Colourpop Shadow Stix Review: Is It Worth It?

I’ve been hooked on ColourPop Shadow Stix since I first swiped one across my lid, and let me tell you, these creamy little wonders are a game-changer for anyone who loves easy, vibrant eye looks. Whether you’re rushing out the door or crafting a bold evening vibe, these sticks deliver pigment-packed, long-lasting color that’s a breeze to apply. At $8 a pop, they’re budget-friendly without skimping on quality. Trust me, you’ll want to grab a few shades to elevate your makeup routine—your eyes deserve this kind of love!

My Journey With Colourpop Shadow Stix

I stumbled upon ColourPop Shadow Stix while scrolling through Instagram, where beauty gurus were raving about their creamy texture and vibrant payoff. As someone who’s always on the hunt for low-effort, high-impact makeup, I was intrigued. I ordered a few shades—Honey BB, Hey Bestie, and Quokka—and haven’t looked back since. These sticks have become my go-to for everything from subtle daytime looks to dramatic smoky eyes. What makes them special? They’re versatile, affordable, and oh-so-easy to use, even for someone like me who’s not a pro makeup artist. Let’s break down my experience, from the highs to the occasional hiccups, and why I think you’ll love them too.

What Are Colourpop Shadow Stix?

Pros Of Colourpop Shadow Stix

These sticks have earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag, and here’s why I can’t stop singing their praises:

Creamy Texture: The formula feels like silk, gliding onto lids without tugging. It’s so smooth I barely need a mirror to apply it.

Intense Pigmentation: One swipe delivers bold, true-to-pan color. Shades like So Into U (a plummy brown) pop instantly.
Easy Application: Just swipe and blend with your fingers or a brush. It’s foolproof, even for makeup newbies like my sister.
Versatile Use: I’ve used them as eyeshadow, liner, and even a base for powder shadows. The possibilities are endless.

Built-In Sharpener: The sharpener at the base is a genius touch, letting me create precise lines for winged looks.
Affordable Price: At $8, they’re a steal compared to high-end brands, yet the quality rivals pricier options.
Wide Shade Range: With 25 shades, from neutrals like Bare With Me to bold pops like Juicy Gossip, there’s something for everyone.

Travel-Friendly: Their slim design and no-fuss application make them perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
Long-Lasting (With Primer): When paired with a primer, they stay put for hours without creasing on my normal lids.
Cruelty-Free: ColourPop’s commitment to animal-free testing aligns with my values, making me feel good about my purchase.

Each of these points has made my daily routine faster and more fun. The creamy texture means I’m not wrestling with patchy application, and the pigmentation is so good I’ve ditched half my powder palettes. The sharpener is a lifesaver for creating crisp lines, and at $8, I can experiment with bold colors without breaking the bank. Whether I’m going for a soft nude or a vibrant purple, these sticks make it easy to switch up my look.

Cons Of Colourpop Shadow Stix

No product is perfect, and while I love these sticks, there are a few quirks you should know about:

Small Size: At 0.048 oz, they’re tiny—smaller than a Kiko Milano stick (1.64g). You might burn through a favorite shade quickly.

Fragile Tips: The creamy formula can break if you apply too much pressure. I snapped my Honey BB tip while swatching.
Quick Dry Time: You’ve got about 15-30 seconds to blend before it sets. Hesitate, and you’re stuck with streaks.
Layering Issues: Blending multiple shades can get tricky; the formula sometimes pushes around or rubs off.

Longevity on Oily Lids: Without primer, they fade in 6-7 hours on oily skin, based on reviews from my friends.
Limited Glitter Options: If you love chunky glitter, these lean more shimmery. Super Shock Shadows are better for sparkle.
Not Waterproof: They’re water-resistant, but a good cry or swim will smudge them. I learned this the hard way at a wedding.

Shade Inconsistencies: Some shades, like the golds in the Riviera set, feel flat and less multidimensional than others.
Packaging Feels Cheap: The plastic casing isn’t luxe, and the cap can pop off in my bag, risking mess.
Learning Curve: If you’re not used to cream shadows, blending takes practice to avoid a muddy look.

