Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (2024)

Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (1)

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

Facts: Cream eyeshadows aren't those sticky, greasy, and super-creasy formulas of the past (eye primer wasn't really a thing back then—dark times, I know). Also, facts: Today, they're silky, blendable, and surprisingly long-lasting and can be the quickest addition to your makeup routine, thanks to the fact that they only take a few minutes to buff in (eyeshadow brushes optional).

Sounds too good to be true, I know, but trust me, because I personally tested and reviewed 13 of the best formulas on the market, and I'm ready to put you on them. From drugstore eyeshadows—like ColourPop, NYX, and Revlon—to splurge-worthy picks—like Róen, Shiseido, and Bobbi Brown— I've narrowed down the very best cream eyeshadow options for your skin type, personal preferences, and budget, below:

✔️ FYI: We updated this article in June 2023 to give you the most up-to-date info on cream eyeshadows, including new products the internet won't stop talking about, deleted outdated oldies, and checked in on the latest in cream eyeshadows, just for you.

Our top picks for the best cream eyeshadows in 2024:

    So without further ado, here are 13 of the best cream eyeshadows that are long-lasting and crease-proof. Keep reading for the full breakdown of the best cream eyeshadows, according to my own testing and product reviewers, along with tips on what you should look for when selecting a cream eyeshadow. Ready to get into it? The full breakdown, ahead.

    1

    Best Overall Cream Eyeshadow

    Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (9)

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (10)

    Pros
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (11)Offers a great shade and finish selection
    Cons
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (12)The matte finish is oftentimes sold out

    Meet the cream eyeshadow that legit converted me. This sparkly little stick is beyond easy to apply (I swipe it over my lids super quickly and tap it in with my fingertips) and leaves me with the prettiest, slightly subtle finish that actually stays put all day.

    • Shades: 27
    • Finishes: Shimmer, matte, metallic

    THE REVIEW: “They glide on really nicely and have a slightly flat applicator that helps with lining your eyes or using as a shadow,” one tester writes. “They smudge well with the fingers for a beautiful, quick, and easy finish.”

    2

    Best Multitasking Cream Eyeshadow

    Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Eye, Cheek & Lip Cream Pigment

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (13)

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (14)

    Pros
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (15)Despite its liquid-like texture, it doesn’t feel sticky on your lids
    Cons
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (16)Some testers note that it dries rather quickly, so you should blend right away after applying

    Anything that multitasks has my vote, and that includes this cheek, lip, and eye tint by Danessa Myricks, which comes in a super-wide range of matte, metallics, and high-shine finishes. It’s also ideal if you like to keep a paired-down makeup bag since it's an all-in-one product. Example: The Sweet Pink Matte shade (pictured) or Primary Red shade can work as your cream eyeshadow, liquid blush, and tinted lip gloss for a simple monochromatic makeup look.

    • Shades: 39
    • Finishes: Matte, metallic, high shine

    THE REVIEW: “A little goes a long way to make a statement,” reads one review. “The formula is easy to apply on top of powder shadow or without, and it lasts all day with a primer through the most humid conditions.”

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    Pros
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (19)Can be used as a beautiful topper to illuminate any eyeshadow color underneath
    Cons
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (20)You must warm up the shadow with your fingers in order to get a good result, some testers note

    Say hello to one of my holy grail beauty products—this g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s sparkly cream-powder hybrid eyeshadow that looks even prettier when it hits the light. The shadow can be lightly applied to be as sheer as you like or built up for a more opaque look. The best part? The brand avoids using plastic glitter, which can be harmful to the environment and irritating for sensitive skin and instead uses an eco-friendly, clean alternative.

    • Shades: 2 (*Original Disco, pictured here, is a “clear” sparkle; Summer Disco is a warm, burnt sienna sparkle)
    • Finishes: Sparkly

    THE REVIEW: “This is one of my favorite shadows now,” one tester writes. “It has a light, glittery, look, perfect for the evening. The more that is applied, the more glittery of an effect you get. It goes on smoothly and wears well.”

    4

    Best Affordable Cream Eyeshadow

    ColourPop Super Shock Shadow

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (21)

    Pros
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (22)Can also be used as a highlighter
    Cons
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (23)Testers note that they run through it super quickly

    Two things about me: (1) I love multi-purpose beauty products and (2) I also love them to be inexpensive. That's why the cult-favorite Super Shock Shadow by ColourPop is one of the best cream eyeshadows on the market because it can be used as both a wash of color on your lids as well as a highlighter. Not to mention, it's less than 10 bucks.

    • Shades: 24
    • Finishes: Sparkle, chrome-like

    THE REVIEW: “These shadows have made me get rid of several palettes I've used for years,” reads one review. “The color payoff is ridiculous—go look at some videos showing how these are used and I promise you will buy them all.”

