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No routine is complete without at least one of these top-rated picks.
You don't have to be an experienced makeup artist to understand the value of great products. And adding one of the best cream eyeshadows to your makeup bag not only helps round out your routine, but also brings you one step closer to an expert-level look.
One of our favorite things about these beloved shadows? They tend to be grippier than traditional powder or liquid formulas, helping them last all day with maximum color payoff—often without the use of a primer—which means a little goes a long way.
Whether you prefer using eyeshadow in the form of a palette, pod, stick, or tube, there are a bevy of creamy options available from buzzy brands like Tom Ford, Victoria Beckham Beauty, Danessa Myricks, and more to suit your application needs. Here, 12 of the best cream eyeshadows to shop now that both shoppers and BAZAAR editors are giving top marks—and plenty of swipes.
More than 29,000 Amazon customers are raving about this culty cream-to-powder dual-end eyeshadow stick that includes a built-in smudge tool for easy application.
Beauty influencers and professional makeup artists swear by MAC's Pro Longwear Paint Pots for a seamless eyeshadow base or all-over color that doesn't budge.
Here's a buildable shadow that's ideal for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes; it's fragrance free, as well as both dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.
Charlotte Tilbury's beloved cream eyeshadow is made to stay put and contains a flexible, water-infused formula that also features vitamin E as a star ingredient to keep your lids nourished.
Whether you decide to use your fingers or a makeup tool to apply, this ophthalmologist-tested (and highly pigmented) shadow glides over the eyes like butter.
If you're in the market for a new go-to compact, consider this top-rated eyeshadow quad from Tom Ford Beauty that one Sephora customer says has "gorgeous packaging, to start." Plus, it "feels luxurious. The shadow colors are stunning. Buttery smooth, highly pigmented, and oh so blendable. The rich colors look amazing, and can achieve a lovely daytime or night out look."
This creamy shadow features a bevy of soothing ingredients, like cucumber and chamomile, plus moisturizing coconut oil and shea butter to minimize lid creasing.
You can use this multipurpose cream pigment from Danessa Myricks Beauty just about anywhere on the face, including your eyes, cheeks, and even lips for supreme color payoff.
Keep your lids protected and bedazzled with this skincare-makeup hybrid mineral shadow from Supergoop! that contains SPF 30.
Celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman created this trio of eyeshadows with portability in mind, since they magnetically snap together for easy transport. Plus, each set makes for foolproof application, as it includes a core shade for a base, an accent shade for color, and a third shade to highlight and brighten your lids.
This handy eyeshadow pencil from NUDESTIX not only nicely includes its own carrying case, but also a sharpener to keep your tool sharp.
Victoria Beckham Beauty's Lid Lustre shadows offer the perfect hint of shimmer without going overboard and are available in nine color options.
Though using a brush is always a great application option for precision, the best cream eyeshadows tend to have a thicker consistency than their liquid or powder counterparts, which also makes them finger friendly.
Not using an eye primer before shadow isn't a beauty deal breaker, but those with oily lids may want to consider incorporating one into their routine to help their look last as long as possible. A great primer can also be helpful in minimizing unsightly eyeshadow creasing overall.
That all depends on what you're looking for. We still love a good powder or liquid shadow, too—ultimately the best eyeshadow formula is one that works well for your specific needs and offers exceptional color payoff.