Hey makeup lovers! Today I’m breaking down my FULL experience with COVERGIRL’s Eye Enhancer quad in Night Sky after using it for about three months now. If you’ve been hunting for that perfect shimmery black eyeshadow (which is seriously getting harder to find!), you might want to stick around for this.
First Impressions & Packaging
When I first got my hands on this quad, I was SUPER excited about that black shimmer shade – it’s definitely what sold me on the product. The quad comes in COVERGIRL’s typical clear-top packaging which is nice for seeing the colors without opening it. The palette contains four coordinated shades that promise to be easy to wear.
BUT – heads up about that annoying seal sticker! When you remove it, it leaves this sticky residue on the outside of the packaging that’s practically IMPOSSIBLE to remove completely. I tried using makeup wipes which just made it soggy for a bit before returning to its sticky state. Not a huge deal but definitely irritating when you’re paying for a product that feels cheap because of this issue.
The quad is lightweight and compact, making it easy to throw in your makeup bag. At 0.19oz, you’re getting a decent amount of product for the price point (which is pretty affordable compared to high-end options).
Color Selection & Pigmentation
The Night Sky quad features a beautiful mix of shades that work great together:
- That gorgeous shimmery black (the star of the show!)
- Coordinating smoky blue tones that are ACTUALLY blue, not those brownish colors that claim to be blue
- Matte and shimmer finishes for versatility
The pigmentation is where things get interesting. Using the included applicator wand? FORGET IT. The shadow went on extremely lightly and patchy. But switching to my own small angled brush? Game changer! The color payoff improved dramatically and applied much more smoothly.
One thing I really appreciate is that COVERGIRL hasn’t discontinued these blue tones like so many other brands seem to be doing. Finding a true smoky blue eyeshadow has become weirdly difficult these days, so this palette fills a genuine gap in the market.
Application & Wear
Here’s where you need to decide if the gorgeous colors are worth the hassle, because there IS hassle:
THE FALLOUT. Oh my goodness, the FALLOUT. 🙄 Even going in super lightly with my brush, the shimmer particles get EVERYWHERE. The black shimmer shade is especially problematic – you can see from my experience that it doesn’t stay put during application. You absolutely MUST do your eye makeup BEFORE your foundation and concealer, or you’ll end up with sparkling black speckles all over your face.
When the black shadow falls onto your skin, it doesn’t just brush away easily either. It tends to smear when you try to wipe it off, so you’ll need makeup remover or micellar water to fully clean it up. This adds time to your makeup routine that you might not have counted on.
Another important tip: don’t press your brush too hard into the shadows (especially that black one) or the whole thing might crumble. These shadows have a somewhat delicate texture that requires a gentle touch.
On the positive side, once you’ve gone through the application process and cleaned up, the staying power is IMPRESSIVE! Even after 8-10 hours of wear, the shadow doesn’t look faded or smeared. And surprisingly, you don’t get much random fallout throughout the day once it’s set on your lids.
Blendability & Versatility
The shades blend together really well, which is a huge plus. The coordinated colors take the guesswork out of creating a cohesive eye look, which is perfect for those mornings when you’re rushing or if you’re not confident in putting together your own color combinations.
The quad offers enough versatility to create both subtle daytime looks and more dramatic evening styles. The shimmery black can be used as a liner or built up for a more intense smoky eye, while the blue tones add dimension and interest that black eyeshadow alone doesn’t provide.
Formula & Ingredients
COVERGIRL has reformulated many of their products to be cleaner, and this Eye Enhancer quad is:
- Vegan
- Talc-free
- Cruelty-free
For those with sensitive eyes, however, I should mention that one reviewer reported eye inflammation after using this product. While I personally haven’t experienced any irritation, it’s always good to be cautious if you know you have sensitive eyes.
The texture of these shadows is on the softer side, which contributes to the fallout issue but also makes them blend nicely. The shimmer particles are fine enough to look sophisticated rather than chunky or glittery.
Value for Money
At its price point (usually under $10), this quad offers good value IF you’re willing to deal with the application challenges. The fact that it’s affordable makes the fallout issues more tolerable than if you were paying high-end prices.
Consider that you’re getting four coordinated shades that wear well throughout the day, and the value proposition becomes clearer. Plus, with proper application techniques, you can minimize the negatives and maximize what this product does well.
The Bottom Line: Who Should Buy This?
You’ll probably LOVE this quad if:
- You’ve been searching for a true smoky blue eyeshadow (seriously, why are these so hard to find now?!)
- You don’t mind doing eyes before face makeup
- You’re on a budget but want something with good staying power
- You appreciate the clean, vegan formula
Maybe SKIP this if:
- You hate dealing with fallout
- You rely on included applicators (definitely invest in a good eyeshadow brush)
- You have very sensitive eyes
- You’re looking for a grab-and-go product that requires minimal fuss
My Personal Take After Three Months
After using this quad for several months now, I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with it. That shimmery black shade is STILL what keeps me coming back despite the mess. I’ve actually gotten pretty good at the application process now that I know what to expect.
Would I repurchase? Surprisingly, YES! The color payoff and staying power, combined with the affordable price point, make this a quad worth having in my collection. I just make sure to set aside enough time for application and cleanup when I want to use it.
The Night Sky quad definitely has its flaws, but if you’re like me and can’t resist a beautiful shimmery black and smoky blue combination, you might find yourself putting up with the messiness for the end result.
Have you tried this COVERGIRL quad? I’d love to hear about your experience with it!
Quick Pros & Cons Summary
PROS:
- Beautiful, unique shimmery black shade
- Rare true smoky blue tones
- Excellent staying power (8-10 hours)
- Affordable price point
- Clean, vegan, talc-free formula
- Colors blend together beautifully
- Coordinated shades take guesswork out of creating looks
CONS:
- MAJOR fallout during application
- Included applicator is practically useless
- Sticky residue from seal on packaging
- Requires careful application technique
- Cleanup needed after application
- May cause irritation for those with sensitive eyes
- Delicate formula that can crumble if pressed too hard
If you decide to try this quad, just remember: EYES FIRST, then face makeup, and have those makeup wipes ready! The end result can be worth the extra effort if you love these colors as much as I do.
Buy on Amazon: Here
