How to Use an Eyeshadow Stick for an Easy Festive Eye Makeup Look This Diwali

An eyeshadow stick comes in a twist-up or pencil style with eyeshadow in a creamy formula, something like a kajal pencil. You glide it straight onto the eyelid so there's no sweeping powder from a pan and no fallout on your undereyes. A cream shadow stick goes on in one pass and blends with a fingertip which makes it useful for quick everyday looks and festive ones too! A creamy eyeshadow stick also gives you control over intensity. One swipe gives a soft wash of colour, and a few more build it into something bolder. That's why it suits beginners and anyone short on time.

When choosing the right eyeshadow stick, think about the finish first then the colour you want to with.

• For festive looks, go for shimmer or metallic. Gold, bronze and warm copper tones catch the light of diyas and string lights. A glitter eyeshadow stick is the boldest version of this. It works well for evening gatherings, but it's easier to wear if you keep the glitter to the centre of the lid.
• For a softer finish, choose neutrals. Browns and muted bronzes are good if you're wearing a rich outfit and want your eyes to stay understated.
• Match the stick to your outfit. Warm golds and bronzes flatter most festive colours, including reds, maroons, mustards and greens. Cooler shades such as blue can look striking against ivory, white or pastel outfits. If you're unsure, pick a warm shimmer.
• The Lakmē 9to5 Hya Glam Liner + Shadow Eye Duo is a good example of how to keep this simple. It pairs a liner and a shadow in one product, so you aren't carrying a separate eyeliner. It's made with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E and comes in six shades - Brown Suede, Blushed Gold, Velvet Bronze, Ember Glow, Soft Flame and Stellar Blue. Blushed Gold and Velvet Bronze are the natural picks for a classic Diwali look, Brown Suede suits a softer one, and Stellar Blue is the choice for a colour-pop eye.

Step 1: Start with a clean, dry lid. Wipe away any oil or moisturiser. Cream formulas slide and crease on slippery skin, so if your lids tend to get oily, dab a little concealer or primer over them and let it set.

Step 2: Apply across the lid. Swipe the stick from the lash line up to the crease, or just below it, in short strokes. Don't drag it across in one long line, because that can leave streaks.

Step 3: Blend straight away. A cream formula starts to set quickly. Use your ring finger to pat the colour in, working outwards. Patting gives a smoother finish than rubbing. A small fluffy brush works too if you prefer one.

Step 4: Soften the edges. Blend the outer edge upwards and outwards so there's no hard line where the colour ends. This is what stops harsh edges.

Step 5: Build the intensity. If you want more colour, add a second layer to the centre of the lid and blend again. Build in thin layers rather than one thick one.

Step 6: Define the lash line. If you're using the Lakmē Hya Glam eyeshadow stick duo, use the liner to draw close to the upper lash line. Blend the shadow just above it so the two merge.

Step 7: Finish with mascara. One or two coats open up the eyes. On the lower lash line, a little of the shadow smudged lightly with a small brush ties the look together.

Layering is easy with sticks. Put a neutral shade across the whole lid, then add a shimmer such as gold in the centre. Press it on with your fingertip so it stays concentrated and catches the light. For a deeper eye, put a bronze or brown on the outer third and blend inwards.

• From subtle to bold. For a subtle shimmer, use one soft metallic shade on the lid, a thin line of liner and a coat of mascara. For bold festive eyes, add a second colour at the outer corner, wing the liner slightly and layer on shimmer or glitter in the centre.
• Avoid patchy application. Work on one eye at a time, apply in thin layers, and blend before the product sets. If a patch appears, tap it out with your fingertip rather than adding more product on top.
• Avoid harsh edges. The outer edge matters most. Keep your finger or brush moving in small, light motions until the colour fades into your skin.
• Prevent creasing. Cream shadows can gather in the fold of the lid. Use a thin layer, let it set for a minute before you open your eyes fully, and avoid piling the product into the crease. If your lids are oily, prep with concealer first.
• For photographs. Flash and bright light can make shimmer look stronger, so go slightly lighter than you would in the mirror. Put shimmer in the centre of the lid, where it reflects light best, and keep the outer corner a little deeper for definition.
• Keep your hands clean. Since you're blending with your fingers, wash them before you start so you don't transfer oil to the lid.

A quick festive look in five minutes

Start with a swipe of Blushed Gold or Velvet Bronze across the lid and pat it in. Draw the liner along the upper lash line and blend the two together. Add mascara, and you're done. It takes very little time, and you still have the rest of the festival to enjoy.

A good Diwali eye look doesn't need a full kit, just the right eyeshadow stick and a few minutes to blend. Choose a shade that suits your outfit, build the colour in thin layers and keep the edges soft for a polished finish. With the Lakmē 9to5 Hya Glam Liner + Shadow Eye Duo, you can have festive, photo-ready eyes in a few quick steps.