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Fool-Proof Makeup with 16 Best Eyeshadow Sticks in 2023

Isn’t doing eye makeups fun? You get to choose the colors, style, design for your eye areas with no restriction. The only thing that stops you from the perfect eyes look is obviously your skill. Even with makeup experts, eyeshadow in pressed powder form is still hard to use, that’s why eyeshadow sticks are created. With our list of the 16 best eyeshadow sticks, we can assist you if you’re a newbie or just lack the time to consider color options for makeup.

Best Versatile Eyeshadow Stick – Chanel Stylo Ombre Et Contour

Contour Clair, a gorgeous matte-brown eye makeup stick from Chanel, is marketed as “a fabulous, go-to shade for day-to-day looks.” It’s the type of neutral, casually stylish shadow we see on a model on vacation. Even though the formula is long-lasting, use an eyeshadow primer in conjunction with it for further assurance that your color won’t fade.

Best Neutral Eyeshadow Stick – Bobbi Brown Dual-Ended Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick

With carefully selected color duos for double the enjoyment, Bobbi Brown’s Best of Beauty-winning Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick is now offered in a dual-ended style. Be prepared to use it every day if you want effortless looks that just require a few seconds to apply and mix. For no-makeup makeup looks, use Golden Pink/Taupe to give your eyes a hint of depth. Remember to work fast with it as this item dries pretty fast, making it hard to get your desired looks.

Most Drugstore Eyeshadow Stick – Nyx Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil

You’re in luck if you’re looking for a significant bargain. You may choose from 16 exquisite colors in the Nyx Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil line for a very reasonable price. It couldn’t be simpler to use these ultra-creamy crayons as a basis for priming (neutrals), an all-over shadow (brights), or a liner (deeps). With Milk, an opaque white that is surprising but timeless, you may channel your inner “Rain on Me” diva look, and you can use it as a highlighter. However, the packaging is a pretty huge con of this product. You will have to purchase a pencil sharpener in order to utilize the item.

Best Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow – Revlon ColorStay Creme Eyeshadow

These Revlon eye shadows provide 24-hour wear so you can transition from one occasion to the next with your look intact, whether you want something matte or a little bit of sparkle. You may apply them using the included “pro-inspired” built-in brush in the cap or with your fingertips if you prefer. Flaking off is quite inevitable after applying it because when it dires, it gets flaky.

Best Glitter Eyeshadow Stick – Jason Wu Beauty Celestial Lust Glitter Cream Shadow

This glitter cream shadow, which the brand promises to give a highly-pigmented color that is rapid drying and lasts all day, will elevate your appearance. The application of this cream eye makeup is quite simple, making it the ideal finishing touch for your night-out look. Work fast if you don’t want you eye look to be clumpy and unblended.

Best 2 in 1 Eyeshadow Stick – Smashbox Always On Cream Shadow

Play around with your appearance by using hues like guava, sienna, and ultramarine. With this choice, there is no need for a separate eye makeup primer because it is already included in the recipe, eliminating a step and simplifying your beauty routine while also saving you some money. Those who have used it complained that the colors don’t really show up but these items can work very well as eye primer.

Best Budget Eyeshadow Stick – e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Shadow Stick

This affordable eye makeup stick is well worth a try because it has a highly pigmented color, a buildable consistency, and all-day wear. You won’t ever have to worry about working with a dull tip thanks to its twist-up construction, and its pointed form makes it simple to use as eyeliner. However, applying multiple time is essential to get the swatched colors that you see on their pictures but compared to the price, it’s still a good stick eyeshadow.

Best Quick-Application Eyeshadow Stick – Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes

This Clinique Chubby Stick is a safe place to start if you’re a newbie. You won’t have to worry about using anything overly pigmented for your first attempt at eye makeup because it emits a sheer, lightweight hue. Simply dab some color on your lids, mix it out with your finger till you have the look you want, and then go! You don’t even need to be very delicate with it.

Best Color Eyeshadow Stick – about-face Shadowstick

This eye makeup stick from about-face has a lasting power of 10 hours or more and may give you all the color you require in a single application. blend easily if you smudge them out right away but if you’re going for more of a precise look they will definitely stay where you put them.

Best Metalic Eyeshadow Stick – ColourPop Colour Stix Eyeshadow

This eye makeup stick has whatever color you need, whether you’re planning on going to the office or the runway, with dazzling metallics and traditional mattes. The product boasts an all-day wearable, water-resistant composition, according to the company.

