Hi friends!
So this little product caught my attention last month when it initially launched. Supergoop, the suncare company known primarily for their SPF products, has ventured into color cosmetics for the first time with the debut of their Shimmershade Eyeshadows.
These are long-wearing cream shadows that come in 4 neutral shades (but weirdly only 3 are promoted on their Instagram), which all contain an SPF of 30. Like a lot of other cream shadows, they supposedly can be used alone as a light wash of color, or as a long-wearing base for another shadow. Supergoop touts them as the first-ever SPF 30 eyeshadow on the market. (It is not however the first-ever eyeshadow to contain any SPF, just to be clear. Do a quick Google search, and you’ll see.)
You can check out the shades, information on ingredients, and what else makes this product unique on Supergoop’s site here.
This all got me thinking though: do you really need to SPF your eyelids, provided that you always wear UV-blocking sunglasses? Is this just an unnecessary product that’s being overhyped?
Shimmershade Eyeshadows in First Light, Golden Hour, & Sunset. Image credit: Supergoop IG.
I should say, I’m someone who takes sun protection quite seriously, being quite pale in complexion. I don’t ever tan; I burn if exposed to direct (or even indirect) sunlight for any length of time. I never sit or lay in direct sun. In the rare cases I do find myself exposed, I’m covered in SPF 50 or above. That being stated, I don’t think I’ve ever put sun lotion on my eyelids…and they’ve never gotten burned. (I should make it clear that I always wear dark sunglasses whenever I’m out in the sun.)
Now, that’s not to say I’ve never sustained any sun damage to my eyelids ever. And it’s not to say I never should put sun lotion on my eyelids at all, or a Shimmershade from Supergoop. Eyelid skin is extremely delicate, thin and prone to wrinkles and damage. The question is then, if you had an opportunity to protect a delicate area why wouldn’t you take it?
However, I think this is an instance where you need to decide what your priorities are and what is best for you. If you already have a facial sunscreen that works for you, you may not need a product like this in your life. But if you are someone who is strict about their sun protection, or who finds themselves outside a lot exposed to the elements, or someone that’s interested in skincare-makeup hybrids, you may love this.
Each shade is priced at $24.00, which seems quite fair to me especially if you’re getting added skincare benefits.
Shimmershade Eyeshadows in (left to right) Sunset, Golden Hour, & First Light. Image credit: Supergoop IG.
If you’re interested in reading something a bit more medical in nature re: the area around our eyes and the sun’s harmful effects on it, check out this Refinery 29 article.
Personally for me, I’m satisfied right now with wearing my dark sunglasses to protect my eyes. You might not feel the same way, and that is your prerogative. If I find these products in Sephora stores where I can swatch them and have a better look, I may pick one up. Who knows.
But I think it’s also important that we as consumers don’t ever feel scared into buying something by brands or companies who (we all know) have their own agendas. I’m not saying that is what Supergoop is doing by introducing this product to the market, but I’m just making a broader point on marketing here. Read up, do your research and come to your own conclusion.
Read my last post: New brand alert! Roen Beauty has launched
What do you guys think about the Supergoop Shimmershade Eyeshadows? Do you think it’s necessary to SPF your eyelids? I’d love to know your thoughts.
xo, Erica
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I don’t think I would buy this for the SPF factor, but the colors and packaging are really pretty! I’ve never been scared into buying a product because of what a company says. The pictures are usually what gets me! 🙂
They do look like lovely wearable colors! I’m always hesitant to buy makeup offline though when I haven’t seen anything in-store yet. Just my preference.
I agree with you, I think the sun protection is a nice added bonus and not necessarily why I’d buy a product like this. I just see a lot of brands on social media using scare tactics to market their products (not Supergoop necessarily), which I don’t agree with. This is especially true with more natural or “green” brands.
The texture of this looks really useable and it also looks very pigmented, like a little would go a long way. I also agree, if you have the opportunity to protect your skin from the sun, why not take it…it’s a win in my book 🙂
And I messaged Supergoop on Instagram: these are available in Sephora stores so you can swatch and play before buying! Bingo!