One of the best things about buying makeup nowadays is that you never run out of choices. Lip products, blush, and even eyeshadow come in so many different forms. Powder eyeshadow, cream eyeshadow, liquid eyeshadow, and even a crayon-formula that comes in a stick. If you’ve been shopping in the makeup aisle or even took a casual stroll through the beauty section, you might have come across the two most popular forms of eyeshadow: powder and cream.
While powder eyeshadows are more common, cream eyeshadows are quickly gaining the attention of beauty enthusiasts looking for a new product for the summer. Figuring out which eyeshadow formula works best for you doesn’t need to feel impossible. We’ll break down what each formula actually does so you can make the best decision for your skin.
1. Cream Eyeshadow vs. Powder Eyeshadow
2. Cream Eyeshadow: Ideal for Warmer Weather
As you might have guessed from the name, cream eyeshadow comes in a creamy base that gives eye makeup a rich, velvety texture and makes it easier for us to blend the product into our skin (1). Some cream eyeshadows can also come as cream-gel hybrids that are fluffy and airy, almost like mousse in texture which are perfect for those “no makeup” makeup looks. They’re typically recommended for those of us with dry skin moods due to their hydrating qualities. Not only that, but they’re extremely suitable for makeup lovers with sensitive eyes or who wear contact lenses that want to avoid getting small specks of powder in their eyes.
It can be used on eyelids alone as an eyeshadow or provide a base for powder eyeshadow to make the pigment of the powder pop. Most cream eyeshadows typically have a glossy base and can be used without an eye primer, unlike most powder eyeshadows. If you want to avoid creasing, cream eye shadow is a great option, as it doesn’t crack on fine lines, wrinkles, or blemishes which can be a problem with powder-based makeup products.
Plus, cream eyeshadow is super convenient to put on easily with your fingers when you’re in a rush, need to touch-up on-the-go, or don’t have a brush since they’re so blend-able and versatile. Creams can be solid and dense when they’re sitting in their packaging, so it’s best to apply them with your ring finger. Dipping your finger into the pot warms up the shadow and makes it easier to work with in terms of application and blending.
If you want to create more depth with your eye look, you could use a clean, flat, concealer brush instead. However, it’s not as simple to blend or layer two or more colors as it is with powder eyeshadow, so they’re better for uncomplicated eyeshadow looks. Stick to powder for your next smokey eye!
Loose mineral eyeshadows are super pigmented and give the colors in your palette a really rich hue when applied on your eye. Especially if you apply powder eyeshadows with a damp brush, the color can last even longer and show up opaque, making them the easy choice for makeup artists. Loose, glittery eyeshadows are often the go-to for the same reason, as they are known to create definition on the eye when applied with a damp brush.
On the other hand, if you’re just getting started with applying makeup, loose shadows can be difficult to mess with – pun intended. The loose shadow can fall off onto your cheeks, clothes, and be time consuming to blend out if you’re using multiple colors.
As we mentioned before, cream eyeshadows are great for those of us with dry skin moods, but they’re also loved by those with oily skin moods, too! Cream formulas with stiffer textures can stay put even on the really sweaty days when your powder makeup may have already lost pigment.
If you love having that shiny, dewy glow in summer, too – cream shadows with shimmery finishes are a must! They give your skin a slightly holographic appearance in the sunlight which is sure to get you the perfect golden hour selfie.
Want to try out cream eyeshadow for yourself? Check out these products!
This sheer, natural cream eyeshadow is vegan, cruelty-free, and organic! They come in several beautiful natural, matte, and shimmery shades and are made with all-natural ingredients – so there’s no parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances or dyes. It also has a stiffer texture, so it doesn’t melt away from oily skin moods like some other cream formulas might. As an added bonus, one of its active ingredients is marula oil, which is rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids that can calm inflammation, protect from free radical damage, and combat the premature signs of aging from collagen loss (2).
Looking for something long-lasting? Look no further with Milk makeup. This is the definition of all-night-wear with no smudging. Their tubes of metallic cream eyeshadows are perfect for the summer and come in both subtle and vibrant shades like light pint, bright purple, and aqua green. Unlike other metallic shadows, these don’t apply super patchy on the skin.
Glossier gives you the ultimate glow – I mean, “glossy” is literally in their name. Their formulas are soft and can last all day, creating a sheer glimmer of color onto the lids without creasing. So, you can ditch the primer if you need extra time and have to skip a step in your beauty ritual. Glossier’s cream eyeshadows come in six shades that are buttery, silky, super easy to blend and apply. Did we mention they’re cruelty free, fragrance free, and dermatologist tested too?
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