17 Foolproof Eyeshadow Sticks for When You'd Rather Not Deal With Powder (2024)

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By

Kara Cuzzone

17 Foolproof Eyeshadow Sticks for When You'd Rather Not Deal With Powder (1)

Kara Cuzzone

Kara is a contributing writer for Byrdie with over five years of writing experience. She is currently the associate deals editor for Forbes, where she writes about the latest shopping steals and sales. She was an intern at Byrdie during the summer of 2018.

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Updated on June 15, 2022 01:10PM

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17 Foolproof Eyeshadow Sticks for When You'd Rather Not Deal With Powder (2)

It's no secret that shimmery eyeshadow or a perfectly executed smoky eye can take your run-of-the-mill going-out makeup to new, head-turning heights. But sometimes, we just aren't feeling up to the extra time and effort it takes to get out our eyeshadow brushes, devise the perfect shadow combo, and apply. That's when we turn to our trusty eyeshadow sticks. "Shadow sticks are easy to use and great for both makeup novices and experts alike," says New York City and Connecticut-based makeup artist Lindsey Trop. "They’re incredibly versatile in that they can be used for eyeliner, eyeshadow, or a combination of the two, and can be blended with just the stroke of a finger (though you have to work quickly with some as long-wear formulas set rapidly!)."

"Cream shadows in a container give you as much precision as your finger can get but a stick gives you a finer more controlled application," notes makeup artist Juliette Pereaux. Much like our favorite beauty hacks, shadow sticks simplify our beauty routines while delivering flawless results. In fact, after experiencing the time-saving bliss of these easy-to-use sticks, you may never go back to traditional powder again.

Here are some of the best eyeshadow sticks to amp up your beauty game.

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Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

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Bobbi BrownLong-Wear Cream Shadow Stick$30.00

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Bobbi Brown's suggestion to "just swipe and go" with this cream shadow stick is music to our ears. The stick's budge-proof formula will stay put for up to eight hours of wear without creasing or fading, according to the brand. Swipe it all over the lid, blend with your finger, and you're good to go.

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NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil

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NYXJumbo Eye Pencil$6.00

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The silky application of this eye pencilis extra impressive considering its price point. It comes in 12complementary shades that work for both day and night and don't get dry or cakey in the process. "Very creamy and pigmented. Stays all day," one Ulta buyer shares. One advantage of a shadow stick instead of a cream in a pot, according to Perreaux, is that sticks tend to be on the drier side, making them longer-lasting. "Make sure to properly put the cap back on to ensure your product doesn’t prematurely dry out," she adds.

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Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eye Shadow Pencil

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Charlotte TilburyColour Chameleon Eye Shadow Pencil$29.00

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This formula is Trop's favorite. "The shades are so flattering for any eye color and I love that they've got a subtle shimmer to really make the eyes sparkle." Each one of the eightshades is customized tocomplement different eye colors. Once applied, the shadow is completely waterproof and lasts up to 10 hours, according to the brand. It has such staying power that the brand recommends blending it quickly once you apply. Otherwise, you won't be able to get it to budge.

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Sephora Collection Colorful Shadow & Liner

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Sephora CollectionColorful Shadow & Liner$14.00

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This shadow-liner hybrid from Sephora Collection caught our eye thanks to its shade range of 30 different matte, glitter, and shimmer shadows. The highly pigmented formula is designed to resist heat, water, and humidity so that it lasts for 12 hours, according to the brand. It's also ultra-creamy to allow for easy blending with your fingers.

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Chanel Stylo Ombré Et Contour

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ChanelStylo Ombré Et Contour$34.00

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Perreaux calls these sticks "a perfect hybrid between eyeliner and cream shadow." They come in four shades, which are a step beyond your typical black or brown while remaining neutral. "Try #12 Contour Clair for a sexy mauve-y brown look," says Perreaux. In general, "don't be afraid to mix powder shadows with [cream]" as long as you lay the cream down first. "Cream shadow can be a great base to build off of for your eye look."

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Shiseido Kajal Ink Artist Shadow Liner

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ShiseidoKajal Ink Artist Shadow Liner, Brow$25.00

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Afour-in-one liner, kajal, eyeshadow, and brow color, thisproduct from Shiseido is ready to meet your every need. It glides on easily for weightless coverage that is smudge-proof, crease-proof, and waterproof. Use the sponge blender for an extra-smoky effect.

