If foundation and mascara are the makeup equivalents of your wardrobe staples, then wearing eye shadow is like reaching for your clutch bag or most eye-catching pair of heels. You may not wear it on a regular basis, but it's there if you need to put in some extra effort and add interest to your look. But an eyeshadow stick? Well, that's a different story.
I've never been a dedicated daily eye shadow wearer, so supersized eye shadow palettes have never really appealed to me. Indeed, when I have owned them, I've found myself reaching for the same few shades again and again. Likewise, the idea of blending multiple different shades across my eyelid feels far too overwhelming. Truthfully, I want easy eye shadow looks only. When it comes to applying eye shadow, I'm very much a one wash of colour kind of person, which is why eye shadow sticks are my go-to eye makeup product of choice.
While I don't use them everyday, a good eye shadow stick is an essential tool in my makeup bag for occasions when I want to highlight or define my eyes. Their ease of use lends them well to my preferred one-wash look over my lids, but of course, two or three can be used in combination if you do wish to experiment with a more dramatic or creative look, like a smokey eye or cut crease. If, like me, you're often left feeling overwhelmed on how to apply eye shadow, a stick formula helps take away a lot of that confusion—just scribble on and smudge.
The best ones are richly pigmented and creamy, which makes them easy to blend and long-lasting, with minimal fallout throughout the day. But with hundreds of options out there in an array of shimmers, mattes, metallics, and everything in between, it isn't always easy what’s actually worth buying.
Below I've compiled an edit of my favourite eye shadow sticks, tried and tested.
Shop the Best Eye Shadow Sticks:
- Glossier Shadow Stick
- Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow
- Victoria Beckham EyeWear Eyeshadow Stick
- Beauty Pie Wondercolour Longer Cream Eyeshadow Stick
- Rare Beauty All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick
- Vieve Eye Wand
- By Terry Ombre Blackstar
- E.lf. No Budge Shadow Stick
- Nars Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick
- Kiko Milano Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick
- Byredo Colour Stick
- Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil
- Chanel Stylo Ombre Et Contour Eyeshadow Liner
- About-Face Shadowstick
1. Glossier Shadow Stick
Number of shades: 5
Finishes: Shimmer, metallic, matte
Glossier's eye shadow sticks are amongst the latest to hit the market, so the shade range is, as yet, still fairly limited. However, the current lineup of five neutral hues is a great selection if you prefer a simple, toned-down look—and they can be built up and layered for more glamorous looks.
2. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow
Number of shades: 21
Finishes: Shimmer, metallic, matte, chrome
Laura Mercier's Caviar Stick Eye Shadows are something of a cult product in the makeup world, and have been a staple in my own makeup bag for years. There's a shade and a finish for everyone, the pigment is powerful, and the creamy formula is incredibly easy to blend. What's more, they set and last well, with no fallout or smudging.
3. Victoria Beckham EyeWear Eyeshadow Stick
Number of shades: 10
Finishes: Shimmer, matte
These super-creamy eyeshadow sticks deliver brilliant colour payoff. The shade range consists mainly of neutrals, but if you're looking for something a little more adventurous there are a few fun pops of colour. Due to their creamy nature, they are virtually foolproof—making them perfect for quick application.
4. Beauty Pie Wondercolour Longer Cream Eyeshadow Stick
Number of shades: 8
Finishes: Shimmer, matte
Beauty Pie's eye shadow sticks make it easy to scribble on instant eye definition. Again, the shade range is fairly neutral and muted—some shades skew warmer and others cooler, from a light champagne to a rich rose gold. The shimmery finishes are great for adding a pop to eyes ahead of an evening out.
5. Rare Beauty All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick
Number of shades: 6
Finishes: Shimmer
These warm-toned neutrals can be worn alone or mixed and matched for endless combinations if you fancy experimenting with a more complex eye look. While they have an almost liquid-like finish on application, they dry down to a powder consistency which locks in place—I’ve never experienced any fallout or fading while wearing them. Beyond that, the slightly pointed end makes them great for precise application.
6. Vieve Eye Wand
Number of shades: 9
Finishes: Matte
Ideal for relaxed, everyday looks, these understated matte shades work well for a wide range of skin tones and eye colours. They can also multitask for highlight or contour of the eye area or on other areas of the face. The most impressive thing about these sticks is that they last for hours upon hours without a hint of budge.
7. By Terry Ombré Blackstar
Number of shades: 6
Finishes: Shimmer, metallic
Another cult classic, By Terry's Ombré Blackstar eye shadow sticks garner rave reviews for good reason. They're ultra-pigmented so the buttery formula delivers maximum impact instantly. "I'd be ashamed to tell you just how long I have kept certain discontinued shades of Ombré Blackstar in my makeup stash—it is my favourite eyeshadow formula of all time. They swipe on like butter, blend into a luxe-looking powder and stay put like an ink. They're the best of the best," says Who What Wear UK's beauty director, Shannon Lawlor.
8. E.l.f. No Budge Shadow Stick
Number of shades: 7
Finishes: Metallic
While these eyeshadow sticks may not be quite as richly pigmented as their more expensive counterparts, for £6, you can't go wrong. The cool-toned shades, which range from a baby pink to a dark taupe, apply and blend smoothly, and can easily be layered. Trust me, the pigment is mightily impressive for the price.
9. Nars Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick
Number of shades: 8
Finishes: Matte
For a smokey eye or other more high-impact looks, look no further. Nars' intensely pigmented matte eyeshadow pencils come in a range of bold, dark shades, from aubergine to jet black—plus a few lighter neutrals which make great bases. Makeup artists far and wide adore these, and because they are sans shimmer, they are great for everyday wear.
10. Kiko Milano Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick
Number of shades: 20
Finishes: Matte, shimmer, metallic
Kiko's eye shadow sticks have been around for years, so have something of a cult following in the makeup world. They're also a refreshingly affordable option (at just £10) but perform as well as more expensive formulas—promising eight hours of wear-time. Customer reviews suggest they're particularly good for hooded eyes, too.
11. Byredo Colour Stick
Number of shades: 19
Finishes: Matte, glossy
These multitasking makeup sticks can be used on cheeks, lips, and eyes. There's an extensive and varied shade range, catering to both neutral-lovers and those who wish to try bolder and more eyecatching looks. Plus, they're one of the only formulas that offer a glossy (not shimmery) finish.
12. Chanel Stylo Ombre Et Contour Eyeshadow Liner
Number of shades: 8
Finishes: Matte, shimmer
Thanks to a rich kohl-based formula and a tapered nib, these eye shadow sticks can also be used for more precise eyeliner-like application or for subtly sculpting the eye area. They are so versatile, I'm inclined to say once you own one, you'll never look back.
13. About-Face Shadow Stick
Number of shades: 16
Finishes: Matte, shimmer
If you're after vibrant colours or high-impact finishes, About-face's Shadowsticks tick virtually every box—your options range from a pearlescent sky blue to a glitter-rich bright yellow. They're well-reviewed, especially by those seeking long wear-time.
Opening Image: @spicy.mayo
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