16 Best Eyeshadow Sticks To Add To Your Beauty Routine In 2022

There are tons of eyeshadow sticks on the market these days: from high-end brands to drugstore options. Eyeshadow sticks may be a great addition to most beauty routines, but that doesn't mean that every one that's out there is worth buying. There are lots of different needs folks may have for their eyeshadow sticks, as well as wants most of us have in common. We searched for sticks that would meet each individual needs, like waterproof, best for everyday wear, or great for special occasions, while ensuring that they all met our common desires, like great prices and ease of use. 

Ultimately, we've got a comprehensive list of options that we and plenty of real reviewers swear by. We've included all the details you need in your hunt for the perfect eyeshadow stick: from price point to applicator to range of shades, and we made sure to include our favorite reviews from real people so you can get the actual lowdown on what you're buying before you buy it. Ready to find your match made in eyeshadow stick heaven? Just call us the matchmaker, and let's get into it.

We know that virtually no one is looking to splurge on an eyeshadow stick, so we wanted to ensure that all our options were bank account-friendly. This e.l.f. stick, though, is one of the best budget options at only $5. When it comes to finding makeup products at amazingly low prices, e.l.f has become the go-to. Their No Budge Shadow Stick is no exception to this. These metallic pigments are as bold and smudge-proof as you'd expect from an expensive brand, and with that pointy, sharpen-able tip, they can be used as eyeshadow or eyeliner (via Amazon).

One review says, "Why is no one talking about this? [It's] amazing," They continued saying, "This color is a lovely silver/grey/mauve that glides on and looks amazing. There is a built in sharpener on the end to tidy up the stick when it gets too flat. Use it as an accent color or on your entire lid. The formula is creamy but stays put and doesn't crease. If you don't like to purchase a $23 lid color then give this a try."

You can get the e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Shadow Stick for $5 on Amazon.

Shades: 12 neutrals and cool colors | Applicator: pencil with built-in sharpener

Most of us have makeup products that we save for special occasions and others that we keep as our go-to's for everyday makeup looks. If you're looking for an eyeshadow stick that you can grab any day of the week for any occasion, look no further than the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil. What we love about this pencil for every day is that it comes in a wide range of neutral shades, as well as bolder colors, but even the bright options look light, subtle, and effortless when applied to the eye.

According to one review, "These pencils are comparable in quality to ones [three to five] times their price. I am a snob about quality, but not price. They are excellent and I use at least one of them every day (along with my high-end fare). There is no downside here. All these are great — just pick a color you like." And, at only $4.99, you could even pick multiple colors you like and still be paying what one high-end option would cost.

Grab the NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil for $4.99 on Amazon.

Shades: 16 neutrals and bold colors | Applicator: sharpen-able pencil

Who among us hasn't tried to master the classically elusive smokey eye? One of the most difficult challenges that comes along with crafting the perfect smokey eye (aside from endless amounts of blending, of course) is choosing shades to blend together that complement each other. Eyeko managed to do some clever problem-solving when they created the Double Act Shadow Stick. This stick is 2-in-1: one side has a lighter shade while the other has a darker shade. As a result, you can simply flip your shadow stick around freely as you're working your way through your smokey eye look. Now that's just being efficient.

One reviewer called it a "very creamy and blendable eyeshadow stick. I use [it] as a liner and like it very much. It comes with a sharpener, love that. The colors Dawn/Dusk are very nice even for fair skin. Having two colors on one pencil is so convenient."

You can get the Eyeko Double Act Shadow Stick Dusk & Dawn on Amazon for $25.

Shades: 5 color palettes | Applicator: double-sided sharpen-able pencil

The no-makeup makeup look never really goes out of style, but it's certainly having a moment right now. With the rise of soap brows, tinted moisturizers, and the 'clean girl aesthetic,' we all know that looking perfectly natural actually requires a bit of makeup; it just needs to be the right makeup. For this vibe, this Live Tinted Huestick is a must-have. This stick is referred to as "4-in-1," as it's designed to be not only an eyeshadow stick, but also cheek color, lip color, and a color corrector for dark circles (via Ulta). Since the color is subtle but very buildable, you can use it in different places on your face in a variety of ways, and you'll still barely know it's there. If that's not enough, it's got hyaluronic acid and loads of vitamins to keep your skin moisturized.

