The best cream eyeshadow for mature eyes
Our columnist says ditching powdered eyeshadow in favour of more flattering cream-based formulas has been a life-changer.
Our columnist says ditching powdered eyeshadow in favour of more flattering cream-based formulas has been a life-changer.
A few months ago, I experienced a particularly traumatic breakup. The time had come to consciously uncouple from powder eyeshadow. We'd created beautiful memories together over the years (out of respect for us both I'll gloss over the unfortunate silver era sometime around the mid-1990s). But my needs had changed.
It wasn't you, powder eyeshadow, it was me. Or more specifically it was my eyelids. The smooth youthful canvas you once happily adhered to has more in common now with a pair of vintage velvet curtains. And I was after something that could glide over eyelids without highlighting every poor life choice I’ve made over the past five decades. Which is why I officially entered my cream eyeshadow era.
The truth is, cream eyeshadows are far kinder to mature skin than powder formulas. As you age, the delicate skin on the eyelid area becomes thinner due to a decrease in collagen, and powder-based products can settle into fine lines and emphasise dryness.
Cream, though, is way easier to blend, goes on smoothly without creasing and offers a much more flattering, natural finish. Best of all, the flexible consistency makes it easier to correct errors as you go. Switching to cream is probably the best decision I’ve made since realising life is too short to watch all three Lord of the Rings films.
So, let’s get involved
First up, I insist you invest in one of the best-kept beauty secrets known to womankind; an eyelid primer.
To ensure your colour stays put, this is non-negotiable. Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (1) (RRP £24) is my ride or die when it comes to eyelid prep – it creates a seamless canvas, dries in seconds and grips to eyeshadow like a boss. Put a ring on it immediately.
Trinny Woodall’s beauty range prides itself on fuss-free products that can easily be applied with fingertips. And she's seriously delivered on the cream eyeshadow front.
Trinny London Eye2Eye Eyeshadow (2) (RRP £20) comes in a range of richly pigmented, moisture-enriched shades – I like Wisdom, a soft neutral taupe – but it's the velvety texture that won me over;It glides on smoothly, blends beautifully and allows you to build up colour subtly for an immaculate finish. Trinny, we thank you for your service.
I was initially wary of Charlotte Tilbury cream eyeshadows, fearing the metallic-based shades might emphasise wrinkles.
But Charlotte, I did you dirty. Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise (3) (RRP £26) is not only crease-resistant, it also contains illuminating pigments that actually blur the appearance of fine lines to give a soft-focus, smoothing effect, as well as a shot of skin-hydrating vitamin E.The silky consistency makes a dream to blend, and the golden hues are perfection in a pot.
If you're after something a little more wallet-friendly that still does the business, meet Revlon Colorstay Creme Eyeshadow (4) (RRP £7.99).
Its big sell is staying power: it promises 24 hours of wear without budging. It also has a built-in brush, for those who prefer a hand with application. I loved the subtle hue of the glowy Caramel shade, which went on easily without dragging. Bonus points for the waterproof factor.
The genius people at Mac have come up with a cream eyeshadow that also doubles up as a primer. Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot Eyeshadow (5) (RRP £22) is impressively crease-proof and non-streaky as well as sweat and humidity resistant.The pigment is intense, so a little goes a long way and, as you'd expect from Mac, the formula really delivers that super-polished professional make-up artist finish.
Enjoy switching over to cream eyeshadows and remember: confidence is the best make-up. But a killer eyeshadow definitely comes a close second.
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