If there’s one makeup item that sums up the GH beauty ethos, it’s the eyeshadow stick. Who needs a 20-pan palette with instructions more complex than the average IKEA self-assembly when you can use just one shade to define your eyes in seconds? It’s quick, 100% foolproof and one of the most flattering makeup products for older women.
The eyeshadow crayon has become the product I collect with magpie-like zeal, forever seeking THE ultimate taupey shimmer that will take me from day to night. And now I’ve found it – and let me tell you, since discovering it I’ve never worn it without compliments.
The miracle crayon in question is Trish McEvoy’s 24-Hour Eyeshadow and Liner in Topaz, although I have to confess it wasn’t my discovery originally. It was recommended to me by makeup artist Hannah Martin, who's a favourite of the royal family. (She was on face painting duty for both Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice’s weddings.)
“The Trish McEvoy crayon is brilliant,” she told me. “It’s waterproof, sweat-proof, and lasts all day. I promise you, once it’s on, it doesn’t budge. I’m obsessed with the Topaz shade. It suits absolutely everyone.”
Be warned though, you can’t wear it without drawing attention – in the nicest way possible. The shimmery, minky-bronze shade has a light-shifting quality that’s like wearing a butterfly wing’s iridescence across your lid. And although it’s eye-catching, it’s also so undeniably flattering you won’t feel self-conscious when people comment on it.
For instance, I wore it to the GH office yesterday, and no fewer than five people leaned in for a look and asked what “gorgeous” makeup I was wearing on my eyes. What’s more, everyone was surprised it was just one product and one shade, because the multi-dimensional texture fakes the look of three tones immaculately blended into one.
I love how versatile it is, too. Sometimes, I’ll wear it just on my lids, and other times I’ll take it up into my eye crease and along my lower lash line for a smoky eye that honestly takes about 60 seconds but looks like I’ve spent far longer on it.
It’s definitely in the top five MVPs in my makeup bag, and is my 'holy grail' eyeshadow stick but it’s not the only great one on the market. Many of my fellow GH-ers and beauty editors share my love of a great eyeshadow crayon, and this is our edit of the best ones to buy.
Best eyeshadow sticks
ILIA Eye Stylus Shadow Stick
A recent launch and an immediate favourite of the GH team, with a fab edit of mattes and shimmers
Hourglass Voyeur Eyeshadow Stick
Already famed for its failsafe formulas, this is another standout from the brand. And with a range of colour ways that seamlessly switch you from day to night, too
Rimmel Wonder'Last Shadow Stick
Praised by the beauty team as a "really great" find – at this price, and any price.
L'Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Eyeshadow
Also namechecked by Hannah Martin as a great high street alternative
Wonderskin IYKYK Eyeshadow Stick
Like all Wonderskin products, you can't fault this one for longevity – it's viral for a good reason.
Victoria Beckham Beauty EyeWear Longwear Eyeshadow Stick
It may not be quite as famous as her kajals but it shows that nobody does a posh eye stick better than Posh
Victoria Beckham Longwear Eyeshadow Stick
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick
Comes in a comprehensive range of very wearable, Bobbi Brown-appropriate shades