The small size was a shock when I unboxed them—think mini crayon compared to a full-sized pencil. I’ve also had to be gentle to avoid breaking the tips, and blending multiple shades requires quick fingers. If you’ve got oily lids, primer is non-negotiable, and don’t expect them to survive a pool party. Still, these cons haven’t stopped me from reaching for them daily.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Colourpop Shadow Stix

To make these sticks work their magic, I’ve picked up some tricks that maximize their performance. Here’s how you can get flawless results:

Prime Your Lids: Use ColourPop’s Party Proof Eyeshadow Primer to lock in color and prevent creasing. It’s a game-changer for longevity.

Blend Quickly: Swipe and blend within 15-30 seconds using your fingertips or a synthetic brush for a seamless finish.
Use Light Pressure: Apply gently to avoid breaking the tip. A soft touch gives you control and saves product.
Sharpen for Precision: Use the built-in sharpener for crisp lines when using as a liner or for detailed looks.

Layer Strategically: Apply one shade at a time and let it set before adding another to avoid patchiness.
Set with Powder: For oily lids, dust a translucent powder or matching powder shadow to extend wear time.
Experiment with Uses: Try them as a base for powder shadows or as a liner for a bold pop along the lash line.

Store Properly: Keep the cap tight to prevent drying out, and store in a cool place to maintain creaminess.
Test Shades First: Swatch on your hand to check pigmentation—some shades, like Day Date, blend better than others.
Clean Application Area: Wipe the tip with a tissue after sharpening to avoid smudging your lids with residue.

These tips have saved me from rookie mistakes. Priming is key for all-day wear, and blending fast keeps my looks polished. I love using a synthetic brush for smoky eyes and sharpening the tip for a precise liner. Storing them properly ensures they stay creamy, and testing shades helps me pick winners like Happy Days for one-shadow looks.

Comparison With Other Brands

Read More: My Thought on Ogee Vs. Boomm

To see how ColourPop Shadow Stix stack up, I compared them to three popular eyeshadow sticks: Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks, Kiko Milano Long Lasting Eyeshadow Sticks, and e.l.f. No Budge Shadow Sticks. Here’s the breakdown:

ColourPop Shadow Stix vs. Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks

Price: ColourPop is $8; Laura Mercier is $32. You’re saving big with ColourPop.
Size: Laura Mercier offers 1g, while ColourPop is 0.048 oz (about 1.36g). Laura’s mini (1g) still outpaces ColourPop.

Formula: Both are creamy, but Laura Mercier feels slightly more velvety and less prone to breaking.
Longevity: Laura Mercier lasts 8-10 hours without primer; ColourPop needs primer for similar staying power.
Shade Range: ColourPop has 25 shades; Laura Mercier has 20. ColourPop offers more vibrant pops.

Application: Both are easy to blend, but ColourPop sets faster, requiring quicker work.
Packaging: Laura Mercier’s sleek metal case feels luxe; ColourPop’s plastic feels budget.
Availability: ColourPop is online-focused; Laura Mercier is at Sephora and counters.

Finish: Both offer matte and shimmer, but Laura Mercier’s metallics feel more multidimensional.
Value: ColourPop wins for budget-conscious buyers, but Laura Mercier feels like a splurge.

Laura Mercier’s Caviar Sticks are the gold standard for a reason—they’re long-lasting and luxurious. But at four times the price, ColourPop holds its own, especially for bold colors and versatility.

ColourPop Shadow Stix vs. Kiko Milano Long Lasting Eyeshadow Sticks

Price: Kiko is $9.50 at Ulta; ColourPop is $8. A small win for ColourPop.
Size: Kiko’s 1.64g dwarfs ColourPop’s 0.048 oz. You get more product with Kiko.

Formula: Kiko is creamy but slightly stiffer; ColourPop glides more smoothly.
Longevity: Kiko lasts 7-8 hours; ColourPop fades faster on oily lids without primer.
Shade Range: Kiko matches ColourPop’s 25 shades, but Kiko’s colors lean more neutral.

Application: ColourPop’s quick-set formula needs fast blending; Kiko gives more playtime.
Packaging: Kiko’s sturdy plastic feels more durable than ColourPop’s flimsy cap.
Availability: Kiko is at Ulta; ColourPop is mostly online, though select shades are at Ulta.

Finish: Kiko’s shimmers are less vibrant; ColourPop’s metallics pop more.
Value: Kiko offers better value per gram, but ColourPop’s pigmentation is unmatched.

Kiko’s sticks are a solid budget option with more product, but ColourPop’s vibrant shades and creamier formula make it my pick for creative looks.

