Makeup Artists and Editors Say These 14 Cream Eye Shadows Never Crease or Budge
While I love being a minimalist when it comes to my makeup routine, there's one item I just can't quit, because it's the ultimate glow giver. No, it's not highlight or blush. While I do sometimes opt for a highlight on my eyelids to add a little extra sparkle, cream eye shadow does that and more. It applies really easily, blends beautifully, and adds so much warmth to a look without being too overpowering.
That being said, consider this your PSA to give cream eye shadow a go. IMO, they're totally underrated. Who What Wear editors and makeup artists can vouch for their incredible staying power and overall creamy goodness. For all our favorites, keep on reading.
1. Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow
"Charlotte Tilbury's Eyes to Mesmerize [comes to mind] when I think cream shadows. Her shimmer-based, long-wearing shadows are easy to blend out using a brush for more precise and opaque coverage or your fingers for a diffused wash of color. Don't sleep on the shades Walk of Shame or Pillow Talk for a boost of sun-kissed pop on the lids or crease. For a cohesive look, try the matching shades in lipstick and blush wand!" — Judi Gabbay, celebrity makeup artist
"I'm a huge fan of any eye shadows that give me that no-makeup makeup look with just a hint of sparkle. This eye shadow (specifically in Pillow Talk) is my go-to for achieving that. It's easy to use, non-creasing, and lasts all day without needing touch-ups or reapplication. Plus, it comes in a variety of stunning colors that I'm obsessed with." — Maya Thomas, assistant beauty editor
2. Merit Solo Shadow
"Even though I love the consistency and blendability of cream shadows, I almost always prefer powders because I find they're so much less likely to crease. Merit's smart cream-to-powder formulas are the perfect compromise and come in the chicest shades. (Plus, I've heard so many people who have never even attempted to apply eye shadow say that they're completely foolproof and very user-friendly.)" — Erin Jahns, beauty director
3. Kulfi Zari Eyes Cream Eye Shadow
"This cream-to-powder formula dries down mere seconds after it's applied on the eyelids. The shades are beautiful. (I, for one, love the blue chrome color, called Disco Dreams.) They also resist creasing and smudging. They're new to my makeup collection, but they're quickly becoming a staple." — Kaitlyn McLintock, associate beauty editor
4. Róen Beauty 11:11 Eye Shadow Palette
"Róen doesn't categorize its gorgeous eye shadow palettes as cream or powder, but more of a 'first-of-its-kind' magic mystery formula that's smack-dab in the middle. I've always loved a little sparkle on my eye, and the beautifully pigmented, almost-gloss-like finish of these shadows is so far superior to most other shimmery shadows on the market. I've collected all of the palettes at this point and use them regularly. They're an investment, but worth it!" — Jahns
5. Kosas 10-Second Eye Gel Watercolor Eyeshadow
Both McLintock and I love this creamy gel formula from Kosas. It's so easy to apply and adds such a gorgeous shimmer to the lids that works for both daytime and nighttime looks.
"These Kosas eye shadows are so lightweight that once they're on, you might forget you're wearing makeup. The shimmery formula comes in three neutral shades that work for a variety of looks and skin tones. These are the rare cream eye shadows that you'll continue to reach for day in and day out. (Trust me, I know.) " — McLintock
6. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow
"I love a one-and-done product. Laura Mercier's Caviar Eye Stick colors are crease-resistant, transfer-resistant, and wear all day with an easy twist-up pen for quick application. Use alone or under shadows as a base for staying power. Burnished Bronze, Rose Gold, and Moonlight are my go to for everyday wear. Blend out with your fingers for a wash of color or layer for more intense rimmed eyes." — Gabbay
7. Milani Gilded Eye Shadow Stick
"I love a good drugstore pick, and these cream shadow sticks from Milani are the proof. I have multiple shades in my makeup bag since they're easy to swipe on and blend with my fingers, which comes in handy when I'm super short on time and have to do my makeup in five minutes or less. The smoky green shade, Moss, looks particularly beautiful when smudged along the lash line over mascara." — McLintock
8. Danessa Myricks Colorfix Multi-Use Eye, Cheek & Lip Waterproof Liquid Pigment
Although this is technically more of a liquid formula than a cream, it does have a creamy consistency once dabbed onto the lid. This is one of my all-time favorite eye pigments because the color payoff is next-level and the shades are nothing short of breathtaking. Myricks nailed the duo chrome hues, and they change color so beautifully in the light. It's truly a standout among Myricks's offerings, but I love her entire line—everything is so good.
"[The] Danessa Myricks Colorfix eye, cheek, and lip color doesn't really qualify as a cream shadow to me, but I love these for a monochromatic look using only one product. This innovative liquid paint comes in a tube and can be dabbed on the eyes, cheeks, and lips for a cohesive feel to makeup. Certain shades have more playtime than others but all dry down to a long-wear finish. Water resistant and sweat proof, this is the perfect product for summer." — Gabbay
9. About-Face Matte Fluid Eye Paint
"Okay, so this is technically a liquid eye shadow, but it has a soft and creamy feel and stays put for hours, so I'm counting it. I basically have a thousand of these because every single shade is so fun, playful, and on point that I can't resist them." — McLintock
10. Jillian Dempsey Lid Tint
You can wear this cream shadow alone or mix it with powder eye shadows. It gives a nice dewy glow and actually has a few added skincare benefits thanks to a blend of organic oils and butters.
11. RMS Beauty Eye Polish
I'm a huge RMS fan, and Luminizer is perfect for makeup minimalists. While it is touted as a highlighter of sorts, I love using it on my lids to add a little shimmer after applying a thin layer of foundation or a skin tint.
12. L'Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Liquid Eye Shadow
Here's another creamy liquid formula. This one is for those who want a lot of shine and shimmer. Plus, it lasts up to 16 hours.
13. Ilia Liquid Powder Chromatic Eye Tint
This liquid eye shadow is described as gliding on like a cream but drying with a powder-like finish. You can layer on the color for a super-saturated look, or just do a swipe or two for a dash of color. It also contains horse chestnut flower to reduce fine lines over time, and honokiol, which is rich in antioxidants.
14. MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot Cream Eyeshadow
This no-crease, no-smudge creamy eye shadow goes on smoothly to leave a lustrous, metallic finish. The metallic shades are so pigmented, but you can also use the matte shades as a solid base or eye primer to layer beneath other shadows.
Shawna Hudson has worked in editorial for over six years, with experience covering entertainment, fashion, culture, celebrities, and her favorite topic of all, beauty. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, Mane Addicts, and more. She is currently an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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