If you can’t be bothered with palette after palette of traditional eyeshadows (crease, lid, blend, what?) but still love to have a little pop of shine or color on your lids, cream eyeshadows are about to be your new best friend. Between the simple swipe-and-smudge instructions to the sexy-meets-minimal finish they leave behind, these 13 picks are true no-brainers.
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Kosas 10-Second Eyeshadow ($28)
Water-based, quick-drying and available in the most stunning assortment of gem-inspired hues, the clean beauty brand’s debut into eye makeup is one to be reckoned with.
Hourglass Cosmetics Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow ($29)
All nine shades of this buildable, buttery formula are infused with light-reflecting pearls for a high-shine finish whether applied as a thin layer or heavier for a dramatic look.
Giorgio Armani Beauty Eye Tints Liquid Eyeshadow ($28)
Thanks to a pointed applicator and no-budge pigment, these lightweight colors—choose between six chrome-finish shades—can be worn as a traditional shadow, eyeliner or even highlighter.
Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow ($24)
You wouldn’t tell from the high-shine, velvety finish of this shadow, but it also boasts SPF 30 to keep the delicate eye area protected.
#INMO by Magnolia Eye-Lighter Glam Kit ($39)
Created with influencer Magnolia Savenler, this palette houses all of the day-to-night shades you’ll need—including a pop of timeless blue—for any occasion.
Trèstique Color & Smudge Shadow Crayon ($24)
One side houses an ultra buttery shadow—choose from champagne hues or deep gem tones—and the other a built-in blender to keep messes at a minimum.
Smith & Cult Glitterbaby ($24)
12 colors ranging from classic gold to royal azure transform into smoky versions of their original hues when blended in. Simply apply then smudge out with your fingertips for the easiest smokey eye out there.
Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow ($24)
Whether sheered out or packed on for a punch, these glitter-infused shadows—there’s a shade for every mood and outfit—steal the show every time.
HUDA Beauty Matte & Metal Melted Shadows ($25)
These dual-ended liquid shadows combine a matte hue with its perfect shimmer counterpart for 3-D stay-all-day color that won’t crease.
bareMinerals Gen Nude Metallic Liquid Eyeshadow ($22)
Offering up a nude shade perfect for every skin tone, these metallic liquid shadows boast crushed mineral pearls for shine and jojoba seed oil for softness.
Flower Beauty Warrior Glitter Shadow ($11)
If the price point wasn’t enough, one swipe on each lid is all that’s required for a pigmented sparkle that lasts through the night.
MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot ($22)
The perfect shadow base or standalone nude, these top-selling pots are creamy, long-lasting and high-pigmented. (I use the shade Painterly to cover up the veins on my lids before applying shadow.)
Glossier Lidstar ($18)
Featuring a wand similar to a lip gloss, the long edge of this applicator allows for a quick and effortless application across the lid, but the pointed tip makes touch-ups and detailing easy. Plus, it’s free of fragrance and parabens, making it safe for even sensitive eyes and skin.