Your Ultimate Eyeshadow Texture Guide

Cream Eyeshadow

For Patterson, cream is king of the eyeshadow world. “The versatility of this texture makes it a fit for any makeup situation,” he says. “It’s able to walk the line to be used as a base; it can create a quick office eye or a full on glamazon look and even be used as an impromptu eyeliner.” On top of its versatility, this texture is also extremely consumer-friendly because it’s easy to control, making it a great choice for makeup novices and pros alike.

If you don’t have an eyeshadow primer on hand, Patterson says that cream shadows are a great alternative. “It’s one of my favorite formulas to use as a base,” he says. “Not only will it grab any powder shadow you layer on top, but it also helps add opacity and vibrancy to your look.”

You can easily apply cream shadows using your fingers, but Patterson recommends using a synthetic fluffy brush for when you want a softer, more subtle look. “Gently work the cream into the top of the brush bristles, then buff onto the lid and work your way outward until all hard lines disappear,” he says. “You can leave it as is or add other creams or powders to build up to your desired look.”

Glitter makeup is a huge trend for 2022, so stay on top of it by adding the Valentino Beauty Dreamdust Glitter Eyeshadow to your bag this year. The creamy formula provides a dazzling pay-off in a single swipe, plus you won’t experience any fallout whatsoever. 

Liquid Eyeshadow

There’s not a single shadow texture that can compete with the long-wearability of liquid eyeshadows, but this texture may require some practice to achieve the effect you desire. “Liquid shadows come in almost every finish from matte to glitter,'' says Patterson. “Plus, they can work as a base, providing a sheer wash of color, or as an added glam accent, providing a pop of liquid glitter to the lid.”

The first thing to know about liquid eyeshadow is that a little bit goes a long way. Patterson recommends starting with just a tiny dot then adding color as needed. Most formulas come with a doe-foot applicator, so place just a touch on the back of your hand before dipping into it with a brush for more control. “Liquids tend to spread very easily, so blend quickly with small amounts of product to achieve the desired intensity and placement before it dries,” he says. Though liquid eyeshadows are known to be longwearing, it may be best to avoid this texture if you have oily skin or are prone to creasing. 

Stick Eyeshadow

Most stick shadows have formulas similar to cream eyeshadows, but one major difference is that sticks are more travel-friendly. “This is the ultimate formula for the on-the-go person,” says Patterson. “It’s so easy to apply that anyone can create a quick eye look on the train or in your car (but not while driving, of course!)” 

Because these eyeshadows are housed in a stick, you have optimum placement and pigment payoff control. When you’re looking for a quick one-and-done, long-wearing look, it’s best to grab a stick shadow. “My favorite way to apply stick shadow is to line the upper lash line, then gently blend the pigment with my finger using a light press and pull upward motion,” says Patterson. “The color will start to seamlessly blend out until mid eye where it will disappear into the skin creating a quick, simple and effective look.”

Gloss Eyeshadow

Don’t expect glossy eyeshadow to have staying power — that lack of longevity makes eye gloss one the trickiest textures to use. “It’s going to move and crease, but your eye look will be an absolute show stopper,” says Patterson. 

If you do want to rock a high-fashion, glossy eye look there are a few steps you should take. First, make sure your eyes are primed and your eyeshadow is perfectly placed where you want it before applying gloss. “Gloss should be applied at the very end of your makeup, right before walking out the door,” says Patterson. When it comes time to add it onto your look, use a small, flat brush to gently tap the gloss onto your eye. “Try not to swipe or pull the gloss as that may move the already placed color around,” he says. “Remember, gloss will shift and travel with wear, so keep that in mind with placement. Oh, and you’ll want to get that selfie at the start of your night vs the end.“

For more comfortable wear try sticking to a lightweight, non-sticky formula like the INC.redible You Glow Girl Iridescent Jelly.