I Didn’t Have Time for Eyeshadow in the Morning Until I Found Ilia’s New Shadow Sticks That Go on Quickly

When it comes to makeup, I’ve never been big on eyeshadow, mostly because I don’t typically have the patience to sit and seamlessly blend out powdery shadows or the skill to try to create a vivid, colorful look. If you’re anything like me, then you may enjoy the effortless ease of a stick eyeshadow formula, and none have felt as refreshing as Ilia’s new Eye Stylus Shadow Stick.

The editor-loved brand has perfected a goof-proof eye makeup formula in the form of these travel-friendly eyeshadow sticks I have already stocked up on for wedding season. Incredibly creamy, this crayon is infused with skincare ingredients, like smoothing grape extract, and features a special angled shape, so you can swipe it all over your lids or use it on its edge for a liner effect. The 20 colors are available in shimmer and matte finishes and a range of beiges, along with a few pops of mint green, lilac, and soft black.

Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick

One of my favorite things about the Eye Stylus Shadow Stick is how easy it is to use. With just a few swipes and no drag on my eyelids, the pigment payoff is gorgeous, whether I’m using a matte or metallic tone. Unlike many eyeshadow products I’ve tested before, you don’t have to be a professional makeup artist to make these work. No special tools are required. You can easily use the tips of your fingers or a small domed brush to blend these out effortlessly.

However, be warned: Like most stick-type eyeshadows, this one has a quick playtime of about 30 to 60 seconds. They were so easy to work with, but once they dried down, they wouldn’t budge. I never even use a primer or eye serum with them, and they have shown me plenty of staying power. The longwearing formula is touted as sweat-proof, waterproof, and crease-resistant, which I can attest to.

The brand sent me a free sample of the matte Filigree green and cool-toned, shimmery Opulent shades. I ended up loving them so much that I went out and bought the lilac-toned Nymph and rosy-gold Jubilee to add to my collection. I’m surprised that the matte shades pull off so much intensity but never look chalky or powdery. You get an even and uniform wash of color that lasts all day, up to 12 hours, according to Ilia. I like to use the shimmery shades as a little pop of highlighter on my inner corners—I’ve even used them to illuminate my cupid’s bow, and they lasted longer than most of my lipsticks.

It’s time to put down the overwhelming eyeshadow palettes and try Ilia’s Eye Stylus Shadow Stick for yourself. Each stick is priced at $32, which at first felt steep to me, but after getting to know the product, I think it’s worth every penny. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have repurchased more shades for myself. The formula is so comfortable and easy to use, plus the stick contains plenty of product that I’m sure will last me much longer than it needs to.

You can also check out some more of our editor-approved favorite Ilia products below.

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

Ilia Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

Ilia Multi-Stick

Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick