Is cream eyeshadow better?

Compared to powder eyeshadows, cream options are generally less likely to smudge or transfer to your undereye concealer. You also have more control over the formula: They have more grip on your lids, so you can build them up or buff them out.

How do you keep cream eyeshadow on?

If your eyelids are oily, start with an eyeshadow primer to lock things in place. “Taking care to blend well is the real key when you’re applying a cream shadow,” says Balest. So be sure to buff or tap the product thoroughly—it’ll be less likely to crease or smear when you wear it.

Do you need to use a primer before applying cream eyeshadow?

“Some formulas offer longer-lasting wear than powder shadows, and a primer isn’t necessary for these,” explains Balest. “Other cream formulas have a wetter, creamier consistency that benefit from a primer to absorb excess oil and prevent creasing,” she adds.

What’s the best way to apply cream eyeshadow?

Cream shadows are easy to apply—Balest usually uses her fingertip to tap it onto the lid. “You can use a cream shadow brush; just make sure the shadow is well blended, so there aren’t uneven deposits of product on the lid,” she adds. Dab the majority of the product on the lower part of your eyelid near your lashes, then smooth it upwards into your crease. Take one last look to ensure you don’t see a line of demarcation between the formula and your skin, and if you do, keep on blending.

The Best Cream Eye Shadows of 2023

No disrespect to powders, but we have major heart eyes for cream eyeshadow. These silky formulas, packaged in pots, tubes, and palettes, are easy to use, whether you’re an eyeshadow skeptic or a bona fide pro.

The pigments won’t fall onto your under eye concealer, you can build up the shades from sheer to full coverage, and the formulas lock onto your skin wherever you apply them. Diffuse them onto your eyelids for a wash of matte or shimmery color, or dip a dense eyeliner brush into the product to line your eyes.

We tapped Makeup artist Claire Balest to give us some insights on how to optimize your cream eyeshadow experience.

Set your sights on the best cream eyeshadows below.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadow at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Revlon ColorStay Crème Eye Shadow

Jump to Review

Best Long Lasting:

Smashbox Always On Cream Eyeshadow at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best for Mature Eyes:

Jillian Dempsey Lid Tint at Bluemercury.com

Jump to Review

Best Stick:

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Eyes:

RMS Beauty Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Palette:

Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best for Oily Lids:

MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot

Jump to Review

Best for Hooded Eyes:

Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Eye, Cheek, and Lip Pigment at Sephora

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
Formula
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow

Sephora

View On Nordstrom View On Sephora View On Charlottetilbury.com

What We Like

Buildable coverage
Long-lasting
Creamy finish

What We Don't Like

Creases without primer

Claire Balest approves this formula, and we do, too. It’s cream eyeshadow nirvana. The fine shimmer looks luminous (not glittery) on your lids, and you have plenty of playtime. It takes a few minutes to fully set, so you don’t have to rush when you’re blending it with your fingertips or brush. Once it’s settled, it won’t feel dry or tight on your lids, and the wash of color stays fresh without smudging throughout the day. The little pots pack in lots of product so they’ll last you months.

Price at time of publish: $34

Ulta

View on Ulta View On Walmart View On Walgreens

What We Like

Built-in brush
Works as highlighter

What We Don't Like

The container is tricky to open
Dries out over time

As a wallet-friendly pick that competes with luxury options, this eyeshadow is a good choice for trying colors outside your comfort zone (the Black Currant shade imparts sophisticated fairy vibes on any skin tone). The light color payoff goes on subtly, but you can easily build it up for more intensity. Apply primer underneath to extend the wear time.

Price at time of publish: $10

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Neutral and bold shade options
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Dries quickly
Best applied with a brush

Tube-style shadows tend to stay fresher than pots since the product has less exposure to air. That’s just one of this product’s benefits—its best feature is the primer-enriched formula. The product stays in place wherever you apply it and layers well with other shadows you want to sweep on top. You can choose from matte and shimmery options, too.

Price at time of publish: $25

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Bloomingdales

What We Like

Doesn’t smudge or crease
Strong color payoff

What We Don't Like

Limited shade range
Difficult to blend

Yes, this eyeshadow is the priciest on our list, but the formula is rich with three-dimensional pigments. A pea size amount is more than enoughto deliver a full wash of color on both eyes. “I have the oiliest eyelids, and this cream shadow is not only super blendable, but it also stays put through even the sweatiest days (and nights),” explains former editorial director Faith Xue. Go with a shade similar to your skin tone for a neutral effect, or choose a contrasting option for a bolder look. Because of the dense color payoff, we like to apply it with a brush for easy, even blending.

