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 like a dream, blends beautifully, and adds so much warmth to a look without being too overpowering.
“I love cream eye shadows, but they are definitely not all created equally,” says celebrity makeup artist Whittany Robinson. “A good cream eye shadow will have a formula that glides across the skin smoothly and then sets, or ‘dries,’ without much (or any) creasing later.” There are so many formulas on the market that don’t quite meet these criteria, but luckily, we found the eight that do.
Consider this your PSA to give cream eye shadow a go—Who What Wear editors and makeup artists can vouch for their incredible staying power and overall creamy goodness. For all our favorites, from chic shimmer formulas to mature-eye-friendly picks, keep on reading.
The Best Cream Eye Shadows, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Eye Shadow
- Best Stick: Victoria Beckham Beauty EyeWear Longwear Eye Shadow Stick
- Best Matte: Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Long-Wearing Cream Eye Shadow
- Best Shimmer: Merit Solo Shadow
- Best for Mature Skin: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow
Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Eye Shadow
Pros: Long-wearing formula, easy to blend, beginner-friendly
Cons: No matte options
Shades: 4 | Finish: Metallic
Experts and editors agree: It’s hard to beat Charlotte Tilbury’s cream eye shadows. “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,” says associate beauty editor Maya Thomas. Perfectly pigmented—meaning not too intense, easy to build, and ultra-blendable—these creamy shadows ensure all-day, crease-free wear and a gorgeous wash of color. “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,” agrees celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay. “Don't sleep on the shades Walk of Shame or Pillow Talk for a boost of sun-kissed pop on the lids or crease!”
Customer review: “Another outstanding Charlotte Tilbury cream eye shadow! Easy to apply with your fingertip, and wears all day. Feels great on my eyelids and brow bone area. Great by itself, or blended with other eyeshadow.”
Best Stick: Victoria Beckham Beauty EyeWear Longwear Eye Shadow Stick
Pros: Flexible pigment, all-day wear, waterproof formula
Cons: Nothing to note
Shades: 10 | Finish: Shimmer, matte
I could wax poetic about these dreamy eye shadow sticks from Victoria Beckham Beauty until the end of my days, but I’ll let you hear it from a professional first. “A personal favorite is the Victoria Beckham Longwear Eyeshadow Stick because the formula is silky smooth and then sets without looking dry or cakey,” says Robinson, reaffirming what I, and everyone else who tries these creamy sticks, know. Just a swipe or two of these blendable sticks offers fool-proof, easy-to-blend color that later dries and becomes smudge-proof for all-day wear. The stick style makes these super beginner-friendly, too. I need every color!
Customer review: “Love this! Very easy to use just apply as it just glides on and then smudge with finger. The colour is perfect and it lasts, even on mature skin. Would recommend!”
Best Matte: Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Long-Wearing Cream Eye Shadow
Pros: Impressive pigmentation, comfortable feel, no-smudge wear
Cons: None, unless you’re looking for shimmer
Shades: 10 | Finish: Matte
“One of my personal favorites is the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Long-Wearing Cream Eye Shadow,” says celebrity makeup artist Andrea Ventura. “It has a velvety matte finish that feels comfortable on the eyes and stays put all day without smudging.” If you’re in the market for a one-and-done eye shadow look, this is the one to go for. Each pigmented swipe is infused with amino acids and spherical powders for a smooth base, making it easy to achieve a blended, single-shadow look that lasts all day—no creasing allowed.
Customer review: “I have very oily eyelids, and with my skin maturing, applying powder eye shadow every morning especially matte ones has become time-consuming, only for it to crease by midday. After seeing this product on social media, I decided to give it a try. Although it’s on the pricier side, the shades are beautiful, neutral brown mattes, exactly what I was looking for. I used it for one day with just a bit of e.l.f. primer, and WHOA, it lasted the entire day, no creasing, no smudging, just an effortlessly natural look perfect for work.”
Best Shimmer: Merit Solo Shadow
Pros: Easy to blend, minimalist sheen, other finish options
Cons: Takes some time to build up the color
Shades: 14 | Finish: Shimmer, matte
This cream shadow is a must for so many reasons: It’s easy to blend, beginner-friendly, and doesn’t budge once it dries. WWW editors have been fans of the brand’s matte shadows for quite some time, converting those of us who tend to prefer powders. “Merit's smart cream-to-powder formulas are the perfect compromise and come in the chicest shades,” explains beauty director Erin Jahns. “(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.)" The beloved matte hues are already makeup kit staples, but the new shimmery Solo Shadows are the apple of my eye for their non-chunky, wet-looking shimmers that look chic, never glittery.
Customer review: “At 52, I stopped wearing a shimmer shadow years ago because they made my eyes look older. Well, no more! This shadow glides easily over my creases, is subtle and makes my eyes look younger! I’m so excited and can’t wait to try more colors. Thanks Merit!”
Best for Mature Skin: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow
Pros: Highly pigmented, blendable, long-wearing
Cons: On the pricey side
Shades: 18 | Finish: Shimmer
Powder eye shadow is versatile, but not always the best option for those with mature skin. While it can be blurring and lovely on smooth lids, the fine micropowders tend to emphasize fine lines. “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,” Gabbay explains—the perfect option for lids with creases, sans extra creasing. The flexible, hyaluronic acid–boosted formula is creamy and hydrating, making for a supple, smooth blend on mature eyes. “Blend out with your fingers for a wash of color or layer for more intense rimmed eyes,” suggests Gabbay.
Customer review: “I really enjoy using this eye shadow stick. It goes on so smoothly and blends easily, giving just the right amount of color. It lasts all day without fading or creasing, which I really appreciate. I can swipe it on for a quick look or build it up when I want something a little more noticeable. It’s become one of my favorite products.”
