At this time every year, brands release their latest “long-wear” offerings. They theorise that we’re all preparing for holidays where we’ll swim and sunbathe in a tropical climate and require makeup that can withstand all the glamour. In reality, long-wear makeup is most useful for three types of British women – those who live or work in humid cities, those experiencing hormonal hot flushes, and those whose skin dictates the wearing of rich moisturisers – all of whom may routinely find their makeup wanders off before lunch. With these women in mind (and being able to tick two of those boxes myself), I’ve been testing long-wearing eye crayons to see how they cope.
Crayons are just easy. You simply draw on the lid, either along the lashline or up to slightly beyond the socket, and quickly smudge with a finger before it sets. They give definition that’s soft and effortless-looking, and therefore forgiving of mistakes and wear.
I found three crayons that went nowhere until I intentionally shooed them off with cleanser. Bobbi Brown’s new Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick (£20, and worn here in Goldstone) is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It looks subtle, but withstood a power shower during testing. Nars’ Velvet Shadow Sticks, £20, are bolder and so especially good close to the lashes (chocolatey Dark Angel suits everyone), and stayed on after a 30-minute soak in the bath – I still had a faint line on my hand come morning. Finding a bargain was trickier, but Bourjois delivered with Colorband Eyeshadow & Liner, £5.99. It has a slightly gummy texture, but once it’s set, it goes the distance.
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