I have a strong obsession with eye shadow sticks, but nothing beats this favorite that resists creasing.

      The moment I first fell in love with makeup was when I experimented with eye shadow. Whether I was mastering cut creases following tutorials from up-and-coming beauty YouTubers in the mid-2010s or applying vibrant shadow for my dance competitions, nothing sparked my creativity like dipping my brush into a pot of glitter and enhancing my eyelids. However, as I have grown and changed, so has my beauty routine, and I desire a more simplified approach as my schedule becomes more hectic. In the past, I experimented with cream bronzers on my eyelids and added color with cream blush, yet nothing has provided the long-lasting, crease-free wear with ease like a quality eye shadow stick. I discovered this shadow format years ago and quickly realized my preference for it. The best options have ultra-smooth, easily blendable, and buildable formulas that can create a stunning eye look in seconds. Have you witnessed the stick shadow magic of celebrity makeup artist Emily Wood (sister to The White Lotus actress Aimee Lou Wood) in her outdoor GRWM videos? If those clips don’t inspire you to add color to your eyelids, I can't imagine what would. Eager to explore the uncharted waters of eye shadow sticks, I embarked on a journey lasting several years to try as many products from various brands as possible. After more than 1,500 days of testing different formulas, I genuinely believe I’ve identified the best ones.

      **Best Eye Shadow Stick**

      *Nars Total Seduction Smudge-Proof Eye Shadow Stick*

      Size: 0.05 oz. | Shades: 15 | Finishes: Matte, shimmer | Key benefits: Alcohol-free, paraben-free, long-wearing

      Introducing the Nars Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick: recognized as one of the best by a UK editor and highly rated by me. There’s so much to love about these dreamy, buildable formulas, from their blendable textures to their impressive pigmentation. These sticks have become essential in my daily routine. A swift swipe along my lashline delivers rich color to my skin and can be blended into a softly smoked look with a brush or fingertip. (Ideal for beginners, in my opinion.) Whether I’m crafting a monochromatic mocha smokey eye using my chosen shade, Mambo, or highlighting my hazel eyes with my go-to “special occasion” color, Fated, each tube provides a vibrant stain that remains intact until I wash my face at night (and subsequently use eye makeup remover—that’s how enduring this product is). Professional makeup artists rely on these versatile formulas for their buildable pigments, allowing for impactful eye looks on the go. Additionally, these sticks serve as excellent bases for bold eyeshadow styles. While I could rave about these delightful eye shadow sticks endlessly, they aren't the only standout products I've found.

      **More Eye Shadow Sticks I Love**

      *Best Long-Wearing: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eye Shadow Stick*

      Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Waterproof Cream Eye Shadow Stick

      Size: 0.05 oz. | Shades: 24 | Finishes: Matte, shimmer, metallic | Key benefits: Waterproof, long-wearing, paraben-free

      My mom introduced me to this type of eye shadow with these outstanding sticks from Bobbi Brown. Their long-lasting formula provides crease-free wear even throughout sweaty workouts and pool days.

      *Best Buildable: Victoria Beckham Eyewear Longwear Eye Shadow Stick*

      Victoria Beckham Beauty Eyewear Longwear Eye Shadow Stick

      Size: 0.06 oz. | Shades: 10 | Finishes: Matte, shimmer | Key benefits: Waterproof, smudge-proof, silicone-free

      I had no idea how much I would love a formula until I tried this stick. I’ve found that a single swipe of the shimmery shade Shroom gives the ideal everyday color, effortlessly building up to a cool taupe with an additional layer or two. My favorite shade to use for special occasions, however, is the true baby blue, Cornflower, which offers stunning pigmentation with just one light application.

      *Best Pigment: Ilia Beauty Eye Stylus Shadow Stick*

      Ilia Beauty Eye Stylus Shadow Stick

      Size: 0.05 oz. | Shades: 20 | Finishes: Matte, shimmer | Key benefits: Contains upcycled grape extract, long-wearing

      Sleek, eye-catching, and absolutely gorgeous—these are just a few terms I'd use to describe Ilia Beauty’s new Eye Styluses. I appreciate Ilia’s collection of everyday neutrals, available in both matte and shimmer, but I particularly love the vibrant pastels scattered throughout the range.

      *Best Blendable: Jason Wu Beauty Jewel Stick*

      Jason Wu Beauty Jewel Stick

      Size: 0.05 oz. | Shades: 10 | Finishes: Shimmer | Key benefits: Paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free

      If