This Not That: Rare Beauty Shadow Stick

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I’ve tried a lot of cream shadow sticks, and Rare Beauty’s All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick was the first one that really hooked me. It’s smooth, pigmented, and blends like a dream before setting down for the day. It even beats out classics like Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier for me in glide, payoff, and that soft shimmer that doesn’t look chunky, though it can feel a little heavier on the lids if you build it up.

The downside is the price — it’s hard to justify grabbing multiple shades without doing mental math. That’s what pushed me to look for a more affordable option and led me to ColourPop Shadow Stix. They give similar swipe‑smudge‑go convenience, feel lighter on the eyes, come in both mattes and shimmers, and still hold up well enough for everyday wear.

Now, Rare Beauty is my “polished, special” stick, and ColourPop is the one I don’t feel guilty owning in three shades and tossing in every makeup bag.