Best for Sensitive Eyes: Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Eye Shadow + Primer
Pros: Two-in-one product, flake- and crease-free wear, skincare-forward
Cons: Limited shade range
Shades: 3 | Finish: Metallic
If you have sensitive eyes, it can be hard to wear, well, any kind of eye makeup. Lucky for you, cream eye shadows are some of the best products for sensitive eyes, thanks to their simple, often hydrating formulas and brushless application, and this Neutrogena pick was made with your peepers in mind. This cream-to-powder formula is infused with pro-vitamin B5 and does double duty as a primer to ensure that your color lasts all day.
Customer review: “Soft and gentle application. Cooling effect on lids, great for sensitive eyes. The color is a gold-pink bright color, works well as a primer or alone for easy day/night wear. One of my favorite products.”
Best Crease-Proof: Armani Beauty Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eye Shadow
Pros: Easy to blend, variety of finishes, won’t crease or smudge
Cons: Quite expensive
Shades: 18 | Finish: Shimmer, metallic, matte
Though technically a liquid eye shadow, this formula is your final destination for stay-put, never-creasing eye looks. Celebrity makeup artist Elie Maalouf relies on Armani’s luscious liquid eye shadow because “it's lasting and crease-proof,” ensuring perfect wear with every swipe of the spade-shaped applicator. Plus, the Tints come in a wide variety of chic colors and textures, offering an array of shimmery, metallic, and matte finishes.
Customer review: “I was pleasantly surprised by how lightweight this Armani Eye Tint feels on the eyelids. The pigmentation is soft but buildable, so I can wear it both for a natural daytime look or add more depth for the evening. It blends easily with just a fingertip— no patchiness, no fuss! The shimmer looks elegant, not chunky. Once it sets, it genuinely lasts all day without creasing, even on my oily lids. The texture feels smooth and comfortable, and I love that it doesn't feel sticky or heavy. A little goes a long way, so the tube will last forever!”
Best Long-Wearing: MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot Cream Eye Shadow
Pros: All-day wear, versatile function, comfortable formula
Cons: None
Shades: 15 | Finish: Matte, shimmer
I’ve long used this product as a primer (it works fabulously under powder eye shadow), but its primary function is to be a long-lasting cream eye shadow. It blends onto the skin with impressive ease and won’t crease as the day fades into night—this formula successfully sees me through office-to-evening event marathons, all without forming a semblance of a crease. In fact, I know this formula to be a performance level, as I’ve purchased it for the past 12 years (I trusted it with my competitive dance performances, and every time it kept my makeup from sweating off on stage).
Customer review: “I've never really played around much with eye shadow and I'm starting to get into it and wanted something simple, easy and quick to throw on, and something that elevated every look. Since I've discovered this product, it's been a game changer. The color elevates my everyday natural make up look in such a subtle but noticeable way. It dries fast so the key is just blending quickly and when I do that it diffuses beautifully. I would buy these in more colors. They also hold up really well for oily lids.”
What to Look for in a Cream Eye Shadow
- Texture: Not all cream shadows are made equally, but they should all have—well, creamy!—textures. “Cream eye shadow should have a smooth, blendable texture that gives you enough playtime to blend nicely,” Maalouf explains. Anything gritty, hard to blend, or patchy is a no-go.
- Formula: “In my opinion, a good cream eye shadow dries down to a matte finish and isn’t overly creamy,” says Ventura. Though the “right” finish will always come down to preference, Ventura says that all cream shadows should be long-wearing. “The more matte the formula, the less likely it is to move or smear throughout the day,” she explains. But if you prefer a shimmer finish (and still want a no-budge formula), the Armani Beauty Eye Tints are a great option.
- Finish: As aforementioned, your desired finish is worth taking into consideration when shopping for a cream eye shadow. Want something super matte? Try the Makeup by Mario’s Master Mattes Long-Wearing Cream Eye Shadow. Something shimmery without the clunky glitter finish? Merit’s Solo Shadow Sheens are the way to go.
Are Cream Eye Shadows Better for Mature Skin?
“Cream eye shadows are especially flattering for mature skin,” explains Ventura. “Powder formulas can sometimes emphasize fine lines, making the skin appear more aged, while cream eye shadows help maintain a youthful look by minimizing the appearance of those fine lines.”
To ensure the best wear on mature skin, Robinson recommends evenly blending the shadow—making sure no pigment is stuck under the folds of the lid. “Then set with a soft translucent powder or eye shadow in a similar color,” she adds.
Which Eye Shadow Is Best, Cream or Powder?
The pros agree: Both are equally great, but both serve different purposes. “Powder eye shadows blend beautifully and are perfect for creating intricate eye looks. That said, cream eye shadows are the winner for me,” says Ventura. “They’re ideal for quick, effortless application when you’re short on time. Plus, they don’t cause fallout, so your face makeup stays flawless, and they tend to look great on every skin type.” Maalouf suggests using them together for extra contrast. “I've often combined both, starting with cream as a base and setting with powder to give it more dimension,” he explains.
What Are the Potential Disadvantages of Using Cream Eye Shadow?
Though there aren’t many downsides to using these products, Ventura says that one potential roadblock is the limited number of eye looks you can create with them. “Unlike powders, not all cream formulas blend seamlessly with one another,” she explains. Robinson also points out that it’s easy to choose the shadow for your skin type, which can lead to creasing. “Always opt for formulas that are waterproof or at least long-wearing,” she recommends.
How We Chose
We chose the best cream eye shadows by assessing our own collections and seeing which have stood the test of time in our personal kits. After doing some more research on our beloved formulas and seeing which newcomers are sweeping the scene, we asked makeup artists for their professional recommendations and advice when selecting the best cream shadow for you. From there, we compiled our findings into this list of eight winners.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
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