Team cream: Why I’ve ditched most of my powder makeup products

If I were to look at my makeup kit from one year ago, majority of my products would’ve been powders.

Aside from a liquid foundation and concealer, my blush, bronzer, eyeshadow, highlighter, and possibly even brow products, came in the form of a pressed powder compact.

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Call it the ‘Glossier effect’, or my desire to have skin as juicy as a ripe summer peach (minus the fuzz), but now, I’d say my routine is 50 to 80 per cent cream or liquid.

Here’s what I’ve switched to and how I’m finding it… Oh and for context, I have combination skin (a T-zone that is oily AF but slightly on the dry side everywhere else). 

#1 Cream blush

Ok can someone please tell me how the hell I was sleeping on cream blush for so long?!

This is the one switch I one thousand per cent recommend everyone to try. The creamy texture of a rosy-peach pigment has taken me to a whole new, delectable, level of fresh, dewy and youthful cheeks. Plus, I find it looks way less ‘fake’.  I think it’s a combination of a slightly sheerer finish and the texture being more similar to the skin.

I started off applying it with my fingers (and will still do so if in a pinch), but I’ve found the best method is actually using a buffing brush – it makes a little product go a much longer way. I start by softly buffing it into the apples using circular motions, and then sweep the excess up and out towards my ear. 

My top picks: Stila Convertible Colour (I like using the shade Lilium, $38 at Mecca ) and Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand in Pinkgasm ($60, www.charlottetilbury.com/au). bh recommends: jane iredale In Touch Cream Blush and The Organic Skin Co. Cheeky Lips.

#2 Cream contour and bronzer

I first started using cream contour and bronzing products in an attempt to get a more ‘chiseled’ (read: cheekbones so sharp they could cut glass) effect. But I’ve actually found they’re more useful for creating natural-looking shadow or a faux sun tan effect. So contouring yes, but more for subtle, everyday dimension or warmth.  Just draw on, blend and go.

If it’s a truly strong Nikki Tutorials-esque contour you’re after, I’d recommend doubling down wth a cream first, and then cementing it with a powder on top.

I use matte, chocolatey creams if it’s contouring I’m after, but warmer terracottas and caramels if I’m trying for sunkissed summer skin.

My top picks: Fenty Matchstix in ‘Mocha’ ($37, Sephora) and Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel ($64, Chanel) bh recommends:Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour and Maybelline New York Master Contour V-Face Duo Stick.

#3 Cream eyeshadow

I have had both good and bad experiences with cream eyeshadows.

I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that most formulas crease due to the oily nature of eyelids, or end up transferring to the brow bone, which completely ruins your brow shaping effort. But I’ve still managed to find some goodies in the mix.

The ones I like tend to be of a metallic finish, and have enough sass (and pigment) in them to be used solo. Cream shadows don’t seem to build well for me, so sticking to a single hero works best. Also, if they do end up creasing or moving, I just duck to the bathroom, blend them out with my finger and we’re ready to move on.

But as far as replacing my powders goes? You’ll still find me reaching for a palette.

My top picks: Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise in ‘Rose Gold’ ($44, charlottetilbury.com/au), Huda Beauty Double-Ended Matte & Metal Liquid Eyeshadow ($39, Sephora) bh recommends:Revlon ColorStay™ Crème Eye Shadow and  Bobbi Brown Longwear Cream Eyeshadow Stick.

#4 Cream highlighter

I fell hard and fast for cream highlighters. But slathering them on the tops of my cheek bones would often result with shimmer sliding right into my crow’s feet. And that is something I’d rather not have illuminated.

I still love cream and liquid highlighters dearly,  I’m just more selective and careful with my application. I find them to be glorious across the brow bone, Cupid’s bow and inner corner of the eye. As for the cheeks, I’ve learnt to combine a layer of liquid with a layer of powder (for slide resistance) and the result is one 3D cheek bone glow that can’t be beat.

Oh and how I could I forget the decolletage and high point of the shoulder? RiRi taught me. 

My top picks: Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Colour Glow in ‘Illumi-naughty’ ($52, Sephora), Becca Skin Love Glow Glaze Stick ($42, Sephora)bh recommends: ulta3 Highlighter Sculpt Stick and INIKA Organic Certified Organic Cream Illuminisor.

In conclusion, I urge those who like fresh, dewy skin to put down the powder (to an extent) and try a cream. I certainly don’t regret it. 

Do you prefer cream or powder products for certain things? What’s the best cream product you’ve tried?