Make-up doesn’t must be sophisticated, particularly when you have among the best eye shadow sticks in your make-up bag. These versatile sticks are an easy medium for newbies to grasp their eye make-up routines with ease, whether or not they’re getting used as eyeliner or for a smudged-out end. Consultants agree that these creamy formulation slide and glide with out pesky powder fallout, that means you get a punch of pigment with out risking your basis base. Better of all: You do not want a brush to use or mix these—your fingers might be your creative instruments. Beneath, our editors share their favourite eye shadow sticks after months (and years) of testing.
Our Prime Eye Shadow Sticks
Incessantly Requested Questions
Finest General: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow
Why it is value it: Laura Mercier’s Better of Magnificence-winning Caviar Stick Eye Shadows are a make-up artist and Attract editor staple for his or her wealthy, smudge-proof pigments that evenly diffuse with a couple of faucets of your finger. “I am a die-hard fan of the Laura Mercier shadow stick in Cocoa (a wealthy chocolate with bronze pearl pictured above),” New York Metropolis-based make-up artist Kirin Bhatty tells Attract. “I at all times have them in my equipment as they’re tremendous versatile, and you may create one thing very pure to one thing very smoky in a couple of swipes.” And with nearly 40 shades in shimmer, matte, and metallic finishes—which may also be concentrated into eyeliner— you possibly can unleash your inside artist.
Tester suggestions from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“I haven’t got the time or endurance to fiddle with a watch shadow palette most mornings, which is why I like the utility of those shadow sticks. This one is simple to mix out with my fingers, and the pigment accentuates my eyes with out trying too over-the-top. One other bonus? I can layer a couple of completely different colours with out the colours getting muddy. They go on seamlessly whether or not I am doing a fast daytime look or going larger for a particular occasion or night time out.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Who it is for: everybody, individuals searching for a transfer-proof shadow stick
- Out there shades: 27 (15 satin, 12 matte)
Finest Shade Vary: Bobbi Brown Lengthy-Put on Cream Shadow Stick
Why it is value it: Although Bobbi Brown’s Lengthy-Put on Cream Shadow Stick assortment options a formidable 29-count shade vary. Irrespective of which shade you add to your self-importance, each swipe stays put for a full 24 hours—even when you have watery eyes, because of its waterproof formulation. The matte formulation are velvety, resist creasing, and play nicely with different shadows, however our editors love the pearlescent shimmers a lot that we gave the lineup an Attract Better of Magnificence Award in again 2023.
Tester suggestions from former Attract affiliate supervisor of particular tasks Talia Gutierrez
“Carrying eye shadow would not at all times imply a full cut-crease beat. These shadow sticks are user-friendly and virtually mistake-free. The one instrument you will want is one fingertip! My favourite shade is taupe, however once I wish to amp up some dimension and shadow, I am going to pat within the shade bark for a fast and straightforward matte, smoky eye.”—Talia Gutierrez, former Attract affiliate supervisor of particular tasks
- Who it is for: anybody who desires an intensive vary of wearable, on a regular basis colours
- Out there shades: 29 (17 matte, 15 shimmer)
Finest Lengthy-Lasting: Half Magic Sparklestik Eye Crayon
Why it’s value it: The largest draw back of glitter lids? Fallout, each mid-application and mid-day. However the 2025 Better of Magnificence Award-winning Half Magic Sparklestik Eye Crayon eliminates that drawback. The creamy stick clings to lids the moment it touches them, flooding you with a mirror-like shine that doesn’t budge for as much as 12 hours (sure, actually). Every of the ten ultra-pigmented shades seems such as you spent perpetually perfecting it, however glides proper on and dries down in seconds, and might be layered for further depth. As soon as the shadow is on, it’s on, so that you’ll want a critical cleaning balm to take it off. Simply use the thinner facet of the applicator to attract a exact line.
