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Are you an eyeshadow newbie, not a fan of powder shadows or just looking for an easy way to zhuzh up your eye makeup? Welcome to the world of eyeshadow sticks.
These cream-based formulas are "like an eyeliner and eyeshadow all in one," says celebrity makeup artist J Guerra. "They're incredibly user-friendly and also very versatile. Using one product, you can create a multitude of looks." From glittery to matte, these portable, compact eyeshadows are great for "creating more depth with an eyeshadow look or increasing the wear time," adds celebrity makeup artist Vincent Oquendo. Even better: They're perfect for everyone from makeup beginners to mature skin.
These are the best eyeshadow sticks on the market right now, including options for those with sensitive eyes, mature eyes, oily lids and more.
Our top picks:
Our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab analysts have tested and evaluated several eyeshadow sticks for our annual Beauty Awards, and we reached out to our beauty editors plus four celebrity makeup artists — Oquendo, Guerra, Courtney Hart and Cara Lovello — to round out these recommendations.
After our reviews, read on to see our experts' best tips for what to look for when shopping for eyeshadow sticks. If you're looking for more advice, check out our guides on the best nude eyeshadow palettes and how to apply eye makeup.
1
Best Overall Eyeshadow Stick
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick
Now 11% Off
Pros
Glides easily on lids sans tugging- Extensive shade range
Cons
- Pricey
This GH beauty editor favorite — and 2022 GH Beauty Award winner — makes eyeshadow application almost effortless. The ultra soft cream stick glides along eyelids like butter, with one tester sharing that "I can do my eye makeup in just a few seconds with these — no tools needed and no tugging or caking on my skin." The line also boasts a great shade range, with the tester adding that "the shades, ranging from light to dark, are all wearable and flattering." It's on the pricier side, but well worth the investment.
2
Best Value Eyeshadow Stick
Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème to Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick
Now 33% Off
Pros
- Smooth texture
- Includes a built-in sponge for blending or diffusing
Cons
- Some reviewers find it doesn't last all day
Another GH Beauty Award winner, this beginner-friendly creamy eyeshadow crayon requires no pro skill or extra tools. Offered in multiple hues ranging from light taupe to smoky charcoal, testers share that the formula "glides on smoothly and evenly." It even has a built-in sponge on one end for simple diffusing. Online reviewers agree that they love the texture, but they wish that it would last longer on eyelids, especially as a waterproof formula.
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3
Best Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick
Nudestix Magnetic Luminous Eye Color
Pros
- Very long-lasting formula
- Can be used as an eyeshadow, highlighter and more
Cons
- Must be sharpened
Looking for a waterproof eyeshadow that really lasts? This one from Nudestix is a favorite of GH Beauty Director April Franzino. A true multitasker, "I've been using this shimmery taupe eye pencil either to brighten eyes along my lower lashline and inner corners or all around my eyes for a natural but radiant look," she shares. "It really lasts — it takes a lot of rubbing to get the color to budge." However, note that rather than being a twist-up, it has to be sharpened.
Pros
- Super pigmented but can also be blended out for a less intense look
- Bold shade range
- Affordable
Cons
- Some feel it works better as an eye pencil or eyeliner
Jason Wu's beauty line offers top-performing products at a great value. The eyeshadow stick line comes in fun, bold colors ranging from deep purple to pearlescent green. Thanks to a pointy tip, you have full control over your eyeshadow design, or you can blend out for a more subtle, radiant look. "It goes on very pigmented with beautiful sparkles and very easy to blend out and make it less intense," an online reviewer shares. However, some prefer to use it as an eye pencil instead and feel it's easier to apply as a liner than as a shadow.
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5
Best Long-Wearing Eyeshadow Stick
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick Duo
Pros
- Doesn't crease on lids
- Long-lasting even in heat and humidity
Cons
- Expensive
Think of this as an upgraded version of the editor-loved classic Bobbi Brown eyeshadow stick. It has all the benefits of the original formula (read: long-lasting, stays put) all packed into a dual-ended stick. Complementary shades are coupled together for quick and easy application.
