The best eyeshadow sticks work as a magic tool to glam up your look in seconds. It’s one of those makeup tools that requires minimal effort to apply and give you maximum results. Eyeshadow sticks combine the goodness of eyeliner with the beauty of eyeshadow and are available in rich pigmented colors. They are easy to use and glide onto your eyelids with much ease. They are also available in different colors to blend with your skin perfectly and prevent smudging. While it’s a great addition to your makeup collection, choosing the right one might be challenging. Here’s a list for you to make your pick.

15 Best Eyeshadow Sticks

1. Best Long-Lasting: Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème-to-Powder Eyeshadow Stick

The innovative crème-to-powder formula of the Julep eyeshadow stick delivers a matte finish as it dries. This crease-proof eyeshadow is crafted with nourishing vitamins E and C to protect the delicate skin from free radical damage while brightening the lids and improving skin tone. The addition of candelilla wax promotes the blending power of this stick so that it glides on smoothly. It comes with a built-in spongy smudger that offers a quick and efficient blending for long-lasting pigment-packed color. Watch this video to know more about the product Pros

Cruelty-free Free of parabens Waterproof formula Suitable for all skin types Hydrates the skin

Cons

Shade may not be true to color Might feel sticky

2. Best Smudge-Resistant: Nuonove Glitter Eyeshadow Stick

The multiple color options of the Nuonove eyeshadow cream sticks allow you to experiment with different looks for different occasions. This long-lasting eyeshadow is waterproof, smudge-resistant, and quick-drying. The versatile makeup palette comes with ten shades of highly pigmented powders that brighten the eyes by adding a vibrant and glittery hue. You can also use it as an eyeliner pen, and is a versatile makeup tool for professional and casual use. Pros

Smooth blending texture Skin-safe ingredients Non-irritating formula Spreads uniformly Suitable for sensitive skin Comes in different shades and finishes

Cons

Might crease without a primer Can break down easily

 

3. Luxaza Neutral Eyeshadow Stick

The ultra-creamy formula of the Luxaza eyeshadow stick ensures smooth application without any issues of clumping and smudging. The stick combines a twist-up eyeshadow tube and a convenient blending brush for easy shading, sculpting, and defining. The shades in the six-stick set can be used alone or as a base to create multiple looks, from smoky to luminous, sultry, and metallic. This portable makeup tool provides quick touch-ups on the go and considerably reduces make-up time. Before buying, have a look at this video for more details Pros

Long-lasting wear Beginner-friendly shades Quick-spreading texture Waterproof Paraben-free Cruelty-free

Cons

Shades may not be true to the color Glitter shades may fall over cheeks

4. Best Waterproof: Cargo Cosmetics Swimmables Longwear Eye Shadow Stick

Cargo Cosmetics’ swimmable eyeshadow stick is the ideal makeup tool for pool and beach visits. It has a high coverage formula and a rich, creamy texture that glides on smoothly. This long-lasting color is smudge-proof and stays through tears and sweat. The vibrant shades brighten the eyelids and can be combined with eyeliner to achieve a dramatic look on any occasion. It is easy to apply and needs only 20 seconds to set. Check out a review of the product in this video. Pros

Lightweight formula Crease-proof Highly pigmented Buildable texture

Cons

Glittery shades might fall on cheeks Some skin types may find it sticky

 

5. Best Gradient Effect: Ownest Gradient Eyeshadow Stick

The double colors on the Ownest eyeshadow pencil sticks promote a three-dimensional gradient effect to give the eyes a dramatic look. This six-piece kit has color combinations ranging from pink rose and red-brown to brown coffee to create varied looks for different occasions. This long-lasting color does not smudge even in hot and humid conditions. It is easy to apply and has a convenient operation that delivers just the right amount to prevent caking or creasing. Pros

Smooth and creamy texture No floating powder Looks natural and bright Easy to remove Waterproof and sweat-resistant

Cons

May only provide sheer coverage Sticks may be too narrow to cover the eyelid

 

6. Best Versatile: NYX Professional Makeup infinite Shadow Stick

The long-wearing eyeshadow stick from NYX Professional Makeup is a versatile tool that you can use as an eye pencil, shadow, or base coat for a glamorous look. This richly pigmented stick glides on effortlessly to give a smooth, even finish that doesn’t crease or fade. The assortment of shades offers a subtle shimmery finish that you can use morning and night. Pros

Cruelty-free product Waterproof formula Smudge-resistant Does not flake

Cons

May provide light coverage Needs sharpening frequently

7. Best Nourishing: Xtreme Lashes GlideShadow Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick

The Xtreme Lashes eyeshadow stick is crafted with ceramide and vitamins C and E that nourishes and heals the skin. This long-lasting color can be used as an eyeliner, eyeshadow, and base to highlight and define the eyes. It has a buildable cream-to-powder formula with a rich pigment that is easy to blend with a brush or fingers. The built-in sharpener delivers a pointed tip for precise application. This hypoallergenic stick does not cause any build-up and lashes to fall out. Pros

Cruelty-free product Free of parabens and sulfates Ophthalmologist-tested Gluten- and latex-free No powdery fallout

Cons

Might crease on oily skin May be thicker than expected

 

8. Best Built-In Blending Brush: Tre’stique Shimmer Shadow Crayon

The efficient eyeshadow crayon from Tre’stique features a built-in blending brush and a spoolie brush for precision styling. This cream-gel eyeshadow stick is easy to blend and has an intensely pigmented color with a shimmery finish. It glides on smoothly and has a silky crease-proof finish that does not require a setting primer. The cruelty-free makeup tool is crafted from skin-safe ingredients and is free of parabens, phthalates, and mineral oils. It has a versatile application and is helpful as an eyeliner. Pros

