How Do I Stop My Cream Eyeshadow From Creasing?

September 07, 2022

By: Samantha Holender | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

We’re obsessed with cream products, from cream blushes that give our skin a lit-from-within glow to cream eyeshadows that are ultra-bold and pigmented. The only downside to cream shadows is that they're a lot more prone to creasing than their powder counterparts, especially if you have oily or hooded eyelids. To find out how to stop our favorite cream eyeshadow formulas from creasing throughout the day, we turned to celebrity makeup artist Ashlee Glazer. Ahead, find her tips for achieving a long-lasting shadow look.

Let Your Skincare Sink In

The same way you prep your skin with a full routine pre-foundation, Glazer says it’s important to prep your eyelid pre-eyeshadow. Before even grabbing eye makeup, make sure your moisturizer and eye cream have dried down completely. Putting cream shadow on top of a wet base will make it more difficult for the shadow to adhere in the long run.

Prep Your Eyelid

Using an eyeshadow primer is a must, especially if you have oily eyelids. “I’m all about layering products,” says Glazer. “Applying primer in a sheer layer under the cream shadow will prevent your eyeshadow from looking chunky and help give you the long-lasting sheen that you want with this kind of shadow.” We love using the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

Choose the Right Formula

Glazer says that formulas with long-wear or crease-proof claims will cut down your struggle significantly. “The technology is so advanced now; seriously trust in the science,” she says. When it comes to her personal favorites, the Maybelline New York Color Tattoo and Giorgio Armani Beauty Eye Tint Liquid Shadow make the cut. We understand why: Both eyeshadows are vibrant and hold up well throughout the day. We also recommend the NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Glow Shots for another affordable option.

Cream Eyeshadow Tip #4: Apply and Set

Apply and Set

Now that the eye is prepped and your shadow is in hand, it’s time to apply the product. Make sure your hands are clean, so you avoid adding excess or unwanted oil to your lids. Glazer says she applies cream eyeshadow with her fingers sometimes, but she uses a brush when she’s looking for a higher pigment payoff.

Once the shadow is in place, Glazer sets oily zones — like the fold of the eye — with a light touch of powder. “Use a super fluffy brush and move it like you’re dusting with a fan; it’ll disperse just the right amount,” she explains. “You don’t want to pack it on because then you’ll lose the translucent effect that the cream gives you.”

Touch Up Throughout the Day

Chances are, if you take the extra steps and prep your lids in the morning, your cream eyeshadow will hold up throughout the day. But if you’re going from day to night and need a little mid-afternoon refresh, Glazer has some tips. She warns against just patting in your product with your fingertip; you’ll just be mushing in oil and grease. Instead, reach for a Q-tip to apply your shadow. “The fluffiness of the Q-tip will act as an eyeshadow brush,” says Glazer. “Roll it over your lid — don’t wipe. The whirlpool motion creates energy between the oil, grease and product, so that you’re not just moving it around — you can actually do something with it.”

Photo: Aniyah Smith