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Shop the best formulas and learn how to apply it with these expert tips. Mascara Coating
Do you feel like eyeshadow is one of those things that's best left to the pros? Or maybe you've never seemed to master a not-too-messy, perfectly blended look? If either resonates, then please give cream eyeshadow a chance. The formula is great for beginners, those pressed for time, and anyone with dry or mature skin. “Cream eyeshadows are very blendable, hydrating, and natural-looking,” says Romy Soleimani, a celebrity makeup artist who especially loves these formulas for mature skin. Suzy Gerstein, a New York–based celebrity makeup artist, agrees: "I love cream eyeshadow for mature skin because it adds polish without emphasizing any dryness or texture on the lid that can occur as we age."
Cream eyeshadows are available in multiple shades and finishes, from matte to shimmery and metallic. Gerstein says matte and satin finishes are her favorite to smooth out texture on mature or dry skin types. If you're oily, you might want to steer clear of a shiny finish, which will quickly slide or crease on slick skin—or use an eyeshadow primer to help keep it in place.
"You can apply a cream eyeshadow many ways," says Soleimani. "It’s super easy to press it in with your finger, or you can use a soft, fluffy brush for a more diffused look. You can also use it along the lash line with a small fine brush to create a wing or smudged liner look." The best part about the application is that there's no product fallout, says Gerstein. And you can make them super long-lasting: Layering a cream shadow underneath a powder shadow will increase both depth of color and longevity. Or try applying one on top of a powder shadow to add dimension with a modern finish.
Ahead, shop cream eyeshadows worth adding to your makeup routine:
This is the OG of cream eyeshadow. You can apply one on its own or use it as a primer, layering underneath your powder eyeshadow to intensify its color. Either way, trust that these formulas stay in place for a long time without smudging, creasing, or flaking. You can shop a variety of shades and finishes, from neutrals to holographic shine.
"I love these stackable eyeshadows because they go on seamlessly," says Soleimani. "They are so easy to use. You can use them with a finger or a brush." The options are endless, too. They come in 11 neutral shades, 11 shimmers, and 11 smoky, deeper hues. The formulas are very pigmented and long-lasting.
Ami Colé recently launched these liquid eyeshadows in dark brown, light brown, marigold, and sky blue hues. The formula is creamy and smooth, so you can swipe, blend with your fingers, then go. It contains hydrating ingredients like baobab seed oil, aloe leaf extract, and vitamin E, making it great for mature or dry skin. The coverage is sheer but buildable, so you can create a subtle or full-glam look.
This shadow's smooth and easy-to-blend texture makes it nearly impossible for you to mess up. It applies as easy as a cream but dries into a soft matte powder, so you don't have to worry about creasing or smudging. You can wear a sheer wash of color (perfect for everyday wear) or layer it for a bolder look.
Gerstein says these are a staple in her kit "for the way they add dimension and life to the lid. Also, they apply easily with fingertips and offer long-lasting wear." You can manipulate the gleam level to create a subtle shimmer or out-of-this-world shine.
Available in eight gleaming shades, this vitamin E-infused shadow glides onto lids and feels moisturizing. Instead of highlighting any uneven texture, the soft-focus shimmers help blur lines and offer a dewy glowing look.
The fact that this formula is available for only five dollars a pot makes it all the more impressive. The blendable texture and buildable color is easy to apply as a primer, eyeshadow, or eyeliner. It comes in six shades, including lavender, orange, brown, and white. The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny certified. Stock up.
There are many reasons to love these formulas: The rich color payoff is mesmerizing; one tap or swipe offers full-coverage pigment; these tubes will last a long time; you can choose from a bunch of colors and finishes (from matte to high shine); and they're multipurpose—use them as eyeshadow, eyeliner, blush, or lipstick.
If oily eyelids wreak havoc on your eyeshadow look, then you need this formula. It's oil-free, lightweight, and lasts up to 16 hours. You can find it in a shimmer, metallic, and matte option with hues varying from neutral beige and brown to deep red and purple. The thin applicator also makes it easy to create precise shapes and eyeliner looks without an additional brush.
This is one of those unique formulas that causes strangers on the street to ask you what you're wearing—it's that beautifully pigmented. It also doesn't crease, fade, or smudge. All skin types will love this formula, especially sensitive, because it contains soothing aloe vera and chamomile. Shop it in both shimmer and metallic finishes.
Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok
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