Best Shimmer Eyeshadow Stick – Charlotte Tilbury Color Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil

Although Charlotte Tilbury is most known for her Flawless Filter and Contour Wand, she also creates an eyeshadow stick that is deserving of internet fame. Some of the most beautiful colors I’ve ever seen may be found in Her Colour Chameleon eyeshadow pencils. Each hue was created with a particular eye color in mind; for instance, Amethyst Aphrodisiac makes green eyes stand out from a distance. These pencils have a creamy texture and are also easily blended, just be sure to move fast because they dry down to a durable finish. 

Best Matte Eyeshadow Stick – Nudestix Magnetic Eye Color 

Without the original, also known as Nudestix’s Magnetic Eye Color, no list of the finest eyeshadow sticks would be complete. We couldn’t be happier that the company that essentially invented portable stick cosmetics has expanded its portfolio to include eyeshadow. If neutral colors suit you more, you may choose from more than 30 hues in both matte and satin finishes. Additionally, they are very long-lasting, staying in for up to 24 hours, making them perfect for oily lids.  Those with sensitive eyes should be careful with this because there are complaints about eyes’ irritation after using it.

Best Pigmented Eyeshadow Stick – Iconic London Glaze Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Crayon

This dual-purpose makeup stick must be tried by everyone who likes shimmer. A creamy, pearlescent hue on one side glides on effortlessly and provides high-impact color. The liquid glitter glaze on the opposite side matches the crayon color. Both may be worn separately; choose the crayon side for a strong metallic hue or the glaze side for a delicate glitter wash. However, when used in tandem, these two solutions work to provide a glamorous, long-lasting “wet” look.

Best Water-Proof Eyeshadow Stick – Sephora Collection Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-Stick

Because of their great hue selection, Sephora’s in-house cosmetics line should not be overlooked. This Sephora stick is available in most hues you could imagine, from terracotta red to khaki green. Although they may be used as eyeliner, their enormous size makes them particularly useful for eyeshadow. You just need one sweep for vibrant color, but you may overlay your own tones to enhance depth. Just mix quickly since these pencils can dry out rapidly. You might find it too expensive compared to the amount of product in this stick. There is even a customer said that the product was just enough for a week.

Best Formulated Eyeshadow Stick – Laura Mercier’s Caviar Stick Eye Color Eyeshadow Stick

These creamy eyeshadow sticks, which come in 39 colors and five distinct formula categories, are really simple to use. The eyeshadow sticks may be built up and blended easily at first, but after they are set, even without an eyeshadow primer, you don’t have to worry about them moving. These sticks are simple to use to create a defined liner or a smokey eyeshadow appearance. However, the packaging is not the best for the product because they get broker pretty easily.

Best Gentle Eyeshadow Stick – Superhero No-Tug Longwear Eyeshadow Stick

IT Cosmetics, which was founded by plastic surgeons, has always excelled in creating cosmetics that give our skin a little more tender loving care and gradually enhance each region with usage. You won’t find a smoother, easier-to-glide eyeshadow stick than the Superhero No-Tug Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick. The It Cosmetics Super Blendable Stick has No-Tug Technology, which guarantees that the stick won’t pull too hard and won’t irritate your eyes while still offering even pigmentation throughout your eyelid.

Sticks for applying eyeshadow are helpful for everyone, but novices especially. It’s a straightforward tool that enables you to apply eye makeup quickly and easily while producing the most breathtaking results. An eyeshadow stick is always a must-have, even if you are a makeup pro.

THE HISTORY AND TUTORIAL OF AUTHENTIC 1940S MAKEUP

1940s makeup is one of the most “vintage” looks, and is rather simple to recreate. There was a push for all things natural, unlike the 1930s and 1950s, which favored reshaping eyebrows and contouring the face. 1940s makeup enhanced natural beauty with just a few tools.

During the war, European women dealt with huge cosmetics shortages, since petroleum and alcohol – some of the main ingredients in makeup at the time – were used for the war effort. When makeup ran out, women turned to home remedies to substitute, such as using beetroot juice to stain lips and petroleum jelly to darken lashes and shape eyebrows.

In the United States, cosmetics continued to be manufactured throughout the war and were seen by the government as a morale booster for the busy women on the home front. Women were encouraged to wear makeup all the time to hide sadness and attract men, even while at work. Athletes even wore makeup. Color films had a big impact on the market, as women could now imitate the shades worn by Hollywood starlets. By 1948, between 80 and 90 percent of women wore lipstick, two thirds wore rouge, and a quarter wore eye makeup.

