Best 15 Cream Eyeshadows Of 2022
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Dewy skin, rosy blush, and glazed lips — these are a few of Beauty TikToks's favorite trends. Known as the "clean girl" aesthetic, the trend enhances the beauty of your natural features. One other important yet often glossed-over part of this natural makeup look is the eyes. According to Vogue, lustrous eyelids that only use a sweep of a single eyeshadow are overtaking more complicated matte cut-crease looks.
One of the most effective ways to get a quick wash of color on the eyes is to go with a cream eyeshadow. Plus, the silky glide from a cream shadow works better than powder for mature skin. When you're in a pinch and only have 10 minutes to do your makeup, just using your finger or a brush to quickly dab on a cream shadow can help you head out the door much quicker.
Cream shadows also come in a wide variety of colors and finishes — from subtle, neutral shimmers to high-shine metallic colors, and from matte neons to sparkly glitters — so there are plenty of cream eyeshadow options out there.
How we selected the best cream eyeshadows
Cream eyeshadow formulas have come a long way since the last time you might have worn them in the 2000s (via Teen Vogue). Many of the cream shadows available today will not make your eyelids look like an oil slick. You no longer have to fear that your look will get patchy as the day wears on, despite any natural oils from your eyelids breaking through.
The key to getting that characteristically smooth sheen to last all day is finding the right cream eyeshadow that works for your needs. We looked through customer reviews on retail websites, celebrity recommendations, and product tests on YouTube to find the best cream eyeshadows for virtually any look you may desire. Whether you're into the "clean girl" look or prefer to paint your eyelids a bold red, there's a cream shadow in our list that is bound to work for you.
Best overall cream eyeshadow
Out of all the cream eyeshadows out there, this pick may not surprise you at all. A cult favorite that quickly gained popularity among beauty gurus in 2017, Stila Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow became a hot commodity for its ability to serve up the most lit glam looks (via PopSugar). It was a trendsetting product that put liquid-cream shadows on the map.
According to beauty influencer Tati Westbrook, this glitter-packed product gives opaque coverage in one swipe. The result is an ultra-metallic finish with finely-milled specks of glitter that add a multi-dimensional sparkle to your eyes. After using the doe-foot applicator to apply the product to your eyelids, the transfer-proof cream dries down immediately and doesn't feel tacky.
Even with all that glitter, there is surprisingly minimal fallout throughout the day. This is due to the technology that went into the formula, per Stila Cosmetics. The base is made up of 40% water, which helps the product dry quickly and adhere to the lid. The pigments are the optimal combination of glitter, pearl, and metallic pigment, which altogether provide a high-shine reflection.
Glow to the Gods and buy Stila Glitter and Glow from Amazon for $24.
Best budget-friendly cream eyeshadow
Our pick for the best budget-friendly cream shadow happens to be another hero product that was created in the 2010s. When the now-world-renowned beauty brand Colourpop launched its Super Shock Shadows in 2014, beauty enthusiasts raved about the innovative product (per The Newbury Girl). The unique cream-to-powder formula has a bouncy texture that blends out to feel light as air yet packs a potent punch of pigmentation.
To this day, the Super Shock Shadows are one of Colourpop's best-selling products, receiving a 4.6-star average rating on Influenster and landing on beauty blogger Temptalia's "Editor's Choice Award" for "Best Budget Cream Eyeshadow" from 2015 to 2019. According to the blog Shameless Flipperies, the cream shadow has a thin consistency that sets to a budge-free finish.
At the end of the day, the crease-resistant eyeshadow looks just as vibrant as it does when initially applied. The ultra-metallic and ultra-glitter finishes are stand-outs, with some shades even featuring unique duochrome shifts. With over 50 colors to choose from, it's like the Pokemon of cream eyeshadows — you've just gotta buy 'em all. And we won't blame you if you actually do.
Buy the Colourpop Super Shock Shadow from the brand's website for $6.
Best drugstore cream eyeshadow
When you're shopping for a makeup product from a reliable brand at the drugstore, there's a good chance it may be from Maybelline. The favorite brand among Gen-Z makeup connoisseurs and budget-conscious shoppers alike offers a variety of tried-and-tested products for an affordable price. Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow, the brand's cream eyeshadow, is no exception, boasting a 4.6-star rating on Target. This pigmented formula offers a dreamy, creamy application while remaining waterproof and fade-resistant for 24 hours. Maybelline Color Tattoo comes mainly in neutral colors (plus one dark blue shimmer shade) and features a variety of matte and shimmer finishes.
