CoverGirl's Smoky ShadowBlast Product Review

I received CoverGirl's Smoky ShadowBlast for the purpose of this review. All opinions and statements are 100 percent honest and mine.

CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast is a retractable dual creamy eyeshadow stick. The stick contains "Step 1" eye color, and "Step 2" eyeliner. The product creates a smoky eye look, which is a makeup effect women create by blending eye shadow and eyeliner. I received Onyx Smoke ShadowBlast, which was a duo of a shimmery white ("Step 1") and a jet-black with lighter shimmer ("Step 2").

My initial reaction to using CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast was that "Step 1" eye shadow was creamy and easy to apply. The stick would glide over my eyelid easily and without problems. I did not use an eye shadow primer with the first application, but I did have makeup foundation on my face.

I found "Step 2" eyeliner to be thick and challenging to draw a fine line with. The tip is wider than a regular eye pencil or brush. I could not get a perfectly straight and even line in just one application. I had to go over at least twice to get a straight and smooth line; this may be a problem for someone who prefers only a thin eyeliner look.

Besides its use as eyeliner, "Step 2" goes in the crease of the upper lid. The darker shade blends with "Step 1" when using your finger, creating a shadow and smoky effect. I did not like how "Step 2" looked on my upper lid or crease.

I really liked how "Step 1" looked. The white shimmer enhanced my eye color. I also liked the fact that "Step 1" did not feel heavy on my eyelids, as I have experienced that with other creamy eye shadows. Step "2" felt heavy, even when I would blink. Because of this, I prefer to apply a small amount of "Step 2" in the corners of my eyes and blend.

The big problems with CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast are creasing and melting. I had to use an eye shadow primer in order for the product to reduce creasing. Applying eye shadow primer did not completely stop CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast from creating creases or melting off my eyelids. I touched up my eyelids with an eye shadow brush, but CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast would crease again within 30 minutes of wear.

I also found that Onyx Smoke's "Step 1" would show foundation, primer and eyeliner on its tip, after each use. Since the color is white, it shows any other product I may have blended in previous applications. I am not sure how this would affect "Step 1" white shimmer color over time, especially if I were blending it with purple and blue eye shadows.

I like using and wearing CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast in Onyx Smoke during the day. I like the shimmer of white eye shadow color and the way it enhances my eyes. I do not think CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast would work for long hours or at night. I am not sure if I would be willing to wear it when going out or to a public place, especially one that allows smoking. I think the creaminess of CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast would cause the product to melt off my face in a smoky or humid atmosphere.

Additionally, I found Onyx Smoke to look nicer in person than in photographs. The white eye shadow color is so light and does not show as much in photographs, even when using different lighting or flash.

I was a little annoyed with CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast's general packaging. I purchased a different shade, Purple Plum, on my own. I completely forgot the name of this shade because the packaging does not indicate it. The package does say CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast, but no shade colors are available. I feel that the lack of labeling on the product itself will make me forget Onyx Smoke as well.

Overall, I managed to find a successful look with CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast in Onyx Smoke. The product is not a complete loss, but a good base for a beautiful eye makeup look. I am not saying that you can achieve this look by simply applying "Step 1" and "Step 2." There is a little work involved such as using an eye shadow primer, blending with a brush and touching up with a powder eye shadow and solid eye pencil. On its own, CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast does not give me the results shown in advertisements or product videos. CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast does however create a smoky eye effect with a little help from other products.

CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast in Onyx Smoke, or any of its other shades, is available in stores such as Target and Walmart. CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast does contain two products in one, which is a good value, and costs around $8. I may not call Smoky ShadowBlast eye shadow the best product on the market, but it is worth trying.

Resources: Smoky ShadowBlast Product Page