Eyeshadow Sticks That Actually Deliver (Without the Hype Tax). Part II of II

Here are the eyeshadow sticks that actually deserve your money

Sep 10, 2025

Hello, Gorgeous!

Yesterday I spilled the tea about Boomstick's $7 million marketing budget. Realistically every makeup company out there spends a small fortune on advertising. What I can’t stomach is the constant targeting to then seem like an organic find (DRMTLGY is another brand with a nearly identical marketing playbook).Today I'm giving you what you actually came for, some alternatives that deliver without massive advertising markup.

I've been testing eyeshadow sticks like it's my job (well, I guess it kind of is), and I found some fun options that work as well as or better than Boomstick. Some cost less than your morning latte, some are definite splurges.

Here's what I focused on: ease of application, minimum settling into fine lines, decent staying power, and formulas that work on skin that's been around the block.

Pro tip: Even if you loathe the idea of shadow sticks, they also work really well as a base coat for powder shadow. Apply, wait til it dries, then apply your usual eyeshadow. You’ll notice the colors might seem brighter and staying power increased.

Luxury without the hype

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick

Okay, this one's pricier than Boomstick's individual sticks, but hear me out. The formula is light and soft and I were prone to glomming on to the vernacular, I’d say it was like buttah. This stick glides on without any tugging, and it comes in 31 shades. Thirty-one!

I've worn this for about four hours before I even remembered I was wearing it and it stayed on even in summer humidity. Are the raspberry stem cells and hyaluronic acid marketing fluff? Maybe. But I’ll take it ($33 Laura Mercier).

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick - $34 Bobbi Brown

This is the #1 selling eyeshadow stick for a reason. It's waterproof, crease-resistant, and dummy proof. It’s the type of product that makes people who think they're bad at makeup seem talented. It’s also pricey, so test before splurging if possible. ($43 Bobbi Brown)

The sweet spot finds

ColourPop Shadow Stix

Nine dollars. NINE.And the updated formula is surprisingly good. These blend beautifully and give you several hours of consistent color, which is fine for most days.

The shade range is fun if you want to experiment with color, and at this price, you can buy three and still spend less than one Boomstick. ($8 ColourPop)

Milani Gilded Eyeshadow Sticks

Milani is one of those brands that endlessly surprise and delight. I tried this one while doing some apartment repairs during humid Florida weather (basically weather soup with clouds), and it actually stayed put. The shimmer sticks are gorgeous without being chunky ($11 at Ulta, Target and pretty much everywhere).

Kiko Milano Long-Lasting Eyeshadow Sticks

Okay, you might have to order online unless you live near a Kiko store, but these are worth the effort. These are a newer obsession of mine and are nearly identical to By Terry's $45 sticks but cost a third of the price.

The texture is creamy, the color payoff is excellent, and they last all day. There are 28 shades to choose from. Light Blue is fantastic for perking up tired eyes. Dot a bit under the arch of your brows and in the inner corner of eyes and gently blend with dotting motions ($12-15 Kiko Milano)

The budget but good classic

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil

This is the OG eyeshadow stick that started it all. Yes, you have to sharpen it (annoying), and yes, the formula isn't as sophisticated as the newer options. But for six bucks, it's a great way to try the format without commitment.

They have 16 shades including some fun colors you'll never find in "age-appropriate" lines. Because apparently we're not allowed to wear bright green eyeshadow after 40? Please. ($6 nyxcosmetics.com).

Application

When applying, pat the stick on your lids instead of dragging it since eyeshadow sticks can schlep the delicate skin around your eyes a bit more than powder.
Work quickly because most of these set within 30-60 seconds. But that's actually good news because once they set, they're not going anywhere (I spared you a really bad joke about how that makes these perfect for air travel).
If the color isn't showing up well, layer it over concealer instead of bare skin. And if you want more intensity, build it up gradually rather than trying to get full coverage in one swipe.

Start with one mid-range option either the ColourPop or Milani to see if you like the feel and format. If you do, you can always upgrade to one of the luxury options for special occasions. Or every day. Because every day is a special occasion!

What I really think

I’m not shy about sharing thoughts but I do find it exhausting that the beauty industry in general spent decades ignoring us, but are now chasing after our spending power. You shouldn't have to pay extra just because a brand figured out how to target your demographic with $7 million worth of ads.

Note: For anyone who asked, yes. There’s a reason I haven’t recommended Sephora in a while, and have personally stopped shopping there. I'm finding it difficult to recommend supporting a chain that continues to prominently feature and profit from a brand whose founder spews harmful antisemitic rhetoric and false anti-Jewish narratives, and then lies about it when confronted. Do better, Sephora.

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋

So, do you love/hate eyeshadow sticks or have a fave? Let’s meet in the comments to obsess about it!