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    5

    Best Shimmer Cream Eyeshadow

    Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (24)

    Pros
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (25)Really creamy, buildable, and pigmented formula
    Cons
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (26)Some testers note it may crease without a primer

    If you want your eyes to have the bronziest, glowiest, most radiant look, you absolutely need to add this cream eyeshadow by Charlotte Tilbury to your cart rn. The shimmer isn't like other sparkly eyeshadows because of the fact it's so finely milled, it won't give you that chunk-y effect. Pair it with your favorite liquid blush and cream bronzer for a just got back from vacation, look.

    • Shades: 8
    • Finishes: Shimmer

    THE REVIEW: "My absolute favorite eyeshadow," notes one reviewer. "It is so easy to apply, blends so easily, and you can build it up if needed. The shimmer is just enough and isn’t overwhelming. This color makes my green eyes really shine."

    6

    Most Blendable Cream Eyeshadow

    Shiseido Kajal Ink Artist Shadow

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (27)

    Pros
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (28)Seriously so blendable that you can create the perfect base or smokey eye
    Cons
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (29)Because they’re so blendable, it may be hard for you to precisely line your eyes or use as a brow pencil

    I'm not lying when I say this is the creamiest, most blendable eyeshadow I have ever tried, and it's my everyday brown shade. I start by applying it in the crease of my lid to create depth before layering on the rest of my shadows, and then I use it on my lower lash line for a bit of dimension. It blends like butter, trust.

    • Shades: 10
    • Finishes: Matte

    THE REVIEW: “It’s a nice, soft, and smooth texture that glides on like silk,” writes one tester. “It is so easy to apply, so vibrant, and lasts all day without smearing,” adds another.

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    7

    Best Highlighting Cream Eyeshadow

    NYX Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (30)

    Pros
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (31)It's a super pigmented formula
    Cons
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (32)When the product gets low, you tend to lose a lot of product because they can only be sharpened so much, some testers note

    Streamline your makeup routine with this multitasking cream eyeshadow that comes in 16 different shades and two different finishes for less than the price of your cocktail. The stick applicator lets you wear the formula on your lids or your waterline, andddd not to mention, it's the same viral eye pencil that Alix Earle uses every single day (*adds to cart immediately).

    • Shades: 16
    • Finishes: Matte, shimmer

    THE REVIEW: "It's creamy, spreads easily, it's a giant size, and it's perfect for the inside of my eyes," one reviewer writes."It's not small where I'd be poking myself in the eye like with a tiny sharp pencil. I love this and it's very affordable."

    8

    Best New Cream Eyeshadow

    Kulfi Zari Eyes Long-Lasting Crease-Proof Cream Eyeshadow

    Pros
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (34)Testers with hooded eyes note that it doesn't crease on their lids at all
    Cons
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (35)Some testers noted that the shimmer pigments had a bit of glitter fallout

    This is my newest favorite cream eyeshadow on the market. The beautiful shades vary from bronze-y gold shades to chrome-like green and blues so you really can go either way. Plus, the formula is super pigmented and super long-lasting, plus it's basically crease-proof. I'd say that basically checks all the boxes, amiright?

    • Shades: 5
    • Finishes: Shimmer, metallic

    THE REVIEW: "The mousse formula is so light and creamy and can be spread so easily," one tester's review reads. "I also love how with two or three layers, it turns to an intense pigment!"

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    9

    Best Cream Eyeshadow for Beginners

    Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

    Pros
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (37)Waterproof formula that stays put all day long sans flaking
    Cons
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (38)Testers say that the shadow is fragile and it may break if you use too much pressure

    The best part about this cream eyeshadow—aside from the fact that it won’t smudge or crease—is that it's a stick formula, which makes for easy application. So if you’re a makeup beginner or simply refuse to spend more than 30 seconds on your eyeshadow (hi, same), you can just guide this cream eyeshadow stick over your lids and blend it with your fingertips.

    • Shades: 23
    • Finishes: Shimmer, matte, metallic

    THE REVIEW: "I LOVE this shadow stick," notes one tester. "It blends so easily and doesn't crease all day. There isn't any fallout and the application is so easy. I use this shade just to define my crease for an everyday look and blend it out with a small brush or my fingers. So easy and creates a beautiful, pulled-together look in 30 seconds."

    10

    Best Smokey Eye Cream Eyeshadow

    NudeStix Magnetic Eye Color

    Pros
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (40)Can be used as a liner or base for an intense smokey eye
    Cons
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (41)Testers report that the included sharpener "eats up" and wastes a lot of product

    This creamy black eyeshadow is the key to creating the smokiest of smokey eyes. Buff it across your lids with a fluffy brush, then trace your lash line with an angled eyeliner brush. And, fun fact, it can be layer (and layered again) for the deepest of black shades.

    • Shades: 21
    • Finishes: Matte, satin

    THE REVIEW: "This eye color is so easy to apply and the color payoff is amazing," one review reads. "I had been looking for a good shadow...and this is everything I was looking for. The edges blend easily, layering is easy, and it's all-around a great product!"

