The 20 Best Cream Eyeshadows to Try in 2023

If you ask us, doing your eye makeup is one of the best parts of your glam routine. But working with a million powders can be, well, complicated. And while we love powder eyeshadow, there’s something to be said about cream eyeshadows. They’re basically foolproof — great for makeup beginners and gurus alike. They glide on effortlessly, blend out seamlessly and typically last for hours. Plus, they won’t cause any fallout during the application process (helpful if you’re in a rush or have already done your face makeup). But our favorite part? Cream eyeshadows are multitasking makeup products. You can swipe them across your cheeks or cheekbones for a natural flush of color or subtle sparkle.

Feeling inspired to try it yourself? See below for the 20 best cream eyeshadows to try out this year.

What Is Cream Eyeshadow?

Cream eyeshadows are eyeshadows in the form of a cream. It’s a waxy, creamy makeup product you can apply to your eyelid for a colorful, pigmented look. The silky-smooth formula allows you to blend it out seamlessly, making the product a great option for makeup beginners or those who don’t feel super confident about blending powder shadow. Cream eyeshadows typically come in either a pot or a stick form, both of which can be applied using a brush or your fingers. Cream eyeshadows come in shimmery, dewy or matte formulas and in every color under the sun.

How to Apply Cream Eyeshadow

There are two ways to apply cream eyeshadow: with your fingers or with a brush. Once you’ve decided what tool you want to use to apply, start the application process below.

Step 1: Tap Off the Excess Product

This is especially important if you're using a brush, since the bristles will pick up a lot of pigment. Tap off the extra product on the back of your hand so you can start off with a soft wash of color and build up the intensity to your desired level. If you’re using your finger, tap it a few times on the back of your hand for the same effect.

Step 2: Softly Pat Across Your Eyelid

Next, all you’re going to do is take your brush and your finger and pat the tool across your eyelid to diffuse the product. Blend the color upwards and outwards for a subtle smokey eye effect.

Step 3: Blend, Blend, Blend

Cream eyeshadows tend to set quickly, so you’ll want to move fast. Use your finger or your brush to gently swipe across your eyelid and blend the color so there are no harsh lines. Luckily, the creamy formula allows for easy blending, so this is completely doable for all the eye makeup beginners out there.

The 20 Best Cream Eyeshadows to Try ASAP

IT Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick

This product is everything you love about cream eyeshadows (silky, smooth, and seamless) but in stick form. It’s easy to apply, highly pigmented and blends out like a dream. Plus, the stick form offers precision and ease — it’s just like drawing with a pencil!