Vincent Oquendo, who serves as the makeup expert on "Project Runway," uses these cream shadows on the models that are featured on the show (per Bravo). Tati Westbrook also raved about the cream shadows in a recent video that recapped Maybelline's product lineup. "They're the budget-friendly MAC Paint Pot and they wear beautifully," Westbrook said regarding the product.
Beauty guru Allie Glines gave the product a "10/10" in a review video on her channel, citing the crease-proof formula that didn't budge from her eyelids, despite products having a tendency to wear off from her eyelids.
Buy the Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow from Target for $7.
Best high-end cream eyeshadow
Among high fashion designers, Tom Ford is a legend. Named as one of "the most iconic fashion designers" in the last 100 years by Insider, it's no wonder that Jay-Z even wrote a song named after the icon. While Tom Ford is a reputable fashion brand, its namesake beauty brand, Tom Ford Beauty, is also a favorite among luxury beauty connoisseurs. Per Editorialist, the high-end beauty brand is well worth the splurge because of the "universally flattering" shades the brand offers.
Tom Ford Beauty Cream Color for Eyes is just one example of the brand's impressive lineup. This cream eyeshadow is truly incomparable, winning beauty blogger Temptalia's Editor's Choice Award for "Best High-End Cream Eyeshadow" from 2015 to 2021. Vogue India recommends this product for its luxurious, crease-proof formula that blends into a smooth, lustrous finish on the eyes. According to Sephora, the eyeshadow contains cocoa fruit extract, an antioxidant that protects the delicate skin around your eyelids from free radical damage. While there are only three metallic shades, you can't go wrong with any of them. The shade Sphinx is especially a knockout, with a mesmerizing gold-to-pink duochrome shift.
If you're a material girl, then buy Tom Ford Beauty Cream Color for Eyes from Sephora for $46.
Best cream eyeshadow by an indie brand
Indie brands have increasingly become more popular within the beauty community, offering unique, multi-dimensional, and color-shifting makeup products that you won't find at your local beauty store. One indie brand that is known for its stunning, highly-reflective metallic eyeshadows is Sydney Grace Cosmetics. The brand's cream eyeshadow gives a metallic shine with a smooth finish.
This eyeshadow won Temptalia's Editor's Choice Award in 2020 and 2021 for "Best Budget Cream Shadow," ending Colourpop Super Shock Shadow's four-year reign in this category. Additionally, Temptalia also named the Sydney Grace Cream Eyeshadow the "Best Budget New Product in 2021."
Bailey B., a beauty product reviewer, named the entire line from Sydney Grace the "best cream eyeshadows." According to Bailey, the product blends out very quickly and sets within 30 to 45 seconds. The cream shadow, which comes in metallic shades, dries down to a comfortable powder finish while providing a high-shine effect. Several shades feature iridescent shimmer, and some even have duochrome shifts. A little bit of product goes a long way with this one, as the formula is ultra-pigmented.
Buy the Sydney Grace Cream Eyeshadow from the brand's website for $8.
Best multitasking cream eyeshadow
A tried and true brand, MAC Cosmetics revolutionized the makeup game with its professional quality products that are available for the general public (via 440 Industries). With several cult-favorite products, you're guaranteed to look snatched using MAC's OG staples. One of these fan-favorite products, MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot, is like the Swiss Army Knife of cream eyeshadows. The versatile formula works as a primer, eyelid concealer, and as a one-and-done cream shadow color.
The cream shadow graces the list of beauty products that are highly-raved about within the beauty community on Reddit. Known for its longevity and opaque pigment, the smooth, creamy, and buildable formula sets to a powder-dry finish that stays crease-proof the whole day.
The Paint Pots come in matte and shimmer finishes with a variety of shades. The matte options are available in various skin-tones, making them the perfect color-correcting eyeshadow primers if you have discoloration on your eyelids (per iDiva). If you're going for a "no-makeup" makeup look, you can also wear the shadow all over the lid as a one-and-done shade for the ultimate fresh face. The shimmer shadows offer a captivating wash of color on the eyelids, with some of them featuring a duochrome finish (via MAC Cosmetics).
Buy the MAC Cosmetics Paint Pot from Ulta for $23.
