Eyeshadow for Older Women

If you’re a woman over 50, you may have noticed that the eyeshadows you used in your younger years are not working for you anymore. Our skin changes, we may have hooded or droopy eyelids, and the colors we wear may also need to be updated.

In this post, we’ll cover the most commonly asked eyeshadow questions for mature women in addition to insights, step-by-step tips, and eyeshadow suggestions tailored specifically for mature women over 50.

How should women over 50 wear their eye makeup?

Women over 50 can wear their eye makeup in a way that complements their skin tone, enhances their features, and emphasizes their eyes without being too overpowering.

It’s generally recommended to opt for more neutral and matte shades as they provide a more sophisticated and ageless look. Always prioritize moisturizing and priming the eyelids for a smoother application.

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What type of eyeshadow is best for over 50?

When it comes to choosing eyeshadows for mature skin, certain textures and finishes can work better to complement and enhance the beauty of aging eyes. Here's a deeper dive into the best eyeshadow types for those over 50:

1. Matte Eyeshadows

Matte eyeshadows have a flat, non-reflective finish that can provide depth and dimension without emphasizing the texture or any fine lines on the eyelids. They are versatile and can be used for both day and night looks.

Recommended Brands and Palettes:

2. Satin Eyeshadows

Satin finishes strike a balance between matte and shimmer. They have a subtle sheen that can illuminate the eyes without being overly sparkly or highlighting skin texture.

Recommended Brands and Palettes:

Tips for Mature Skin

  • Prep the eyelids: Always start with a hydrating eye cream followed by an eyelid primer. This helps smooth out the eyelid texture, providing a better base for eyeshadow application.

  • Blend well: Seamless blending can make a significant difference, ensuring there are no harsh lines or edges.

  • Avoid Overly Shimmery or Glittery Eyeshadows: While it's perfectly okay to have fun with makeup at any age, shimmer or glitter can sometimes settle into fine lines or make the eyelids look more textured.

  • Choose neutral and earthy tones: While bright colors are not off-limits, neutrals like taupe, beige, soft rose, and browns tend to be universally flattering and can be dressed up or down based on the occasion.

Which is better for mature eyes, powder or cream eyeshadow?

Let’s take a look at the differences between cream and powder eyeshadows so you can decide which is best for your eyes at this stage of your life.

Cream Eyeshadows

Pros:

  • Hydration: Cream eyeshadows often contain moisturizing ingredients, making them ideal for mature eyelids that might be drier.

  • Smooth Finish: They glide effortlessly, providing a smooth and even finish without settling into fine lines.

  • Long-lasting: Many cream eyeshadows are formulated to be long-wear, meaning they can stay put without creasing throughout the day.

Recommendations for Cream Eyeshadows:

Powder Eyeshadows

Pros:

  • Versatility: Powder eyeshadows come in a vast range of shades, finishes, and formulas, offering versatility in creating multiple looks.

  • Blendability: They can be easily blended to achieve soft gradients and more complex eye makeup looks.

  • Layering: It's easy to layer and mix different shades of powder eyeshadows to achieve the desired intensity and finish.

Recommendations for Powder Eyeshadows:

  • Urban Decay Naked Palettes: These palettes provide an array of neutral shades in matte, satin, and shimmer finishes that can be used to create diverse looks.

  • MAC Matte Eyeshadows: Known for their pigmentation and blendability, MAC offers a range of matte shades perfect for mature eyes.

  • Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Eyeshadow: These are renowned for their creamy texture, even though they are in powder form, making them a great option for mature eyelids.

General Tips for Mature Eyes

  • Eyeshadow Primer: Whether opting for powder or cream eyeshadows, always apply a primer beforehand. Brands like Urban Decay and Too Faced offer excellent primers that ensure longevity and prevent creasing.

  • Quality Brushes: Investing in good quality brushes can make a significant difference in the application. Brushes with soft bristles and a slightly tapered shape can assist in precision application and blending.

Both powder and cream eyeshadows have their advantages, and the choice largely depends on personal preference. It's always about finding the product and finish that makes you feel most confident and radiant.

Best cream eyeshadow palette for mature eyes?

There are many great cream eyeshadow palettes available.

1. RMS Beauty Signature Set Pop Collection: This palette not only includes cream eyeshadows but also lip and cheek colors. RMS is known for their organic ingredients and creamy formulations, which are especially gentle and hydrating, making them great for mature skin.

2. ILIA Beauty The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette: While ILIA is better known for its powder shadows, their formulas are so finely milled and creamy that they blend almost like a cream, making them suitable for mature eyelids.

Additional Tips:

  • Cream-to-Powder Formulas: Some brands offer eyeshadows that start as a cream but have a powder finish. These might be worth exploring if you're seeking the benefits of both formulas.

