12 Best Eyeshadow Sticks in 2023 [Tested and Reviewed]

The Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick by Bobbi Brown promises a lasting, beautiful finish. It is characterized by a rich range of colors, from natural shades to vibrant, standout hues.

In our testing, it earned high marks in every category. Not only did it prove to be resistant to smudging, but it also stood up to sweat and oils, delivering on its promises. It's a product that's highly recommended for those whose eyeshadow tends to wear off easily. Moreover, when applied to the eyelids, it shows true to its color regardless of skin tone. The likelihood of being disappointed that it doesn't match the expected color seems very low.

In terms of usability, feedback from our testers included positive comments such as "It delivers true-to-color results on any skin tone and blends smoothly" and "The applicator's size is just right for easy application." This single product can help you achieve your desired eye makeup look effortlessly.

We recommend it to both those who want to maintain their morning makeup look throughout the day and to makeup beginners.

Laura Mercier's Caviar Stick Eye Shadow stands out for its diverse range of shades and different finishes. It promises a beautiful appearance that remains crease-free and lasts for an extended period.

During the pigment testing by our evaluators, feedback included comments such as, "On the first application, the color was slightly lighter than expected, but layering it achieved an even shade." While one might need to apply multiple layers if the first seems too light, the product's strength lies in providing true color on any skin tone.

Additionally, in our ease of use assessment, it was highly commended for its easily blendable formula and the applicator size that fits any eye shape. The tests for water resistance and oil resistance also revealed that the color doesn’t bleed or smudge, which gave it a high score.

It's a dependable product, ideal not just for those who may experience eyeshadow creasing due to the width of their eyelids but also for individuals who tend to rub their eyes often.

Thrive Causemetics' Infinity Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick is uniquely formulated with moisturizing and skin-conditioning ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, ceramide NP, aloe leaf extract, and vitamin B5. With just a single swipe, it promises to deliver impactful eyes that last for hours.

During the ease-of-use assessment, evaluators appreciated its ability to blend, noting, "It can be easily and beautifully blended with fingers or the built-in blending sponge." The inclusion of a blending tool ensures users can blend the product without dirtying their fingers. Its creamy texture, which renders excellent color, is another reason behind its popularity.

In the longevity test, the eyeshadow excelled in both water resistance and oil resistance. It's an ideal solution for those concerned about their eyeshadow fading or smudging over time. 

It's particularly recommended for hot days prone to sweating or when makeup needs to last for extended periods.

Hourglass's Voyeur Eyeshadow Stick is an eyeshadow stick that promises a lasting finish resistant to creasing, characterized by its impactful color and refined metallic finish.

During the pigment and usability evaluation, feedback highlighted that while "it might require a few layers to achieve uniformity, it delivers consistent pigmentation regardless of skin tone." Its capability to display vivid hues even in brighter shades makes it an excellent choice as a highlighter.

In our test for longevity that we conducted on synthetic leather, it did smudge slightly when subjected to oils, but its color remained unchanged when testing for water resistance. While it might not be ideal for those with oily skin prone to eyeshadow creasing, it's expected to perform well in situations like the beach or pool where water may splash on the face.

This is the top choice for those seeking a metallic finish.

IT Cosmetics' Superhero No-Tug Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick is a stick eyeshadow notable for its range in both matte and pearl finishes. It claims to maintain a long-lasting finish.

In our pigment test, feedback from testers indicated that "a single application may appear slightly sheer, but layering can achieve the desired intensity." In terms of ease of use, some remarked, "The applicator size is just right, and blending is easy, but the eyeshadow dries quickly." Therefore, it might be best to apply and blend the eyeshadow one eye at a time.

When testing oil resistance, the color remained consistent, with no signs of smudging. However, in tests for resistance to rubbing and water, there was some minor smudging, leading to a bit of struggle in terms of rating for longevity.

While it might not be suitable for active or outdoor activities, it's suitable for work or daily makeup routines.

Sephora's Colorful Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-Stick claims to maintain its finish for extended periods. It is also free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates (SLS & SLES).

In our pigment evaluation, feedback from testers praised its ability to achieve true-to-color results even with just a single swipe, regardless of skin tone. When used as an eyeliner, it can provide a defined, striking look around the eyes.

