I don’t always wear eye shadow, but when I do, it has to be easy. Easy to apply, easy to remove, easy to take on the go.
That’s because, despite being a beauty director, I sadly lack the skills to perfect the most effortless, smudged-out eye-shadow look. I’m not big on palettes or cut creases, so for me, it really needs to be the simpler, the better. In my experience, I’ve found eye-shadow sticks to be the solution.
One of my favorites (and a recent 2025 Best of Beauty winner) is the Half Magic Sparklestik Eye Crayon. It comes in a number of everyday neutrals, like beige, brown, and even (periwinkle) blue, and statement-making shades and shimmers, like navy and black. (In the November Allure Beauty Box, you picked between these shades: Champagne Snowflake, Twirlita, Punk Pony, Fauxbot, Cloud Kid, Princess Teddy, Frostiwinkle, or Noir or Never.)
I recently attended a wedding, and to zhuzh up my usual glowy makeup (dewy skin and lots of blush), I added an accompanying twinkly eye look, courtesy of the golden pearl shade, Champagne Snowflake. I applied it straight to my lids (directly from the bullet) and focused on covering my entire lids with the pigment, blending with my middle and ring fingers until evenly distributed. Once both eyes were champagne-coated, I applied some mascara, misted on setting spray, and was out the door.
By the time I got home (many, many hours later), my eyelids were still glistening… but maybe with the help of some dance-floor sweat. No smudges, though!
You can find the Half Magic Sparklestik Eye Crayon, along with other editor-loved products, in the November Allure Beauty Box.