The 1940s makeup look exudes classic sophistication and is surprisingly easy to recreate. The emphasis was on a flawless, fresh-faced appearance—natural, never overly done. Less was definitely more, which worked out well, especially during the war years when many women had to make do with fewer products and resources.

Although the final result seems simple, a woman’s 1940s makeup routine could take some time—quick five-minute makeup wasn’t a thing! The process began with applying and blending thick foundation. Women were encouraged to shape their face with both light and dark shades of foundation—darker tones could be used to contour areas like a large nose, broad forehead, or square jaw, while lighter shades on the cheeks would add a fuller, plumper appearance.

Next, eye shadow was applied, followed by moist rouge. This was often used not only for color but also for subtle shaping, always ensuring the look remained natural. Afterward, a generous application of powder was pressed into the face with a large velour or wool puff. The powder was applied heavily to ensure a matte finish, covering the entire face. Excess powder was then brushed away with a powder brush to reveal a smooth, polished look.

If the moist rouge needed extra reinforcement, a powdered version was applied on top of the powder. The final steps included defining the eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil, applying mascara for fuller lashes, and finishing with the signature bold lipstick.

What You’ll Need:

  • Foundation: Choose a shade that closely matches your skin tone.
  • Powder: Loose powder that matches your skin tone to set the foundation.
  • Cream Rouge: Go for a rose-pink cream rouge (avoid powder if possible, unless that’s all you have).
  • Eyebrow Pencil: Choose a pencil that matches your natural brow color, or one shade darker than your hair.
  • Eye Shadow: (Optional, for evening wear) Use matte shadows that match your eye color—avoid shimmer.
  • Mascara: Dark brown or black mascara, or you can even use petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) for a more subtle lash effect.
  • Lipstick: A classic, matte red lipstick for that bold, vintage look.

1940s Foundation and Powder

Foundations in the 1940s were quite different from today’s lightweight options. There were fewer shades available, and most foundations had a pinkish tint, which worked well for white women, but wasn’t always suitable for women of color. Many Black women, for instance, either mixed their own makeup or often went without powder.

Foundations during this time were much thicker and creamier compared to today’s formulations. Liquid foundations as we know them didn’t exist, and the creamier formulas helped provide a fuller coverage. Face powder, which was essential, was used to set the foundation and keep the face matte throughout the day. It matched the skin tone but was also used to help the foundation adhere better to the face—foundation alone would often cause powder to slip off.

The foundation and powder were extended down the neck and onto the blouse or dress line, as it was common for the foundation shade to not perfectly match the skin on the rest of the body. This helped create a seamless, blended look.

Tip: For a smooth application, lightly coat your face with baby oil (or mineral oil) before applying foundation. This helps create a smooth base and allows the foundation to blend more easily.

1940S FACE POWDER

Powders should match your natural skin tone as much as possible. Light shades kept a woman looking fresh and youthful, while a slightly bronzed shade added a sun kissed glow, popular with movie stars. Almost all makeup lines carried a sun kissed color or two.

If you are over 40, your skin is prone to yellowing, in which case a powder with a pink tinge will work better for you.  To apply, use a puff to dust your face all over and then brush from the neck up to the forehead. Only brush down once to finish and smooth out face fuzz.

Tip: A fluffy face puff makes a difference. Don’t use compressed powder with a flat pad for early 1940s looks. Pan-cake compressed makeup came out in the mid 1940s with big success. To women who could afford it, it provided more coverage applied in less time. Just remember to always brush up, never down.

1940s Blush

In the 1940s, blush (referred to as rouge) was applied sparingly to create a natural, rosy glow. The shades of rouge were limited, typically ranging from peach and coral to raspberry tones, with darker shades for those with bronze or deeper skin tones. Cream rouge (moist rouge) was the preferred choice, giving a more natural look, and was often blended directly into the foundation. Powdered rouges were also used lightly over the cheeks to give a soft flush.

Although rouge was an important part of the look, it wasn’t strictly necessary for achieving the 1940s style. You could still achieve the desired effect without it.

Tip: If you can’t find cream rouge, a light matte lipstick in a pink or peach shade works well. Simply apply it with your fingers, dab it on the cheeks, and blend it in until it seamlessly matches your skin tone.

