Eyeshadow Sticks Are the Key to Compliment-Earning Makeup, Even for Beginners

Stick formulas: You know ’em, you love ’em. Whether it’s a serum, sunscreen, foundation, or bronzer, you can’t beat a good makeup stick’s ease of use, portability, and versatility. And eyeshadow sticks offer a plethora of benefits compared to their powder counterparts. “Eyeshadow sticks are cream formulas that typically come in either a twist-up tube or as a chubby pencil,” says Jenny Patinkin, makeup artist and beauty expert. “They’re very easy to apply because they don’t necessarily require a brush for blending. They’re great for travel because of their compact size. Also, many contain polymers that make for a longer wear time.” Simple application, convenience, and longevity—what more can you ask for? Because there are so many eyeshadow sticks to choose from, we set out to find the very best by testing dozens of popular options. Our testers evaluated each one, weighing in on everything from how well it blended to the overall look it achieved. Read on to discover the best eyeshadow st...