Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Layer em up or swipe em on and head out the door.
Byrdie / Ally Hirschlag
Cream eyeshadows can be applied independently for a one-and-done look or layered with powders for added dimension.
Blending was a breeze, too.
Our tester is already planning on buying more shades.
PHOTO: Nordstrom
Im already looking into buying other shades!
(She also has oily,hooded eyelids, so this was a major win in her book.)
According to our tester, this MAC shadow’s shade and finish were stunning.
The matte shades also work as standalone shadows and primers for more detailed eye looks.
For anyone seeking a long-wearing, pro-grade shadow, reach for this one.
Caitlyn Martyn, associate editor:Smooth and silky are the best words to describe this shadow.
It delivered the exact shade and finish I wanted!
It had a pearlescent finish that took it up a notch.
The first thing that impressed her was its versatility and intense pigment.
She also reported that this product was very reliable unless there was sweat or water involved.
It had serious staying power, as it wore almost all day without her noticing a difference.
Other than that, though, it applies precisely and sets wella true steal for well under $10.
PHOTO: Ulta
I wouldnt change anything about this product; it does its job for the price point.
During testing, she applied the pencil directly to her eyelid and blended it with her fingers.
Tester Katie:I really liked this pencils sheer finish.
Byrdie
It made it so easy to get a light wash of color on the eyes super quickly.
Its perfect for an everyday look.
But once this shadow was on, it stayed put.
PHOTO: Ulta
She noted that it didnt budge during a long night outthere was absolutely zero creasing or transfer.
As far as matte cream shadows go, its impossible to go wrong with this one.
Either way, it holds up during a long night out.
Tester Brittany:The color was soft and shimmeryit never looked overwhelming or overpowering.
We recommend Charlotte Tilburys Eyes To Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow.
She also added that it works well as a highlight shadow atop other matte options.
Be advised that a little goes a long way, though.
She added that it lasted for about six hours before she noticed any creasing or fading.
Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director:I love the color payoff of this shadow.
Its so easy to blend out the formula and build it up for bold looks.
However, she also added that it can feel heavy on the lids with too many layers.
Be advised that this product is also very waterproof!
PHOTO: Ulta
Tester Brittany:This eyeshadow looks good for at least eight hours.
She also reported that the formula was easy to apply and blend.
But be advised that a little goes a long way, thougheven a small dot will do that trick.
Applying this shadow was easy, too.
For this reason, wed also recommend this product for beginners.
Even though its budge-proof once applied, its incredibly lightweight and easy to manipulate as it dries down.
PHOTO: Sephora
Tester Chelsea:I was impressed with how long the color lasted without its shimmery pigments ever looking patchy.
Its very transfer-proof, as well.
Even after hours of wear, she observed absolutely zero creasing, smearing, running, or fading.
One thing to note: This shadow dries down very quickly, so blending quickly is essential, too!
(We recommend working on one eye at a time, here.)
But overall, for a lightweight, shimmery shadow with unmatched staying power, opt for this product.
PHOTO: Sephora
Once it sets, itsets.
Its color lasted all day, too, without any transfer, creasing, patching, or smudging.
Overall, for a full-glamour moment, this is the shadow to add to your cart.
This is the product to buy for a full-glamour moment.
Our tester opted for the brands Champagne Shimmer shade and immediately wanted it in other colors and finishes.
It also layered well with both cream and powder eyeshadows, as well as with eyeliner.
PHOTO: Sephora
I would wear this product alone or layered with other metallic shadows for a more dramatic look.
In short, it depends on the format of the shadow!
According to New York-based celebrity makeup artistKasey Spickard, different tool techniques may work better with different formats.
Particularly if you have oily eyelids, start with an eyeshadow primer, says New York-based makeup artistAshley Rebecca.
Spickard also recommends topping a cream or liquid eyeshadow with a setting powder.
As a finishing touch, he adds, go back in with a powder eyeshadow in the same tone.
PHOTO: Ulta
So, we recommend both matte powders and creams for people with mature skin.
Alyssa has been a writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.
PHOTO: Sephora
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Amazon