Cream or liquid rouges were sometimes found in theatrical costume makeup stores and, in modern times, can be found in some makeup brands on platforms like Amazon.

1940s Eyebrows

The 1940s eyebrows were a continuation of the 1930s style, with thin, beautifully arched brows being the key feature. Eyebrows were kept natural-looking, with only stray hairs removed to maintain a soft, even arch. The arch itself was well-groomed but not overly thin—most women didn’t over-pluck.

Eyebrows were often defined with a pencil that was slightly darker than the hair color, or some women simply applied a bit of petroleum jelly to keep the brows in place and enhance their natural shape. For daywear, this softer look was more common, while in the evening, brows might be more defined.

As the decade progressed, the full, more defined brows of the late ’40s began to take hold, but they were never as thick as modern-day brows.

1940s Eye Makeup

Eye makeup in the 1940s was quite minimal, especially during the daytime. Most women wore just a light coat of mascara, often in dark brown or black. Some even used petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to achieve a subtle lash definition. Mascara came in different forms—liquid, paste, or cake—often built up by adding a little water or spit to the cake to get the desired consistency. Mascara was applied to both the upper and lower lashes for a fuller look.

For evening looks, eye shadow could be used, but only in neutral tones. The colors were typically chosen to match the eye color—blue-grey for blue eyes, grey for green eyes, and brown for brown or hazel eyes. The eyeshadow was applied in a single color, blended from the lash line up to the brow for an elegant and simple look. No smoky eyes or contouring here—just one shade blended well. For evening looks, sometimes silver or gold was added to create a little extra glamour.

Eyeliner wasn’t commonly used in the early 1940s; it was considered too harsh and “fake-looking.” It didn’t make an appearance until the late ’40s, and even then, it was applied only to the top lash line.

1940s Lipstick

Lips were the focal point of 1940s makeup, especially during the war years, when red lipstick was seen as a mood booster. Lipstick shades varied from bluish reds to orange-toned reds, but they were all red! Bright pinks weren’t worn until the 1950s, so reds were a constant. In the fall, red lipstick tended to get darker, and in the spring, it lightened up a bit.

Most lipsticks of the time were matte, and women were advised to moisturize their lips before applying. After applying lipstick, they would often blot their lips with a tissue to ensure the color stayed put. By 1948, lipstick pencils were introduced, allowing for a more precise application and a perfect outline around the lips.

The ideal lip shape was full and even, with a smooth contour on the top and bottom lips. The “Hunter’s Bow” lip shape, popularized by Joan Crawford, involved slightly over-drawing the lips to make them appear plumper. However, actresses like Lauren Bacall and Ingrid Bergman embraced their naturally thin lips and didn’t over-draw them.

Tip: To achieve a perfectly shaped lip, start with the cupid’s bow and draw the pencil out to the corners of the mouth. Fill in with lipstick and gently rub your lips together to ensure an even finish. Touch up any uneven spots on the bottom lip.

1940s Fingernail Polish

In the 1940s, nails were always neatly trimmed, often filed into a long oval shape. During wartime, nails were kept a bit shorter for safety, but they were still manicured regularly. Cuticles were carefully trimmed and moisturized for a polished look.

Nail polish in the ’40s was almost always red, and matching your nails to your lipstick was the norm. Other shades like pink, coral, rose, and burgundy were also popular. A clear topcoat was always used for durability, and some women embraced the “half-moon” style, where the base of the nail (around the cuticle) was left unpainted.

Tip: To create a half-moon shape on your nails, apply paper reinforcements to the base of each nail, aligning the top of the hole with the cuticle. Paint your nails, then remove the reinforcements before the polish fully dries for a neat, vintage look.

1940s Makeup Products to Buy Today

To create an authentic 1940s look today, you don’t need a complicated routine. A bit of face powder, black mascara, well-defined brows, and red lipstick will give you that classic, vintage style. Modern makeup tends to have more shine and glitter, but for a true 1940s look, opt for matte products—especially for your lips, cheeks, and eyes.

Tip: Many modern makeup lines offer matte formulas, but brands like Revlon and Max Factor (which were popular in the 1940s) still offer products that capture that vintage style. Besame is another brand that specializes in recreating vintage makeup colors and formulas from the ’40s.

For a more subtle daytime look, keep your makeup light—just a dusting of powder, a touch of blush, and a swipe of mascara. For a more dramatic evening or pinup style, go heavier on the lipstick and mascara, and use a little more rouge for that retro glam.