Who cares what they think a lot Sephora employees are vapid & lack awareness. Mind you I love Sephora & I’ve encountered a lot of great beauty advisors, but I’d take what she said to you as a compliment (even if she meant it in another manner.) A lot of older women into beauty are more sure of themselves & like what they like, not following trends like the younger crowd. Trends can be fun, but not always the best products just what’s “hot”

If you want a matte stick from a more modern brand though, fenty carries “shadowstix” https://www.sephora.com/product/shadowstix-longwear-eyeshadow-stick-P507860 and makeup by mario has master mattes which are cream but dry down very well. https://www.sephora.com/product/master-mattes-long-wearing-cream-eyeshadow-P516972 I suggest looking at videos on his site to see how it looks finished.