Frequently asked questions
Makeup tricks & tips for older eyes
A few adjustments to your usual application technique can help eyeshadow look smoother on mature lids. There are simple hacks like pressing shimmer on the highest part of the brow arch to give a subtle lifting look to the eyes. Other techniques during application make a difference, like tapping off excess powder from the brush or lightly swirling your brush on your hand to evenly distribute shadow on the bristles before applying.
Investing in tools can also up the ante for your makeup tool kit—a good magnifying mirror for placement, a brush dedicated to pressing on product, followed by a clean fluffier brush to blend—says Offers.
And based on the experts’ feedback, cream or powder eyeshadow both work. It comes down to formula, color, and preference.
Maturing women should also make sure they’re using easily removable eye makeup, for optimum eye health, says Dr. Chung. Inadequate makeup removal in your 50s and 60s can contribute to the growth of Demodex, microscopic mites that live in the hair follicles and will proliferate when there is residue, oil, and debris left on the lash line. Leftover eye makeup can also lead to meibomian gland dysfunction, when makeup or debris accumulates along the lid, blocking the meibomian glands and leading to evaporative dry eye. “Make sure you’re using gentle, thorough removal techniques—without scrubbing. This is essential for long-term lid and ocular surface health,” says Dr. Chung.
What type of eyeshadow is best for crepey lids?
“Lids might start having more extra loose skin, or even begin to change in texture and become more of a crepey texture. If this is the case, a sheer application of eyeshadow is best, as the more you pack on, the more likely you are to essentially spotlight the texture issues. Sometimes shimmery cream shadows that are lighter than your skin tone will also showcase the crepeyness, so avoiding those is my advice,” says makeup artist Katey Denno. For anyone who loves shimmer, a finely milled formula applied with a light hand may be more flattering than a chunky glitter or heavily layered shadow.
How do you make hooded eyes look more open?
For hooded eyes, applying eyeshadow directly into the crease can mean the color disappears when the eyes are open. Instead, makeup artist and Laura Geller Beauty founder Laura Geller recommends keeping the lids light and bright, then blending a slightly deeper shade just above the natural crease so the color remains visible. “Be sure to blend upward and outward rather than bringing darker shades too far down onto the lid,” she says. Geller also swears by her three E’s: eyeliner, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Keep eyeliner thin and close to the lash line, use mascara to lift the lashes, and define the brows to help open up the entire eye area.
Does mature skin need eyeshadow primer?
If your eyeshadow looks great in the morning but has creased or faded by lunchtime, an eyeshadow primer might be worth adding to your routine. “I’m a big believer in primer at every age, but it can be especially helpful on mature lids,” says Geller. Primer helps create a smooth base for shadow to adhere to, which can reduce creasing and keep color from fading or shifting throughout the day. A thin, even layer is usually all you need before applying your favorite shadow.
What eyeshadow colors look best on mature skin?
There’s no expiration date on colorful eyeshadow, regardless of whether you’re 40, 50, or 70. “I always say there are no rules when it comes to color, wear what makes you feel beautiful,” says Geller. If you want to brighten and define the eyes without creating an overly dramatic look, she recommends taupes, warm browns, champagne, bronze, and soft rose tones. And shimmer is absolutely welcome. Geller suggests choosing a soft, refined shimmer that catches the light on the lids rather than anything overly glittery, particularly if you want to avoid emphasizing texture.
How we evaluated eyeshadows for older women
Glamour spoke with multiple celebrity makeup artists and ophthalmologists who work with clients of all ages to narrow down the best pro-approved eyeshadows for mature eyes. We also consulted our network of writers and contributors to evaluate formulas across different skin tones, eye shapes, and textures. During our research, we considered how eyeshadows perform on mature lids, particularly when it comes to creasing, dryness, and changes in skin texture. Glamour writers and contributors tested cream shadows, eyeshadow sticks, liquids, and powder palettes in matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes, paying close attention to pigmentation, blendability, longevity, and whether the formulas settled into fine lines or smudged throughout the day. Expert recommendations and firsthand testing informed our final selections.
Photographer: Ruben Chamorro
Sittings Editor: Tchesmeni Leonard
Hair: Daniel Pazos
Makeup: Andrew Colvin
Models: Lindsay Owen & Anna Valencia
