Eye Shadow Formulas

Single Eye Color By Clarins (average price $20) embodies the best of what powder eye shadow can offer. The colors are deep and rich in pigment. They glide on like a dream and have amazing lasting power. If you like choice, this line offers colors in pearl, matt and shimmer shades so you can match them to your makeup or your mood.

Cream Eye Shadow

Cream eye shadow has been popular for several years. Women seem drawn to cream eye shadow because it comes in cute containers and is easy to apply; no sponge-tip applicator necessary. Some say they prefer the feel of cream shadow to that of powder or its dewy, shimmery radiance.

The most commonly reported pitfall of cream eye shadow is creasing. Because it's thicker and moister than powder shadow, cream shadow can sometimes get caught in the creases of your eyelids. To prevent this, it's a good idea to apply an eye shadow primer. Primer helps prepare the lids for the shadow so you get better coverage and less creasing.

M.A.C Paint Pots (average price $16.95) have been the favorite cream shadow of fashion mavens for the last decade. These eye shadows are creamy but don't feel heavy on your lids. You can use one of the lighter colors as a primer and choose a different shade as your main shadow.

NARS Cream Shadow (average price $23) is another well-known product with a loyal fan following. They come in a nice variety of frosty pastel shades, and are super-easy to apply. These shadows go on as a cream, but turn to a powder on your lids, so you're mush less likely to have to deal with greasy, creasy lids.