  • Mixing Mediums: If you're finding it hard to locate a full palette of cream shadows that appeal to you, consider getting a mixing medium. This product can turn powder eyeshadows into a cream-like consistency, providing greater flexibility in your makeup collection.

  • Hydration is Key: Mature eyelids can often be dry, so regardless of the product chosen, ensure you start with a well-moisturized base. A light eye cream can make a significant difference in how the product applies and lasts.

What color eyeshadow should women over 50 wear?

For women over 50, selecting the right eyeshadow shade can enhance natural beauty and highlight mature eyes with grace.

1. Neutral Shades

Neutral shades are often recommended for mature eyes because of their versatility and timeless appeal. They can provide depth and dimension without drawing undue attention to fine lines or texture on the eyelids.

  • Taupe: This shade is a mix between brown and gray, making it universally flattering. It can provide a natural shadow, especially in the crease, enhancing the eyes' depth.

  • Brown: Browns come in a range of undertones—from warm to cool. Lighter browns can be used for a subtle daytime look, while deeper browns can add drama for evening wear.

  • Beige: A light beige can be used as a base shade or on the brow bone to provide a lift and brightness to the eyes.

  • Soft Rose: This shade adds a touch of warmth and can give the eyes a youthful and refreshed appearance. Soft rose is particularly flattering for those with green or hazel eyes.

2. Cool Tones

For those with cool undertones or blue or gray eyes, shades like slate, silver, and cool purples can be very complimentary.

  • Slate & Silver: These shades can brighten up the eyes and provide a touch of shimmer without being too glittery.

  • Cool Purples: Shades like lavender or mauve can bring out the blue or green in one's eyes and offer a soft pop of color.

3. Warm Tones

For individuals with warm undertones or brown and amber eyes, shades like gold, bronze, and warm oranges can be gorgeous.

  • Gold & Bronze: These shades can provide a sun-kissed look, making the eyes appear vibrant.

  • Warm Oranges: Peachy shades or terracottas can offer warmth and work exceptionally well for those with amber or hazel eyes.

Color Tips

  • Experiment & Play: While these recommendations are based on traditional color theory and common advice for mature skin, makeup is a form of self-expression. It's essential to remember that there are no strict rules.

  • Bold Choices: If someone over 50 loves vibrant blues, electric greens, or deep jewel tones, they should feel free to rock those shades with confidence. It's all about the application, blending, and wearing it with pride.

How should a 50-year-old apply eyeshadow?

1. Start with Primer:
Before any eyeshadow, always apply a primer on the eyelids. It evens out the skin, prevents creasing, and makes the eyeshadow last longer.

2. Apply a Neutral Base:
Choose a shade close to your skin tone and sweep it across the entire lid. This provides an even canvas and helps subsequent colors blend more smoothly.

3. Define the Crease:
Select a slightly darker shade to add depth. Gently apply it to the crease and blend well. This gives the eyes dimension and counters any natural recessing that may occur with age.

4. Highlight:
Use a light, matte eyeshadow on the brow bone. This subtly lifts and illuminates the eye area. Finish by blending all shades together to eliminate any harsh lines.

Remember, the key is blending. Smooth transitions between colors give a polished and sophisticated look, especially on mature skin.

How to do eyeshadow for hooded eyes?

Hooded eyes, with their unique shape, offer a beautiful canvas for makeup. By understanding the structure and using techniques tailored to enhance them, one can achieve stunning and eye-catching results.

Understanding Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes are characterized by a prominent brow bone with a deep-set crease, making the lid appear smaller. The "hood" is the skin that droops over the crease, causing the lid to seem less visible.

Find the Crease

  • Before applying eyeshadow, feel for your orbital bone (the round bone that encircles your eye). This will help in determining where your natural crease is. With hooded eyes, the crease is often hidden beneath the hood.

Placement of Crease Shade

  • Apply your crease shade slightly above the natural crease or where you feel the orbital bone. This gives an illusion of depth and a more defined eye structure. Using a slightly darker shade here can help recede the hooded area.

Brighten the Lid

  • Use a light or brightening shade on the mobile lid (the part of the lid that moves and is most visible when you blink). This draws attention and can make the eyes appear more open and awake.

Matte on the Hood

  • To minimize the appearance of the hood, opt for matte shades. These absorb light rather than reflecting it, reducing the prominence of the hooded area.

Outer Corner

  • Applying a slightly darker shade on the outer V of the eye can elongate and lift the appearance of hooded eyes. This creates a cat-eye effect, drawing the eyes upwards.

Eyeliner Tips

  • Eyeliner can be tricky for hooded eyes as the line can get lost under the hood. Consider a thin line or a tightline technique (applying eyeliner to the waterline). Also, winged eyeliner can be flattering, but ensure the wing extends out and upward to counteract the downward pull of the hood.