"These super flattering shades are not only easy to wear but so fun to apply as well," says one GH beauty editor. "I've been wearing them in the heat and humidity of summer, and even to a Beyoncé concert, and they've stood up to hours of dancing, sweating and more. Best of all, they truly do not crease." Like the single-ended version, these are on the pricier side, but note that they cost only a fraction more for twice as much color.
6
Best Eyeshadow Stick for Mature Eyes
Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener
Pros
- Brightens eyes
- Brand gives back to communities in need
Cons
- May not be shimmery enough for some users
Though great for all ages, Thrive Causemetics' option is especially excellent for customers with mature eyes who may be looking for something a little more brightening. Plus, it's easy to use thanks to its twist-up format.
Another favorite of Franzino, she shares that "it stays on well, and I love the champagne shade Stella for illuminating my tired eyes and dark circles. Plus, the brand gives products to women in need for each purchase!" Some reviewers wish it offered a little more shimmer.
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7
Best Eyeshadow Stick for Sensitive Eyes
Hourglass Voyeur Eyeshadow Stick
Pros
- Flattering shade range
- Forgiving formula that's easy to blend out, even for beginners
Cons
- Packaging needs improvement
In search of a luminous eye look that won't irritate? Reach for this Hourglass eyeshadow stick. "I wear contacts and even tightlining with this stick didn't cause irritation," one GH beauty editor shares. "They are so easy to use in every way: They’re slim and compact, making them great for travel and on-the-go touch-ups; the formula is mess-free, beginner-friendly and very forgiving; and the color range is fantastic."
Oquendo agrees: "They also have a gorgeous range of pearl and golden hues, which flatter almost any skin tone," he adds. However, online reviewers hope for a packaging improvement, sharing that the stick is wobbly and even falls out of the tube.
Pros
- Creamy, pigmented formula
- Can create a wide variety of looks with the shade range
Cons
- Dries quickly, so you may need to blend quickly
Considered one of the most iconic eyeshadow sticks on the market, it's no surprise that this Laura Mercier pick was recommended by three of our experts and Franzino. Though offered in a wide variety of shades and finishes, Franzino loves the matte version "for a natural eye look that won't compete with a bold lip."
The cult-favorite product is "creamy and pigmented, and the range of colors is both beautiful and wearable," says Guerra. "The formula is long-lasting, crease- and transfer-proof and can be blended out for a softer look or layered for more intense coverage." Some online reviewers find that it dries on lids soon after application, making it difficult to blend unless you work quickly.
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9
Best Blendable Eyeshadow Stick
Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eye Shadow Pencil
Pros
- Offers a shimmery, reflective eyeshadow look
- Enhances your natural eye color
Cons
- Not a twist-up design
Thanks to caranuba wax, these eyeshadow sticks are super blendable and easy to use. Like many other options on the market, they're super shimmery and also a favorite of Guerra. "They offer a range of shades designed to enhance your natural eye color, with finishes that are shimmery and reflective," he says. "They're known for their easy-to-use, long-lasting and blendable formula." One flaw is that they aren't twist-up.
10
Best Natural Eyeshadow Stick
Rare Beauty All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick
Pros
- Great for no-makeup makeup looks
- Shimmery, neutral shade range
Cons
- May crease on eyelids
For a natural look, opt for these eyeshadow sticks from Rare Beauty. The shade range includes creamy, shimmery neutrals great for everyday wear. Bonus: They offer the best of both worlds, as they twist up and also have a built-in sharpener for ultimate customization. "I love swiping these on my lids for a little extra color," one GH beauty editor shares. "They're perfect for light makeup days and don't make your eyes look too heavy." She does note that they crease on her lids, though.
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11
Best Multitasking Eyeshadow Stick
Byredo Colour Stick
Pros
- Can be used on eyes, lips and cheeks
- Fun shade range that allows for multiple uses and creativity
Cons
- Not long-wearing
Recommended by two of our experts, this multitasker seems to be a must-try. Guerra praises them for being "ultra-versatile and usable on eyes, lips and cheeks. Most impressively, these come in a wide range of colors, from classic neutrals to more brilliant, avant-garde shades, allowing for plenty of creativity." Oquendo also loves the shade range and the "dewy finish" they give, though he also notes they may not be the most long-wearing option out there.