Best waterproof cream eyeshadow
Wearing full glam makeup is all fun and games until it starts raining. And then, you're just hoping that your eye makeup isn't traveling down your face. The good news is that you may not have to worry about your fancy eye look washing away. Using a budge-proof cream shadow like Julep Creme-to-Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick will guarantee to keep your eye makeup locked in and looking fresh as ever. With a 4.4-star rating on Amazon, the cream eyeshadow stick has the number 1 bestseller ranking among all eyeshadows on the e-commerce platform.
The cream-to-powder formula is waterproof, crease-resistant, and contains antioxidants — vitamins C and E. It also comes with a smudger stick on the other end of the product that allows you to customize the coverage. The initial application is pigmented but can be blended out. Because of this, the cream shadow stick is perfect to throw into your handbag for on-the-go makeup. The product comes in matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes. While most of the shades are neutrals, there are a few wearable jewel-toned colors.
If you don't want to cry over washed-out eyeshadow, then buy the Julep Creme-to-Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick from Amazon for $15.
Best cream eyeshadow stick
Iconic makeup artist Bobbi Brown once said, "The secret to beauty is simple: be who you are." When she started her own namesake brand, her mission was to release makeup that accentuated natural beauty. That's why if you really enjoy the convenience of a cream shadow stick, then your best bet may just be the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick. This eyeshadow has a 4.7-star rating among over 2,700 ratings on Sephora.
The swoon-worthy product comes in neutral colors with both matte and shimmer finishes available. Just last summer, Bobbi Brown increased its matte shade range to include shades that would match more skin tones (per HelloBeautiful). Even though it's a shadow stick, you can apply the product directly to your eyelids, without having to worry about warming up the product. The Bobbi Brown cream shadow stick features an ultra-creamy formula that won't tug on your skin. The long-lasting, waterproof formula stays on for eight hours, making it perfect to wear for the typical workday at your office.
Buy the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick from Sephora for $30.
Best bold cream eyeshadow
The neon makeup trend started last summer and it's here to stay for a while. One big reason this trend is sticking is because of the HBO hit TV series "Euphoria" and the colorful makeup looks that are featured on the show.
Donni Davy, head makeup artist on the set of "Euphoria," uses Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Neons on the show and recommends the cream eyeshadows for their bold statement colors that range from bubblegum pink to traffic cone orange (per Entertainment Tonight). The shade Wasabi is perfect if you want to recreate the fierce neon green eyeshadow looks Kat has been rocking.
Winning Allure's Best of Beauty Award in 2020, the Colorfix cream shadow is a multi-use product that is also safe to use on the lips and face. These cream shadows are pure pigment and pack a punch, but the formula is designed to be customizable. So you can sheer the product out using your fingers or an eyeshadow brush, or build it up further to get more pigment. The product is waterproof and long-wearing, making it ideal for a music festival or rave.
Get your neon color fix and buy the Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Neons from Camera Ready Cosmetics for $18.
Best cream eyeshadow for a natural look
There's quite nothing like a fresh-face look that makes people ask you to drop your skincare routine. With natural makeup trending, V Magazine reports that people are forgoing heavy foundations and cut creases in favor of tinted moisturizers and simple washes of eyeshadow.
Wearing a cream eyeshadow that features a buildable formula like Revlon ColorStay Creme Shadow will give an ethereal hint of tint to the eyelids. Revlon claims the blendable, waterproof formula can last up to 24 hours. The cream shadow comes in mainly neutral colors, with a few more wearable pops of color, and is available in matte and shimmer finishes.
Actress Olivia Wilde donned this eyeshadow at the 2016 Golden Globes ceremony, per Daily Mail UK. Beauty guru Tati Westbrook highly recommended the cream eyeshadow in a review on her YouTube channel. According to Westbrook, the creamy formula glides smoothly on the lids, but sets down to last long and not crease. The product can be applied to appear like a sheer veil on the lids or layered for more pigment. There's even a built-in mini cream shadow brush that comes with the product, and Westbrook says it actually works well in applying the product.
If you want a soft glam moment, buy the Revlon ColorStay Creme Shadow from Amazon for $5.39.
Best glitter cream eyeshadow
There's nothing like some glitz to help you put on the Ritz. Add a dazzling glitter eyeshadow and all eyes will be on your eyes. Flower Beauty Warrior Glitter Shadow will give your eye look the ultimate high-voltage jolt. The liquid-cream shadow comes with a doe-foot applicator, has a metallic base, and is jam-packed with glitter (via Flower Beauty).
