11 best eyeshadow sticks for all budgets, from matte to metallic
Real talk: eyeshadow sticks make life so. much. easier. Despite being a beauty editor, I haven’t exactly got every makeup product (or technique) down. Case in point? Eyeshadow. That was, until, eyeshadow sticks came and changed the game. They've streamlined my makeup routine, stat, and I'm here to disclose why.
Unlike fiddly powders, cream pots and eyeshadow palettes, eyeshadow sticks make application of your favourite matte or shimmer a total dream. If you find a good one, it’s literally a swipe-and-go job (just add some mascara and, if you fancy, eyeliner for effortless eye makeup), meaning expert blending and a copious amount of different brushes are no longer needed. As well as making them extra easy to use, this also solidifies them as the travel-friendly shadow of choice.
There are also so many incredible colours and finishes available in the eyeshadow stick world, so a cream eyeshadow stick really can do everything your ‘traditional’ eyeshadow can, and then some.
Best eyeshadow sticks at a glance – our top picks:
- Best eyeshadow stick overall: Vieve Eye Wand, £23, Cult Beauty
- Best eyeshadow stick for everyday wear: Rare Beauty All of the Above Shadow Stick, £21, Sephora
- Best premium eyeshadow stick: Victoria Beckham EyeWear, £30, Victoria Beckham
- Best affordable eyeshadow stick: Revlon ColorStay Glaze Stick Eye Shadow, £6.99, Amazon
Why should you consider eyeshadow sticks?
As mentioned, eyeshadow sticks are super easy and convenient to use, both at home and while travelling – and for all makeup capabilities. Makeup artists can’t get enough of a stick, too – just take Tilly Ferrari, for example.
“I love eyeshadow sticks – in fact, they’re one of my most used products in my kit. I especially like them for very quick turnaround glam or bridesmaids; they’re great for instant pay off,” she says. “Quite often I will use just a stick over the eye, blended into the crease and either left alone or with something with shimmer or duo chrome packed over the centre of the lid.”
Which colours should you try?
As with most colour makeup, this really depends on your own personal taste! For where to start, Tilly recommends trying “a matte warm toned brown, buffed into the lids and under the lash.” This works “on every eye colour.”
“Bronze always looks gorgeous on blue eyes, red/burgundy tones are great on green, and purple tones on brown eyes,” she continues.
Neutrals like browns and bronzes can work beautifully on all skin tones, and brighter hues like vibrant lilacs or brick reds also really complement darker skin tones.
Finding your shade really is just about personal preference and experimentation – we say, don’t feel like you have to follow any set ‘rules’; just go with what you like most!
Looking to restock your makeup bag? Be sure to check out our guides for the best under-eye concealers, best foundations, best tinted moisturisers and the best liquid eyeliners.
Scroll down to view our edit of the best eyeshadow sticks to add to your checkout.
Why we love it: If you’re new to eyeshadow sticks and prefer to keep things neutral and matte, Vieve’s wands are for you. With an easy swipe-and-go application, ultra long-lasting formula and beautiful nudes and browns, it's totally beginner-friendly (and just as good for the pro’s among us, too!). Our favourite shades include Camel, Espresso and Raven.
GLAMOUR-recommended shades: Camel, Espresso and Raven.
Save big when shopping for eyeshadow sticks using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Rare Beauty All of the Above Shadow Stick
Why we love it: Looking for something super simple, yet buildable? We can’t get enough of Rare Beauty’s gorgeous bestseller sticks, which are the perfect office to bar option. Start with a light layer of product for daytime chic, and build up when 5pm hits and after-work drinks are upon you. The shades Wellbeing, Growth and Compassion are all worthy buys. Plus, each stick comes with a built-in sharpener, so it never goes dull.
GLAMOUR-recommended shades: Wellbeing, Growth and Compassion.
Save big when shopping for eyeshadow sticks using these Sephora discount codes.
Why we love it: Victoria Beckham Beauty is one of the few celebrity beauty lines that really does stand the test of time – and everything in the range is totally worth its salt. The same goes for the super luxe EyeWear sticks, which come in a beautiful range of neutrals as well as a couple of brighter hues. Shades like Caramel and Oyster are lovely for every day and complement every skin tone, while the vibrant Macaron option is perfect if you want something bolder.
