Sometimes, the minimal-effort, no-fuss eye looks are the best, and that’s where the best cream eyeshadows come in. There are so many cream eyeshadow benefits — they’re known for not creasing, suitable for mature eyes and sensitive eyes, long-lasting, and easy to blend, making them a go-to for so many of our makeup looks. They also work perfectly as an eyeshadow base.
So, whether you want a bright, glittery, metallic, or natural finish, if you’re looking for the best cream eyeshadows to add to your stash, keep scrolling.
How To Apply Cream Eyeshadow
The whole point of cream eyeshadow is that it’s easy to use and apply. For a wash of colour across the lids, simply pick your shade and apply it with a brush or your fingers. Once it’s set, it won’t budge. If you want to blend multiple shades, just treat it as you would a normal eyeshadow, just with lighter layers and work quickly to blend before they set.
If you’re using it as an eyeshadow base, smooth over the lid, then apply your powder eyeshadows over the top for a more smooth, blended, and intense pigment payoff.
1. NUDESTIX Nude Earth Eye Palette Kit
Top of the list is one of our minimal makeup faves, NUDESTIX. The Nude Earth Eye Palette Kit is our go-to for all the best cream eyeshadow in one place. This six-piece kit features cream eyeshadow pencils which are perfect for using all over the lid or as an eyeliner. The super creamy, smooth, soft formula glides onto the lid with intense colour payoff, yet dries down to a smudge-proof finish that won’t feel sticky on the eyelids. The set features a range of natural-toned mattes and shimmers, so there’s something for every mood.
2. Made By Mitchell Colour Case Cosmetic Paint Palette The Electrics
Mitchell has been a makeup addict for years, so it’s no surprise that his Made By Mitchell brand is now bringing us some of the most innovative formulas we’ve seen, and the Colour Case Cosmetic Paint Palette The Electrics is no exception. This multi-use palette features 12 multi-use paint pots that can be used for the eyes, lips, and face. We love them as cream eyeshadows, as the pigment payoff is like no other, the formula is blendable and creamy, and they have a budge-proof finish. If you’re looking to get creative, then this is the one for you.
3. Half Magic Chromaddiction Matte Eye Paint & Liner
For those high-impact eye looks, turn to Half Magic. The Chromaddition Matte Eye Paint & Liner is the high-pigmented cream eyeshadow you need in your collection. The ultra-smooth formula can be used as a shadow or liner, allowing you to create eye-catching looks from bold colours to graphic liners. The matte finish won’t budge or smudge, so your makeup looks will last from morning to night. The bright, red-orange Burn It Down shade is our fave.
4. MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot
The MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pots have been a staple in so many makeup bags for as long as we can remember. They never let you down. The soft, cream eyeshadow formula can be worn alone or acts as the perfect base for your other eyeshadows. The two-in-one formula works as a primer and a shadow at the same time and has a highly pigmented, long-wearing, blendable finish that doesn’t crease or look cakey.
5. Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Foils 24-Hour Cream Colour
Want to get creative? The Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Foils 24-Hour Cream Colours are the perfect match. These intensely pigmented cream colours can be used all over the face, but we think they’re perfect for the eyes. Available in a range of foiled shades, the smudge-proof, waterproof, and long-wearing multi-use cream is sure to get your next makeup look noticed. Don’t know which shade to choose? Venus is the perfect rose gold pink.
6. Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Mattes 24-Hour Cream Colour
And she’s just as good at creating matte shades as she is foils. The Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Mattes 24-Hour Cream Color is the perfect matte compliment to the foils and shimmers in the line-up. Featuring the same easy-to-use, smudge-proof, waterproof, and pigmented formula, this wide range of colours allows you to get creative with your eye looks. Want to keep it simple? Pick up the Primary Blue shade for a striking electric blue.
7. About-Face Fractal Glitter Eye Paint
A cream eyeshadow that’s also glittery? We wanna know more. The About-Face Fractal Glitter Eye Paints are perfect for when you want to look like you’ve made the effort, without actually making the effort. The soft cream formula is loaded with a shimmery, pearlescent finish, with a soft wash of colour. It’s crease, crack, and transfer-free, which means once it’s on, it’s not going anywhere. We love the soft pink Smolder shade that’s perfect for every occasion.
8. KimChi Chic Beauty Diamond Sharts Cream Eyeshadow
Keeping with the glitter theme, we’re loving the KimChi Chic Beauty Diamond Sharts Cream Eyeshadow. It’s an ultra-creamy formula that’s free from any nasties, making it ideal for sensitive eyes and mature eyes. The glittery, shimmering finish is the perfect finishing touch to any look, especially if you pick up World Dominance — the perfect icy shade with multi-colour reflects.
9. Revolution Pro Glam Eye Duo
We’re obsessed with the Revolution Pro Glam Eye Duo. The two-in-one stick features an ultra-soft cream eyeshadow pencil on one end and a shimmering gel creme on the other. Worn alone or together, these cream shadows dry down to a budge-proof finish, giving you showstopping looks no matter the season.
10. e.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Metallic Eyeshadow
Another fave is the e.l.f. Cosmetic Liquid Metallic Eyeshadow. It’s another shimmering formula that’s packed with multi-dimension pearls for an eye-catching look. It’s a quick-drying formula, meaning one swipe and you’re good to go with a long-lasting eye look. Available in multiple shades from purples to greens, we think Moon might be our favourite.
11. e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Cream Eyeshadow
While we’re on the e.l.f. hype, let us introduce you to the No Budge Cream Eyeshadow. The three-in-one formula acts as a shadow, primer, and liner all at the same time. It’s ultra-pigmented and super creamy, so you can simply swipe onto the lid and still look your best. There are soft nudes and a bright white, but we’re obsessed with the soft lilac shade, Wildflower.
12. Sample Beauty Liquid Eyeshadow
Last up on the list of the best cream eyeshadows is the Sample Beauty Liquid Eyeshadow. This liquid-cream formula is perfect for those minimal makeup days where you just want to apply one colour. The mousse-like texture blends seamlessly onto the lid and sets for a crease-free, budge-proof finish that won’t let you down.