Flower Beauty founder and actress Drew Barrymore demonstrated how to apply the product in a fun Euphoria-inspired eye makeup tutorial, per Hello Magazine. The Youtube beauty influencer Shae Marie tried the cream shadow and raved about the one-swipe pigmentation and glistening finish. She also noted that the product feels weightless on the lids. This one-and-done cream shadow will add drama to your eyes, giving you a fierce yet simple makeup look for a night out.
If you want to give off main character energy, then buy the Flower Beauty Warrior Glitter Shadow from Amazon for $11.
Best foiled cream eyeshadow
Metallic eyeshadows that give a chrome-like finish to the eyelids are taking over as one of the latest makeup trends. In fact, several models from Paris Fashion Week were spotted donning silver eyeshadow while walking the runways for fashion designers like Dior and Vaquera (per Allure, Bustle). Using a cream eyeshadow like Almay's Velvet Foil Cream Shadow is a great way to get this smooth, foiled finish. There's even a high-impact silver shade that will give you this season's hottest look.
The shade range consists of burnished metallic shades ranging from neutrals to jewel tones, according to Almay. The pigmented eyeshadow is fragrance-free and contains vitamin E. Almay claims this eyeshadow will last for 24 hours and won't crease, fade, or smudge. "Pretty Little Liars" actress Lucy Hale uses this cream shadow for an everyday natural look, per YouTube. But it's not just a hit among celebrities. The shadow has an impressive 4.4-star rating on Influenster, making it an affordable and high-quality product that anybody would love to use.
Rock the Dior-inspired silver inner-corner eye look and preorder the Almay Velvet Foil Cream Shadow in Silver Lining from Amazon for $8.
Best cream eyeshadow for mature skin
Cream eyeshadows are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to deliver pigment and dry to a smooth finish on the eyelids without emphasizing texture. This makes them a must-have for women with mature skin. RMS Beauty, a brand that offers anti-aging makeup has a stellar cream shadow formula called the Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow.
Rose-Marie Swift, a celebrity makeup artist with over 40 years of experience, founded the company. Swift, who describes herself as a woman with mature skin, blends her personal experiences with her professional expertise in developing products.
According to RMS Beauty, the brand's cream eyeshadow contains skin-loving, anti-aging ingredients like soothing green tea extract and firming peptide quinoa extract. With a 4.7-star rating from 206 customers on Sephora, the nourishing, buildable, and crease-proof formula even comes with a tube squeezer that will guarantee you get every drop from the tube (per YouTube). The cream eyeshadow comes in reflective metallic shades, with two of them having an iridescent quality to them.
Let your eyes be the highlight and buy the RMS Beauty Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow from Sephora for $26.
Best organic cream eyeshadow
If you prefer organic ingredients, then Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Natural Eyeshadow might just be the cream shadow for you. The creamy, moisturizing formula makes the cream shadow ideal for mature skin. The eyeshadows are available in neutral matte and iridescent pastel shimmers.
This eyeshadow contains natural, organic ingredients like nourishing shea butter, antioxidant vitamin E, calming rosehip, and rich jojoba oil. The product is also scented with organic vanilla extract, which can be soothing to the skin. One customer named left a review that said, "These cream eyeshadows are terrific, nice, creamy texture and easy to take off. Great for people like me who have extremely sensitive eyes."
Buy the Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Natural Eyeshadow from Amazon for $13.
Best cream eyeshadow palette
Started by makeup artist Roque Cozzette, Cozzette Beauty has become an indie brand that is quickly catching on among beauty enthusiasts for its highly-pigmented Crystal Cream Eyeshadows (via Bustle). In fact, according to People, celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin used one of the brand's Crystal Cream Eyeshadows on Meghan Markle for the 2021 Salute to Freedom Gala.
Cozzette Beauty put its eight most popular single shades all in one palette, the Crystal Cream Eyeshadow Palette, for less than $50. The palette features on-trend cool-toned metallic and duochrome shades. The buildable formula wears well, adhering to the skin without resulting in any fallout. According to Camera Ready Cosmetics, the waterproof eyeshadows will give you a shiny metal finish and are safe to apply on the eyes, lips, and face.
Beauty product reviewer Lauren Mae tested out the palette for multiple days and highly recommended it. According to Mae, the cream shadow formula can be layered and blends out beautifully.
Get your creative juices flowing and buy the Cozzette Beauty Crystal Cream Eyeshadow Palette from Camera Ready Cosmetics for $46.99.