ColourPop Shadow Stix vs. e.l.f. No Budge Shadow Sticks

Price: e.l.f. is $5; ColourPop is $8. e.l.f. wins for the ultra-budget shopper.
Size: e.l.f. is 1.6g; ColourPop is 0.048 oz. e.l.f. gives you more bang for your buck.

Formula: e.l.f. is creamy but can feel waxy; ColourPop is consistently smooth.
Longevity: e.l.f. claims no-budge wear and lasts 8 hours; ColourPop needs primer for that.
Shade Range: e.l.f. has 12 shades; ColourPop’s 25 offer more variety.

Application: Both are easy, but e.l.f.’s waxy texture can drag compared to ColourPop’s glide.
Packaging: e.l.f.’s packaging is basic but functional; ColourPop’s sharpener adds utility.
Availability: Both are at Ulta, but e.l.f. is more widely available in drugstores.

Finish: e.l.f.’s shimmers are subtle; ColourPop’s are bold and vibrant.
Value: e.l.f. is cheaper and larger, but ColourPop’s pigmentation feels more premium.

e.l.f. is great for beginners on a tight budget, but ColourPop’s richer colors and smoother application make it worth the extra $3 for me.

My Favorite Shades And Looks

I’ve had a blast experimenting with these sticks. Here are my top picks and how I use them:

Honey BB: A warm nude perfect for everyday. I swipe it all over my lid and blend for a soft, natural look.
Hey Bestie: This cool-toned lavender makes my green eyes pop. I use it as a liner for a fun twist.

Quokka: A metallic bronze that’s my go-to for a sultry evening vibe. It’s stunning smudged out.
Happy Days: A berry-pink with a blue flash, ideal for a one-shadow sparkly look.
So Into U: A plummy brown that’s perfect as a crease shade or all-over color for depth.

Day Date: A soft taupe that blends like a dream for subtle crease definition.
Socialite: A cool-toned purple for bold looks. I pair it with a neutral base for balance.
Bare With Me: A matte nude that’s my base for layering shimmery shades.

Juicy Gossip: A vibrant coral that screams summer. I use it sparingly for a pop of color.
Walk of Fame: A shimmery champagne that’s great as a highlighter on the inner corners.

I love creating a quick look with Honey BB all over the lid, Day Date in the crease, and a dab of Quokka for shimmer. It takes five minutes but looks like I spent an hour.

Maintenance And Storage Tips

To keep your Shadow Stix in top shape, a little care goes a long way:

Tighten the Cap: Always secure the cap to prevent the formula from drying out.
Store Upright: Keep them tip-up in a cool, dry place to avoid melting or breaking.

Clean the Tip: Wipe with a tissue after sharpening to remove excess product.
Avoid Heat: Don’t leave them in a hot car; the creamy formula can soften.
Use Sparingly: A little goes a long way, so don’t over-twist to save product.

Check Expiry: They’re good for about a year. My Free Time stick stiffened after 18 months.
Sharpen Gently: Twist slowly when sharpening to avoid breaking the tip.
Keep in a Case: I store mine in a small makeup pouch to protect the packaging.

Avoid Dropping: The plastic case can crack if dropped, so handle with care.
Test Before Use: Swatch on your hand to ensure the formula hasn’t dried out.

These habits have kept my sticks creamy and usable for months. A quick wipe after sharpening and storing them upright has saved me from messy bags and dried-out product.

Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)

Are ColourPop eyeshadow sticks good?

Yes, they’re fantastic for quick, vibrant looks! The creamy formula and intense pigmentation make them a steal at $8. They’re versatile and easy to use, though oily lids need primer for all-day wear. Some shades perform better than others, but overall, they’re a solid choice.

How do you use ColourPop eyeshadow stick?

Swipe the stick across your lid, then blend with fingertips or a brush within 15-30 seconds before it sets. Use as a shadow, liner, or base. Prime lids first for best results, and sharpen the tip for precision.

Do eye shadow sticks work?

Absolutely! They’re perfect for fast, mess-free application. ColourPop’s sticks deliver bold color and blend easily, making them ideal for beginners or anyone wanting a low-effort look. They’re not as long-wearing as powders without primer, but they’re super convenient.

Do ColourPop eyeshadows blend well?

Yes, but you need to work quickly. The creamy formula blends smoothly with fingers or a brush if you blend within 15-30 seconds. Layering multiple shades can be tricky, so let each layer set first to avoid patchiness.