Monday, 5 March 2012

Holy Fail of The Week: BYS Shimmer Shine Pencil's

I am a big advocate of Australian brands - Australis, BYS, Face of Australia. You name it, I'm willing to try it, simply because I'm hoping to find the Australian version of Wet'n'Wild or NYX. I refuse to believe that some of the cheapest American cosmetic brands can have amazing quality, whilst our cheapest brands like BYS or Savvy by DB most often have one star product, amongst a range of 'duds'. Now, I've been quite fortunate with the BYS I've tried, with the blushes being a cult favorite amongst Aussie beauty bloggers and the lipsticks being amazing quality for the price. Unfortunately, these Shimmer Sticks were an ultimate fail in my book.


Top: 06 Bronze, Bottom: 01 Silver

I've never used a NYX Jumbo pencil before, but I am pining away to use one. When I saw these, a small part of me jumped at the idea that I'd found a cheap, Australian alternative. Considering these were only $4AU each and I'm quite a fan of other BYS products, I purchased a shimmery white, as well as a shimmery bronze color, praying for the best, as there was quite a color selection.

Left: Swatched, Right: Blended

As you can see from the swatches, these creamy crayons are richly pigmented, and also provide a nice sheen of shimmery color when  blended out. I was super impressed by how much payoff these colors gave when swatched on my hand, that I immediately tested them on my eyes.

As I was only around the house, the way I tested them was a bit unusual: I applied primer to one eye, then left one without a base, then applied half of each color, quite thickly (as swatched), on either eye. Sadly, after less than half an hour, they creased! They color had worn off until only what looked like the blended swatches was left on the eye, with big chunks left in my creases. I then tried the same thing with the colors blended out (as opposed to applied heavily). Unfortunately, once again, they creased within half an hour, with or without primers.

I would possibly use the white as an inner eye corner or brow bone highlight, but because of the creasing rate, would not use it for anything else, nor will I use the copper shade at all. This is simply due to the fact that I want my makeup to actually look good.

Honestly, on my recommendation, if you see these in store, I'd give them a miss. Don't pass by the BYS stand completely, but just skip the shimmer sticks. Not at all worth the money.


10 comments:

  1. I haven't tried these but I agree with you about the blushers. The pigmentation is pretty amazing for a $4 product! Candy Floss is my fave :)

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    1. It's a shame BYS is such a hit an miss.. I really wish it were more like NYX

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  2. I have the silver, which works really well as a brow highlight and for my inner corner, but I'm glad to know not to use it as a shadow!

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    1. I think as a highlight it'll work perfectly :) It's just so pigmented

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  3. Very useful post! I get oily eyelids so I have to stay away from any eye products that crease haha xx

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  4. Hi! I tagged you for a tag-
    http://seventhingsbeauty.blogspot.com/2012/03/colors-of-rainbow-tag.html

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  5. Such a shame! I haven't seen these before but I won't be purchasing them!
    x

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    1. The white/silver is great for a highlight, just not for eyeshadow :P

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