Cream shadow suits people in a hurry and people with dry lids. It also sets within about thirty seconds, and after that it does not move — which is the whole difference from powder.

Why choose cream

  • Fast. Fingers are the best tool, so no brushes are needed
  • Better on dry or mature lids, where powder settles into fine lines
  • More intense colour from a single layer
  • Travels well — one product, no fallout

The working window

Thirty seconds, sometimes less. Everything follows from this:

  • One eye at a time. Do not apply to both and then go back to blend
  • Apply, then blend immediately. Not after you have found a brush
  • Small amounts. A dot on the lid, spread outward. More can always be added; setting cream cannot be removed neatly

Applying it

  1. Prime the lid with base set with a little powder. Cream shadow creases without it, more readily than powder does
  2. Fingertip for the lid. Body heat thins the texture and helps it melt in
  3. Pat, do not drag. Patting builds colour evenly; dragging pulls it into streaks
  4. Blend the edges with a fingertip or a small dense brush while it is still moving
  5. Set with a matching powder shade if you want longer wear, or leave it for a dewy finish

Stopping it creasing

Creasing is the main complaint and has three causes:

  • No base. Lids are oily; cream product on bare skin migrates into the crease
  • Too much product. A thick layer creases regardless of what is underneath
  • No setting powder on oily lids. A light dusting of a similar shade fixes it

Combining with powder

Cream first as a base, powder on top, is the longest-wearing combination available. The cream grips the powder, so the colour lasts noticeably longer than either alone.

Powder over cream also lets you blend more slowly, since the powder gives you back a working window.

When powder is better

If you want a heavily blended, multi-shade gradient — a smoky eye, for instance — powder is more forgiving, because you can keep working it. Cream is for one or two shades applied quickly.

For eyeshadow placement by eye shape, see the makeup section.