Shadow sticks for a quick and easy eye look....

I don't know if I'm just getting lazier with my makeup, have less energy, or just want to spend less time doing it, but at the moment I'm reaching for products that I know will help to make me look as though I've made an effort, even if I haven't! The products that fit the bill for my eyes are shadow sticks, and I have four brands that I want to share with you today. All will make my eyes look like I've made an effort, but in reality, take around a minute to complete. Once they are set, they're budge-proof - even on my oily lids!

From left to right: IT Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Shadow Stick, Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon, Vieve Eye Wand, By Terry Ombré Blackstar

IT Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Shadow Stick*: A new release from the brand, with 12 shades available; 6 in a matte finish and 6 in a pearl finish. I was kindly sent one of each: Silk Armor, which has a pearl finish, and Bare & Brave, which has a matte finish. These are retractable pencils, which claim to have a built in primer, with 16 hour wear, so I gave them a real test on my oily lids and whilst I didn't wear them for 16 hours, they did stay on my eyes without fading or creasing - a minor miracle in itself! The formula contains caffeine, which helps to de-puff eyes (perfect for the morning after a late night), hydrolyzed collagen, which is known to help improve the elasticity of the skin, and reduce fine lines (ideal for not so young eye lids!), and a tri-peptide complex, which helps to deliver a smooth application. I have to vouch for the 'no-tug' in the name, as these pencils glide on. They set quite quickly, so I personally apply to one eye at a time, and blend, before moving on. Bare & Brave is ideal for a minimalist look and Silk Armor is perfect for inner corner highlighting, or under the brow. These pencils just glide on and are so smooth. They don't highlight any lines or loose skin on the lid, and they remain budge-proof until removed. Another winner from this brand!

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Colour Chameleon: I was sure that I had another of these Colour Chameleons, but I can't find it. Regardless, I decided to go for this Pillow Talk shade, as I adore the Eyes To Mesmerise cream shadow, and thought that if this worked even more quickly, it would be right up my street! I do need to use a primer with this pencil, as the formula is quite creamy once applied - not necessarily in the pencil itself, although it does apply without much effort. I just warm it on my hand first, then apply to my lids, before blending. It has a beautiful sheen, but isn't glittery and is perfectly suited to daytime wear. The only con with this shadow is that it isn't retractable and requires paring - a total first world problem!

Vieve Eye Wand: I reviewed these wands this time last year (here), and recently added them back into my regular makeup rotation. These are ones that also set quickly, so again I would recommend applying to one eye and blending, before moving on to the next. They are pigmented, easy to blend and long-lasting. I really need to try more from this brand!

By Terry Ombré Blackstar: Finally, the original pencil shadow stick (in my mind anyway!). These are very creamy and pigmented, and most definitely require a primer on my oily lids. They're pigmented, easy to blend and have a gorgeous finish, which has a sheen, but isn't oily looking. My only criticism is that if you twist them up too high, they have. tendency to snap, so I recommend only twisting up a little at a time. Other than that, they're winners and classics for a reason.

Have you tried any of these? Are you a fan of shadow sticks? I'd love to hear!

Thanks for reading!

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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. Anything marked with a * has been kindly gifted, without obligation. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.