12 Best Drugstore Cream Eyeshadows to Add Glam to Your Vanity

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 12, 2024
Best Drugstore Cream Eyeshadow to Add Glam to Your Vanity
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When it comes to drugstore cosmetics, I realized that not all products are manufactured consistently or identically, especially if the products are meant to complement every skin tone. But when I started applying these products to know the quality standards, I was stunned. These easy-to-apply cream eyeshadows are really creamy and slide over my eyelids without tugging or pulling on my skin. Even social media handles are raving about their creamy and light textural effects on the skin.

After using powder shadows for a while, I realized that there is hardly little fallout to worry about with cream eyeshadows. “Your eye makeup says so much about you and your style,” says Laura Mercier to those who prefer using conventional eye makeup palettes. After trying and testing out the safest and most dependable cream eyeshadows on the market, I have put together a list of the 15 best drugstore cream eye shadows, including some oldies and others newer-to-the-market bestsellers for you. You may never go back to "conventional" eyeshadow palettes after trying these multifunctional creamy and cream-to-powder formulations.

Top 12 Best Drugstore Cream Eyeshadows

When I tried Alleyoop 11th Hour Cream Eyeshadow it gave an incredible payoff. For ultimate shine and longevity in wear, you must have this in your kit. The twist-up mechanism gave me the advantage of easy application and I could easily carry it any bag for travel and wear. Throw away the hassles of carrying a big palette when you can have this quick fix in your pocket anytime. It's crafted with jojoba oils for that creamy and smooth finish that gave me a glistering look all day.

Pros
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Smudge-proof
  • Easy-to-use
  • Lasts long
  • In-built sharperner
  • Worth the value
Cons
  • Stick can break easily
  • Best Variety-based Eyeshadow

    DE'LANCI Smokey Grey Black Eyeshadow Palette

    DE'LANCI Smokey Grey Black Eyeshadow Palette
  • Though carrying big palettes is not what I like, it's irresistible to not use this palette. The variety in shades and glitters allows you to sport any eyeshade with ease. Carrying this smokey grey-black palette is convenient with its portable design. It has a velvety texture to it that gave me long-lasting wear and high pigmentation without fallout. The shades in the palette can be mixed and matched for neutral and party wear looks any day.

    Pros
    • Long-lasting
    • Blendable formula
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Not smudge-proof
  • Best Non-Comedogenic Eyeshadow

    e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyeshadow Bite-Size Eyeshadow

    e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyeshadow Bite-Size Eyeshadow
  • e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyeshadow Bite-Size Eyeshadow is one of my top picks for its sheer and stylish palette. When tried, it glided on my skin with ease and gave a raw shimmery glow to my eyes. The ingredients are claimed to be chemical-safe and stayed on for a long time. When using this eyeshadow palette, I prepped my eyes with an eye primer to set the base evenly. Then I applied my fave eyeshadow shade with a steady hand, and voila! A soft and glistening shade remained on my eyelids for quite some time. You too can get yourself a sizzling hot look for your date with this eyeshadow.

    Pros
    • Sheer
    • Longevity
    • Paraben-free
    • Chemical-free
    Cons
    • Packaging might come broken
  • Best Drugstore Cream Eyeshadow For Mature Eyes

    Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Cream Matte Natural Eyeshadow

    Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Cream Matte Natural Eyeshadow
  • After some great shimmer shadows suggestions, I tried the neutral shades of  Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Cream Matte Natural Eyeshadow. When applied, I realized that its perfect for daily and office wear. The ingredients like shea butter, rosehip, vitamin E, and jojoba oil created a skin-softening and moisturizing experience for me. The product provided a natural and smooth finish. The cream eyeshadow with its anti-aging properties also helps seal wrinkles and crease lines.

