20 Eyeshadow Sticks That Make Getting Ready Easy
December 06, 2022
How to Use an Eyeshadow Stick
In the history of modern makeup, eyeshadow sticks may reign supreme as the all-time easiest. An eyeshadow in stick form? Sign us up. Luckily, there are loads to choose from. But before you dive in, there’s one important question to answer: How do you use an eyeshadow stick? An eyeshadow stick is a hand-held eyeshadow that’s creamy enough to sweep over your entire lid without a brush to help. But these aren’t a one-trick pony. Eyeshadow sticks can be used almost anywhere — the lid, the waterline, the lash line, the crease, the inner corner, etc. — and, in some cases, can also be used on the cheeks and lips. In other words, they’re the multitasking product you’ve been missing. Ahead, check out our favorites.
The 20 Best Eyeshadow Sticks
Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Stick
In typical Urban Decay fashion, these shadow sticks come in an array of bold, highly pigmented shades that stay put for up to 24 hours. The waterproof formulas glide on easily, but once they’re blended, they won’t budge.
IT Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick
This crease-proof, waterproof crayon comes in 12 flattering shades, from a pearlized, dusky purple to a rich, chocolate brown. For a diffused smoky eye, try blending the color out with your fingertips.
NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil
This eye pencil’s jumbo size makes it easy to coat your entire eyelid with color in a single swipe. Plus, the creamy formula multitasks as an eyeshadow, eyeliner and even a face highlighter. Choose from a range of soft neutral shades and bright, punchy pastels.
Maybelline New York Color Strike Cream-to-Powder Eye Shadow Pen
This innovative cream-to-powder formula glides effortlessly onto your lids and is very buildable. The pointed cushion tip makes it easy to target application in tricky areas, including your lash line and inner corners.
Lancôme Ombré Hypnôse Stylo Shadow Stick
Available in 15 shades, this creamy shadow stick is long-lasting and intensely pigmented. It’s also waterproof and comes with a self-sharpener so that you never have to worry about a dull tip.
Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil
If you love shimmery eyeshadow, these pencils don’t disappoint. Each color offers just the right amount of shimmer to make your eyes pop, whether you’re looking to create a bold smoky eye or prefer to keep your makeup light and simple.
Nudestix Magnetic Eye Color
These long-wearing, quick-drying pencils will quickly become a mainstay in your makeup routine. The matte shades are perfect for swiping on for a natural everyday look, while the shimmer shades can be used as shadows, liners, eye primers or face highlighters.
Alleyoop 11th Hour Cream Eyeshadow & Liner Stick
As the name suggests, this formula is smudge- and crease-proof for more than 11 hours. It’s available in five super wearable shades and also includes a sharpener.
e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Shadow Stick
The results live up to the promise of the name: This shadow stick doesn’t budge. In fact, we love using it as a base color underneath our powder shadows; it makes any color you add on top pop.
MILK Makeup Color Chalk
These powder pigments may resemble the chalk you used as a child, but trust us, they’re much cooler. The Color Chalks are buildable, vibrant and multipurpose; you can use most of the shades on your cheeks and lips, too!
Milani Cosmetics Gilded Flora Eyeshadow Sticks
If you’ve never used an eyeshadow stick before, consider trying these creamy shimmer shadows; they’re perfect for beginners. With these, it shouldn’t take more than a few seconds to add a subtle sparkle to the lids.
Kiko Milano Baseline Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick
Cream makeup tends to fade quickly, but this long-lasting shadow can stay on for hours. The lightweight formulas go on smoothly and stick around until you say so.
L.A. Girl Sunkissed Glow Shadow Stick
“Cold girl” makeup may be trending, but we love the year-long glow this shadow stick helps us fake. While the sun-kissed effect is a plus, we don’t mind the fact that the formula also uses vitamin E and jojoba oil to help hydrate skin. After all, it isn’t actually summer — yet.
About Face Shadowstick
Anyone with oily skin — or a penchant for getting caught in the rain — will love the About Face Shadowstick. Rain or shine, this one-swipe waterproof formula isn’t going anywhere.
Eyeko Double Act Shadow Stick
Few eye makeup trends are foolproof, but this shadow stick helps make even the most complicated and geometric looks a breeze. We don’t mind that this shadow stick offers two shade options, too — it’s a full look in one product.
Colourpop Colour Stix
The beauty of eyeshadow sticks is that they can be used in different ways, and this multitasking shadow from Colourpop is no exception. With 21 bright and bold shades to choose from, there’s no shortage of inspiration here. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also under $10.
Jason Wu Beauty Jewel Stick
While it’s technically an eyeshadow, fans of the Jewel Stick love it as an alternative to eyeliner. The creamy, blendable formula is easy to apply and never pulls or tugs on your skin.
Julep Beauty Eyeshadow 101 Crème-to-Powder Eyeshadow Stick
This eyeshadow stick is extra-special thanks to its cream-to-powder formula. In other words, it will not crease even without a primer. Better still, you don’t need a brush to blend it out.
Mented Cosmetics Color Intense Eyeshadow Stick
Eyeshadow sticks are great for on-the-go looks. When you’re hard pressed for time, consider swiping one of these four neutral shades across your lid. No one will know your look took only a minute to complete.
Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener
Need a morning lift? These brightening eyeshadow sticks are more energizing than a cup of coffee; at least they’ll make you look more awake than you actually feel.
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