Not only can you apply the creamy pigments with just a finger, but the formulas tend to be water-resistant and come in a ton of offerings, including pots, sticks, and wands. Another major plus is that, unlike powders, they work for both oily and dry skin. Mid-day creasing is always a major fear of anyone who uses a pressed eyeshadow, but creams maintain long-lasting, smudge-free color for hours longer than its chalkier sister.
Keep clicking for our favorite cream eyeshadows — including the little pot that was crowned one of 2019's most-innovative beauty products.
Check out the rest of the 2019 Beauty Innovator Award winners. At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow SPF 30
Sunscreen infused into eyeshadow is an innovative concept in and of itself. But what makes this Supergoop! shadow pot a worthwhile investment — and an award winner — is the bouncy cream texture and the neutral, softly shimmery tones.
Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow SPF 30, $, available at Nordstrom
INMO Cosmetics Eye-Lighter Glam Kit
These six creamy shadows from influencer Magnolia Sevenler's collaboration with Inmo Cosmetics are not only great because of the perfectly shimmery-smokey shade range, but they last from the beginning of the work day well into dinner and drinks afterwards, with not a hint of stickiness.
INMO Cosmetics Eye-Lighter Glam Kit, $, available at INMO Cosmetics
Rituel De Fille Celestial Sphere Eye Soot
This eyeshadow is like no other. No, seriously, this dimensional formula shifts color in different angles and lights. You can even apply this translucent — yet vibrant — color over another shadow to transform it into something new.
Rituel De Fille Celestial Sphere Eye Soot: Pyxis, $, available at Rituel De Fille
E.l.f Smudge Pot Cream Eyeshadow
Cream eyeshadows don't have to cost more than your favorite Starbucks latte. E.L.F Cosmetics has an under-$5 option that glides on smoothly as shadow or liner.
ELF Cosmetics Smudge Pot Cream Eyeshadow, $, available at e.l.f
RMS Beauty Eye Polish
For the person who likes a soft, natural-looking sheen — only better — this is your formula.
RMS Beauty Eye Polish, $, available at RMS Beauty
Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Color
Leave it to Tom Ford to create the ultimate in shadow luxury: a creamy formula that goes on like a dream, plus a powder topcoat that builds intensity fast.
Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Color, $, available at Sephora
Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paint Shadow
Once we found out Make Up For Ever's cult cream shadows were getting a huge waterproof facelift, we knew these 20 shades would be our festival necessities. Through rain, buckets of sweat, or hours of tears, they don't move an inch.
Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paint Shadow, $, available at Sephora
Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow
Lightweight, buttery, and so opaque you'll never need more than a pea-sized amount to cover your entire lid, it's safe to say these eyeshadow pots are worth the investment.
Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow, $, available at Sephora
Giorgio Armani Beauty Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow
It's official: We're in a committed relationship with these creamy pigments. We were smitten the second we realized how quickly the doe-foot applicator got us to work even after three hits of the snooze button.
Giorgio Armani Beauty Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow, $, available at Sephora
Surratt Lid Lacquer
With the opaque color of a cream, but the shiny texture of a gloss, this dewy formula is our fall go-to.
Surratt Lid Lacquer, $, available at Sephora
Milk Makeup Eye Pigment
Sometimes you just need more: more pigment, more product, and more glitter. Milk Makeup's cream shadow gives you exactly that, in 10 flattering shades.
Milk Makeup Eye Pigment, $, available at Sephora
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