“I can’t cease raving about this eye shadow! It is the right sparkle for individuals who assume they’re afraid of carrying shimmer. The method is so creamy and full of ultrafine glitter that catches the sunshine good. I like to use one swipe at my higher lash traces, then use my finger to mix it as much as cowl my lids.” —Kara McGrath, content material director
- Who it’s for: these searching for long-lasting shimmer that doubles as eyeliner
- Out there shades: 10 (all shimmer)
Finest Shimmer: Tower28 GoGo Cooling Shimmer Eyeshadow
Why it’s value it: You’re sure to provide you with a museum-worthy eye look once you uncap Tower 28’s GoGo Cooling Shimmer Eyeshadow. The method is creamy, ultra-pigmented, and—get this stays put for hours with out a primer (a uncommon feat for shimmer). The cherry on high: It delivers a delicate cooling sensation that immediately wakes up drained eyes, whereas Irish moss calms even delicate or eczema-prone pores and skin. Simply faucet it on along with your finger for a delicate wash of shade or use a brush to construct a daring, foiled end that catches the sunshine with each blink.
“The identify actually is all the pieces right here: This eye shadow stick is cooling (which feels so good and refreshing) and tiny sufficient that I can toss it in my bag for fast touch-ups whereas I am on the go-go. Each single shade is gorgeous, and the shimmer is noticeable, however nonetheless sufficiently subtle that I can put on it to the workplace throughout the day. I often apply the stick proper to my lid, then mix it out utilizing my finger. I’ve utilized these at the back of an Uber in seconds with zero points. Bonus: They hardly ever crease, even on my super-sensitive, oily eyelids. These sticks make enjoyable eye shadow accessible—I extremely suggest grabbing one (or a couple of!) if you happen to’re keen on carrying eye shadow extra, however do not know the place to start out.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
- Who it’s for: these searching for long-lasting, pigmented shimmer
- Out there shades: 9 (all shimmer)
Finest Matte: Nars Whole Seduction Eyeshadow Stick
Why it is value it: Only one swatch of the Nars Whole Seduction Eyeshadow Stick proves how simple it’s to work with. The buttery method by no means skips, so you possibly can mix to your coronary heart’s content material with out concern of a patchy, uneven end. Every of its impartial shades is available in a velvety matte end that stays opaque and crease-free with out drying your pores and skin. Simply swipe and go for a pigmented end, however if you wish to diffuse its shade, a couple of pats along with your finger will do the trick.
Tester suggestions from former purchasing market editor Angela Trakoshis
“I’ll be sincere, I suck at making use of eye shadow, however I like the look of it. I’m all about merchandise that make my life simpler, and the Nars Whole Seduction Eyeshadow Stick is my secret weapon. The creamy method glides on like silk, blends effortlessly, and doesn’t budge.”—Angela Trakoshis, former purchasing market editor
- Who it is for: anybody who desires a forgiving matte eye shadow stick that’s simple to mix
- Out there shades: 6
Finest Splurge: Victoria Beckham Magnificence EyeWear Eye Shadow Stick
Why it is value it: If we needed to describe Victoria Beckham Magnificence’s EyeWear Eye Shadow Stick in two phrases: easy drama. Every of the ten shades is right for sheered-out, low-key seems and daring, smoky eye make-up that can final for hours on finish. The important thing to this luxury decide’s long-lasting method, in line with beauty chemist Marisal Mou, is the formulation’s inclusion of methyl trimethicone and trimethylsiloxysilicate, two “movie formers” that assist lock the cream shadow in place. “They improve adhesion and substantivity of shade to the pores and skin and, extra importantly, enhance water and rub resistance and stability of deposition of product on the pores and skin,” she says. She additionally shouts out diisostearyl fumarate, an ingredient that helps diffuse shade pigments and decrease feathering, bleeding, and creasing. “It additionally provides a wealthy, clean really feel to the pores and skin,” she says. Attempt channeling sun-soaked, heat climate vibes (even within the lifeless of winter) with Sunflower, a matte mustard yellow, or Macaron, a matte lilac.
