While makeup should be for everyone—all ages, genders, skin types, and skin tone—how you apply your products is often different, especially depending on your age. That’s because mature skin has different needs. As you age, you might notice the changing texture of your skin or the new appearance of dark spots and wrinkles, since your skin’s supply of collagen and elastin (what keeps skin looking youthful and plump) naturally depletes.
If your skin is drier or has more fine lines, the correct eye makeup application is especially important. There are ingredients and types of makeup older women should look for, as well as techniques that allow makeup to blend beautifully into the skin instead of settling into wrinkles. Because people of all ages deserve to rock a trending eyeshadow look or nail their classic, everyday eye makeup with ease, we chatted with makeup artist Oscar Salgado from The Sparkle Bar in Scottsdale, AZ, for his insights. Keep reading for 10 top makeup tips for mature eyes.
Meet the Expert
Oscar Salgado is a senior artist at The Sparkle Bar in Scottsdale, AZ.
1. Start With Hydration
As your skin matures, under-eye wrinkles and crow's feet are a fact of life, and hydration can help make them less obvious. Salgado says to look for a hydrating and protective eye cream for the entire area—even an under-eye primer. “This is key to prevent moisture loss,” he says.
Try dotting a little SMASHBOX Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer under your eyes before applying concealer.
2. Don’t Forget to Curl Lashes
Mature eyes sometimes appear smaller. We also might have less hair, even when it comes to eyelashes. That’s where a good eyelash curler comes in. “It will instantly lift the eye and fan out those lashes to create wider eyes,” Salgado says.
MAËLLE BEAUTY Filmstar Eyelash Curler is a favorite, thanks to its easy-to-use ergonomic handle and sensitive eye–friendly, latex-free rubber pads.
3. Line Your Waterline
“Add contrast by tightlining the top lash line with either a black or brown pencil liner,” Salgado says. “This will create fuller-looking lashes and will bring definition in the most subtle manner around the eyes.” For a more everyday eye makeup look that doesn’t call for any drama, try a flesh-toned eyeliner color.
4. Opt for Matte Eyeshadow
While a pop of shimmer in the inner corners is always a good idea, Salgado says, those with mature eyes might find matte eyeshadow more longwearing and less likely to fade on mature skin. Stock up on matte eyeshadow palettes that are pigmented without emphasizing fine lines.
Some of the best matte eyeshadow palettes are still satiny-smooth, such as THEBALM COSMETICS Meet Matt(e) Trimony Matte Eyeshadow Palette. These matte shadows aren’t chalky at all, and instead just have a pretty matte finish.
5. Opt for Cream Eyeshadow Over Powder Eyeshadow
If you find powder eyeshadow settles into fine lines, try cream shadow instead. Cream eyeshadow is more blendable on older eyes and can be much more forgiving due to its hydrating ingredients.
For example, MICABEAUTY IPSY-Exclusive Cream Eyeshadow in Bronze is a lightweight but still longwearing cream eyeshadow that never creases.
6. Go for Waterproof Eyeliner
If you want to skip eyeshadow altogether, eyeliner on the top lash line gives your eyes definition without a ton of effort. You’ll want to reach for a waterproof option here, and they’re more longwearing and less likely to smudge on mature eyes.
MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Eyestudio Lasting Drama Waterproof Gel Pencil Eyeliner is smudge-resistant but still comes off easily with eye makeup remover (that’s right: no unwanted tugging!).
7. Apply Eyeshadow Instead of Eyeliner on the Lower Lash Line
Eyeliner on the lower lash line can sometimes make dark circles look more pronounced. Instead, use a matte eyeshadow for a softer look. “I love using jewel tones like sapphire and amethyst or a rusty garnet tone for a more neutral twinkle of color,” Salgado says.
IT COSMETICS Superhero Eyeshadow Palette + Brush Duo has the neutral matte shades you want with the pops of colors you need.
8. Choose False Eyelashes Over Mascara
The truth is, you’re not going to wear fake eyelashes every day. Most days, a good mascara will do. But for those special occasions, don’t be afraid to turn to falsies. A natural-looking set, such as M⋅A⋅C Lash / 81 Charmer Lash opens the eyes without the need for additional makeup. Smudges and smears? Impossible here.
9. Look for Anti-Aging Ingredients
In case you missed it, anti-aging ingredients aren’t just for skincare—some of the best eyeshadows and eye makeup contain skin-smoothing and hydrating ingredients, too.
Case in point: The L'ORÉAL Paris Age Perfect Lash Magnifying Mascara is formulated with conditioning serum and jojoba oil to care for your lashes while keeping them volumized.
10. Use Concealer as Highlighter
Save the shimmery highlighter for the teens, and instead opt for a lighter and brighter concealer to highlight the high points of the face. Tip: Take your concealer all the way up to the brow bone to subtly open the eyes.
MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Instant Anti Age Eraser Concealer is nourishing for the entire eye area. Those with more oily skin types just might need to set it with a light setting powder to avoid creases.
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