The 12 Best Cream Eyeshadows, According to Makeup Artists

The best part? They’re so easy to apply.

model wearing cream eyeshadow
(Image credit: Brendan Thorne/Getty)

Don’t get me wrong: Eyeshadow palettes are great. Really, truly. But buffing powder formulas to perfection takes a tad of skill and a bit of time. The best cream eyeshadows, on the other hand? They’re easy, breezy. All you need is a finger swipe, a little tapping to blend, and a five-star formula that won’t crease, budge, or smudge. From sparkly options that are quite literally one-and-done to luxe quads that can be layered for a more intense eye, there’s a whole wide world of beautiful cream eyeshadows to choose from. “You can create an entire eye look and then add a cream shimmer on top as the final step,” says makeup artist Dani Parkes. “You can even set the shimmer you add with a powder shadow afterwards.” 

Want to get on board the cream eyeshadow train but not sure where to start or what to buy? Scroll ahead. Top makeup artists are sharing the cream shadows they always keep in their kits. We also took the liberty of throwing in some of our faves. From easy-to-apply sticks to eye and cheek multipurpose duos, here are the best cream eyeshadows in the game. 

The Best Cream Eyeshadows

Meet the Experts

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Priscilla DiStasio

Priscilla DiStasio is a professional and celebrity makeup artist with over 10 years of experience in the beauty and makeup industry. First starting her professional career years ago as a MAC certified makeup artist, Priscilla has climbed her way to the top, and since then has built a reputation that holds up a well known name to many of todays top celebrities. She is best known for her consistent work as the main makeup artist for The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s, Teresa Giudice, as well as RHONJ’s Dina Manzo; RHOBH’s Lisa Vanderpump, Kim Richards and Kyle Richards; RHOOC’s Vicki Gunvalson, Shannon Beador, Tamra Judge, Kelly Dodd, Meghan King Edmonds; RHOD’s Stephanie Hollman, Brandi Redmond, Cary Deuber; RHOM’s Jackie Gillies; Vanderpump Rules’; Stassi Schroeder, Scheana Marie Shay, Kristen Doute, Katie Maloney, Brittany Cartwright, Ariana Madix; VH1's Mob Wive's Carla Facciolo; Randi Zuckerberg, Alexander Flores, Jenny McCarthy, Dee Snider, Traci Lords, Cloris Leachman, & Raquel Castro from Jersey Girl and NBC’s the Voice, just to name a few. Priscilla has also worked, as well as appeared on, multiple TV shows such as Real Housewives of New Jersey, VH1's My Big Friggin' Wedding, VH1's Mob Wives, FYI's Mikey Saves The Date, ABC's Forever, HBO's Homeland, Maze Runner, Millionaire Matchmaker, Million Dollar Listing, Quit Your Day Job, NBC Network, MTV Network, Oxygen Network, and Sirius Radio. Priscilla and her work have been featured in top publishing icons such as OK Magazine, Life & Style, US Weekly, People Magazine, OMJ.com, Realitytea, NJ Bergen Magazine, and 201 Magazine. A native born New Yorker, Priscilla is eternally honored with annual invitations for her participation in New York's Fashion Week. In 2015, Priscilla was awarded the "Celebrity Makeup Artist Achievement Award” from the state of New York’s beauty chamber of commerce, along with a certificate of recognition from the comptroller of New York, Scott M. Stringer. This award not only acknowledges Priscilla's exceptional role in the makeup industry, but her passion and drive she has put towards this career as well. Through this passion of makeup, Priscilla has broadened her devotion by giving numerous mentoring opportunities to young aspiring makeup artists in the tristate area, showing others where her heart truly lies. Although Priscilla has made herself a recognized name in the celebrity industry, she also contributes much of her time to her freelance work as well. Specializing in Bridal makeup to Special FX; and everything in between; Ms. Priscilla has done it all.

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Dominique Lerma

Dominique Lerma a Hollywood bred Internationally published Makeup Artist and Beauty Educator, known for her ability to create flawless complexions and innovative beauty looks. She grew her love for makeup artistry at a very ripe age and began beautifying faces for her fellow classmates at her all girl parochial high school. Her self taught passion flourished while she was given the opportunity of working with the world reknowned Mac Cosmetics and soon became a Viva Glam Ambassador. Her 9 years in the beauty industry has landed her on the pages of Instyle, Nylon, Runway, and Photo Vogue Italia. Dominique’s vast resume includes Beauty, editorial, celebrity, advertising, rebranding and bridal. She serves as a Beauty Educator for Frankie Rose Cosmetics and is a bilingual traveling sales representative for both Enzo Milano Professional Hair Styling Tools and Royal Langnickel Brush. Her creative expertise consists of Makeup artistry, hairstyling and men’s grooming. 

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Nydia Figueroa

With over 15 years of experience, Nydia has made a name for herself starting off at the age of 18 as an artist for one of the biggest company names in the world, MAC Cosmetics. She followed her dream, working for 5 time Emmy award winning makeup artist (The Today show, The View) EVE PEARL who was the reason she pursued the career of makeup over a decade ago. Nydia is also a Celebrity & Published makeup artist whose work has been featured on television, The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, NYFW, The Miss Universe Organization and more. Nydia's experience spans across a broad scope of field within the makeup industry and is also an educator in beauty. She has taught her signature makeup techniques to hundreds of students all over the country. Nydia is the Owner of Faces By Nydia Makeup Studio and Bridal Suite in Cedar Grove, NJ

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Dani Parkes

Dani Parkes, aka @facesbydanii is a makeup artist based in New York City. She's worked with a range of celebrities, including Lea Michele, influencers, and on editorial campaigns. 

Samantha Holender
Beauty Editor

Samantha Holender is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and keeps up with the latest trends in the beauty space. She has previously written for Us Weekly, Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Follow her on Instagram @samholender.