Highlight Strategically

  • A touch of a shimmering or light-reflecting shade can be applied to the inner corners of the eyes and brow bone. This can brighten the eyes and create points of interest.

Blend, Blend, Blend

  • As with all eyeshadow looks, blending is essential. This ensures there are no harsh lines, and the shades transition seamlessly. For hooded eyes, the emphasis on blending the crease shade upwards is crucial.

Extra Tips for Hooded Eyes

  • Mascara & Lashes: Curling lashes and using a volumizing mascara can help open up hooded eyes. False lashes, if used, should be chosen carefully. Opt for lashes that are longer towards the outer corner.

  • Eyebrows: Well-groomed and slightly lifted eyebrows can create more lid space and provide a more open appearance to the eyes.

Best Eye Makeup for Over 50 Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes, which feature an extra layer of skin that droops over the crease causing the lid to appear smaller, can present some unique challenges, especially as the skin matures. However, with the right techniques and products, they can be beautifully accentuated. Here's a guide tailored for individuals over 50 with hooded eyes:

1. Primer is Essential:

  • Why: Mature skin tends to have more texture and may be either dry or oily. A primer ensures the eyeshadow adheres better, reduces creasing, and lasts throughout the day.

  • Recommendation: Urban Decay's Primer Potion or MAC's Paint Pot in a neutral shade.

2. Opt for Matte Shades:

3. Light on the Lid:

  • Why: Applying a light matte shade on the mobile lid (the part of the eyelid that moves) can make the eyes appear more open.

  • Recommendation: Use soft beige or light taupe shades, depending on your skin tone.

4. Define with Depth:

  • Why: By applying a darker shade slightly above the natural crease and blending it outward, you can create an illusion of depth and dimension.

  • Recommendation: Opt for neutral browns, muted mauves, or soft grays.

5. Lift with Liner:

6. Highlight Strategically:

  • Why: Highlighting the inner corners and brow bone can provide a more awake and refreshed look. Use matte or very subtly shimmering shades.

  • Recommendation: Urban Decay's Naked Basics (one shade offers a subtle shimmer ideal for this purpose).

7. Mascara Matters:

8. Brows:

Best eyeshadow for crepey eyelids?

Crepey eyelids can be characterized by fine lines and a slightly looser skin texture. This can make certain eyeshadows settle or accentuate these features. But with the right products and techniques, you can achieve a polished and elegant look:

Cream Eyeshadows

  • Why they work: Cream eyeshadows have a more emollient texture, allowing them to glide effortlessly across the lid without settling into fine lines. They also often offer a more hydrated and dewy appearance.

  • Recommendations:

Satin Finish Eyeshadows

  • Why they work: Satin eyeshadows strike a balance between matte and shimmer. They offer a slight sheen, which can bring light to the eyes without the sometimes problematic glitter or excessive shimmer.

  • Recommendations:

Neutral, Matte Shades

  • Why they work: Matte eyeshadows, especially in neutral tones, can define the eyes without drawing attention to texture. They are perfect for creating depth in the crease or for an all-over lid color.

  • Recommendations:

Extra Tips

  • Application: Use a synthetic brush or your fingertip to apply cream eyeshadows for the smoothest finish.

  • Eyeshadow Primer: Always start with an eyeshadow primer, like Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion or Too Faced Shadow Insurance. This ensures longevity and a smooth canvas.

  • Avoid Overly Frosted or Glittery Shades: These can often accentuate the texture of crepey lids. If you love sparkle, look for finely milled shimmer or formulas described as having a "sheen" or "pearlescent finish."

How do you apply eyeshadow to droopy eyelids?

Droopy or "down-turned" eyelids have a natural downward tilt at the outer corners. Applying eyeshadow with techniques tailored to this eyelid shape can create a more lifted and youthful appearance. Here's a more detailed guide:

Priming is Essential

  • Start with an eyeshadow primer. This helps to smooth the eyelid and ensure that the eyeshadow lasts longer without creasing or smudging.

Base Shade

  • Apply a neutral shade close to your skin tone all over the eyelid. This evens out any discoloration and sets a base for the other colors.

Medium Shade on the Lid

  • Choose a medium-toned shade, perhaps a soft taupe or a muted rose. Apply this all over the mobile lid (the portion of your lid that moves when you blink). This color provides depth without overpowering the look.

Darker Shade on the Outer V

  • To counteract the droop and create an illusion of an uplifted outer corner, apply a slightly darker shade in the shape of a sideways "V" at the outer corner of your eye. The point of the V should angle slightly upwards, almost like a soft wing.

  • Blend this shade inward, but avoid taking it too far into the center of the lid. This adds dimension and elongates the eyes.

Highlight Strategically

  • Brighten up the inner corners of the eyes with a light-reflecting or shimmer shade. This draws attention to the inner portion of the eye, making it appear wider and more open.

