I have always been terrible at applying makeup. I shudder at the memory my three-shades-of-metallic blue Miners eyeshadow in the 70s (paired with spidery Rimmel cake mascara) when I was off to the school disco (eek!) in my psychedelic flares and wooden platforms.
I have small hazel eyes, am very pale, my eyelids are oily, and I am left-handed. Primer doesn’t help at all so powder shadow ends up patchy and creased. I am very clumsy at applying any makeup so I need something quick and easy.
A number of years ago I discovered Clinique Chubby Sticks in Lots o’ Latte. The Chubby Stick is like a pen that you just swipe over your lids and blend with your fingers (or a brush/sponge). It lasts all day and is a nice neutral shade that adds a veil of colour. You can lighten or darken the shade by how much you apply.
Unfortunately Clinique no longer make them, which I only discovered after not wearing makeup for two years during the pandemic. My last two (one in my makeup bag, one on my dressing table) dried out and broke into pieces the first time I put makeup on after covid restrictions were lifted.
I hunted for replacements everywhere until one sympathetic Clinique sales associate referred me to MAC, where I was encouraged to buy a Paint Pot in Groundwork. I bought one reluctantly as I had nothing else to use.
But wow! This mid-tone neutral taupe goes on easily, doesn’t crease, and stays all day! Not cheap but for me, a winner! I now have one in my makeup bag and one on my dressing table. They were sold out almost everywhere so I must have discovered something popular late in the game, as per usual. Just watch them discontinue them now!
