The Smudge- and Creaseproof Cream Eyeshadows Our Beauty Editor (and a Celeb Makeup Artist) Love (2025)

Not only is Colorfix my best overall cream eyeshadow, but it's also the cheapest option on this list, but don't worry darling: Colorfix doesn't skimp on quality, which isn't surprising since the line was created by celebrated makeup artist Danessa Myricks.

Colorfix is available in matte, metallic, and high-shine finishes, and can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. I like applying with my fingers to create a natural-looking flush, lip stain, and cream eyeshadow. For days I want a fun pop of color, I use an angled eyeliner brush, such as the Sigma Beauty E06 brush, to create a vibrant feline flick.

And since you only need the tiniest amount of product, the small tube of cream eyeshadow will also last you for what feels like forever. Great for your wallet and beautiful on the eyes, what could be better?

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Key Specs

I love pretty much everything Hourglass puts out, including these no-fail cream eyeshadows. Scattered Light cream eye shadows are so fantastic that I introduced my makeup-minimalist mom to them, and we've been obsessed with them for three years.

What makes them so great? Each cream eyeshadow contains gorgeous pearl shimmer and refined glitter that provides buildable coverage — think sheer, crystal-inspired shine for daytime and a prismatic glitter finish for a night out.

Over the years, I've tried all nine light-catching shades, but Aura, a pretty pink, is my personal favorite on its own and as a topper over pink eyeshadow, like the classic Urban Decay Naked Heat palette and the limited-edition Lawless Mini The Glam One eyeshadow palette.

Key Specs

Celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury created beautiful whipped cream eyeshadows that spread easily like mousse across the eyelids. They blend effortlessly and beautifully reflect light, so it's a great option for anyone with mature skin who outgrew chunky, in-your-face glitter cream eyeshadows.

What's most unique about these cream eyeshadows is that they're like a skin-perfecting filter for your peepers. Their secret is the soft-focus pigments that blur imperfections, like fine lines on the eyelids.

Anyone can sport any shade, regardless of age, skin type, and complexion. But, if you can only order one cream eyeshadow, I suggest Pillow Talk, a medium pink with rose gold sparkle, that's inspired by Tilbury's iconic Pillow Talk Lipstick.

Key Specs

Bobbi Brown’s matte cream eyeshadow sticks are the best on the market — they’re lightweight, blend easily with my fingers, and most important never look or feel chalky on my lids. These cream eyeshadows also have an excellent color payoff, second to Danessa Myricks.

I do notice a bit of creasing that I can easily blend out with my fingers toward the end of an 8-hour workday, but TBH that usually only happens if I skip eyeshadow primer.

The brand sells nine beautiful matte colors on Sephora, including Taupe, a cool-toned caramel and Cinnamon, a dark red-brown. Both hues are great for everyday wear on their own or layered under powder eyeshadows found in the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam palette.

Key Specs

The Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown eyeshadow sticks look alike, but I think they both excel in different ways. Laura’s cream eyeshadows are available in a greater variety of shimmer finishes, and I do believe they perform better than Bobbi Brown’s shimmer formulation.

With that being said, they both have a rich color payoff and are long-lasting, so you really can’t go wrong with either option. Ultimately, your deciding factor should be purchasing your ideal finish: shimmer (Laura Mercier) or matte (Bobbi Brown).

Laura’s eyeshadows have a rich color payoff, and can be worn on their own, but they shine brightest when used as a base under my powder eyeshadow. Lately, I’ve been into purple and pink smokey eyes, so I love pairing Intense Amethyst under a few shades from the Pat McGrath Labs Huetopian Dream eyeshadow palette.

Key Specs

After Avendaño praised this affordable cream eyeshadow, I immediately added his recommendation to my SheGlam shopping cart.

“The pigment is out of this world amazing! The ease of application is sublime,” he says. “It comes in a stick form, and you can apply directly to the eye for a more opaque look or get a sheer application by using your finger or brush on the product and then applying it to your eyes.”

Not only can it be used on your eyelids, but Avendaño also applies it to the lips, cheeks, and even the body. “The texture is so smooth like velvet, and if you set it with a translucent powder, it will help it from transferring,” he says.

Key Specs

Tools

The beauty of cream eyeshadows is they can be applied with whatever beauty tool you prefer. “Some of my favorite cream shadows come in stick form, so I actually will apply it directly to the eye from the stick and use my fingers or brushes to blend it out,” says Avendaño.

He typically relies on a flat brush (I use Bdellium Tools 714) for emollient products then uses a blending brush (I like the Sigma E25) to soften the edges.

Have fun

Avendaño argues cream eyeshadows don't have to be applied perfectly. He especially loves using cream eyeshadows to create sexy, lived-in looks.

“Cream shadows can be intimidating and higher maintenance, but also there’s a beauty in allowing the shadows to crease on the eyes and adding texture, especially if adding gloss to it. There’s something perfect about imperfection,” he tells us.