What do you like about cream eyeshadow? What don't you like?

Tell us what you love and hate about...

Cream Eyeshadow

I love them in theory–like a one and done kind of shade–but I tend to reach for powder eyeshadow 99% of the time. I do enjoy using cream eyeshadows as an eyeshadow base or as eyeliner, though.

— Christine

19 Comments

Comments that do not adhere to our comment policy may be removed. Discussion and debate are highly encouraged but we expect community members to participate respectfully. Please keep discussion on-topic, and if you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us!

Please help us streamline the comments' section and be more efficient: double-check the post above for more basic information like pricing, availability, and so on to make sure your question wasn't answered already. Comments alerting us to typos or small errors in the post are appreciated (!) but will typically be removed after errors are fixed (unless a response is needed).

We appreciate enthusiasm for new releases but ask readers to please hold questions regarding if/when a review will be posted as we can't commit to or guarantee product reviews. We don't want to set expectations and then disappoint readers as even products that are swatched don't always end up being reviewed due to time constraints and changes in priorities! Thank you for understanding!

Comments on this post are closed.
Ana Maria Avatar

I personally never got into cream eyeshadows, I much prefer the classic powder version. With my oily lids and hooded eyes it’s harder to work with cream eyeshadows; I have to be very careful to keep my eyes semi-closed until it dries out, and in the end somehow I always got transfer or creasing. I know that there are better formulas out there, but I simply don’t like applying cream eyeshadow. Also, I’m usually iffy about the packaging, it’s usually either a pot or a tube with a doe foot applicator, which I both find not so hygienic.

dusty Avatar

As my eyes got older looking cream shadow/shadow sticks just look nicer on my eyes.
They are quick & easy to use. I mostly use Laura Mercier & Nudestix. I don’t need a primer. I color them on my eye lid & spread the color up past the crease with a Mac #252 brush.
Done!

Mariella Avatar

My dislikes are: 1 – this is probably the biggest dislike and it’s that they can dry out and become unusable in a surprisingly short time. I’ve some of the old Benefit ones and Maybelline ones and while using Inglot Duraline can help restore them for a short time, it’s a short-lived fix. 2. I find it harder to work with more than one or, maybe, 2 shades at the same time. I just find it harder to blend and even know how to place and blend them.

What I do love is the easiness of them – usually, it’s a “one and done and gone out the door” thing and I also love the long wear they offer.

Suzanne Avatar

I wish I could use cream shadows. I’m older and feel they would give a softer appearance. I have super oily eyelids and although I’ve only tried the Maybelline one, it wasn’t successful. I stick to powders.

Susan Avatar

I love cream eyeshadows. I use them often during covid for a natural look.
I tightline using a dark brown or purple eyeliner and apply mascara.
My favorites are Tom Fords emotionproof and Chanel’s rose quartz in a tube.
I use a little ecru shadow in a Tom Ford’s quad under my brow and the inner lids of my eyes.

It is so easy to use cream shadows and blend with them.

Ginny Avatar

I like that they give more control over blending. However the ones in pots can be hard to pick up with a brush and they will eventually dry up (where I’ll keep powder shadows forever). I do really like stick shadows though, MAC Eye Kohls being my favorite.

Melissa Avatar

I have small lid space so for everyday looks I like to use cream eyeshadows as a one and done look, and they last all day on my hooded lids. I use mostly Maybelline Color Tattoo or the Butter London jelly ones if I want more sparkle. I don’t like how they can dry up though, and I have had to toss a few because of it.

kjh Avatar

Those BL jellies are terrific, esp Oil Slick. But a flat zero until they dry out. Never repurchased any. Interestingly enough, some had no good powder dupes, to my eye. And Duraline type products did not resuscitate them. If you want to use one/them exclusively, it’d probably work. Their premature demise will always be one of my biggest m/u bummers.

Gamze Avatar

I have extremely hooded eyes, and when I was younger, cream shadows had much longer staying power on my lids. Now that I have textured, crepey eyelids, powder shadows accentuate every little line. I wont’ buy any more powder shadows form now on, cream shadows are the only choice for me. I only wish there were more brands available in my country.

Logan Avatar

I like that they’re just so easy. Not that powder shadows are difficult (okay maybe loose ones can be), but they’re even more effortless. I have an eyeshadow primer that works extremely well (Wet n Wild Photo Focus), so even my super oily lids don’t move it around. They’re my favorite for single shadow looks, which are becoming more and more appealing.

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!