Despite Topshop's makeup range getting so much praise since it was first launched, there's only a handful of products I've tried from the line. No matter how hard I try, I can't shake the unfair preconception that a clothing brand's beauty offerings just can't match up to one that solely focuses on makeup. I know, I know. Finally, after trying a couple of the Topshop Nude Eye Contour Creams, I think I may have overcome my negative expectations.

Contouring is having a huge moment in the beauty world, at the moment, so it's a genius move for Topshop to have jumped on the bandwagon, but with a twist just for the eyes. Although there are countless brands that offer cream shadows, very few have nude, contour shades in their collection and I haven't seen any similar from another, drugstore brand.

Five, neutral shades make up the range, all varying in depth and level of shimmer, with most of them resembling natural skin-tones. Contour products tend to be shimmer-free in order to achieve a believable, natural-looking shadow, but a couple of these shades are practically metallic and deviate away from the nude colour palette, in my opinion. Saying that, they're all still gorgeous, totally wearable colours that are guaranteed to be staple shades in anyone's collection. I just think that Topshop should have been a bit wiser with their naming, that's all. One thing to note is that swatching the colours in-store, before purchasing, is a must to avoid disappointment. Relying on Topshop's online images is a risk, as the colours aren't replicated very clearly.


Considering these shadows have a nude theme, the pigmentation is great, giving either a subtle wash of colour to the lids with a single layer, or an opaque finish when built-up. Depending on your skin-tone, the lighter colours can be used to gently even out the eyelid for a polished, barely-there look, with the darker shades adding definition to the eye, along the lash-line and through the crease. Whilst the colours aren't anything out-there or ground-breaking, they're all non-offensive, essential basics that are always useful.

On first unscrewing the lids, you're hit with quite a strong, honeycomb scent. Totally unexpected, it's rather unusual for eyeshadows to have fragrance added to them, but I find it a pleasant, albeit odd, addition, as the scent dissipates once applied. Those with particularly sensitive skin may want to be wary of possible irritation, but it caused no issues for the delicate skin around my eyes.

Texture-wise, the formula of the shadows is smooth and creamy, but not too wet, thick or heavy. Allowing you to stay in control, the shadow isn't messy to use and doesn't smudge everywhere as you blend. Giving you a little play-time to place the colour where you want it, the shadows are easy to buff out initially, but soon set firmly in place. After a minute, it's nigh-on impossible to work the product any further, so you have to blend quickly. Fingers are the best tool to blend with, as the warmth from them keeps the product soft and gives you a few, extra seconds of slip.

Ridiculously long-lasting, these shadows last all day and night on my (never oily) lids, with no signs of wear whatsoever. Boasting 16-hour wear, Topshop clearly have faith in their formula and, although I wouldn't wear my makeup for that long, I can well believe their claim. You may want to prep with a separate primer first though, if you have very oily lids, to prevent possible creasing.

Topshop Nude Eye Contour Cream Eyeshadow Swatches - Bare & Undressed

I picked up two of the five shades, but I do intend to purchase a couple more. Bare is described simply as a, 'brown', on the Topshop website, but it's actually a metallic, pewter/taupe shade. Clearly, this isn't a shade to contour with, but it's a gorgeous colour regardless.  Considering it's close to being a cream version of one of my all-time favourite eyeshadows, MAC Patina, I'll forgive Topshop for getting it so wrong when labeling and naming this shade. But, it could be a major disappointment to anyone who's made a blind, online purchase, without trying it first.

Undressed, on other hand, is a warm, soft, caramel shade with a small hint of shimmer and is just gorgeous for contouring. As it has more of a satin finish, it can be used both as an all-over colour, but to add definition where you want it also. For autumn especially, this is a great tone, but it's essential to wear lashings of mascara and some eyeliner with it, to avoid looking like you've gone eight rounds with Mike Tyson.

These Topshop Nude Eye Contours are priced at a whopping £8 for a tiny pot which holds just 2g of product, which is pretty hard to swallow. Honestly, I very rarely empty a whole pot of cream eyeshadow, so I can't see myself getting through these too quickly and they're still a bargain compared to many high-end equivalents. But, I may feel differently if I used them daily.

Which makeup products from Topshop do you love?

AGB X