“I’m such a fan of those versatile, easy-to-use formulation and may attest that they last as long as eight hours—even once you’re out and about on an 85-degree day. Like Victoria Beckham’s vogue line, every shade was deliberately added to the shadow stick lineup to match your on a regular basis wardrobe, form of like a capsule assortment for make-up.” —Jennifer Hussein, former commerce author
- Who it is for: these searching for a flexible, long-lasting eye shadow
- Out there shades: 10
Finest Funds: Juvia’s Place Nubian Shadow Sticks
Juvia’s Place
Nubian Shadow Sticks
Why it’s value it: The Juvia’s Place Nubian Shadow Sticks are each bit as vibrant as they’re wallet-friendly. Whether or not you go for a matte or shimmery shade, only one swipe affords mega shade payoff. On high of that, each shade is waterproof, so it stays on for hours—even if you happen to hit up your favourite exercise class or the dance flooring. The creamy texture makes utility—mixing, smudging, and buffing—a dream. It’s good for the newbies of the group, however professionals may also love how versatile it’s to mix right into a wing or smudge alongside the lash line. And, simply once you thought it could not get any higher, it at all times stays rounded, so that you by no means must whip out your messy sharpener.e
Tester suggestions from affiliate supervisor of viewers growth Melanie Curry
“Let’s be sincere right here. Most of us haven’t got 30 further minutes to do a full eye shadow look. I barely have time to hide my darkish circles and add blush. So, I would like a watch shadow stick that’ll give me some depth with out the time dedication. This Nubian Shadow Stick has turn out to be considered one of my go-tos for doing precisely that, and extra. You do not even want a fluffy brush to use. Simply swipe it in your eyelids, buff it along with your fingers, and bam. You’ve a pleasant, delicate shimmery lid in seconds.”—Melanie Curry, affiliate supervisor of viewers growth
- Who it is for: anybody who desires an inexpensive eye shadow stick that doesn’t slack on shade
- Out there shades: 8
Incessantly Requested Questions
How do I apply a watch shadow stick?
Like all particular person eye shadow, you’ve gotten your choices when it comes to utility. Most eye shadow sticks have creamy formulation that take a couple of seconds (a minute, tops) to settle, which makes your clear fingers an excellent applicator. “I take advantage of my fingers for shadows on a regular basis, at work and on myself,” Fiona Stiles, a Los Angeles-based make-up artist, beforehand advised Attract. “At work, I take advantage of them to put on shade in a extra concentrated manner, and on myself, I take advantage of them to create a wash of shadow on the lid,” she says.
New York Metropolis-based make-up artist Yuui Imaginative and prescient recommends utilizing your ring finger to pat alongside your lid, then mixing along with your center finger. For a extra concentrated end, Imaginative and prescient suggests dabbing shade along with your ring finger on the realm of your lid the place you wish to enhance opacity, then alternate mixing with each fingers till you create your required end.
Are eye shadow sticks good for mature eyes?
New York Metropolis-based make-up artist Lisa Aharon beforehand advised Attract that cream eye shadow sticks (and simply cream formulation normally) are the perfect for mature eyes. “They’ve a smoother texture and are much less more likely to settle into positive traces and wrinkles,” she says. Whereas cream eye shadows are available matte, shimmer, or metallic finishes, Katy Holland, an Austin-based make-up artist at Increase! Magnificence, and Aharon vouch for matte formulation since they supply a delicate and subtle look that does not emphasize the pores and skin’s texture.
Meet the specialists
How we check and assessment merchandise
Earlier than reviewing any make-up, we ask questions on quite a lot of elements: What substances are in it? Does the model supply a large shade vary inclusive of shoppers with all pores and skin tones and undertones? Is it protected for readers who’ve delicate pores and skin or put on contact lenses? Is it on the inexpensive facet or extra of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our assessment of the perfect eye shadow sticks, we enlisted the assistance of a number of editors, writers, contributors, {and professional} make-up artists to assessment the merchandise. This ensures our testing base spans completely different pores and skin tones, genders, and dermatological circumstances. We thought of every product’s efficiency throughout 4 major classes: put on, longevity, shade selection, and ease of use. For extra on what’s concerned in our reporting, take a look at our full critiques course of and methodology web page.
Our employees and testers
A magnificence product is a private buy. You may be trying to find a face cream to handle persistent dryness or a brand new nail product so as to add to your Sunday self-care routine; it’s possible you’ll merely be shopping round for the most recent launches to hit the hair market. It doesn’t matter what you search or your particular person wants and issues, Attract desires to make sure that you’re keen on something we suggest in our tales. We consider that having a various crew of writers and editors—along with the wide selection of outdoor testers and business specialists we recurrently name upon—is important to reaching that aim.
In spite of everything, can we actually say a skin-care product is the “greatest” for individuals over 50 if the one testers we’ve solicited opinions from people who’ve but to hit 30? Can we truthfully deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned money if it’s by no means been examined on curls? We’re proud that our employees spans a variety of ages, pores and skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which signifies that we’re in a position to pretty assess any magnificence product that comes into the wonder closet.
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