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.
BEST CREAM EYESHADOW STICK
Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème
$16 at Amazon
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.
BEST BUILDABLE CREAM EYESHADOW
Beautycounter Lid Glow Cream Shadow
$28 at Beautycounter
This creamy shadow features a bevy of soothing ingredients, like cucumber and chamomile, plus moisturizing coconut oil and shea butter to minimize lid creasing.
BEST CREAM EYESHADOW FOR SENSITIVE EYES
Glossier Lidstar
$18 at Glossier
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.
MOST BELOVED CREAM EYESHADOW
MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot
$25 at MAC Cosmetics
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.
BEST CREAM EYESHADOW PALETTE
Tom Ford Eye Color Crème Eyeshadow Quad
$90 at Sephora
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."
BEST LONG-LASTING CREAM EYESHADOW
Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise
$34 at Charlotte Tilbury
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.
BEST SHIMMERY CREAM EYESHADOW
Victoria Beckham Beauty Lid Lustre
$36 at Violet Grey
Victoria Beckham Beauty's Lid Lustre shadows offer the perfect hint of shimmer without going overboard and are available in nine color options.
BEST VEGAN CREAM EYESHADOW
RMS Beauty Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow
$28 at Dermstore
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.
BEST CREAM EYESHADOW SET
Westman Atelier Eye Pods
$88 at Violet Grey
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.
MOST VERSATILE CREAM EYESHADOW
Danessa Myricks Beauty
$18 at Sephora
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.
