The Best Eyeshadow Sticks For Simple, Summer-Ready Makeup Looks
While there's a time and a place for dramatic smoky eyes and cut-crease looks, there's something undeniably appealing about simple eye makeup. These days, makeup looks are all about efficiency, and many beauty brands are catching onto the trend. From skin-perfecting tints to lip and cheek duos, the beauty shelves now have lots of options available when it comes to streamlining your routine.
The latest efficient beauty find to gain traction? Eyeshadow sticks. An easy-to-wear alternative to traditional powder formulas, eyeshadow sticks deliver flawless eye makeup looks with minimal effort and time. And since you can apply them with a simple swipe, they require little to no blending and allow you to ditch your brushes completely. Compact and sleek, these innovative sticks also fit seamlessly into purses and toiletry bags for overnight stays and vacations alike. The point is: you need an eyeshadow stick. (Or three.) Ahead, we're helping you find your favorites with an algorithm-backed list of the best eyeshadow sticks out there.
Our Method For Finding The Best Eyeshadow Sticks
Killer eyeshadow looks shouldn't be complicated, which is why we've rounded up the best eyeshadow sticks for simplifying your makeup routine. From shimmering shades to wearable neutrals, the picks ahead are all vetted by our data-driven algorithm. This proprietary tool factors in data from reviews, best-seller lists, editor recommendations, and more to deliver lists of the best products on the web.
From versatile formulas that double as eyeliner to innovative picks with built-in sharpeners, keep scrolling to discover the 10 best eyeshadow sticks you can buy.
Next up, check out the 10 Best Eyeshadow Primers. Opening image: amazon.com
May 5, 2022
Written By:Rank & Style
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
E.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Shadow Stick
Overall Score
4.4
10
E.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Shadow Stick
4.44
1872 User Reviews
3.2
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Don't let the $5 price tag fool you. This eyeshadow pencil delivers when it comes to high-pigment color with all-day staying power.
USER REVIEW: "Absolutely love these shadow sticks! They’re so easy to apply and they last all day with no smudging or mess-ups. The colors are absolutely stunning and pigmented and packaging is so cute. For the price you definitely can’t beat it. I plan on buying all the shades!"
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Cruelty Free
Nudestix Magnetic Eye Color
Overall Score
4.4
09
Nudestix Magnetic Eye Color
4.44
1942 User Reviews
3.2
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: If you follow any type of beauty guru on social media, chances are you've come across Nudestix. This beauty brand is beloved for their cool girl-approved products that perform just as good as they look—and their eyeshadow sticks are no different. Long-wearing and multi-purposeful, these pencils a staple for anyone looking to streamline their makeup routine.
USER REVIEW: "My absolute new favorite eye sticks!!! I had used Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier prior and liked, not loved them. But the Nudestix's are fantastic especially when you're in a hurry. I actually went wake surfing with my makeup on and it lasted through many falls into the water, 9 hours in the sun, and towel wipes across the face. [...]"
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Cruelty Free
It Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick
Overall Score
4.45
08
It Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick
4.65
849 User Reviews
3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
BEST FOR: If your eyelids fall more on the sensitive side, you'll this formula. Featuring a non-tug technology, this waterproof eyeshadow stick will gently glide across your lids to let you build and create the look you want.
MORE REASONS TO LOVE: This formula also contains a built-in primer so you won't have to worry about creases or smudges throughout the day.
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Cruelty Free
Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint For Eyes
Overall Score
4.5
07
Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint For Eyes
4.38
2159 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHERE TO WEAR: This eyeshadow stick is so easy to use that you don’t even need a mirror to apply it. In fact, Clinique designed it to be mistake-proof, so it's a great go-to for days when you find yourself in a hurry.
USER REVIEW: "The stick makes applying eyeshadow super easy—it's like coloring with a crayon. I love that the pigmentation itself can vary depending on how much of the shadow is layered on. I usually apply and blend with my finger for a lighter daytime look."
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Tarte Quick Stick Waterproof Shadow & Liner
Overall Score
4.5
06
Tarte Quick Stick Waterproof Shadow & Liner
4.21
156 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
LOVED FOR: Thanks to skin-loving ingredients like Amazonian clay and vitamin E, this gel-like formula delivers the most velvety-smooth finish. It's also dual-ended, so you can use one side for shadow and one for liner.
WHO IT’S FOR: This formula is talc-free, waterproof, and ophthalmologist tested, so it's a safe option for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Cruelty Free
Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème To Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick
Overall Score
4.5
05
Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème To Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick
4.39
25295 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Glide and go with the help of these cream-to-powder shimmer sticks. Once the product sets, it gives off a velvety finish. Your everyday makeup bag needs this.
HELPFUL TIP: You don’t need a primer for this since it has a powder finish, though you might want to work quickly with this one. We recommend doing one eye first, then waiting for it to dry before starting on the other eye.
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Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eye Shadow Pencil
Overall Score
4.5
04
Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eye Shadow Pencil
4.16
1166 User Reviews
3.1
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHO IT'S FOR: If your goal is to make your peepers pop, you can't go wrong with this formula from Charlotte Tilbury. Appropriately named "Color Chameleon," the revolutionary shadow pencil comes in eight shades specially formulated to enhance specific eye colors.
APPLICATION TIP: This formula sets quickly. For best results, blend it in as soon as you apply it.
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Cruelty Free
NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil
Overall Score
4.75
03
NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil
4.28
47306 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
LOVED FOR: If you've ever watched a YouTube makeup tutorial, NYX's Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk probably made a cameo. You can use this pencil to brighten up the waterline, or you can let it serve as a fuss-free base for eyeshadow looks.
USER REVIEW: “This is the best white eyeliner on the market. You need just one swipe for full opacity on the waterline, and it lasts all day. It also works amazingly as an eyeshadow base or blended with some lipsticks for an ombré look or to lighten them up. It's very versatile!"
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Cruelty Free
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour
Overall Score
4.8
02
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour
4.53
13508 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHO IT'S FOR: With its amazing shade range and intense color payoff, this eyeshadow stick is a fail-safe pick for those that want bold and bright makeup looks. The formula delivers long-wearing, transfer-proof, and crease-resistant wear, plus an insanely vibrant pigment.
APPLICATION TIP: This eyeshadow stick is perfect for creating a seamless smoky look. Apply it to the lash line for a smudged liner effect or all over the eyelids for higher impact.
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Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick
Overall Score
4.85
01
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick
4.63
4423 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY YOU NEED IT: With its buttery-smooth formula, this eyeshadow stick glides onto the lids completely tug-free. Long-lasting and budge-proof, the pencil provides eight hours of eye-popping color without creasing, fading, or flaking and can be used to shade, define, smoke up, or highlight eyes.
WHERE TO WEAR: Since it’s water-resistant, this pick is an excellent option for pool days and beach vacays.
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