We are constantly bombarded with new formulations, products and textures by cosmetics companies. It's understandable that the layperson might find these new formulations confusing and sometimes unnecessary. Why use all these new products when my regular powder eyeshadow works just fine?

I totally agree - if you're happy with what you've got and you're comfortable using only that, then by all means, stick to it. Don't fix what ain't broke, right?

If you like to play around with textures and colours, however, and just don't quite know how or are Googling around to find out, then this article is for you.

One product that has been introduced to the cosmetics market (and that doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon) is the crayon eyeshadow, or stick eyeshadow.

These crayons are simply eyeshadows in cream form, and are formulated slightly harder than cream eyeshadows (the ones that come in little pots - more on these products in another post) in order to be able to hold their shape in pencil form. Some come in pencil form and can be sharpened with a slightly larger-sized pencil sharpener, and some are simply twist-up pens.

They are simple and very easy to use - simply apply the product straight from the pencil onto your lid, taking it up to the crease, then blend. I recommend testing these pencil eyeshadows out first before using them on their own - because of the soft, creamy texture, some brands tend to crease and slip around on your eyelid.

How are they different from regular powder eyeshadows? These products look a little different - they create a slightly wetter, more dimensional look on the lid.

Why use eyeshadow sticks then?

For a different look - textures are slightly different when you use eyeshadow sticks.
For a more intense colour - when layered underneath powder eyeshadow of a similar colour, the colour and shimmer of the powder eyeshadow is much stronger and more obvious.
For a long lasting makeup - powder eyeshadow adheres better to cream eyeshadow, and also sets the cream eyeshadow in place. This combination helps your eyeshadow last for hours and hours without smudging, creasing, or melting off.

Here is the difference illustrated in swatches:


My favourite eyeshadow sticks:


NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils - these are by far the most affordable of the lot, but perform equally as beautifully as the higher end eyeshadow sticks on the market. They are very pigmented, and once set with a powder, stay on the lids forever. They come in a host of different colours, some shimmery and some matte, and are easily available in Sephora in Malaysia, and online in Australia at websites like Crush Cosmetics and eBay.


ck one color gloss eyeshadow sticks - these are beautiful, sheer eyeshadow crayons for those who want less pigment in their eyeshadows. They are lightweight and easy to apply onto the skin, and are a little bit more prone to creasing than other eyeshadows, so be sure that you only use this as an eyeshadow base. Because of their shimmery formulas, they create a gorgeous base on top of which to apply your eyeshadows, and give the powder eyeshadows a new, more 'wet' texture.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick - this is the latest product to grace my beauty cupboard, and I have fallen head over heels in love with it. This is one of those rare products that doesn't need to be set with a powder eyeshadow, and has amazing lasting power. It sits on the lids through heat and humidity and somehow still manages to stay put without any creasing or melting throughout the day. Laura Mercier also has an entire host of colours to choose from with these caviar sticks, so I highly recommend these to anyone who wants a quick, easy, and convenient way to wear and touch up their eyeshadow throughout the day.

So what do you think? Are you an eyeshadow stick user, and if you aren't, would you purchase some? I personally find them very convenient, especially for intensifying my eyeshadow colours or to create a quick, no-fuss makeup look.