Eye shadow can do wonders to highlight our eyes and help us look our best. Yet I’ve heard from a number of you that eyeshadow application can be a bit challenging – and, frankly, just too time consuming and difficult.

I’m excited to share with you today a really quick and easy eyeshadow look using products that work especially well for those of us with mature eyes: cream and liquid eyeshadows.

Cream and liquid eyeshadow products can help us create a one-step out-the-door beautiful eye look. And, they can be especially wonderful for those of us who are over 50 because these formulations glide over – and often disguise – texture. In addition, they blend out easily and because of their creamy texture, they can also be hydrating.

The Tools and Products We Need

Fortunately, this is easy! You can just use your finger to apply the cream or liquid shadow because the warmth of our finger helps the creams or liquid really meld into the skin.

For those of us who prefer brushes, there are two different types of synthetic brushes that can help with the application. Usually, a flat brush (like a concealer brush) works very well.

The other brush type that can be helpful is a fluffy synthetic brush in a size that works well for the size of your particular crease area. This fluffier brush can help blur and diffuse the color at the top of the crease area so the shadow has no harsh edges.

Synthetic brushes don’t absorb as much product as natural bristle brushes, so it’s possible to get better coverage and color payoff when we use them. The synthetic brush also allows us to get more coverage with just one layer of product. (Note: If you have oily eyelids, you may also want to apply an eyeshadow primer first to prevent creasing and to help the eyeshadow stay in place even longer).

As far as types of products, there are creams that come in a stick form and creams that come in pots. Liquids come in several different varieties as well. Some liquids come with an applicator, others come in a squeeze tube, and cream-to-powder formulations, such as Colourpop’s Super Shock eye shadows, come in a small pot.

All of these different products can come in matte, shimmer or metallic formulations.

Be sure to check out Elise’s YouTube channel which specifically focuses on makeup tips, techniques, and product reviews for those of us 50+. Don’t forget to subscribe!

How to Blend and Apply the Products

It’s important to completely finish one eye before moving on to the other one since cream eyeshadow can dry down quickly. It’s always a good idea to test the product first so you know how much time you will have to work with it.

Note that once these products dry, it’s impossible to move or diffuse them. The only exception is cream-to-powder formulas which can sometimes be diffused.

Use a very small amount of product and start on the inner part of the eyes at the base of the eyelid close to the lashes. Apply the product with a finger or a brush and work upward using a short, patting motion.

If applying just one color, it can sometimes be easier to use our finger. It’s really just a matter of personal preference. Then carry the color up into the crease. And if you have hooded eyes, you’ll want to go above the crease as far as you need to in order for the eyeshadow to be visible.

If using more than one color, start with the darker shade since it’s easier to diffuse lighter colors into darker ones. And to diffuse the color at the edges, use the fluffy synthetic brush and move it in tight circles. We can also use the edge of our fingers to gently move the eyeshadow in the direction we want it to go.

Since cream and liquid eyeshadow cannot only vary from formula to formula but also from shade to shade within a brand’s formula, it’s always a good idea to experiment with our application method when trying a new product.

This very quick and easy application of a cream or liquid eyeshadow may very well be all you want to do to create a gorgeous out-the-door beautiful look.

Some Ideas on How to Amp Up the Look (If You Want to Do So)

If you wish, it’s possible to amp up the look in several ways. First, make sure the cream or liquid eyeshadow is thoroughly dry – which usually doesn’t take long – and then you can take your favorite mid-tone powder eyeshadow or a bronzer and apply it in your crease and slightly above. Then feather out the top of the powder shadow.

To amp it up a little further, you can also apply a deeper powder shadow in the “outer V” area of the eye and on the outer one-third of the bottom lash line area and connect it to the “outer V.” If using cream eyeshadow on the bottom lash line, it’s sometimes helpful to apply a little powder over it because the cream can sometimes smear the mascara underneath.

How to Easily Avoid or Fix Common Mistakes

The wetter the product formula, the longer it will take to dry. And how wet it is depends on its density and the pigment saturation. So, if the eyeshadow has creased, just take a fluffy brush or fingertip and pat it down. Make sure you keep your eyes closed until it’s thoroughly dried.

You can always apply a very small amount of translucent powder over the cream or liquid product to make sure it doesn’t crease.

Something else that may cause a problem is that sometimes the applicator on a liquid eyeshadow can be quite large and deposit too much product. In those cases it can be helpful to apply some product to the back of your hand and then apply the product with your fingertip.

Some Recommended Products

Just about every brand makes a liquid or cream eyeshadow formula. Some drugstore products that can work well are ones from Elf, Revlon, Maybelline, and Colourpop’s Supershock cream to powder formulas. Some wonderful higher-end products include ones from Hourglass, Tom Ford, Stila, Charlotte Tilbury, and Kosas.

Cream and liquid eyeshadows can be very versatile. It’s possible to create a lovely one-and-done quick and easy eye shadow look with cream or liquid products, a subtle touch of glamour, or use them in combination with powder eyeshadow for a more “amped up” look.

So if you don’t feel confident applying powder eyeshadow or you just want a very quick and easy eyeshadow look, consider giving cream and liquid eyeshadows a try.

Have you tried using any cream or liquid eyeshadow products? If so, how did these products work for you? And please also share any brands you really liked. If you haven’t tried them, are you interested in giving them a whirl?