How to Apply Cream Eye Shadow in 6 Steps

Cream eye shadow (or crème eye shadow) is a waxy makeup product you can apply around your eye for colorful, intensely pigmented looks. Cream eye shadows come in shimmery, dewy, or matte formulas and a wide range of colors. Packaging varies, from eye shadow palettes, tubes, and sticks to individual pots.

Both cream and powder shadows have benefits. If you want to add cream eye shadow to your makeup routine or stick to a powder, here are the primary differences between the two formulations:

• Application: While you apply powder eye shadow with a makeup brush for easy blending, you can apply cream eye shadow with a clean fingertip or a brush.
• Efficacy varies by skin type: Powder eye shadow works well on all skin types, but cream eye shadow works better on normal to dry skin. It tends to smudge on oily skin, but you can reduce this effect by adding a layer of translucent powder or eye primer.
  
• Layering potential: Cream eye shadow formulas are buildable but can be more difficult to layer with other products than powder eye shadows because their intense pigmentation and thick consistency are harder to blend with other eye makeup products. Powder formulations are the best choice for more complex looks like smoky eyes.
• Pigmentation: Cream eye shadow has a deeper, stronger color or shimmer than powder eye shadow since it’s thicker and more buildable.
• Staying power: Cream eye shadow tends to stay put and retain its color longer than powder eye shadow. Powder formulas crease and fade quicker and are less long-lasting.

There are many different ways to incorporate cream eye shadow into your eye looks. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial to apply eye shadow:

1. 1. Prep your skin. Eye shadow application adheres best to clean skin. Aim to apply your makeup after your morning skin care routine, or cleanse your eyelids before applying if you opt to do your makeup later in the day.
2. 2. Try an eye shadow primer. Opt for an eye shadow primer for extra hold, or add a layer of powder eye shadow or translucent powder first to help soak up excess moisture from oily skin.
3. 3. Dab cream eye shadow onto your application tool. You can create your cream eye shadow look with a small makeup brush or a clean fingertip. If you want to use a finger, makeup artists recommend using your ring finger since it has a smaller range of movement and encourages you to use less force around your delicate eye skin. (Some cream colors come in an eye shadow stick or tube, similar to lipstick. You don’t need to apply this to a brush or finger—you can skip this step and apply it directly to your eyelid.)
4. 4. Apply a layer of cream shadow. With your eye shadow brush or ring finger, gently dab cream eye shadow onto the center of your lid near the lash line. Tap and lightly swipe the color toward the outer and inner corners from there. (Starting at the center helps prevent too much eye shadow from building up on the edges or corners of your eyelid.) You can spread the shadow upward to your brow bone, on your lower lash line, or in the inner corner of your eye for a bolder look.
5. 5. Allow time to set. Cream eye shadow needs a moment to dry on your lid for a long-wear look, so wait for ten to fifteen seconds with your eyebrow raised to let it set. If you skip this step, the cream formula may crease.
6. 6. Continue with your other makeup products. After eye shadow, you can add extra glam to your eye makeup look with eyeliner and mascara.

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