  • Additionally, apply a light, matte shade under the brow bone. This gives an illusion of a lifted brow and contrasts beautifully with the deeper shades on the lid.

Eyeliner Tips

  • When applying eyeliner, try to keep the line thin and avoid going too heavy. The eyeliner should slightly wing upwards at the outer corner, mirroring the uplifted effect you created with the eyeshadow.

  • For a softer look, opt for eyeliners in brown or gray instead of a stark black.

Blend to Perfection

  • It's crucial to blend the shades seamlessly, especially where the medium shade on the lid meets the darker shade in the outer V. Use a fluffy blending brush and work in soft, circular motions.

Mascara and Lashes

  • Curling the eyelashes and applying a lengthening mascara can further enhance the lifted appearance. If you're a fan of false lashes, choose styles that are longer at the outer corners to emphasize the lift.

Final Touches

  • To ensure the look remains balanced, consider softly defining the lower lash line with the medium shade you used on the lid. This adds definition without making the eyes appear heavy.

Should women over 50 wear eyeliner under eyes?

It's a matter of personal preference. However, using a soft eyeliner pencil in a shade like brown or taupe and smudging it can create a softer look rather than a stark or harsh line. Heavy eyeliner under the eyes can sometimes draw attention to fine lines or wrinkles.

The way eyeliner is used can greatly influence the overall appearance of the eyes, especially as skin matures. Here's a deeper dive into the consideration of wearing eyeliner under the eyes for women over 50:

The Beauty of Age

First and foremost, age is just a number when it comes to beauty. Makeup should always be about personal expression, enhancing one's features, and feeling good in one's skin. If wearing eyeliner under the eyes makes you feel confident and beautiful, then that's the right choice for you.

Soft and Subtle

  • As the skin matures, the under-eye area may develop some texture or fine lines. A hard or dark line of eyeliner can sometimes accentuate these features. Opting for a softer look can be more flattering.

  • What color eyeliner should an older woman wear? Neutral colors like brown, taupe, or gray can be flattering for mature eyes. These colors offer definition without being overly harsh. A soft navy can also brighten up the whites of the eyes.

  • After application, gently smudging the line with a smudging brush or a Q-tip can diffuse the color, making the look more natural.

Avoiding the Waterline

  • Lining the waterline (the inner rim of the lower lid) can close off the eyes, making them appear smaller. Instead, consider applying the eyeliner just below the lash line. This still provides definition while keeping the eyes looking open and bright.

Consider Eye Shape and Size

  • If one has larger eyes, a subtle line under the eyes can further enhance their shape. On the other hand, if one's eyes are naturally smaller, it might be best to focus on the upper eyelid to prevent the eyes from looking more closed off.

Alternative Techniques

  • Instead of a full line, consider using the eyeliner to dot between the lower lashes. This technique, often called "tightlining the lower lashes," provides definition without the weight of a full line.

  • A softer alternative to eyeliner could be using eyeshadow as a liner. A matte eyeshadow applied with an angled brush can offer a diffused and softer appearance.

Maintenance

  • As we age, the under-eye area may become more prone to dryness or moisture. Ensure the eyeliner is of good quality, smudge-proof, and long-wearing to prevent it from running or settling into fine lines.

Best Eye Liners for Mature Women

When recommending eyeliners for mature skin, there are specific criteria to consider. The eyeliner should be:

  • Long-wearing: To prevent smudging or fading throughout the day.

  • Smooth Application: A creamy formula ensures it glides on without tugging at the skin.

  • Non-irritating: Mature eyes might be more sensitive, so hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested formulas can be preferable.

Here are some eyeliners that are often recommended for mature eyes based on the above criteria:

  1. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil:

    • A favorite among many due to its creamy texture and vast range of colors. It sets quickly and stays put throughout the day.

  2. Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner:

    • This eyeliner is great for those who like to smudge out their liner a bit for a smokier effect. Once set, it's waterproof and long-wearing.

  3. Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense:

    • Known for its hypoallergenic formula, this is especially suitable for those with sensitive eyes. It also has a built-in smudging tool for those who prefer a softer look.

  4. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner:

    • For those who prefer gel liners, this one has a cult following. It's highly pigmented, lasts all day, and doesn't crease or smudge.

  5. Estée Lauder Double Wear Waterproof Gel Eye Liner Pencil:

    • As the name suggests, this eyeliner is designed for longevity. It's smudge-proof, water-resistant, and comes with a smudger on the other end for versatile looks.

When using eyeliner on mature skin, it can be beneficial to set the liner with a matching eyeshadow shade. This adds extra staying power and helps prevent the liner from moving into fine lines. Additionally, always ensure that your eyeliners are well-sharpened for precision and to avoid any jagged edges that might tug at the skin during application.

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