New York Post Composite If your morning routine currently involves juggling coffee, emails and a chaotic eyeshadow palette, allow me to introduce the $11 shortcut your eyelids have been begging for.
Meet the swipe-and-go wonder that I can’t stop talking about: the Julep Eyeshadow 101 Cream-to-Powder Waterproof Shadow Stick, a budget-friendly beauty MVP that proves you don’t need a 12-step routine to look like you tried. It’s 47% off during Amazon’s Summer Beauty Event, and it’s worth every cent.
I started using this on rushed weekday mornings when I had exactly three minutes to look presentable, and it immediately earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag. The stick glides on with zero tugging, and I can swipe it across my lids without even thinking about precision.
Within seconds, the creamy texture sets into a soft powder finish that doesn’t crease or slide around, even after a full day of commuting and staring at screens. I’ve skipped primer entirely and still had it hold up, which feels like cheating in the best way.
Even more iconic, it demands little effort. There’s a built-in smudger on the other end, but most days I don’t even bother using it. I just swipe, tap the edges quickly with my finger and I’m done. It’s ideal for before-office mornings, quick coffee runs or anytime I don’t feel like blending ad nauseam and experimenting with 10 million pigmented eyeshadows.
I’ve also used it as a subtle liner by running it along my lash line, and it somehow still looks polished.
Oh, and if you haven’t picked up on it yet — I stockpiled a bunch.
The color payoff is surprisingly good for something this easy. I’ve tried both shimmer and matte shades, and they build nicely without getting patchy. On days when I want a little more dimension, I layer a second shade on top, but honestly, one swipe usually does the trick. It gives that effortless, pulled-together look that makes it seem like I spent more time getting ready than I actually did.
Another bonus I noticed is how comfortable it feels throughout the day. It doesn’t dry out my lids or emphasize texture, and it stays lightweight from morning to night. I’ve worn it through long workdays and even evenings out without needing touch-ups, which is not something I can say about most powder shadows I’ve used. Naturally, it’s one of the best Amazon beauty products I’ve reviewed.
For only $11, it feels like a no-brainer. This is the kind of product that simplifies your routine without sacrificing results, and once I started using it, going back to traditional palettes felt unnecessarily complicated.
After reviewing Biodance in its near-entirety, this overnight sheet mask is truly worth the hype it’s given. You can wear it for a few hours or overnight — your preference!
Another brand I’ve tested en mass is medicube, and the cult-favorite Zero Pore Pads are some of the best toner pads I’ve tried.
For 50% off right now, this top-rated foundation for all skin types is worth the snatch. More than 10,000 shoppers purchased it in the past month and it holds 67,000 rave reviews.
This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.