12
Best Lightweight Eyeshadow Stick
Chanel Stylo Ombre et Contour Eyeshadow
Pros
- Silky and blendable
- Comes in a sophisticated shade range
Cons
- May irritate sensitive eyes
Sometimes, achieving strong color means sacrificing a lightweight formula, and lids can feel heavy after application. But that is certainly not the case with these Chanel eyeshadow sticks. They are Guerra's favorite and they "stand out for their silky, lightweight and blendable formula that provides excellent color payoff," he says. A staple in his makeup kit, they come in a range of very wearable, sophisticated colors that stay put all day. It was difficult to find something that reviewers didn't like about this formula, but one online review does note that it irritated eyes.
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Pros
- Can layer with other eyeshadows
- Richly pigmented
Cons
- Color may not be super long-lasting
Specifically created as a crease-resistant formula, Hart loves these eyeshadow sticks, which she says are "highly pigmented and blend easily." The water-resistant formula plays well with other products: "I love using them alone or using as a layer underneath other powder shadows," she adds. Some online reviewers feel that it's not a super long-lasting product, finding that color doesn't stay put on eyelids.
How we choose the best eyeshadow sticks
We tapped celebrity makeup artists J Guerra, Vincent Oquendo, Courtney Hart and Cara Lovello, who all shared their go-to eyeshadow sticks. Our GH beauty editors also are huge fans of eyeshadow sticks and have tried dozens across several price points, so they also provided their recommendations. Together, this list includes the makeup artists' most trusted product picks that they use on their clients, whether it's for everyday or red carpet, alongside our editors' favorites that they keep reaching for time and time again.
In addition to this, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab has tested and evaluated a few eyeshadow sticks for Beauty Awards submissions over the years, and the top-performing ones are included in this list as well.
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What to look for when shopping for the best eyeshadow sticks
Yes, eyeshadow sticks can be used by anyone. But that doesn't mean that you should just blindly pick one. Here are our best tips for purchasing an eyeshadow stick.
✔️ Color: If you're just starting out, try buying a nude shade rather than diving in the deep end with something like a blue or purple. "For beginners, neutral shades can be more forgiving and easier to work with (and erase!) than bold colors," advises Guerra.
✔️ Formula: Worried about summer heat causing sweat? Heading to the beach or pool? Consider the formula of your eyeshadow stick. "Many are designed to be long-wearing, crease-resistant and sometimes waterproof," explains Guerra. "Some even have built-in priming elements, and can be used as primers themselves for powder shadows on top."
✔️ Sharpener: Eyeshadow sticks that don't twist up may need sharpening over time. Check to confirm if your eyeshadow stick comes with a built-in sharpener, and if not, purchase one separately. "Over time, the point of your eyeshadow stick can get a bit dull, or dirty from eyeliner and mascara residue. Give it a quick wipe with a tissue after each use and sharpen," recommends Guerra.
How do you use an eyeshadow stick?
Eyeshadow sticks really couldn't be simpler. You don't even need to use a primer, advises Lovello. To apply, "start with clean, dry lids and apply your shadow stick directly on to the skin," says Hart. "I prefer to start at the lash line and work upward depending on the intensity I'm going for."
Both Hart and Oquendo recommend starting with a thin layer so you don't lose control of what you want your makeup to look like. After applying your first layer, "blend it out with your finger or a brush," adds Hart. "Continue to add thin layers until you have built up the depth of color you are wanting. It is also fun to play with layering powder shadows on top of your sticks."
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn worked closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write this article. Over the years, she has interviewed experts, written product reviews and tested hundreds of makeup products, from powder eyeshadows to eyeshadow sticks. Some of her absolute favorites are included in this roundup.
She also interviewed celebrity makeup artists J Guerra, Vincent Oquendo, Courtney Hart and Cara Lovello, who all have years of experience working with all types of makeup products, including eyeshadow sticks, across all skin types, ages and concerns.
Catharine Malzahn
Beauty Assistant
Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