    Pros
    • Anti-aging properties
    • Natural glow
    • Matte-finish
    • Chemical-free
    Cons
    • Slightly expensive
  • Best Longevity

    Maybelline Eyestudio ColorTattoo Metal 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadow

    Maybelline Eyestudio ColorTattoo Metal 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadow
  • I don't wear makeup every day, but when headed for a party getting the right tone of glitz and longevity can be hard. But when I tried Maybelline’s Eyestudio ColorTattoo Metal 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadow it created an intensely saturated color that was vibrant and eye-catchy. The cream-gel formula settles onto my skin conveniently, and the vibrant color stayed put through the night. I found it perfect for nighttime wear for the satisfying glow it gave me.

    Pros
    • Lasts long
    • Intense pigment
    • Suitable for all skin types
    Cons
    • Inconvenient packaging
  • Revlon So Fierce Prismatic Eyeshadow Palette

    Revlon So Fierce Prismatic Eyeshadow Palette
  • As I read through the 5k reviews on the product, I realized I had to try it out for its feedback. Revlon So Fierce Prismatic Eyeshadow Palette is the best drugstore cream-based eyeshadow on my list for its pearly and crystal finish. It adds the right amount of multi-dimensional color and pops with intensity when applied. Just like the name suggests, it helps maintain my fierce and chic side with the intense glow it offers. Psst.. the purple shade looks very pretty on cool shade outfits.

    Pros
    • Crease-proof
    • This applies in one stroke
    • Worth the cost
    Cons
    • Can be too intense in color
  • Cream Stay Shadow Stick by Glo Skin Beauty

    Cream Stay Shadow Stick by Glo Skin Beauty
  • When I tested the Cream Stay Shadow Stick by Glo Skin Beauty on the back of my hand, the shade had a very rich and smooth pigment behind it. When I applied it on my eyelids, the pigment lasted for almost 10 hours in single use, keeping intact and giving me a metallic eye look. Even though the eyeshadow selection has various shades, all come in a glitter finish leaving you asking for more in neutral tones. It's the best drugstore cream eyeshadow stick for the convenience of use and the result is astonishing.

    Pros
    • Rich-pigment
    • Convenient use
    • Paraben free
    Cons
    • Not available in neutrals
  • Crème Eyeshadow Palette by Revlon

    Crème Eyeshadow Palette by Revlon
  • This cream palette is incredibly simple to use and blend, and if you're rushing late for work or a party and only have a few minutes (my procrastination habit is plaguing me), this eyeshadow is a fantastic answer. Furthermore, the finish left my lids with a glowy and captivating eyeshade when I applied it. I tested it alone, over a primer, and with a powder palette over base for more depth and character, and each combination produced fantastic results.

    Pros
    • Dewy look
    • Can be combined with other shades
    • Gives depth to the eyes
    Cons
    • Doesn’t last long
  • Almay Velvet Foil Cream Shadow

    Almay Velvet Foil Cream Shadow
  • Packaged in an acrylic tube comes the Almay Velvet Foil Cream Eye Shadow. When I opened the package, it was difficult to remove the product from the tube. But, the pigment and texture are mind-blowing. It is soft as cotton and the shades are buildable. Try deepening the shade for an intense glow. Additionally, the tube is infused with Vitamin E and botanical blends that make it suitable for long wear and are suitable for dry skin.

    Pros
    • Worth the value
    • Suitable for dry skin
    • Fun packaging
    • Natural ingredients
    Cons
    • Hard to remove from the tube
  • Luxaza Brown Neutral Metallic Eyeshadow Stick

    Luxaza Brown Neutral Metallic Eyeshadow Stick
  • As I was looking for a drugstore eyeshadow that truly lasts through anything, I found Luxaza Brown Neutral Metallic Eyeshadow Stick. This ingenious product is waterproof, meaning it’ll stay on through the heat, humidity, sweat, and tears, you name it. It did not require a single re-touch-up unless you frequently rub your eyes. The stick works as an eyeshadow pen and eyeliner due to its thick tip. It comes with an in-built brush for blending so that you don't dirty your fingertips when traveling or out

    Pros
    • Travel-friendly
    • Waterproof
    • Built-in brush
    Cons
    • Not sheer
  • Sushieki Eyeshadow Stick + Double End Eyeshadow Brush

    Sushieki Eyeshadow Stick + Double End Eyeshadow Brush
  • As I'm someone who likes great deals, I found the ultimate one where I get six eyeshadow sticks at the cost of two. The Sushieki Eyeshadow Stick + Double End Eyeshadow works at your whim whenever desired. It has a twist-up mechanism throwing the need to have a sharpener in hand away forever. Not only does the pigment shine bright it lasts for 5-6 hours in the end without reapplication. The set is perfect to gift a friend if they starting their journey in the makeup space.