One reviewer said they are "obsessed," adding, "Normally I use LA Girl's concealer in red as a color corrector but wanted to support this WOC-owned brand. WOW!!!- I was more impressed than I imagined. The best part about this is how easy it is to apply... This huestick is creamy, but imo hard to 'overdo' because it blends SO well with my CC cream... Though it is more pricey, I really think it's worth the investment and don't see myself going back purely based on quality."

Grab the Live Tinted Huestick for $24 at Ulta Beauty.

Shades: 5 shades | Applicator: twistable crayon

We often want a glow-y, subtly shimmery eye look that isn't overpowering or over the top in the glitter department. Laura Mercier's Caviar Stick Eye Colour is perfect for situations like this. This pigment is designed to stay put for 12 hours and gives a subtle sparkle without being too much (via Laura Mercier). Think of it like a dewy highlighter for your eyelids.

One review calls it "smooth and easy to apply" and says, "I've been wearing a rose gold color of eyeshadow for a while in a powder form, but won't go back to powder after using this cream stick. I love the color, the ease of application and that it lasts all day. I'm going to order another one today." Another says, "I've been wearing a rose gold color of eye shadow for awhile in a powder form, but won't go back to powder after using this cream stick. I love the color, the ease of application and that it lasts all day. I'm going to order another one today."

You can get the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour for $31 on Amazon.

Shades: 5 shades | Applicator: twistable pencil

From bold, graphic, Maddy from "Euphoria"-inspired liner looks to Twiggy's classic mod eyeshadow situation, sometimes you really need a bold, precise line (via Vogue). The Shiseido Kajal Ink Artist is here for you in these moments that require a steady hand and a very skinny shadow stick. This pencil is actually designed to act as your eyeshadow, eyeliner, and brow product all in one tool (via Sephora). It'll give you that sharp, precise line when you need it, but also has a built-in blender for when you need to switch to a softer, subtler look.

Plenty of reviews love this pencil for its uniqueness, like this one that calls it, "Honestly best eyeliner I have ever used. Wish I knew about [it] sooner — highly blendable, super smooth, perfect shade of plum (I have green/hazel eyes). LOVE. About to buy a second — hope it's never discontinued!" Another says, "I have oily eyelids. I don't have time to apply primer and touch up throughout the day. This shadow is the only product that I've tried (and I've tried too many) that doesn't budge, disappear, or move around. I'm in love! I'll be restocking!"

You can get the Shiseido Kajal Ink Artist Shadow for $25 at Sephora.

Shades: 4 shades | Applicator: twistable pencil with built-in blender

Sometimes it can be difficult to find products that work well for more mature skin. If you're in the market for a shadow stick that fits into this category, we love this Bobbi Brown option. This eyeshadow stick goes on smoothly and lasts (via Bobbi Brown Cosmetics). Best of all, it won't settle into creases or crack over time. 

One reviewer wrote, "Very easy to use and blend even with fingers. Do not need to wear a primer underneath — it lasts a solid eight hours by itself. These two things are what make it worth the money for me because I can usually only get great wear OR great blend ability but never within a cream shadow formula. Not drying either. IF you're not someone who likes to play with trends and needs to have a lot of makeup, I'd invest in buying a few luxury items like this."

You can get the Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick for $26.68 on Amazon.

Shades: 5 shades | Applicator: twistable pencil

Waterproof makeup is important, especially for mornings you may get caught in the rain, afternoons at the beach, or evenings with friends where you know you may laugh so hard that you cry. Plenty of shadow sticks on our list check the waterproof box, but if withstanding wetness and even heat and humidity is a priority for you, this should be your pick (via Sephora). These pencils are very highly pigmented, and they look bold and bright on any skin tone. They come in a whopping 25 different colors, which range from neutral beige to black to bright pink. They also come in metallic, matte, and glittery options, so you can choose the perfect shade to fit any look for a hot, humid night.

One review says, "Best and easiest application for hooded eyes! It glides like butter. Love it and love the shades." Another says, "This is an excellent eyeliner and makes for a great shadow for my eye crease. I really never want to be without one. I'm on my 4th. lol"

You can get the Sephora Collection Colorful Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-Stick for $14 at Sephora.

Shades: 25 shades | Applicator: sharpen-able pencil