Real talk: eyeshadow sticks make life so. much. easier. Despite being a beauty editor, I haven’t exactly got every makeup product (or technique) down. Case in point? Eyeshadow. That was, until, eyeshadow sticks came and changed the game. They've streamlined my makeup routine, stat, and I'm here to disclose why.
Unlike fiddly powders, cream pots and eyeshadow palettes, eyeshadow sticks make application of your favourite matte or shimmer a total dream. If you find a good one, it’s literally a swipe-and-go job (just add some mascara and, if you fancy, eyeliner for effortless eye makeup), meaning expert blending and a copious amount of different brushes are no longer needed. As well as making them extra easy to use, this also solidifies them as the travel-friendly shadow of choice.
There are also so many incredible colours and finishes available in the eyeshadow stick world, so a cream eyeshadow stick really can do everything your ‘traditional’ eyeshadow can, and then some.
Best eyeshadow sticks at a glance – our top picks:
- Best eyeshadow stick overall: Vieve Eye Wand, £23, Cult Beauty
- Best eyeshadow stick for everyday wear: Rare Beauty All of the Above Shadow Stick, £21, Sephora
- Best premium eyeshadow stick: Victoria Beckham EyeWear, £30, Victoria Beckham
- Best affordable eyeshadow stick: Revlon ColorStay Glaze Stick Eye Shadow, £6.99, Amazon
VIEVE Eye Wand
Rare Beauty All of the Above Shadow Stick
Victoria Beckham EyeWear
Revlon ColorStay Glaze Stick Eye Shadow
Why should you consider eyeshadow sticks?
As mentioned, eyeshadow sticks are super easy and convenient to use, both at home and while travelling – and for all makeup capabilities. Makeup artists can’t get enough of a stick, too – just take Tilly Ferrari, for example.
“I love eyeshadow sticks – in fact, they’re one of my most used products in my kit. I especially like them for very quick turnaround glam or bridesmaids; they’re great for instant pay off,” she says. “Quite often I will use just a stick over the eye, blended into the crease and either left alone or with something with shimmer or duo chrome packed over the centre of the lid.”
Which colours should you try?
As with most colour makeup, this really depends on your own personal taste! For where to start, Tilly recommends trying “a matte warm toned brown, buffed into the lids and under the lash.” This works “on every eye colour.”
“Bronze always looks gorgeous on blue eyes, red/burgundy tones are great on green, and purple tones on brown eyes,” she continues.
Neutrals like browns and bronzes can work beautifully on all skin tones, and brighter hues like vibrant lilacs or brick reds also really complement darker skin tones.
Finding your shade really is just about personal preference and experimentation – we say, don’t feel like you have to follow any set ‘rules’; just go with what you like most!
Looking to restock your makeup bag? Be sure to check out our guides for the best under-eye concealers, best foundations, best tinted moisturisers and the best liquid eyeliners.
