These Eyeshadow Sticks Simplify Any Makeup Look

Small but mighty, the best eyeshadow sticks have a lot going for them: they’re easy-to-apply, versatile, beginner-friendly, and efficient. “What’s not to love about an eyeshadow stick?” says Mali Thomas, global artist in residence at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

While mastering a perfect cut crease or a multi-shadow smokey eye requires plenty of practice, eyeshadow sticks require no honed skills—nor any extra tools to achieve great results. Whether you’re a beauty novice or a seasoned expert, simply glide on your favorite eyeshadow stick, blend the edges with your finger, and go on with your day. Bobbi Brown’s global artistic director, Hannah Murray, agrees that eyeshadow sticks are ideal for portability. “They’re great on the go—no need for a makeup bag filled with eyeshadow palettes and brushes; just throw in a couple of sticks, and you’re all set,” Murray tells Vogue.

Vogue’s Favorite Eyeshadow Sticks:

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Even better, both beauty minimalists and maximalists can find suitable shades to incorporate in their routines. But both pros emphasize that there are no limits when it comes to experimenting with eyeshadow sticks. With no hard and fast rules, anyone should feel free to explore different colors and pigments. On one hand, you can select an eyeshadow stick based on your skin tone or eye color. “For example, if you have warm, rich undertones, I recommend using bronze and gold shades. For someone with green eyes, I prefer shades that contrast, like pink, purple, or brown,” Thomas says. Alternatively, you can pick up a few shades for different occasions. Murray suggests shimmering shades for those looking to update their makeup bag, as they can offer a subtle glisten during the day and be intensified for a smokey eye at night. (Another pro tip from Murray: “Use them to create a base for other eyeshadows and pigments, as a wash of color on the eyelid, or to line the eyes and smudge for more drama.”)

In preparation for all the makeup looks ahead, read on to discover the best eyeshadow sticks to upgrade your makeup bag.

Best Long-Wear: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

• Why We Love It: Both of our experts reveal their penchant for Bobbi Brown’s stick. “These sticks have saved my makeup looks in a time crunch on many occasions,” Thomas admits. They’re special to Murray for their “variety of textures—matte, shimmer, and multichrome, giving you the versatility of creating many different looks.” Shades Cinnamon, Mica, Golden Bronze, Forest, and Moonlight are a few of their favorites.
• Number of Shades: 27
• Finishes: Matte, Shimmer
• Best For: Those seeking a fail-proof eyeshadow stick option, with a creamy, easily blended texture in various finishes.

Best Multi-Use: Chanel Stylo Ombre Et Contour

• Why We Love It: Part eyeshadow, part eyeliner, part khôl, this Chanel pick has all your eye-makeup needs covered. Creamy and blendable, this eyeshadow stick tip is just the right size for smooth application of fine lines or entire lid shading.
• Number of Shades: 10
• Finishes: Matte, shimmer
• Best For: Those who like to make the most of their beauty products—use this stick all over lids as an eyeshadow or as an eyeliner alone.

Best Waterproof: Ilia Eye Stylus

• Why We Love It: Ilia’s highly anticipated waterproof eyeshadow stick launch has finally graced us with its presence—and Vogue’s beauty commerce writer Conçetta Ciarlo got a sneak peek before it hit stores. Swatching all shades on her left hand, she was instantly impressed with its color payoff—and eventually its staying power. “Without any eyeshadow primer, the various colors on my hand stayed put, not transferring onto clothes or fading away as I washed my hands throughout the day” she says. When it comes to application, the slanted tip allows for a precise application that can be easily buffed out.
• Number of Shades: 20
• Finishes: Shimmer, matte
• Best For: Long-lasting eye looks with minimal touchups are possible (with a special bonus for those who seek out clean, cruelty-free beauty).