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    11

    Best Lightweight Cream Eyeshadow

    Jones Road Beauty Just A Sec

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (42)

    Pros
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (43)Great highlighting shade for inner corners, brow bone, or across lids
    Cons
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (44)Super sheer formula, so not a good option for those looking for more of an intense look

    Consider this cream eyeshadow your new go-to for quick touch-ups. The silky formula goes on super subtly, ideal for your soft-glam makeup look. So feel free to dab it onto your lids while you’re commuting to happy hour or your next Hinge date without fear of going overboard.

    • Shades: 9
    • Finishes: Shimmer

    THE REVIEW: "Gorgeous super soft eye makeup and it's easy to apply with my finger; I love it," writes one tester. "Great color, not too shimmery, but adds a little zhuzh!" adds another.

    12

    Best Cream Eyeshadow Base

    MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot Eyeshadow

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (45)

    Pros
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (46)Nude colors can be used as an eye base or even a concealer in a pinch
    Cons
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (47)Testers note that it dries really fast and it can make it hard to blend

    If you haven't heard of the MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot, you have been 100 percent living under a rock. This cream eyeshadow is a holy grail product that's lasted for quite a while now in the beauty world due to it being the best eyeshadow primer on the market (s/o to my shade Painterly), and not to mention, it's not a pretty bad eyeshadow, either (s/o to the other 14 shades).

    • Shades: 15
    • Finishes: Matte, shimmer

    THE REVIEW: "It wasn't until I tried the shade Painterly that the product's full potential was revealed," one review reads. "I now use that shade as my only eyelid primer. It creates a smooth base that hides any unwanted pigmentation or imperfections and helps all eyeshadow stick and is more vibrant."

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    13

    Best Drugstore Cream Eyeshadow

    Revlon ColorStay Crème Eyeshadow

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (48)

    Pros
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (49)Really affordable price for the amount and quality
    Cons
    • Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (50)Formula dries out over time, testers note

    Honestly, the fact that this long-wear cream eyeshadow is less than $10 and comes with a convenient little eyeshadow brush is pretty excellent. The drugstore formula comes in 12 shades, too, including this iridescent green.

    • Shades: 12
    • Finishes: Metallic, matte, pearl, and satin

    THE REVIEW: "I have used this cream eyeshadow for years and have emptied the jar many times," one tester's review reads. "I adore the shades, they blend like a dream, smoke nicely, and never crease which is magic as everything else creases on me within moments of application."

    How to choose the best cream eyeshadows:

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (51)

    Look at the color and pigment

    Some cream eyeshadows skew toward the sheer side, giving you a wash of color that's perfect for anyone who likes light, subtle makeup (try: Jones Road Beauty Just a Sec or a light wash of Róen Disco Eye). Other cream formulas can pack on the pigment with just a couple taps of your finger or eyeshadow brush—perfect if you like to go big and bold (try: Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerize or NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil).

    If you can test the product in store, compare the pigment intensity by blending it on the back of your hand. But if you're shopping online, make sure to really read through reviews, look at customer photos, and, hello, listen to me, who broke down every one of the best cream eyeshadows for color and pigment, above.

    Consider the formula

    Be honest with yourself: If you're a makeup beginner, and a highly-pigmented or glitter eyeshadow sounds intimidating, opt for a stick formula (like Laura Mercier Caviar Stick or Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Stick) that'll allow you to shade in your eyelid like a coloring book and control exactly where you deposit the color. And if you hate all makeup brushes and applicators, opt for a pot or cream eyeshadow palette (like ColourPop Super Shock or Kulfi Zari Eyes) so you can use your fingers to tap and blend.

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    Why trust Cosmo?

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (52)

    Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan who writes beauty and has three years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing beauty stories, like the best gel eyeliners and the greatest cream blushes on the market. She’s an authority in all makeup categories, but an expert when it comes to cream eyeshadows. She regularly tests and analyzes them on herself for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top makeup artists to assess new formulas and brands.

    Sami Roberts was previously the beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan with four years of experience researching, writing, and editing health, social media, and beauty-related stories, including facial-hair removal and dermaplaning. Her cream eyeshadow picks were based on product reviews, ratings, and personal testing, along with information from experts.

    Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan with more than 10 years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle articles. Some of her stories include the best mascaras and best face moisturizers. She tested cream eyeshadows on her own lids and interviewed experts to come up with this list.

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (53)

    Siena Gagliano

    Associate Editor

    Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (54)

    Sami Roberts

    Sami Roberts was the previous beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan. Keep up with her cat-filled life in New York on Instagram.

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (55)

    Brooke Shunatona

    Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.

    Cream Eyeshadows That Don’t Crease or Smudge? Yes, Pls (2024)
    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Lidia Grady

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5769

    Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

    Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Lidia Grady

    Birthday: 1992-01-22

    Address: Suite 493 356 Dale Fall, New Wanda, RI 52485

    Phone: +29914464387516

    Job: Customer Engineer

    Hobby: Cryptography, Writing, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Calligraphy, Web surfing, Ghost hunting

    Introduction: My name is Lidia Grady, I am a thankful, fine, glamorous, lucky, lively, pleasant, shiny person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.