Cream Eyeshadows

Posted on March 1st, 2009 / Filed under Beauty , For the Face:

Cream eyeshadows are a great option for spring and summer, because they’re so easy to apply and can be worn sheerly or built up for more color. The thicker, cream formulas are the most common, and are best for those with normal or dry skin, as they also tend to be the most emollient. If you have oily lids, these shadows will probably crease throughout the day. A few tips: Pat on a little concealer or foundation and then lightly dust with powder before applying shadow. If you use blotting papers, you can also use them on your lids — gently press to absorb oil. Don’t rub though; it will smear your makeup. If the shadow starts “sliding,” throughout the day, smooth it out gently with your finger.

Try:Eyeshadows

Clinique Touch Tint for Eyes ($14.50, clinique.com)
Lancôme Colour Dose ($17, lancome.com)
MAC Paints ($16, maccosmetics.com)
Nars Cream Eyeshadow ($20, beauty.com)
Wet ‘n’ Wild MegaEyes Creme Shadow ($1.99, walgreens.com)

Mousse shadows are an option for those with oily lids, because they’re lighter and less emollient than creamier versions. They blend very easily and are a good choice if you’ve never used cream shadows before.

Try:

Flirt! I’m Whipped ($12, kohls.com)
mark Toute Sweet Whipped Cream Shadow ($6, meetmark.com)
Maybelline Dream Mousse ($6.49, walgreens.com)
Stila Shadow Pots ($20, sephora.com)

Gel formulas are newer and not as popular, because they tend to dry faster, making it harder to blend. Still, they’re a good option for those with oily lids. Mature or dry skins should avoid these though.

Try:Eyeshadows

Paul & Joe Eye Gloss ($20, sephora.com)
Pout Eyeslick ($22, sephora.com)

How to Apply

1. The key is to start small. Cream shadows can clump if you use too much. If you want to layer a lot, try using cream-to-powder formulas.

2. Dab a very small amount on the center of your lid and blend lightly.

3. If you’re using a mousse formula, blend gently with your finger across the lid and up into the crease, making sure you don’t pull or stretch.

4. Cream or gel versions will work better with an eyeshadow brush. Gels often come with a lipgloss-style wand applicator. I like Stila‘s #7 brush ($18, sephora.com), but Sonia Kashuk‘s Small Eyeshadow brush ($5, target.com) and MAC‘s 239 brush ($24, maccosmetics.com) are also good choices. Blend the shadow lightly, but don’t continually blend it in a back-and-forth motion — this method works fine for powder shadow, but it can cause creams to clump or ball up.