Kiko Milano Long-Lasting Stick Eyeshadow 25, 37, 38, 41

The big sale on Kiko's American website is still going strong, so it's a good time to talk about the items I picked a few weeks back. These Long-Lasting Stick Eyeshadows were the best purchase. I'm not sure I'd be able to tell them apart from my beloved Caviar Sticks by Laura Mercier if they came as identical colors in non marked packaging (both products are made in Italy, and your guess is as good as mine about exact manufacturing locations and specs). Kiko's version is just as creamy, pigmented and tenacious as Laura Mercier's. The colors are intense, give a full coverage, and once set (within less than a minute, depending on the primer underneath, not that one is necessary) they do not budge. Removing them requires an oil or a dual-phase cleanser and letting and a little soaking.

The colors I picked were 25 Light Taupe (more of a beige, really), 37 Burgundy (leans a bit brown), 38 Golden Taupe (exactly what the name says), and 41 Lagoon Blue (the color of a summer vacation). All four have a bit of a sheen (41 less so) but absolutely no shimmer. They blend well and can serve as an intensifying base for a powder eye shadow or be left as is. I like to apply 25 all over the lid and adding a darker accent color in the crease and/or outer V, blending it with 41 for a summery look or adding a deeper shade for more drama. Brushes are optional, fingers do the quick and dirty job (literally, in this case. Make sure to wipe your fingers well afterwords).

Bottom Line: I should have bought a couple more.

Kiko Milano Long-Lasting Stick Eyeshadow 25, 37, 38, 41 are still on sale for $5.90. Some of the colors in the range are not discounted, but even at full price ($12) they are a bargain. The Stick Eyeshadows, like most Kiko Milano products, are made in Italy.