On one hand, while some users found the applicator easy to use, others mentioned that the product itself dries quickly, requiring swift blending. Additionally, in the water-resistance test, it remained unaffected even when artificial sweat was applied. However, when subjected to oils, it tended to smudge, leading to moderate reviews. It might be slightly less suitable for those with oily skin prone to eyeshadow creasing.

It's recommended for those who want an eyeshadow with good pigmentation, and pairing it with an eye primer should enhance its performance.

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty's Colour Chameleon boasts a long-lasting finish with a design that exudes charm and femininity. 

When evaluated by our testers, feedback indicated that "the pigmentation was lighter than expected, and trying to apply multiple layers resulted in some unevenness." The results were average, so if you're seeking intense pigmentation with a single swipe, it might not meet expectations. The applicator's size was appropriate, but blending required some effort, preventing it from receiving top marks for user-friendliness.

In terms of its longevity, while the oil-resistance test showed a slight fading in color, it proved to be resistant to rubbing and water. It's safe to say this product will hold up throughout the day.

This particular product requires sharpening, which might be seen as a bit inconvenient for some users, but as long as you have a sharpener, there shouldn't be an issue.

Clinique Laboratories' Chubby Stick Shadow Tint For Eyes is promoted as a product so easy to use that you won't even need a mirror.

With its unusually thick core for a stick eyeshadow, it delivers color effortlessly in just one swipe, living up to its promise of easy blending. In terms of pigmentation, feedback from testers indicated that "while the color was lighter than expected, it applied evenly without any patchiness." While it might not satisfy those seeking intense color, it's recommended for those who prefer a sheer finish.

However, when subjected to water and oils, it smudged in both tests, which negatively impacted its overall rating.

It might not be suitable for those needing long-lasting makeup, but it should work well for short outings.

E.L.F. Cosmetics' No Budge Shadow Stick is a stick eyeshadow boasting a creamy, blendable formula that applies easily and is promoted as being resistant to smudging and creasing.

Its signature metallic finish is distinctive, but the color applies more sheerly than expected, which prevented it from receiving high marks for pigmentation. Feedback from testers also highlighted that "the color seemed to fade while blending," yielding a somewhat disappointing result. Some might find certain shades lacking in intensity when used on their own.

On the other hand, in terms of longevity, both water and oil resistance testing showed no smudging, earning it high praise.

While its affordable price is a plus, it may not be the best choice for those who prefer vivid makeup looks.

Julep Beauty's Eyeshadow 101 Crème-to-Powder Eyeshadow Stick is an eyeshadow stick that features a transition from a cream to a powder-like finish. It notably incorporates vitamin E, vitamin C, and candelilla wax for a smooth texture.

While this product proved resilient to rubbing, it did smudge slightly when synthetic sweat was applied and its color faded when exposed to natural oils, leading to a moderate rating in the longevity evaluation. It may not be suitable for active days but should be fine for general use.

In our test for pigmentation, feedback from testers included that it applied evenly yet had a sheer finish, and layering didn't significantly change the intensity, leading to mixed results. Furthermore, while it blended easily, the performance of the accompanying blending sponge was deemed subpar, which detracted from its rating.

It might appeal to those who prefer a natural color and sheer finish, but some might find it lacking.

NYX Professional Makeup's Jumbo Eye Pencil is distinctive for its range of 16 shades, spanning from neutrals to brights and deeper smoky hues. It boasts a creamy formula that's easy to apply and blend.

In terms of pigment and ease of use, while opinions varied, it received high marks for the comfortable size of the applicator, true-to-sight color, and easy blending. It's safe to say it's user-friendly, even for beginners.

On the other hand, it didn't fare well in the waterproof and oil-resistant tests, as it smudged in both cases, leading to a lower rating.

While it's beginner-friendly, it may not be suitable for long-wear, so those who dislike touch-ups might want to steer clear.

Tarte's Quick Stick Waterproof Shadow & Liner is supposed to have a waterproof formula that promises to resist creasing, transferring, and smudging.

In terms of its wear, the product didn't hold up well against artificial sweat and oils as it tended to smudge overall, making it difficult to say it's long-lasting. Moreover, regarding its pigmentation, feedback indicated it had a sheer finish that didn’t apply evenly. This might leave those seeking vibrant pigments unsatisfied.

While the applicator's size is just right, and it's easy to apply along the lash line, its blending ability fell short in evaluations.

If one of the available color options suits your preferences, it could justify the investment, though it may not become the standout item in your collection.