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How to apply cream eyeshadow

Cream eye shadows are a fun way to get an intensely pigmented look that has great staying power! They are typically the formula of choice for women that want a one and done look instead of a complicated multi colored step eye look.

Cream based shadows can also be more forgiving and flattering on older eye beds due to their more hydrating ingredients, unlike many powder formulas. Simplicity is key since they don’t have great layering potential due to their creamy and highly pigmented nature, so one or maybe two shades is all you need.

And just like powder shadows, you can get cream eyeshadows in a wide range of finishes such as shimmery, matte or dewy. Their packaging can also vary from tubes, to sticks, and individual pots. So you have options!

cream shadow 1

In today’s post, I am going to show you how to discover the magic of applying cream shadow like a pro to get a mesmerizing eye look!

cream shadow products 2

Products I’ll be using in today’s tutorial :

  1. Pick your cream shadow + shades of choice. I’ll be using the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise in shades “Champagne” and “Oyster Pearl.”
  2. Use an eyelid primer for extra staying power always. I’ve chosen the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’R Amplifying Eye Primer in “Invisipink.”
  3. Choose your application tool – your bare clean finger will do, or use a brush! I’m choosing to do a mix of both and the brush I chose is the Morphe M709 Pointed Packer brush.  
  4. Mascara is a must, I’m using my current drugstore go-to, L’Oreal Telescopic mascara. (You can add eyeliner and shadow for darkening and dimension if you want extra drama.)
cream shadow products 3

TL;DR

  Today, Jennifer is sharing 5 easy steps to apply cream eyeshadow

  She’s also sharing tons of product suggestions, all shoppable via text- and image-widgets

You’re Probably Applying Cream Eyeshadow Wrong

Step 1

Apply an eyelid primer all over your lid. Let dry down for about 45 seconds to one minute and a thin coat is all you need. This will ensure that any type of cream shadow has extra staying power. You can apply this with a finger as well or I like to use a concealer brush.

cream shadow 4 (cream shadow 5)

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Step 2

ap on your cream shadow with your fingertip into the center of the lid then work outwards with a brush. Once you have applied your color into the center, switch to your brush and start spreading the shadow down to the lash line and diffusing towards the outside and interior of the eyelid. Remember, work in light layers and in windshield wiper and circular motion combinations with your brush.

I started with the darker of the two colors, Oyster Pearl, which is a beautiful warm taupe, that goes from cream to sheen. By starting in the center, it prevents too much of that shadow to build up into the corners of the lid where you want less product. I leave a little bit of white space right underneath the brow and keep it clean of color.

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Step 3

Layer an additional lighter shade on top to create dimension (if you wish!) You can certainly stop at just one shade for ease and simplicity and will still get a beautiful effect. But I like drama, so I added the lighter and brighter of the two cream shades, the Champagne, and dotted it directly in the center of the lid. I also followed up at the end of the look, by placing a tiny bit right into the tear duct area using my smallest pinky finger.

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Step 4

Continue with your other eye makeup products. This is where you add mascara and eyeliner. You can use a liquid or a pencil – totally up to you.  I used a LORAC pencil in “dark brown” and then smudged it (as I always do!) with an angled eyeliner brush. Then two coats of my mascara on the upper and lower lashes.

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Step 5

If you really want to add more dimension and drama, I popped on just one similar warm bronzer shade of powder shadow, “Glow” from my BK Beauty palette, just into the outer corners of the eye bed. Bye the way, this is a gorgeous everyday eye makeup palette that offers wearable neutrals with a little pop of color! It’s got an even mix of 6 matte and 6 fine shimmers too.

If you’d like to watch a step-by-step video of how I use this exact palette, you can check out my Romantic Makeup Look video on my YouTube channel here. You will probably also notice a lot of the makeup brushes I have suggested here in the past on the blog in this video!

By just tapping in this darker color, I was able to give my crease area a little more pop. This took maybe 45 seconds and with the cream shadow laid down first, it also keeps any powder shadows locked in!

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If you’re now in the mood to try cream eyeshadow for yourself, here is another of my favorite formulas at different price pointsโ€ฆ

Stick Formulas. A cream shadow stick is so very easy to use as well. For drugstore pricing, I love the ELF Cosmetics No Budge Sticks,$5, especially in shade “Copper Chic.” And then for prestige lovers, try one of the #1 selling products from Laura Mercier in their Caviar Stick eye color crayons, $32, I do love the “Strike a Rose” shade!

P.S. A few other makeup details I’m wearing in this post are: Merit Beauty Lip Oil in shade “Sangria,” blush is Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic in “Love is the Drug”  and my golden triple earrings are from Target.

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In Case You Missed It

This morning, Beth shared a variety of different ways to lighten and brighten your wardrobe.  Click the title or image below to read the article.

Lighten & Brighten Your Wardrobe

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