    Pros
    • Available in variant shades
    • Convenient use
    • Giftable item
    Cons
    • Doesn’t last long
  • Any Wear Creme in Anna by Mommy Makeup

    Any Wear Creme in Anna by Mommy Makeup
  • Any Wear Creme in Anna by Mommy Makeup is a perfect choice if your sensitive skin stresses out or breaks out with application of any new makeup products. The multitasking creme-to-powder formula consists of zero-to-nothing in chemicals or parabens that may cause itchiness or dry skin. It moistures the top layers and can be worn as anything you like (blush, eyeshadow, highlighter). This can be a great addition to your kit if you like multifaceted eyeshadow products.

    Pros
    • Perfect for sensitive skin
    • Smudge-proof
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Inconvenient to use

    How to Choose the Best Drugstore Cream Eyeshadow?

    Shades:

    While some kits have more colors than others, there are a few key hues to look for. To begin, a medium transition shade will be needed to blend between the crease and the lid. To create depth in the eyes, go for one deeper neutral color, such as dark brown or dark grey. Finally, a lighter shade will be needed to emphasize the area above the crease and blend your shadow up into your arches.

    Matte vs. Shimmery:

    Some kits contain only matte colors, while others contain only shimmering shadows, and several contain both. Choosing between matte and sparkly eyeshadows comes down to your choice. Shimmer and glitter shadows, on the other hand, work well for highlighting, whilst flat hues are frequently used as a basis. We recommend having a matte alternative on hand for mixing and color development.

    Versatility:

    When you're on the road and have limited room in your makeup bag, a neutral kit with a multi-use formula will come in handy. Eyeshadows are frequently designed to be multi-purpose, allowing you to utilize them on your face or body. I like to use some of my pink shadow tones as blush and some glitter hues as a highlighter on the high points of my cheeks. Deeper shadows can be utilized to contour as well.

    As someone who rummages through her kit for variety and creamy texture-based eyeshadows, it gets hard to keep track of multiple palettes. I was relieved when I wrote about the best drugstore cream eyeshadows that gave me insights on how to get the best value in eyeshadows. One of my favorite choices would be Alleyoop 11th Hour Cream Eyeshadow for its distinct features. It comprises every good quality you need in your eyeshadow, making it the best option. The above-mentioned cosmetics range is carefully read through and is picked especially as per your well-wishes. May you find this list as a helping hand in your tough decision of choosing the best eyeshadow. Happy Shopping!

    FAQ's

    Are cream eyeshadows better than powder?
    There isn't much difference but cream eyeshadows are more blendable and hydrating than powder ones.
    Do you need a primer for cream eyeshadow?
    It isn’t always necessary but primers tend to even out skin tone and make the application of eyeshadows easier.
    Is cream eye shadow good for older eyes?
    Yes, they are. It all depends on which product you use. We would recommend Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Cream Matte Natural Eyeshadow for its natural ingredient and moisturizing formula that is suitable for older/mature eyes.
    Is cream eyeshadow good for dry skin?
    This depends on the ingredients used to make the product. Almay Velvet Foil Cream Shadow provides the best for dry skin with botanical blends that hydrate and smooth out dry skin.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Cream eyeshadows are the best and hassle-free option which makes the makeup game way more easy and effortless for you! Our makeup expert, Sayantani, who believes that beauty doesn't necessarily come with a hefty price tag, has a great collection of cream eyeshadows. Considering this, she has rounded off the best ones she has tried so far to add glam to your vanity as well. And we believe that they are foolproof to make your eye makeup even more envy-worthy.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More