12 Fool-Proof Eyeshadow Sticks For Effortless Makeup
Who said eye makeup needs to be fussy and complicated? Not us! We are praising the makeup gods for creating a versatile, easy, and fuss-free way to get your eyes looking fresh and made up in five seconds flat. Eyeshadow sticks are the cheat’s way of transforming your look from day to night – and without the need for a brush or a mirror! The formulas are highly pigmented, long- lasting and perfect for everyday wear. And unlike powder shadows, there’s virtually no fallout to deal with. In fact, makeup artists love using eye shadow sticks as a priming base for other eye shadows. The possibilities are endless. Ready to simplify your makeup routine? We’ve rounded up our top 10 eyeshadow sticks. Just swipe and blend….
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick, £25
A cult classic for a reason. This is the creamiest of eye makeup that surprisingly given the smooth texture, doesn’t sit in the creases of your eyes or smudge along your lash line. These sticks glide seamlessly on the eyelid without tugging or pulling at your skin. Top tip: For a subtle hint of colour, dab with your fingers instead of the applicator.
Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Stick, £19
With a line-up of the most wearable shades, this budge-proof formula really does stay put for hours on end. Use these chunky crayons to add a single stroke over the eyelid for a light wash of colour or build up for a more dramatic eye. And the shades are mixed with specific eye colours in mind so you can easily identify your perfect match.
Guerlain Mad Eyes Cream Duo Eyeshadow Stick, £28
A bit pricier than most but you’re getting two-for-one with these dual-ended shadow sticks (use alone or mix shades together) that give a high-pigmented wash over lids time and time again, that stay put way beyond lunchtime.
Shiseido Kajal Ink Artist Shadow Liner, £23
Oh, how we do love a clever applicator. These liners have a built-in blending sponge for a softer smokey-eye finish and a detachable sharpener to keep your pencil in tip top shape. The beauty of this shadow is you can create sharp, graphic lines or sheer hints of colour. You choose.
Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint For Eyes, £18.50
We’ve always been partial to a Clinique’s Chubby Stick, and these chunky crayon-like eyeshadow pens are no exception. Easy to use, quick to apply and hard to mistake, they give a wash of colour that’s satiny, subtle, buildable, and long-lasting. Plus, the stick swivels up and down, so there’s no sharpener needed. (P.S. And safe for contact-lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes!)
e.l.f Cosmetics No Budge Eyeshadow Stick, £6
Creamy, blendable and affordable. Once this dries into place, it’s going nowhere until you wash it off. You’ll find one in every colourway imaginable from pretty pinks to metallic coppers. Start collecting now! Ps- the lighter colourways double up beautifully as highlighters.
Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner, £28
A favourite amongst makeup artists, these silky liners have a soft velvety texture that’s kind on sensitive eyes and versatile whether you want a smokey eye, feline flick, or a full lid of colour. There’s a built-in smudge tool that encourages you to play and experiment with your look.
Nudestix Magnetic Eye Colour, £24
If anyone knows about stick makeup, it’s this brand. Everything in the collection comes in stick form. With 24-hour waterproof wear, these blendable colour sticks can be used on your lids, cheekbones, inner corners, and even brows. The do-it-all formula boasts a thick creamy finish that primes, lines, and saturates lids with colour that lasts all day. Plus, it comes with its own convenient built-in sharpener and a travel makeup mirror. Tick, tick, tick!
By Terry Color-Fix Cream Shadow, £30
With its gold packaging and twist-up applicator this instantly gets our seal of approval. The formulas contain Tahitian black pearl that leaves behind a wet lid look minus any unwanted tacky or sticky residue. The formula is also smudge-, budge-, and crease-free thanks to the adhesive polymers that keep things from migrating. And if that wasn’t enough the shades are as beautiful as their names suggest (Black Pearl, Bronze Moon, Frozen Quartz to name a few).
Vieve Eye Wand, £21
If it’s a natural look you’re after, then these are your go-to. These wands come in a beautiful array of nude shades that create a barely-there makeup look that are perfect for dressing up your eyes in the day minus the drama. Jamie Genevieve, Vieve founder suggests, “buffing colour over your lid, scribble a little bit more and then follow with your fingertips, to give you an easy expert eye in seconds.”
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Cream Eyeshadow, £21.25
It’s not surprising this is a best-seller. Super versatile, ultra-creamy and makes blending light work. Expect intense colour pay-off that glides seamlessly over your lid without caking or creasing into lines. Shake it up a bit by applying in the lash line or waterline too, whatever takes your fancy. Plus, there’s 35 plus shades to choose from in matte, shimmer, chrome, and intense finishes, we doubt you’ll ever buy an eyeshadow palette again!
IT Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Eyeshadow Stick, £21
The name says it all! Delivering a precise pop of colour without the faff while shaving valuable minutes off your morning routine. What’s not to like? This formula feels creamy, nourishing and surprisingly light on lids and wears well throughout the day. Perfect for throwing in your handbag for on-the-go application on route to work, date, or party.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