Vegan and cruelty-free Fragrance-free formula Gluten- and BHA-free Long-lasting

Cons

May smudge on oily skin Might break easily

9. Best Multipurpose: Belle Beauty Shero Shadow Sticks

The multipurpose shero eyeshadow stick from Belle Beauty can be used as a highlighter, eyeliner, and eyeshadow. It has a buildable formula that delivers a subtle natural finish and gives a bold, vibrant look. The rich pigment is easy to blend with an applicator brush or even with the fingertip. This long-wearing eyeshadow glides on easily and is smudge-resistant. It is available in various colors that you may choose to highlight your eyes. Pros

Crease-free formula Paraben-free Not tested on animals Non-sticky formula Quick to blend

Cons

Some may find it too glittery Might break easily

10. Best Skin-Friendly: LSxia Glitter Eyeshadow Stick Colorful Set

The 15-color eyeshadow stick set from LSxia has a mix of shimmer, metallic, and glitter effects. You can use it individually or in combination to create vibrant and sensual looks. It has a lightweight feel and a creamy texture that glides smoothly with no creasing or caking effect. The highly pigmented formula is easy to blend and is waterproof. It is quick-drying and made of skin-friendly ingredients that do not irritate the eyelids. Pros

Multipurpose eyeshadow Smudge-proof Hypoallergenic formula Vegan and cruelty-free Long-lasting effect

Cons

Glitter may fall out on lashes Sticks may break easily

 

11. Best Metallic: RetroChic 10 Pack Warm Metallic Eyeshadow Sticks

If you’re a glitter and shimmer fan, these RetroChic Metallic Eyeshadow Sticks might be for you. With more than a 12-hour stay-on promise, the set contains a rich color range, including blue, white, black, mauve, yellow, bronze, and pink tones.  Highly pigmented with a soft finish, these crease-resistant eye shadows are easy to apply and are suitable for last-minute plans, on-the-go touch-ups, and long or late-night parties. You can also use these eyeshadow sticks as eyeliner for a dramatic look. Pros

Vegan Has a built-in sharpener Waterproof Easy to remove

Cons

May not be as creamy as expected Some shades may be similar

12. Best Brightening: Kissio Eyeshadow Stick

The Kissio incredible eyeshadow sticks are formulated from vitamin E, squalane, beeswax, and natural mica to protect the eyes from free radical damage and dryness while ensuring a soft, long-lasting color. The compact capsule-shaped design makes it easy to carry for on-the-go touch-ups. The cream-to-powder formula has a rich and vibrant color that brightens and illuminates the eyelids. This kit contains 12 glittery shades from neutral to dramatic that are easy to apply and blend with the fingertips or a brush. Pros

Waterproof Does not fade or crease Buildable colors Does not break Wide range of shades

Cons

Some may find it greasy May not be smudge-proof

13. Best Crease-Resistant: NewBang Metallic Eyeshadow Stick

The easy-to-apply NewBang eyeshadow stick has a thick crayon design to promote quick coverage in one sweep with no smudges and creases. The seven metallic shades easily blend to create varying looks, from smokey to luminous and sultry. The eyeshadow stick features a soft creamy texture that glides on evenly without the need for a blending brush. This hypoallergenic eyeshadow can define, sculpt and shade the eyelids to achieve a youthful appearance in minutes. Pros

Waterproof and sweatproof formula Compact sticks Layerable colors Lasts all day

Cons

Sticks may fall out from holders May not be well-pigmented

 

14. Best Auto-Twist Design: Karadium Shining Pearl Shadow Stick

The moisturizing ingredients in the Karadium eyeshadow stick do not irritate the delicate eye area while keeping the skin hydrated and soft. The smooth, creamy texture eases the application. It comes in various versatile, eye-catching shades that you can mix and match to achieve a subtle shimmery look. The bullet-shaped smudging tip provides a gradient look for depth and highlighting. Pros

Waterproof stick Auto-twist design Does not break or crumble Easy to blend Highly pigmented

Cons

May not be smudge-proof Might not last all day

15. Best Innovative 3D Look: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

The innovative Bobbi Brown creamy shadow sticks offer a long-lasting finish. The creamy texture provides a one-stroke application that glides on easily with no pulling or tugging of delicate skin. This eyeshadow stick provides a stay-true color that does not fade or smudge. You can also use the eyeshadow stick to highlight and define the eyes for a three-dimensional look. It is available in various neutral, subtle, dramatic, and eye-popping shades. Pros

Crease-proof finish Waterproof Highly pigmented Easy to apply

Cons

May not be buildable

How To Choose The Right Eyeshadow Stick?

Before you go ahead and choose your eyeshadow stick, there are some points you need to keep in mind.

  1. Creamy consistency: Smooth and creamy eyeshadow sticks are suitable for most skin types. The soft texture promotes easy application minus tugging and scratching. Also, these sticks blend easily to offer versatile looks.
  2. Color: The colors you choose should accentuate your eyes and compliment your skin tone. It can be fun to experiment with different colors from a kit.
  3. Waterproof and smudge-proof: Look for long-lasting formulas that are waterproof and smudge-resistant. Ideally, your color should last at least eight hours and should not fade over the day.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Poulami Nag holds expertise in skincare, beauty, and fashion. She articulates every article after deep research and analysis. Here she suggests some of the best eyeshadow sticks that are rich and pigmented and double up as eyeliners. Poulami has explained in detail each product she recommends in the article and also included a buying guide to help readers understand what features contribute to a perfect eyeshadow stick.

Best Eye Masks For Dark Circles Best Under-Eye Brightening Powders Best Anti-Wrinkle Under Eye Creams Best Magnetic Eyelashes