By now, you probably know that I love trying out and writing about makeup and skincare just as much as I do with kids’ stuff. And that’s because, at my core, I’m just a product junkie in general.
I’ve been playing with makeup for as long as I have memories. There are photos of two-year-old me not only applying makeup on myself, but also on my Granny who cared for me while my parents worked. I’ve done makeup for people’s weddings on occasion, too. I just love the stuff.
I used to be pretty bent on MAC, but over the years, I’ve diversified and have love affairs with everything from Giorgio Armani’s cosmetics to COVERGIRL. Brands don’t universally make the best products as a whole; I find that you need to look for what works best for you within several lines — and just stop worrying about whether everything in your makeup bag matches. (I know, I know: that last part is really hard sometimes.)
I’ve been using SST Cosmetics’ new POWERPLAY POWERSTAY sticks for a couple of months now, and I’m really excited to tell you about them.
THE GOOD
As someone who travels a fair bit, and always commits to using only carryon luggage, being able to pack five compact sticks that take the place of lipstick, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, brow liner and highlighting powder(s) is HUGE. Not to mention the number of brushes I now leave at home. I couldn’t believe how space-saving these POWERPLAY POWERSTAY guys were the first time I packed for a trip. Now, I just add a bottle of foundation, concealer, lipgloss and — if I’m feeling extra-fancy — some mascara for my lower lashes (since my uppers are swathed in extensions) and I’m on my way with far less bulk.
The pigments are strong and true. They go from stick to face and the colour stays consistent. They’re also really long-wearing (in the case of the “plank” shadow stick, sometimes TOO long-wearing…I’ll get to that), so you won’t need to worry about re-applying your makeup from one hour to the next. I even use the shadow stick on my waterline and it stays put better than any other eyeliner I’ve ever used. In fact, the highlighting stick has replaced the pigment powder I’ve been using for the last decade, because it goes on easier and lasts longer.
Here I am wearing a face done ONLY using these POWERPLAY POWERSTAY sticks from SST (atop my beloved Armani foundation, that is):
And here I am having used the brow liner, shadow stick, highlighter and the lipstick in “euphoric” as blush; but I used my normal foundation and some shimmery Guerlain lip gloss instead of trying for bold eyes and lips at the same time:
Flat #hair, don’t care. #datenight #myface #selfie #selfies #hair #flatiron #makeup #makeupoftheday #SST #armani #guerlain #maccosmetics A photo posted by Andrea (@mommygearest) on
So, lots of different looks are achievable using just the sticks or by combining them with other makeup products you already have.
The SST brand is Canadian. Love that. So much.
SST’s POWERPLAY POWERSTAY collection is available online and in 70 salons nationwide, making it easy to come by when you run out.
THE GAFFE
Although they’re sticks and will probably last several months, $27.95 may feel steep — especially if you’re purchasing all five. That said, if you’re used to buying higher-end makeup, this is par for the course. No sticker shock for me personally.
Let me preface this statement by saying that the SST shadow stick is easily my favourite stick in the bunch. I use it all the time as eyeliner and eyeshadow. But, boy, does it stay on. Like, for days. Even with good eye-makeup remover, I’m always sporting what looks like an eyeliner tattoo on my lower eyelids for a good three days after I wear it. On the upside, at least it looks good as it fades.
There are still limited options in terms of colours. If you want a dark brown liner or shadow for example, it’s just not available. Same goes for a lighter pink or more natural lip hue.
THE GEARS
4.5/5
Lushka Smith says
Wow, first I’ve heard of these. I’ll have to check them out now. Thanks for the review.
Lushka Smith says
Wow, first I’ve heard of these. I’ll have to check them out now. Thanks for the review.
Melinda Jana (@Sukki24) says
The colours look amazing. I am all for Canadian products, will have to check them out
Melinda Jana (@Sukki24) says
The colours look amazing. I am all for Canadian products, will have to check them out
LILLIAN M BROWN (@LILLIANMB23) says
Great review and nice colours for Spring
LILLIAN M BROWN (@LILLIANMB23) says
Great review and nice colours for Spring
Silvia D says
thank you for the review, love the colours!
Silvia D says
thank you for the review, love the colours!
Diana Powell says
love the colours . Perfect for any skin tone.
Diana Powell says
love the colours . Perfect for any skin tone.
Nicky says
i like that it’s Canadian. love the colours!
Nicky says
i like that it’s Canadian. love the colours!
Brandee H says
Gorgeous colors. They look like they would go on well. I have to agree, I would have a VERY hard time spending 28.00 as well! 🙂
Brandee H says
Gorgeous colors. They look like they would go on well. I have to agree, I would have a VERY hard time spending 28.00 as well! 🙂
kristen visser says
holy jeez! absolutely beautiful! I don’t wear much make up but that is because I don’t have much or don’t make an effort to purchase new and different things. I would love to achieve the look you did with these power stay sticks!
kristen visser says
holy jeez! absolutely beautiful! I don’t wear much make up but that is because I don’t have much or don’t make an effort to purchase new and different things. I would love to achieve the look you did with these power stay sticks!
cottagebunny says
I am obsessed with beautiful makeup products.Thanks for the lovely review and I am happy to see all instagram sites you included.I will have to go visiting.
cottagebunny says
I am obsessed with beautiful makeup products.Thanks for the lovely review and I am happy to see all instagram sites you included.I will have to go visiting.
Rachel says
You look gorgeous in this… thanks for the review. As a non-make-up wearer, that price does seem steep… but for those who wear it often, I’m sure its not that big of a price difference.
Rachel says
You look gorgeous in this… thanks for the review. As a non-make-up wearer, that price does seem steep… but for those who wear it often, I’m sure its not that big of a price difference.