Price at time of publish: $46

4.8

Bluemercury

View On Bluemercury.com View On Credo Beauty View On Jilliandempsey.com

What We Like

Plant-based emollients
Easy to blend

What We Don't Like

Not long lasting on oily eyelids

Some cream eyeshadows get their buttery feel from silicones and waxes; this one scores that texture from coconut oil, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil that deliver eye cream-caliber benefits. “These have a stiffer, stay-put texture that doesn’t melt immediately off your skin like some cream formulas,” notes contributor Amanda Montell. The Dew shade is spot-on for the glossy eye trend—just dab it on top of your favorite shadow.

Price at time of publish: $28

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Ulta View On Lauramercier.com

What We Like

Works as eyeliner
Wide shade range

What We Don't Like

Bullet may break if not retracted properly
Creases on oily lids

With an astounding 37 shade options, Laura Mercier’s shadow sticks are a one-stop shop for any eye look. (You can even select from matte, shimmer, and metallic options.) The stick style pigments are simple to apply on your lids as liner or shadow: Just sweep the stick close to your lash line and use a brush or your fingertips to blur the product up and out, if you wish.

Price at time of publish: $17 for .03 oz

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Doesn’t crease
Included key helps dispense product

What We Don't Like

Limited blendability

The ebullient founder behind RMS Beauty, Rose-Marie Swift, pours her energy into creating makeup with skin benefits. Her latest eyeshadow launch is a testament to that. These glimmery cream shadows contain green tea extract and plant-based peptides to nourish your skin. The aluminum tubes come with a key that helps you squeeze out every last drop of the eyeshadow, so nothing goes to waste.

Price at time of publish: $26

PATRICK TA Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Patrickta.com

What We Like

Highly pigmented shades
No fallout

What We Don't Like

Cream bases are dark on fairer skin tones

Balest loves to layer cream eyeshadows with powder products for more dimension and longevity in your look. “This palette is a great option for this approach—it includes two cream bases and a collection of velvety powder shadows for layering,” she explains. The neutral cream bases work with all the shimmer options, so you can mix and match the shades to your liking.

Price at time of publish: $68

Courtesy by Nordstrom

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

Water resistant
Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested
Apply with brush or fingertips

What We Don't Like

Drying on non-oily lids

Cream shadows can be tricky to use when you have oily eyelids: The pigments tend to crease, transfer, and smudge throughout the day. MAC Cosmetics’ formula has a primer-like power that keeps the product in place for hours on end. The shade range includes neutral options to even out discoloration on your lids, plus punchy tones like burgundy.

Price at time of publish: $25

Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Eye, Cheek & Lip Cream Pigment

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Beautybay.com

What We Like

Multi-use pigments
Buildable coverage
Waterproof

What We Don't Like

Dries down quickly

If you’re after a monochromatic moment, these versatile pigments are for you. You can dab the colors on your eyes, lips, and cheeks. The color intensity is adjustable, too: Sweep the product with a fluffy bristled brush for a sheer finish, or apply the product with your fingertips for more opacity. There’s no shortage of shade options and three finishes (high shine, matte, and metallic) to choose from.

Price at time of publish: $18

Courtesy by Sephora

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Built-in sharpener
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Creases on oily lids
Sets quickly

With buildable coverage and good blendability, this chubby stick is a great choice for those who are new to cream eyeshadows. We love that the shade range includes multiple sheer, shimmery options you can use as highlighter on your brow bone. “I rarely wear eyeshadow, but when I do, the product needs to have a great color payoff, and it needs to be able to withstand whatever is on my agenda that day—that's exactly what happened with these Nudestix products,” explains former social media editor Aimee Jefferson. The stick comes in a tin carrying case with a mirror inside, so you can touch up or add intensity on the go.

Price at time of published: $26

Ulta

View On Ulta

What We Like

Silky texture
Dense pigments

What We Don't Like

Prone to smudging

Some multitasking products perform well for one use but fall flat in another. This stick, on the other hand, is as good on eyelids as it is on lips. The shades are highly pigmented but diffuse out well when you tap them in place (a little goes a long way). And each stick contains skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and vitamins C and E.

