Makeup doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you have one of the best eye shadow sticks in your makeup bag. These versatile sticks are an effortless medium for beginners to master their eye makeup routines with ease, whether they’re being used as eyeliner or for a smudged-out finish. Experts agree that these creamy formulas slide and glide without pesky powder fallout, meaning you get a punch of pigment without risking your foundation base. Best of all: You don’t need a brush to apply or blend these—your fingers can be your artistic tools. Below, our editors share their favorite eye shadow sticks after months (and years) of testing.
Our Top Eye Shadow Sticks
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow
Why it’s worth it: Laura Mercier’s Best of Beauty-winning Caviar Stick Eye Shadows are a makeup artist and Allure editor staple for their rich, smudge-proof pigments that evenly diffuse with a few taps of your finger. “I’m a die-hard fan of the Laura Mercier shadow stick in Cocoa (a rich chocolate with bronze pearl pictured above),” New York City-based makeup artist Kirin Bhatty tells Allure. “I always have them in my kit as they are super versatile, and you can create something very natural to something very smoky in a few swipes.” And with almost 40 shades in shimmer, matte, and metallic finishes—which can also be concentrated into eyeliner— you can unleash your inner artist.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“I don’t have the time or patience to mess around with an eye shadow palette most mornings, which is why I love the utility of these shadow sticks. This one is easy to blend out with my fingers, and the pigment accentuates my eyes without looking too over-the-top. Another bonus? I can layer a few different colors without the colors getting muddy. They go on seamlessly whether I’m doing a quick daytime look or going bigger for a special event or night out.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
- Who it’s for: everyone, people looking for a transfer-proof shadow stick
- Available shades: 27 (15 satin, 12 matte)
Best Shade Range: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick
Why it’s worth it: Though Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick collection features an impressive 29-count shade range. No matter which shade you add to your vanity, every swipe stays put for a full 24 hours—even if you have watery eyes, thanks to its waterproof formulation. The matte formulas are velvety, resist creasing, and play well with other shadows, but our editors love the pearlescent shimmers so much that we gave the lineup an Allure Best of Beauty Award in back 2023.
Tester feedback from former Allure associate manager of special projects Talia Gutierrez
“Wearing eye shadow doesn’t always mean a full cut-crease beat. These shadow sticks are user-friendly and practically mistake-free. The only tool you’ll need is one fingertip! My favorite shade is taupe, but when I want to amp up some dimension and shadow, I’ll pat in the shade bark for a quick and easy matte, smoky eye.”—Talia Gutierrez, former Allure associate manager of special projects
More to know
- Who it’s for: anyone who wants an extensive range of wearable, everyday colors
- Available shades: 29 (17 matte, 15 shimmer)
Best Long-Lasting: Half Magic Sparklestik Eye Crayon
Why it’s worth it: The biggest downside of glitter lids? Fallout, both mid-application and mid-day. But the 2025 Best of Beauty Award-winning Half Magic Sparklestik Eye Crayon eliminates that problem. The creamy stick clings to lids the instant it touches them, flooding you with a mirror-like shine that doesn’t budge for up to 12 hours (yes, really). Each of the 10 ultra-pigmented shades looks like you spent forever perfecting it, but glides right on and dries down in seconds, and can be layered for extra intensity. Once the shadow is on, it’s on, so you’ll need a serious cleansing balm to take it off. Just use the thinner side of the applicator to draw a precise line.
“I cannot stop raving about this eye shadow! It’s the perfect sparkle for people who think they’re afraid of wearing shimmer. The formula is so creamy and packed with ultrafine glitter that catches the light just right. I like to apply one swipe at my upper lash lines, then use my finger to blend it up to cover my lids.” —Kara McGrath, content director
More to know
- Who it’s for: those looking for long-lasting shimmer that doubles as eyeliner
- Available shades: 10 (all shimmer)
Best Shimmer: Tower28 GoGo Cooling Shimmer Eyeshadow
Why it’s worth it: You’re bound to come up with a museum-worthy eye look when you uncap Tower 28’s GoGo Cooling Shimmer Eyeshadow. The formula is creamy, ultra-pigmented, and—get this stays put for hours without a primer (a rare feat for shimmer). The cherry on top: It delivers a subtle cooling sensation that instantly wakes up tired eyes, while Irish moss calms even sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Just tap it on with your finger for a soft wash of color or use a brush to build a bold, foiled finish that catches the light with every blink.
“The name really is everything here: This eye shadow stick is cooling (which feels so nice and refreshing) and tiny enough that I can toss it in my bag for quick touch-ups while I’m on the go-go. Every single shade is beautiful, and the shimmer is noticeable, but still subtle enough that I can wear it to the office during the day. I usually apply the stick right to my lid, then blend it out using my finger. I’ve applied these in the back of an Uber in seconds with zero issues. Bonus: They rarely crease, even on my super-sensitive, oily eyelids. These sticks make fun eye shadow accessible—I highly recommend grabbing one (or a few!) if you’re interested in wearing eye shadow more, but don’t know where to start.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
- Who it’s for: those looking for long-lasting, pigmented shimmer
- Available shades: 9 (all shimmer)
Best Matte: Nars Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick
Why it’s worth it: Just one swatch of the Nars Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick proves how easy it is to work with. The buttery formula never skips, so you can blend to your heart’s content without fear of a patchy, uneven finish. Each of its neutral shades comes in a velvety matte finish that stays opaque and crease-free without drying your skin. Just swipe and go for a pigmented finish, but if you want to diffuse its color, a few pats with your finger will do the trick.
Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
“I’ll be honest, I suck at applying eye shadow, but I love the look of it. I’m all about products that make my life easier, and the Nars Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick is my secret weapon. The creamy formula glides on like silk, blends effortlessly, and doesn’t budge.”—Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
More to know
- Who it’s for: anyone who wants a forgiving matte eye shadow stick that’s easy to blend
- Available shades: 6
Best Splurge: Victoria Beckham Beauty EyeWear Eye Shadow Stick
Why it’s worth it: If we had to describe Victoria Beckham Beauty’s EyeWear Eye Shadow Stick in two words: effortless drama. Each of the 10 shades is ideal for sheered-out, low-key looks and bold, smoky eye makeup that will last for hours on end. The key to this luxurious pick’s long-lasting formula, according to cosmetic chemist Marisal Mou, is the formulation’s inclusion of methyl trimethicone and trimethylsiloxysilicate, two “film formers” that help lock the cream shadow in place. “They enhance adhesion and substantivity of color to the skin and, more importantly, improve water and rub resistance and stability of deposition of product on the skin,” she says. She also shouts out diisostearyl fumarate, an ingredient that helps diffuse color pigments and minimize feathering, bleeding, and creasing. “It also gives a rich, smooth feel to the skin,” she says. Try channeling sun-soaked, warm weather vibes (even in the dead of winter) with Sunflower, a matte mustard yellow, or Macaron, a matte lilac.
“I’m such a fan of these versatile, easy-to-use formulas and can attest that they last up to eight hours—even when you’re out and about on an 85-degree day. Like Victoria Beckham’s fashion line, each shade was intentionally added to the shadow stick lineup to match your everyday wardrobe, kind of like a capsule collection for makeup.” —Jennifer Hussein, former commerce writer
More to know
- Who it’s for: those looking for a versatile, long-lasting eye shadow
- Available shades: 10
Best Budget: Juvia’s Place Nubian Shadow Sticks
Juvia’s Place
Nubian Shadow Sticks
Why it’s worth it: The Juvia’s Place Nubian Shadow Sticks are every bit as vibrant as they are wallet-friendly. Whether you opt for a matte or shimmery shade, just one swipe offers mega color payoff. On top of that, every shade is waterproof, so it stays on for hours—even if you hit up your favorite workout class or the dance floor. The creamy texture makes application—blending, smudging, and buffing—a dream. It’s perfect for the beginners of the group, but pros will also love how versatile it is to blend into a wing or smudge along the lash line. And, just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it always stays rounded, so you never need to whip out your messy sharpener.e
Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry
“Let’s be honest here. Most of us don’t have 30 extra minutes to do a full eye shadow look. I barely have time to conceal my dark circles and add blush. So, I need an eye shadow stick that’ll give me some depth without the time commitment. This Nubian Shadow Stick has become one of my go-tos for doing exactly that, and more. You don’t even need a fluffy brush to apply. Just swipe it on your eyelids, buff it with your fingers, and bam. You have a nice, subtle shimmery lid in seconds.”—Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development
More to know
- Who it’s for: anyone who wants an affordable eye shadow stick that doesn’t slack on color
- Available shades: 8
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply an eye shadow stick?
Like any individual eye shadow, you have your options in terms of application. Most eye shadow sticks have creamy formulas that take a few seconds (a minute, tops) to settle, which makes your clean fingers an ideal applicator. “I use my fingers for shadows all the time, at work and on myself,” Fiona Stiles, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist, previously told Allure. “At work, I use them to lay on color in a more concentrated way, and on myself, I use them to create a wash of shadow on the lid,” she says.
New York City-based makeup artist Yuui Vision recommends using your ring finger to pat along your lid, then blending with your middle finger. For a more concentrated finish, Vision suggests dabbing color with your ring finger on the area of your lid where you want to increase opacity, then alternate blending with both fingers until you create your desired finish.
Are eye shadow sticks good for mature eyes?
New York City-based makeup artist Lisa Aharon previously told Allure that cream eye shadow sticks (and just cream formulas in general) are the best for mature eyes. “They have a smoother texture and are less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles,” she says. While cream eye shadows come in matte, shimmer, or metallic finishes, Katy Holland, an Austin-based makeup artist at Boom! Beauty, and Aharon vouch for matte formulas since they provide a soft and diffused look that doesn’t emphasize the skin’s texture.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best eye shadow sticks, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: wear, longevity, color variety, and ease of use. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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