Best Vibrancy: Victoria Beckham Beauty Eyewear

• Why We Love It: Available in seven vibrant colors, Victoria Beckham’s clean, creamy pigment glides effortlessly and even boasts crease- and waterproof wear for up to eight hours.
• Number of Shades: 10
• Finishes: Matte, shimmer
• Best For: Whether you’re looking for a dash of color (yes, there are blue and mustard options) or a neutral smokey eye—the vibrancy and color payoff of Victoria Beckham Beauty’s eyeshadow sticks makes each color truly pop.

Best Transfer-Proof: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow

• Why We Love It: Laura Mercier’s eyeshadow stick is a classic for a reason: It’s a seamless, multitasking formula that imparts rich pigment wherever you place it. Though it’s transfer-proof and crease-resistant, the formula blends with ease for a soft wash of color or an in-depth look.
• Number of Shades: 19
• Finishes: Shimmer
• Best For: Look no further than Laura Mercier’s eyeshadow stick for anyone who loves a subtle shimmer—nothing too sparkly, just an elegant pearly shimmer that won’t budge.

Best for 5-Minute Makeup Routines: Charlotte Tilbury Easy Eye Wand

• Why We Love It: Charlotte Tilbury’s Easy Eye Wand is designed for quick, single-shadow eye looks, requiring minimal effort for maximum reward. Whether you prefer a matte or shimmery shade, the rounded product tip glides on easy thanks to the velvety texture formulated with jojoba oil and silica. Simply swipe on, and blur out the edges with your finger.
• Number of Shades: 5
• Finishes: Matte, metallic
• Best For: Makeup novices or minimalists looking to elevate their eye look with little effort.

Best Bold Colors: Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Stick

• Why We Love It: Ready to sport bold eyeshadow colors this year? Whether it’s a bright cobalt blue or shimmering lime green, Urban Decay offers an array of high-pigment hues designed to resist fading and smudging.
• Number of Shades: 14
• Finishes: Matte, shimmer
• Best For: Adventurous beauty enthusiasts who like to experiment with bold colors and Euphoria-esque makeup techniques.

Best for Precision Highlight: By Terry Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadow

• Why We Love It: Those with a penchant for an inner corner highlight should look no further than this By Terry pick. The buildable formula is infused with Tahitian black pearl extract, which has smoothing and light-reflecting properties great for the delicate skin around the eyes.
• Number of Shades: 11
• Finishes: Matte, shimmer
• Best For: Anyone looking to add a bit of shimmer to their inner corner with precision. Gone are the days of finding the perfect tiny brush to just a dot of highlighter to your inner corner—this shadow stick will do the trick.

Best for Undone Smokey Eyes: Glossier Shadow Stick

• Why We Love It: Glossier has mastered the art of the soft glam, so you never have to fear looking overdone when applying their color cosmetics. In the eyeshadow category, their chubby stick comes in five natural-tone shades—all of which help you achieve that effortlessly undone, cool-girl smokey eye. The water- and transfer-resistant formula also features vitamin E acetate and dimethicone to ensure a snag-free application by creating nice slip. The end result? A hint of shine without going full-on glitzy shimmer.
• Number of Shades: 5
• Finishes: Pearlescent
• Best For: Easy-to-accomplish smokey eyes, inspired by ultra cool-girl, undone makeup (hello, O.G. Gossip Girl!).

Best Neutrals: NARS Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick

• Why We Love It: Do you love a neutral eyeshadow look? NARS has you covered, with shades ranging from a milky white to rich espresso. This eyeshadow stick boasts up to 16 hours of wear of vibrant, buildable color payoff. Use them alone for a minimalist, single-shade look or go full-on Monica Bellucci by combining various tones for a bombshell dark eye.
• Number of Shades: 8
• Finishes: Matte
• Best For: Makeup lovers who want no-nonsense neutral eye looks with shimmer-free finishes.

What is an eyeshadow stick?

Professional makeup artist Colby Smith encourages us to think of eyeshadow sticks as cream shadows in pencil form. “It’s essentially a jumbo eyeliner,” Smith says.