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While my collection of classic powder eyeshadow palettes might be substantial, the truth is that powder, and I should have broken up a long time ago. Nothing irks me more than spending what feels like hours blending, only to end up with a patchy, creased eye look in about thirty seconds. I've tried primers, setting sprays, and every other technique imaginable. Still, the truth is that nothing has given me the staying power, color payoff, or intense glitz that a cream eyeshadow can achieve without even trying.
And if you're thinking, "Well, it's not like I rock a full glittery glam look every day," then I'll let you in on a secret. Cream eyeshadows can give you the most subtle, chic, and office-appropriate look ever. The trick is to find the correct formulas and colors that work with your lifestyle. And if you do want an intense holographic glam, the market is just bursting at the seams with options for that too. So please, enter into a world where the eyeshadow is easy to blend, stays all day, and can help you achieve every look you could ever dream up. Below, find 18 of the best cream eyeshadows, tried and true.
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A hint of shine is just a swipe away with these eyeshadows from Glossier. They don't have chunky bits of glitter in them, but offer a subtle sparkle that will make you feel so put together.
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If monochromatic is your look of choice, look no further. These shadows can be applied on the eyes, cheeks, or lips for a powerful wash of color.
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These matte pot shadows contain a cream with incredible staying power. You can use them alone as a subtle shadow, or layer on additional pigment to really make your look last.
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David Bowie didn't like to wear glitter while on stage in case any fell into his eyes, but that's just because he never used Haus Labs. This shade range has everything from intense shimmers to subtle mattes, but every one of them will last you through a performance.
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A one swipe wonder, this intensely pigmented liquid eyeshadow can transform a blah look into something worthy of the Met. You can choose a matte formula or crank up the glam to 10 and swipe on a multi-chromatic, fabulous shade for the drama.
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If you watched Euphoria and stared longingly at those intense graphic looks, these shadow sticks can help you accomplish that at home. They have a great tapered end that can double as a sharp liner, but you can also blend it out for a diffused eyeshadow look.
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These creamy shadows come in jewel-toned, glam shades that are great layered on top of matte shadows. If your look is looking a little drab, a few pats of this cream on top will add some life back into your makeup.
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