GLAMOUR-recommended shades: Macaron, Caramel and Oyster.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick
Why we love it: Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick is a classic for a reason. It's easy to apply, stay put all day, blendable, smudge-proof, and the shade range is something to marvel at. Featuring matte and metallic finishes, there are rose golds, taupes, mauves, browns, golds and more. The only problem is the temptation to buy more and more to add to your stash!
GLAMOUR-recommended shades: Dusty Mauve, Smokey Quartz and Taupe.
Save big when shopping for eyeshadow sticks using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour
Why we love it: Another gorgeous classic, Laura Mercier’s sticks offer metallic magic at its best. They’re so popular, you’ll often find many of the shades out of stock, but they’re absolutely worth the wait! With an ultra-creamy formula, this product is buttery soft and glides onto your lids and the inner corner of your eyes with such ease, you'd think it's a skincare product. There are so many incredible shades, but Rosegold, Sienna and Amethyst are our current faves.
GLAMOUR-recommended shades: Rosegold, Sienna and Amethyst.
Save big when shopping for eyeshadow sticks using these Sephora discount codes.
Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil
Why we love it: If you prefer more of a chunky pencil/crayon applicator, you can’t beat Charlotte Tilbury’s Colour Chameleons, which are just as easily applied under the lash line as a liner, as well as on the lid. The gorgeous shades are worth collecting; we suggest starting with Bronzed Garnet, Champagne Diamonds and Golden Quartz; they’re all shimmery without being glittery. But honestly? You can’t go wrong with any of them since most of them suit any skin type, eye color and are perfect for a bold smokey eye look.
GLAMOUR-recommended shades: Bronzed Garnet, Champagne Diamonds and Golden Quartz.
e.l.f. No Budge Matte Eyeshadow Stick
Why we love it: Want to try eyeshadow sticks on a budget? e.l.f’s are lovely – and perfect for matte fans. We recommend these for daytime use; they’re subtle yet impactful, and can be built up for after-work plans, too. As well as some solid neutrals, there are some fab brighter hues to try out also, from neon yellows to forest greens. Luckily at their pocket-friendly price, you don’t have to choose just one either. Did we mention each shade is 100% vegan and cruelty-free?
GLAMOUR-recommended shades: Lava Lamp, Groovy and Vintage Suede.
Save big when shopping for eyeshadow sticks using these Amazon discount codes.
3INA MAKEUP The 24H Eye Stick 791
Why we love it: Done with subtle neutrals and ready for something more daring? Opt for the pigmented 24H stick from 3INA. Whether you want red, blue, yellow or green, there’s a shadow for you. The brand promises a 24 hour wear, which while may be ambitious, but these do stay put for quite some time. For these reasons, they are the ultimate festival/party pick.
GLAMOUR-recommended shades: Turquoise, Dark Blue and Yellow.
Save big when shopping for eyeshadow sticks using these Amazon discount codes.
Max Factor Contouring Stick Eyeshadow Pencil
Why we love it: Max Factor’s eyeshadow pencils may come in an ultra-small range, but they have a couple of points of difference: first, they’re dual-ended, so you get two for one. Second, they have a ‘contouring’ effect on eyes; use the lighter shade all across the lids and finish with the darker hue in the creases. This will add depth to your eyes and make them really pop, no matter what type of makeup or eye look you’re opting for.
GLAMOUR-recommended shades: Warm Taupe and Amber Brown.
Save big when shopping for eyeshadow sticks using these Amazon discount codes.
KIKO Milano Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow
Why we love it: For a product that’s pretty affordable, we were blown away with how much bang for your buck you get in terms of longevity with this. Whichever shade you choose (and there are many – neutral shade galore and brights, too – to choose from), you can trust this cream eyeshadow will stay put (it's crease-resistant) and keep up with you.
GLAMOUR-recommended shades: Rosy Brown, Vintage Rose and Forest Green.
Save big when shopping for eyeshadow sticks using these Amazon discount codes.
Revlon ColorStay Glaze Stick Eye Shadow
Why we love it: If you can’t choose between matte and metallic, why not enjoy the best of both worlds? Revlon’s ColorStay Glaze Stick Eye Shadow offers one shade in two finishes with its double-sided product. There aren’t many shades to choose from, but if you love a silver or gold tint, you’re sorted. Oh and these are super affordable! What’s not to love?
GLAMOUR-recommended shades: Sequin and Luster.
Save big when shopping for eyeshadow sticks using these Amazon discount codes.
