"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
“Eyeshadow sticks are one of the easiest ways to create a polished eye look with minimal effort,” professional makeup artist Shyanna Lundi tells me. “I love them because they combine the payoff of a traditional eyeshadow with the convenience of a pencil—you can swipe them on, blend with your finger, and instantly create dimension on the lid.”
They’re also incredibly versatile. You can use them as a one-and-done shadow, a smooth base for powder shadows, or even as a liner for a quick smoky eye. “For clients who want something effortless but elevated, eyeshadow sticks are often my go-to,” Lundi adds.
If you, too, are looking to create pro-level eyeshadow looks with just the quick swipe of a finger, I’ve got you covered. From ultra-creamy mattes to dimensional shimmers, find seven of the best eyeshadow sticks on the market below, according to yours truly, Lundi, and countless customer reviews from beauty lovers across the internet.
1) Bobbi Brown
Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick
The Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks are not only an industry favorite, but they were also a go-to for Carolyn Bassette Kennedy. They’re packed with pigment, glide on smoothly, blend out beautifully, and boast a waterproof formula that stays put all day long. Plus, there’s an impressive shade range filled with matte, glossy, and shimmer shades.
Shades:28
Nordstrom Rating:4.6/5
Our expert says: “These are amazing for long days because they’re truly long-wearing and waterproof. I often use them not only as eyeshadow, but also as a base to intensify powder shadows. They’re perfect for creating quick, polished eye looks with just one product.”—Shyanna Lundi
2) Laura Mercier
Caviar Stick Eyeshadow
With the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick, one swipe is all you need for a pigmented eye look that lasts. It’s crease-proof, smudge-proof, and waterproof, so you know it’ll stay on all day long. It’s even formulated with hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated.
Shades:19
Nordstrom Rating:4.6/5
Our expert says: “This is a staple in many professional kits because the formula is incredibly reliable. It’s creamy enough to blend easily, but once it sets, it becomes smudge-proof and long-wearing. The shade range is also beautiful—especially the bronze and taupe tones that create effortless dimension on the lid.”—Shyanna Lundi
3) Victoria Beckham
EyeWear Eyeshadow Stick
When it comes to creating ultra-creamy, luxurious-looking products, Victoria Beckham never seems to fail. The brand’s EyeWear Eyeshadow Sticks are no exception. They glide on seamlessly and feature fun colors that pop on every skin tone.
Shades:8
Nordstrom Rating:4.5/5
Our expert says: “These feel incredibly luxurious and glide onto the lid beautifully. The shades are very sophisticated, which makes them perfect for soft editorial looks. They blend seamlessly but still last all day once they set.”—Shyanna Lundi
4) Nudestix Magnetic Luminous Eye Color
As if eyeshadow sticks weren’t already easy to apply, Nudestix just upped the ante. The jumbo crayon-like design holds a waterproof and long-wearing formula, as well as a sharpener in the cap.
Shades:8
Revolve Rating:4.3/5
Our expert says: “These are great for modern, effortless makeup looks. The matte shades are especially good for softly sculpting the eye or adding definition to the crease.”—Shyanna Lundi
5) Nars Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick
The Nars Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick has every great quality you’d expect: a smudge-proof formula, creamy feel, high-impact colors, and crease-resistant technology. However, it also boasts a smaller tip for extra-precise application.
Shades:16
Bluemercury Rating:4.6/5
Our expert says: “These have beautiful pigment and glide across the lid effortlessly. They’re great for both soft washes of color and more dramatic eye looks. Once they set, the color stays vibrant for hours.”—Shyanna Lundi
6) ILIA
Eye Stylus Shadow Stick
Ideal for subtle glam, the Ilia eyeshadow sticks diffuse in seconds for a gorgeous metallic glow. The matte shades also act as a perfect base for powder shadows.
Shades:10
Nordstrom Rating:4.5/5
Our expert says: “These are great for softer, natural makeup looks. The finishes are very flattering and give the eyelids subtle dimension without looking overly metallic.”—Shyanna Lundi
7) E.l.f.
No Budge Shadow Stick
The E.l.f. No Budge Shadow Sticks are my personal favorite for an inner-corner highlight that pops from afar and lasts all night long. Despite the price, this formula is super smooth and seriously stays in place.
Shades:7
Nordstrom Rating:4/5
Our expert says: “This is one of my favorite affordable formulas. It glides on easily, has great pigment, and once it sets, it really stays in place.”—Shyanna Lundi
What should you look for in an eyeshadow stick?
According to Lundi, “The most important thing to look for in an eyeshadow stick is a creamy texture that glides onto the lid without tugging.” Plus, the product should give you enough time to blend, but once it sets, it should stay in place.
“I also look for buildable pigment and crease-resistant formulas,” she adds. “The best sticks allow you to create either a transparent wash of color or build intensity without the product looking heavy.”
How should you apply eyeshadow sticks?
The easiest way to apply an eyeshadow stick is to swipe it directly across the lid and blend the edges with your fingertip or a small brush. “I usually start near the lash line and blend upward into the crease so the color diffuses naturally,” says Lundi. Eyeshadow sticks are also great for layering—you can use a lighter shade across the lid and a deeper shade along the lash line or outer corner to add dimension.
If you’re looking for a little extra dimension, Lundi suggests, “apply the eyeshadow stick close to the lash line and blend upward, leaving the very top of the lid slightly softer. This creates natural depth while still keeping the eye looking lifted and fresh.”
She offers up another pro tip to make eyes appear more awake: “I also like to tap a little of the eyeshadow stick directly onto my finger first and then press it onto the center of the lid. This adds a subtle highlight and dimension that makes the eyes look brighter and more awake.”
Meet the Experts
Shyanna Beaujour is a professional makeup artist based in New York City.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items.
How We Test
For this piece, Emma Aerin Becker consulted pro makeup artists to learn about the best serum concealers. She also tested out dozens of options, read through countless customer reviews. and evaluated each product on its various features.
You Might Also Like
