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This $24 Supergoop SPF eyeshadow protects my sensitive lids from the sun (and wrinkles) with zero irritation
The creamy formula doesn't dry me out, plus it adds a little sparkle to my day.
Whether it's the middle of summer or the dead of winter, I don't leave my house unless I'm wearing sunscreen. And while I'm diligent about applying it, there's one area I've avoided until recently: my eyelids.
It's not that I don't want to protect them. On the contrary, they're one of the most delicate parts of our bodies (not to mention, highly wrinkle-prone). But I'm so sensitive that applying sunscreen there always resulted in stinging eyes and irritated skin. Then I heard about Supergoop Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow with SPF 30, which, frankly, sounded like a genius idea. Would my skin be able to handle it? I bought a jar from Sephora to test out — keep scrolling for my honest review.
An eyeshadow that offers sun protection and just might help ward off wrinkles? Sold!
- Contains mineral SPF 30
- Formulated for use on all skin types
- Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free
- Only comes in shimmery shades, not matte
- Difficult to apply with a makeup brush
Supergoop SPF eyeshadow first impressions
There are four shades to choose from. I went with Golden Hour, a warm, sand-colored tone that I thought would make my eyes pop just enough without being too flashy. (There's also a lighter shade, First Light; a rose gold hue, Daydream; and a deep bronze, Sunset.) As you might guess from its name, Supergoop Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow doesn't come in any matte hues, so I was curious to see just how glittery it would be.
Upon opening the little jar, I realized the formula was much less powdery than most eyeshadows I've used and had more of a mousse-like texture. (Guess that's why it's called a cream!) I first tried applying it with a small makeup brush but found it difficult to get any product onto the bristles. My fingers it was! I dabbed just a bit over my lids, and it quickly became clear that a little goes a long way. It was quite pigmented, even when applied lightly, but that's not a knock against it. I was pleased to see that the shimmer factor wasn't overpowering; it just brightened up my eye area, and the golden hue was a fun neutral. My husband, who never comments on my makeup, even complimented me on it!
Sensitive skin-approved
I'm impressed by how long this stuff stays on my lids — as in, literally all day. I don't notice it fading until I washed it off, and unlike powdery eyeshadows, it doesn't make my already dry skin feel more parched. That said, you are supposed to reapply sunscreen every few hours, so you'll want to dab some more on throughout the day if you're outdoors.
As for sensitivity? Knock on wood, I haven't experienced any issues. No redness, no itching and, thankfully, no eye-stinging. Because of that, I plan on using it until the expiration date (the label on my jar said it would be good for about 10 months after I bought it). Now I can go about my day knowing my upper-eye area has more sun protection, and hey, there's nothing wrong with a little wrinkle prevention, either!
'Glowing' reviews
Hundreds of Sephora shoppers also have eyes for this shimmery SPF shadow.
"I have blepharitis and very sensitive eyes," shared one impressed reviewer. "This is the first eyeshadow I have been able to wear without any irritation or inflammation ... there is no flaking and it stays on! ... It has a light shimmer that isn't too much for my mature complexion."
"I love these in all shades," wrote another happy wearer. "These are great on their own and as SPF primers. If you don't want the shimmer, a matte shadow fully covers it. Even covered with a matte, though, it can be nice to leave a bit in the inner corners as a kind of highlight or bring it up to the brow bone."
"I live in south Texas, where it has been over 100 degrees every day in the summer, and I tend to sweat a LOT, especially when humid out — but this stays on all day!" raved a final fan. "It creases a bit on my lids if I don't use primer, otherwise it still looks great at the end of the day!"
I might have to scoop up this pretty rose gold shade next.
Here's another Supergoop fave of mine:
Before I started wearing lip SPF, I was prone to getting freckles on my mouth. Now I slather something on every time I leave the house. That said, chemical lip sunscreens taste like, well, sunscreen. Not very appealing. And when I switched to mineral, it left a strange white cast on my lips. This product is a 100% mineral sunscreen — zinc oxide — and I was impressed to find that it left no unpleasant taste (it's got a sort of sweet-minty essence). And I much prefer pink-tinted lips to pasty white ones.
Check out my full Supergoop Lipshade review for more.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
