If you spent many a childhood afternoon doodling, coloring, and/or scribbling with your trusty box of crayons by your side, then you’ve just clicked on your dream beauty article. (And hey, even if you were more of a bookworm, we're guessing you're still going to love this.)
Beauty junkies and Sephora devotees already know the trend we're talking about. From a highly pigmented eyeshadow-and-liner to a creamy concealer stick that blends like a dream, brands are releasing crayon-like cosmetics in a variety of new categories, making application cleaner, easier, and a heck of a lot more fun.
“As an artist, I opt for a stick formula when I need a product that's going to quickly adhere to the skin and also give that instant pop of pigment,” says celebrity and fashion makeup artist Neil Scibelli. Even better, these products are a cinch for non-pros: Because they glide on so easily, stick formulations allow you to alter the coverage level with just a little fancy fingertip work. Other advantages? “Since there are no messy powders, liquids, or extra brushes, stick products can also declutter your makeup bin or bag," explains Scibelli. "They’re great for travel and on-the-go touch-ups.”
If you’re still in need of convincing, then it’s worth noting that stick formulas are also perfect for your inner Lazy Beauty Girl™, since most serve multiple purposes. “For example, an eye crayon can act as a liner or eyeshadow, and a bronzing stick can act as blush and contour,” says Scibelli. Click through for some of our current favorite crayons, sticks, and jumbo pencils, and then give your inner child full permission to color outside the lines.
Face
Clinique popularized the makeup-crayon movement with its cult-favorite Chubby Stick lip balms. The brand’s back at it again with an even chubbier foundation iteration that glides smoothly onto the skin for believable coverage.
Clinique Chubby In the Nude Foundation Stick, $24, available at Clinique.
From the brand that only makes makeup in stick format, the latest is a soft, blendable, and pretty genius concealer pencil that masks any imperfections with a precise tip.
Nudestix Concealer Pencil, $24, available at Sephora.
The NYC and L.A. creative powerhouse Milk Studios launched an eco-cool makeup line just last year, but its products have already gained major buzz — and equally major waiting lists. Case in point: this mango butter-, peach nectar-, and avocado oil-infused cream stick (one of Scibelli’s go-tos), which gives you sculpted, sun-kissed gorgeousness with one swipe.
Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer, $24, available at Urban Outfitters.
There are a few shades of this color-correcting little wonder, but our favorite is the dullness-banishing lavender, which can refresh skin tones that have a yellowish pallor.
Smashbox Color Correcting Stick, $23, available at Smashbox.
Eyes
Our senior beauty editor reaches for these on the daily, and with the bold color payoff, nourishing ingredients (green tea, white lily, camellia-flower extract) and long-lasting formula, it’s easy to see why. We're also impressed with the Friday-level looks she's able to pull off on a Tuesday.
Sisley Paris Phyto Eye Twist, $50, available at Sisley Paris.
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Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo shadows are among our go-to picks for color that lasts all day (or night) long. So when we found out the formula now comes in crayon form, we were nothing short of ecstatic. The sticks are just as pigmented as the shades you've come to love. Simply swipe 'em on and blend to your desired finish.
Maybelline, $6.99, available at Maybelline
Make no mistake: This is not your mom’s Estée. The Kendall Jenner-fronted offshoot is made with Instagirls in mind, and this intense kohl eyeliner makes eyes smize-ready for your cutest selfie yet.
The Estée Edit The Edgiest Kohl Shadowstick, $22, available at Sephora.
Glide this twist-up stick along the upper lashlines for a pretty, shimmery gaze, or smudge it along the lower lashline for a mirror-like pop of color.
Marc Jacobs Twinkle Pop Stick Eyeshadow, $28, available at Sephora.
Lips
Whether you’re looking for a sheer wash of color or bold statement lips, Neutrogena’s array of hydrating balms, infused with fruit extracts, as well as mango and shea butter, have you completely covered. (Or just slightly covered, if that's what you're after.)
Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick, $8.50, available at Neutrogena.
This writer counts Red Square as her go-to orange-based red, but if we’re being honest here, we can’t pick favorites when the entire lineup is this good. (Seriously: The pigmentation level is kind of unreal.)
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, $26, available at Sephora.
At a price point that won’t set you back more than a cup of coffee, you won't feel a stitch of buyer’s remorse stocking up on all your favorite shades.
Wet n Wild Megaslicks Balm Stain, $3, available at Wet n Wild.
Whisk this versatile, multipurpose stick over lids, lips, and cheeks for a flush that says, "I just finished my morning vinyasa and green juice — what are you up to?" Bonus points for the doesn’t-quit organic formula, which contains grape-seed oil, and green, rooibos, rose-hip, and white-tea extracts.
W3ll People Universalist Multi-Stick, $34.50, available at Birchbox.
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