Price at time of publish: $24

Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Lightweight feel
Intense sparkle

What We Don't Like

Requires primer for even application

You can find a number of cream shadows with barely-there shimmer. If you’re into extra shine, these pots are just for you. You’ll get loads of sparkle (without chunky flecks of glitter, by the way) for light-reflective lids. The cream shadow is best applied firmly for an even finish. Use your fingertips or wield a dense brush to get an even wash of metallic glimmer on your eyes.

Price at time of publish: $30

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Stay Vulnerable Liquid Eyeshadow

Courtesy by Sephora

View On Sephora

What We Like

Layerable
Not drying

What We Don't Like

Limited shade options

This liquid-to-powder shadow isn’t exactly a cream, but it feels like one on your skin. The matte finish creates a smooth base for layering other products on top, but it’s beautiful on its own, too. The shade range is relatively limited, but if you always reach for berry, pink, or mauve shadow, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Price at time of publish: $20

Final Verdict

We have one clear winner, and it’s Charlotte Tilbury’s Eyes to Mesmerize. The makeup artist-recommended formula outperforms other cream options because of its buttery texture, just-right shimmer, and smooth blendability. Revlon ColorStay Crème Eyeshadow is a budget-friendly gold standard choice; it goes on sheer but builds up beautifully, and the shade range includes neutral metallics and pretty pastels like peach and lavender. Cream shadows are prone to fading throughout the day, but Smashbox Always On Cream Eyeshadow has primer-like qualities that keep the pigments in place for hours.

What to Look For

Pigment

The denser the pigments, the deeper the color payoff. Cream formulas are malleable: You can blend them out for a diffused effect or pack on the product for more vibrancy. Swatch the product on your hand before applying it to your lid, and you’ll see how sheer or full coverage the product is.

Finish

It seems counterintuitive that cream eyeshadows have a finish that’s anything other than, well, creamy. But in reality, you can find various options, from matte to high gloss. If your eyelids are oily, a matte option will be best for longer wear time. Dry lids? Then go with a buttery pick to prevent flaking. Many cream formulas also have some shimmer to them: Those flecks look more lit-from-within in a silky base than they do in a powder formula.

Formula

The majority of cream shadows are packaged in little pots or tubs, which usually signals a wetter formula. You can also find options condensed into palettes—these have denser pigments. Tubes are also an option; they keep the product fresher longer, as the formula stays sealed and away from air, which can dry it out.

FAQ

Is cream eyeshadow better?

Compared to powder eyeshadows, cream options are generally less likely to smudge or transfer to your undereye concealer. You also have more control over the formula: They have more grip on your lids, so you can build them up or buff them out.
How do you keep cream eyeshadow on?

If your eyelids are oily, start with an eyeshadow primer to lock things in place. “Taking care to blend well is the real key when you’re applying a cream shadow,” says Balest. So be sure to buff or tap the product thoroughly—it’ll be less likely to crease or smear when you wear it.
Do you need to use a primer before applying cream eyeshadow?

“Some formulas offer longer-lasting wear than powder shadows, and a primer isn’t necessary for these,” explains Balest. “Other cream formulas have a wetter, creamier consistency that benefit from a primer to absorb excess oil and prevent creasing,” she adds.
What’s the best way to apply cream eyeshadow?

Cream shadows are easy to apply—Balest usually uses her fingertip to tap it onto the lid. “You can use a cream shadow brush; just make sure the shadow is well blended, so there aren’t uneven deposits of product on the lid,” she adds. Dab the majority of the product on the lower part of your eyelid near your lashes, then smooth it upwards into your crease. Take one last look to ensure you don’t see a line of demarcation between the formula and your skin, and if you do, keep on blending.

Why Trust Byrdie

Claire is a freelance beauty writer based in New York City. She spent six years at Martha Stewart Living and Martha Stewart Weddings, most recently writing and editing beauty content for both brands. You’ll be hard-pressed to find her applying eyeshadow that’s not cream-based, so she’s familiar with the nitty gritty when it comes to formulas, application, and stunning shades.

11 Color-Intensifying Eyeshadow Primers You Can Get at the Drugstore