07of 17

Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint

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CliniqueChubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes$19.00

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Available in10 different shades, this lightweight shadow provides buildable, creamy coverage. Simply dab it on your lids and then blend it upward and outward with your fingertips, and build until you reach your desired effect. One Nordstrom buyer raves, "Creamy, even coverage. Color is subtle and can build for intensity. Portable and so convenient for on-the-go touch-ups." We're sold.

08of 17

Mally Beauty Evercolor Shadow Stick

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Mally BeautyEvercolor Shadow Stick$22.00

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These creamy shadow sticks come in a range of shimmers and mattes. They'rehighly pigmented to deliver a bold, blendable finish. Sweep all over your lids, then blend with your fingertipto create a polished eye look.

09of 17

Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème-to-Powder Eyeshadow Stick

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JulepEyeshadow 101 Crème-to-Powder Eyeshadow Stick$16.00

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A unique crème-to-powder formula sets this shadow from Julep apart. After you apply and blend, it will set and dry into a powder that's waterproof and long-lasting. Plus, it's infused with vitamin E meant to soothe your delicate lids.

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Pixi Beauty Endless Shade Stick

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Pixi BeautyEndless Shade Stick$14.00

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"These come in a beautiful range of colors," says Perreaux. "My favorite is Copper Glaze as someone always drawn to warm, rosy hues.The formula is made with Green Tea and Aloe vera to nourish and Chamomille to soothe.This ensures the product will glide onto the sensitive eye area rather than tug and irritate."

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Nudestix Magnetic Eye Color

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NudestixMagnetic Eye Color$26.00

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Nudestix, a line of products built off of the ease of having one handy tool thatneeds only be blended with your fingers,ispretty much expected to make incredible eyeshadow sticks—and thatit has. The brand's eyeshadows are easy to blend, a cinch to sharpen (like butter), and don't crease in the slightest.

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e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Shadow Stick

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e.l.f. CosmeticsNo Budge Shadow Stick$5.00

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The metallic shade offerings of this eyeshadow stick aremesmerizing. Each stick includes a built-in sharpener so you can ensure that you achieve your desired level of precision. Pro tip: In addition to using it on your eyelids, try using the rose-gold shade as a creamy highlighter.

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Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow

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Laura MercierCaviar Stick Eye Shadow$32.00

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This Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow comes in shimmer, matte, and metallic finishes. Blend with your fingers or a brush for an easy and long-lasting look. This eye shadow stick applies even and smooth with a rich pigment payoff that will take your look to the next level.

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About-Face Shadowstick

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About-FaceShadowstick$14.00

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The About-Face Shadowstick line is packed with bold hues from the electric Butterfly Collective to the vibrant In Dreams. This makeup line by Halsey gives you the range to get playful with your looks while also boasting a crease-proof, smudge-proof, and waterproof formula.

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Live Tinted Huestick

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Live TintedHuestick$24.00

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This product was built for multitaskers. Add a splash of color to your lips, eyes, and cheeks in one go with the weightless Huestick by Live Tinted.

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It Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick

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It CosmeticsSuperhero No-Tug Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick$24.00

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It Cosmetic's Superhero No-Tug Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick is a blendable and buildable formula that comes in pearl and matte tones. This shadow stick was created with easy application in mind.

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Milani Gilded Shadow Stick

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MilaniGilded Shadow Stick$7.00

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Inspired by our National Parks, Milani's Gilded Shadow Stick line includes four colors from a gorgeous mossy green to a soft rosy pink. This formula provides a smooth application and has bold color payoff.

FAQ

  • What are eyeshadow sticks used for?

    Eyeshadow sticks eliminate the hassle of fallout and can replace the need for powder eyeshadow altogether. The sticks can also act as a primer for powder eyeshadow and can double as eyeliner or a brow pencil if you have the correct shade.

  • How do you keep eyeshadow on without primer?

    Eyeshadow primer is a must for getting a stay-all-day look and avoiding creases, but if you don't have any on hand there are still options. Concealer and aloe vera gel can both act as go-to backups in the event your primer goes missing. Alternatively, eyeshadow sticks have more staying power and are more likely to adhere to your lid with little fallout, even if you don't use primer.

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17 Foolproof Eyeshadow Sticks for When You'd Rather Not Deal With Powder (2024)
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