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12 Best Cream Eyeshadows That’ll Light Up Your Lids

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Photo by Plume Creative/Getty Images

We’re calling it: cream eyeshadow never goes out of style. And whether it’s a smooth matte look or sleek wet look you’re after, pigment is key. After all, what’s the point of wearing eyeshadow if the color doesn’t pop? If you’re new to cream eyeshadows, or if you’re just looking for a new formula to love, these top IPSY picks are the pigment-packed, crease-free, and smudge-proof eyeshadows of your dreams. Here are the best cream eye shadows for day, night, and every moment in between.

NATURE’S CARTEL Eyeshadow Trio in Champagne Scandal, Tan Lines from Tahiti, and 90’s Nude

Give your favorite eyeshadow shade a shimmer boost, or create a cool metallic cream shadow look with this eyeshadow trio. “Champagne Scandal” is the perfect base for any rose gold eyeshadow look, while “Tan Line from Tahiti” was made for your neutral makeup masterpieces. You can apply these shades with your finger, giving you a few extra minutes of snooze time in the morning or just enough time to perfect your bold lip. Even better: they’re vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic, too.

2. Best Stick Formula: NUDESTIX Magnetic Matte Eye Color

NUDESTIX Magnetic Matte Eye Color

This matte eyeshadow crayon is the ultimate multitasker—it packs eyeshadow pigment, eyelid primer, and an eyeliner pencil into one tiny tin package. The formula is buildable, so you can easily mix and match the neutral eye pencils to create a makeup look full of dimension. Even better, each pencil comes with a built-in sharpener, so your makeup look will always be on point (literally).

3. Easiest to Apply: LAURA MERCIER Caviar Stick Eye Colour

LAURA MERCIER Caviar Stick Eye Colour

This versatile cream shadow stick comes in three finishes with more than 20 shades (aka enough for endless eye looks). From punchy, glittery plums for your shimmeriest makeup looks to matte grays for every day, there’s a cream color for occasion. Swipe it on in the morning and forget about any mid-afternoon touch-ups–these pigments have major staying power, so they’ll stick around as long as you need.

4. Best Buildable Product: THRIVE CAUSEMETICS Brilliant Eye Brightener™ in Aurora

THRIVE CAUSEMETICS Brilliant Eye Brightener™ in Aurora

Since it’s infused with macadamia and meadowfoam oils, your skill will be naturally hydrated, which makes eyes appear more awake and youthful, just by swiping on a few layers of this creamy product. As always. This stick is easy to use as an eyeliner or eyeshadow, and is built for layering. In other words, you can’t mess this application up if you try. Plus, THRIVE products are all vegan and cruelty-free. 

5. Best Built-In Brush Application: STARLOOKS Cream Eyeshadow in Rose Gold

STARLOOKS Cream Eyeshadow in Rose Gold

You can pull out this eyeshadow like a lip gloss for an added bit of glam whenever you need it. With speed-drying technology, it glides on smooth and dries almost instantly. The rose gold color adds a subtle sparkle to any situation. 

6. Best For Date Night: CIATE LONDON Eye Lustre Creme Eyeshadow in Cupid

CIATE LONDON Eye Lustre Creme Eyeshadow in Cupid

I love an eyeshadow that works with you, like this one that goes from sheer sparkle to an intense blast of metallic color. Since it’s made with long-wearing pigments, it won’t smear or smudge all day long. It also turns any regular eyeshadow color into a shimmery blend when layered on top.

7. Best Lightweight: MICABEAUTY Cream Eyeshadow in Bronze

MICABEAUTY Cream Eyeshadow in Bronze

This MICABEAUTY holy grail is exclusive to Ipsters. The ultra-pigmented formula ensures you just need one swipe to get the look you’re after, which makes this product extremely lightweight. It’s built to last all day and never crease, so you can wear it wherever the night takes you.

8. Best Shadow + Liner Combo: BEAUTE BASICS Sahara Gold Chubby Eyeshadow Stick

BEAUTE BASICS Sahara Gold Chubby Eyeshadow Stick

Why choose between a creamy eyeshadow or eyeliner when you can have both? Shadow pencils are great to stash in your bag and whip out for touch ups. It’s basically like the grown-up version of taking crayons with you everywhere you go. This creamy pencil glides on effortlessly so it never pulls on skin, and you can kick up the color—it’s so buildable. 

9. Best Cream-to-Powder: HIKARI COSMETICS Cream Metallic Pigment Shadow

One of the easiest ways to get effortless, rockstar glam is to use your fingers to dab all over color. With this metallic cream-to-powder pot from HIKARI, you can become famous in seconds—or at least, look the part. As you wear throughout the day, the color won’t wane or fade, so you won’t need any mirror checks as your night powers on.

10. Best 2-in-1 Base + Shadow: ‘TINI BEAUTY Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow + Base

‘TINI BEAUTY Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow + Base

If you’re looking for a product that’s great on-the-go, get you a shadow like this one from ‘TINI that acts as a full coverage base plus color in one. With the base formula included, this shadow says put all day, won’t crease, and is 100% transfer-resistant for all-day wear. Simply dab on with the wand and blend out with your finger tips.

11. Best Hydrating Formula: SAHI COSMETICS Cream Metallic Foil Shadow in Doha

SAHI COSMETICS Cream Metallic Foil Shadow in Doha

Thanks to powerhouse ingredient jojoba oil, this shadow keeps your lids hydrated and the color will never flake or lose its luster. Doha is a coppery-gold shade made with crushed pearls that’s inspired by city lights and will make your lids shine like the top of the Empire State building.

12. Best Foil Finish: ORYZA Foiler Alert Metallic Eye Shadow in Rosé

ORYZA Foiler Alert Metallic Eye Shadow in Rosé

A crease-free cream shadow that shines like the light from the sun is possible with this ORYZA formula that’s pure magic. This liquid texture can be used with or without a primer, paired with pressed shadows, or simply on its own. 

Want in on all the IPSY Glam Bag fun? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

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About the author
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Brittany Leitner
Brittany is an award winning beauty, health, and lifestyle writer and author of the poetry book "23 Emotions." She has eight years of experience writing for brands like Elite Daily, The. Dr. Oz Show, Shape, Stylecaster, Bustle, and more.
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Article Last Updated July 24, 2023 12:00 AM