18 Reasons Why A Cream Eyeshadow is The Answer to All Your Problems (2024)

18 Reasons Why A Cream Eyeshadow is The Answer to All Your Problems (1)

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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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1

Best For Chic Nights

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow

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For a glossy, chic eyeshadow look, these cream shadows will do everything you need them to. They have amazing color payoff and add a glisten to the lid that is selfie worthy.

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2

Best For Dramatic Looks

stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow

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The world is obsessed, and you should be too. These liquid eyeshadows pack a powerful, glitzy punch that you can apply on bare eyes or on top of powder eyeshadow to double down on the glam.

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3

Best For Waterproof Looks

Julep Crème to Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick

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You can now go swimming, attend an insanely hard workout class, or just grab a drink after work without worrying about your eyeshadow moving. These babies were built to last.

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4

Best For A Subtle Shadow

Glossier Lidstar

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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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5

Best For Multi-Use

Danessa Myricks Colorfix Eye, Cheek & Lip Cream

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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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6

Best For Glam Eyes

Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow

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To really pack a powerful punch, these glittery cream eyeshadows will get you there. They stay on the eyes all day long, while delivering top-notch glitz.

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7

Best For Lasting Glitter

e.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow

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You can go subtle with these with a glowing inner corner, or go all out with purple glitter from the lash line to the brow bone. One thing all the colors have in common is that they won't budge an inch.

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8

Best For Priming Eyes

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot Eyeshadow

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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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9

Best For Performing

Haus Laboratories GLAM ATTACK LIQUID EYESHADOW

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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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10

Best For On-The-Go

NUDESTIX Magnetic Luminous Eye Color

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If you're someone who dolls up on your commute, then this is the perfect product to throw in your purse. You don't need a brush to blend it out, and it all comes housed in a little tin that won't make the inside of your purse a mess.

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11

Best For Party Looks

Dominique Cosmetics DAYDREAMER BEAUTIFUL MESS LIQUID EYESHADOW

18 Reasons Why A Cream Eyeshadow is The Answer to All Your Problems (12)

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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12

Best For A Budget

REVLON Colorstay Creme Eye Shadow

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This little pot contains all the ingredients you need for perfect makeup on the daily. You want a light wash of color to wear to work? Done. You want to blow the competition away with intense pigment and sparkle? Also done.

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13

Best For Graphic Eyes

Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Stick

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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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14

Best Lightweight Glitter

COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow

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18 Reasons Why A Cream Eyeshadow is The Answer to All Your Problems (16)

Chunky glitter is out, seamless glitz is in. You won't even feel these liquid eyeshadows on your lids, but the payoff is so intense that everyone around you will be blinded by the shine.

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15

Best For Classic Looks

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow

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Cream eyeshadow doesn't have to be all raves and glitter. These creamy sticks can give you that same refined look that a powder gives, but with maximum staying power and no need for excessive blending.

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16

Best For No Creasing

BOBBI BROWN Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

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Not only are these sticks great to throw in your purse for on-the-go, but you'll never have to worry about unflattering creasing. They set and become unmoveable once applied, so you can just go about your fabulous day.

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17

Best For An Investment

Tom Ford Crème Color For Eye

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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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18

Best Drugstore Steal

Maybelline New York EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24Hr Eyeshadow

18 Reasons Why A Cream Eyeshadow is The Answer to All Your Problems (20)

Twenty-four hours seems like a long time to rock the same eyeshadow, but that is the Maybelline promise. If you really need your look to stay all day, this creamy product will help you achieve that goal.

18 Reasons Why A Cream Eyeshadow is The Answer to All Your Problems (2024)
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