You’ll see a shadow stick if you’re getting your feet wet in the makeup world. These little eyeshadow sticks look like crayons or pencils, but they’re for eyeshadow. They offer the convenience you want, the power you need, and more! One use and you’ll fall in love with these makeup miracles, especially if you’re always on the go.
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What Is An Eyeshadow Stick?
A shadow stick in makeup, also called an eyeshadow stick, is like a giant crayon that you use to color your eyelid. These typically have a cream-like consistency that reminds me of gel eyeliner. They glide on smoothly.
You can find them in every formula you can imagine. No-budge shadow sticks offer long-lasting wear that will easily last all day. Some have a fast dry time specifically designed to help you get out the door quicker, and others have a slightly slower dry time to give you time to blend them, helping you create one unique look after another.
You can easily find an eyeshadow stick in matte, shimmer, or metallic formulas. It doesn’t matter what your style is, there’s one for you.
Eyeshadow sticks are perfect for a one-and-done eyeshadow look. That makes them a must-have if you tend to be rushed in the morning and don’t have time for a longer makeup routine. There are a few different ways that you can use them.
How To Use An Eyeshadow Stick
You can use an eyeshadow stick as a single eyeshadow color. This is the easiest way to use a shadow stick. Close your eye as you would when applying powder eyeshadow. Then, use the eyeshadow stick to color your eyelid. It does not get any easier than that! That’s not the only way you can use an eyeshadow stick.
Eyeshadow Stick As Eyeliner
You can also use an eyeshadow stick as eyeliner. To do this, use the tip of the shadow stick to carefully draw a line where you would typically put your eyeliner.
Another method is to use an eyeliner brush. Simply swipe the eyeliner brush across the top of the eyeshadow stick, and then apply your eyeliner.
Apply Eyeshadow With Your Fingers
If you don’t like coloring in your eyelid, apply an eyeshadow stick using your fingers. Wipe your finger across the shadow stick to pick up some of the colors. Then, swipe your finger across your eyelids.
Create Gorgeous Looks
Eyeshadow sticks are usually very blendable, just like cream eyeshadow. You can use a brush to pick up some colors and then apply them to your eyelids like a cream eyeshadow. After that, use other colors to complete the look. Then, carefully blend the colors using a fluffy brush.
Pros Vs. Cons Of Shadow Sticks
Regarding eyeshadow sticks, some people will love them, and some will hate them. Before picking one up, consider the pros and cons of eyeshadow sticks to know if they’re right for you.
Pros
Every Shade And Finish Imagineable Available
If you want matte, you can find it. You can also find shimmers, metallics, and every color you can envision in a shadow stick. One brand might only offer shimmers, but another will have the matte version you’re searching for.
Great For Beginners
If you’re new to eyeshadow, you’ll love shadow sticks. They’re so easy to use that they’re perfect for beginners!
Quick
If you’re always in a hurry, shadow sticks will be your new bestie. A few quick swipes are all it takes to deliver powerful pigment to your lids that lasts all day. Most of them stay great without an eyeshadow primer, too!
Cons
Not As Blendable As Powder Pigments
Creating a smokey eye with a shadow stick will not be easy. These products blend, but it doesn’t create the same effect you’ll see with powder eyeshadow. For eyeshadow looks that involve things like a cut crease or a smokey eye, it’s best to use powder eyeshadow. This is the one thing that you won’t love about shadow sticks, especially if you love doing artistic eyeshadow looks.
Our Recommended Eyeshadow Sticks
Eyeshadow 101 Creme To Powder Eyeshadow Stick By Julep ($16)
This shadow stick is available in various shades and has three gorgeous finishes. It glides smoothly across the eyes like a creme but looks like a powder as it dries! It’s specially formulated with a certain type of wax to make it more blendable than other shadow sticks. On top of that, good for your skin ingredients like Vitamin E nourish the lids to keep your skin healthy. It’s even waterproof!
e.l.f. No Budge Shadow Stick ($5)
If you’re looking for affordability, e.l.f. Cosmetics is your go-to place to shop. These beauties will only cost you $5; you can pick them up in metallic and matte shades. They dry quickly, too! The only downside is that they are not waterproof, and you don’t have as many color options as you do with Julep.
Eyeshadow Pencil By Nudestix ($27)
This mesmerizing eyeshadow pencil was designed with you in mind. The chunky pencil is easy to hold and has a built-in sharpener on the bottom. You can select any shade from over 30 shades available. Then, use it as either an eyeshadow or an eyeliner! All Nudestix products are cruelty-free, and they occasionally LOVE giving out complimentary samples with your order!
Final Thoughts
Shadow sticks are the best option if you’re looking for a flawless makeup look that only takes a few seconds. They glide on smoothly and last for hours. On the other hand, they’re not for everyone. If you’re not feeling them, check out the rest of the blog to find your next love.
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