, an affordable dupe of some of the higher ends would havebeen nice.
I would recommend a Skillpath seminar called admin assistants conference. There is a session on organization and prioritizing that is awesome. I am pretty sure they have a straight up organizing seminar as well. Can’t recommend enough.