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Getting older is a fact of life—and thank goodness for the privilege! As we age, our skin undergoes changes that can affect how makeup is applied and worn—especially around our eyes. It’s normal and natural and there are plenty of solutions to still make sure our peepers look on point.
Three celebrity makeup artists offer valuable insights into the best eyeshadow formulas to enhance mature skin and make us shine as we get older. After all, beautiful lids aren’t just for kids!
Here are the 11 best eyeshadows for older women, according to celebrity makeup artists.
Related: 8 Best Tinted Moisturizers for Mature Skin, According to Professional Makeup Artists
Top Eyeshadows for Mature Skin
What Type of Eyeshadow Is Best for Aging Eyes?
Tamara Delbridge, who has worked on Sanaa Lathan, MC Lyte and En Vogue’s Cindy Herron, says cream is superior to powder when it comes to more mature skin. “Cream eyeshadows provide a host of benefits that can help address the specific concerns that come with age,” she says. “Their hydrating formula can moisturize the delicate skin on the eyelids…This hydration can help to smooth out fine lines and prevent creasing, creating a more youthful look.”
Aimee Carr, founder of VooDoo Cosmetics, and a MUA who has worked high-profile runway shows, photo shoots, music videos and commercials, adds, “Any eyeshadows with less fillers and heavy micas that still shine are hands down the best in my book.”
She continues that you should always go with what you like. “You can use all eyeshadows at any age and should not hold back from exploring different eyeshadows and colors,” she explains. “My saying is, ‘If you feel good in it, then go ahead and flaunt it.’”
Related: The Best Blush for Mature Skin, According to Professional Makeup Artists
What Color Eyeshadow Should an Older Woman Wear?
Cassandra McClure, celebrity MUA who has worked on Susan David, Priyanka Naik and Kylin Kalani shares, “Neutral shades such as beiges, soft browns, and muted mauves are generally recommended for older skin. These colors enhance the natural beauty of mature eyes without overpowering them. To add a touch of brightness, try incorporating soft peach or pink tones, especially on the inner lid to get rid of redness.”
Delbridge agrees, adding, “Light-colored matte eyeshadows are best for aging skin since matte finish absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which can help to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.”
Related: The 9 Best Foundations and Moisturizers for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
How Do I Make My Eyes Look Not So Old?
Here are some of the top tips from the MUAs:
1. Use Primer
“An eye primer can help to create a smooth canvas, reducing the appearance of lines and preventing eyeshadow from creasing,” says McClure.
2. Choose Matte and Satin Finishes
“These finishes tend to be more flattering as they don’t highlight fine lines like frosted or highly shimmering shadows might,” shares McClure.
3. Tightline with Eyeliner
“Applying eyeliner to the upper waterline can make your eyelashes look thicker, which in turn makes your eyes look more defined and youthful,” says McClure.
4. Highlight Strategically
“If your eyes are smaller or closer set, apply a light, shimmery eyeshadow or highlighter to the inner corners of the eyes and just under the brow bone,” shares McClure. “This brings light to the eyes, making them appear larger and more awake. If you have larger eyes highlight on the outer corners.”
Related: The 7 Best Concealers for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
11 Best Eyeshadows for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
Best Overall: MAKEUP BY MARIO Master Mattes® Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals, $50
Delbridge says this gorgeous shadow is her top pick and “works well on all skin tones.”
Best Drugstore: Milani Most Wanted Eyeshadow Palette, $10.99
Delbridge likes this “finely milled, highly pigmented, mixed textured palette” as an excellent drugstore pick.
Best Luxury (Splurge): Armani Beauty Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow, $38
Delbridge says this luxe water-based formula allows for a smooth, creaseless finish. And bonus points for the multi-purpose applicator.
Best Clean: ILIA The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette, $40
Delbridge likes this vegan, cruelty-free shadow because it’s free of skin-reactive ingredients and looks lovely on.
Best Specifically Designed for Aging Eyes: LILY LOLO Laid Bare Pressed Eye Palette, $34
McClure says this palette, which is specifically designed for aging eyes, has a range of matte and shimmer shades formulated to be gentle on the skin while providing long-lasting wear.
Best Professional Grade: MOB Beauty Eyeshadow, $16
McClure says, “The sustainable brand boasts a talc-free formula, contains special amino acid-coated pigments for a non-drying finish and chamomile extract to calm and soothe your skin, has staying power, and is eco-friendly.”
Best Easy Application: Cheekbone Beauty Fearless Eyeshadow, $16 / Chella La Vie Neutral Eyeshadow, $47
Cheekbone Beauty / Chella
McClure says Cheekbone Beauty’s shadow is “mess-free and travel-friendly blendable shades to match your mood.”
Another great option? Any of
Best Inexpensive: Moira Chroma Light Shadows, $8.99 / $6 on Moira’s Website
These inexpensive shadows are available in an enormous array of flattering colors.
Best Skincare Infused: Perricone MD’s No Makeup Eyeshadow, $39
Delbridge says this sheer, multipurpose shadow can double as a primer. It contains wrinkle-reducing, skin-lifting and skin-brightening ingredients.
Best Vibrancy: VooDoo Colour Art Eyeshadow, $28
Carr says this shadow offers “buildable color to give you a desired end look from sheer to full coverage, blending seamlessly in the process which means no creasing.”
Next: I’m an Esthetician, and This Is the #1 Skincare Product I Recommend for Women Over 50
Sources
- Tamara Delbridge, makeup artist who has worked on Sanaa Lathan, MC Lyte and En Vogue’s Cindy Herron
- Aimee Carr, founder of VooDoo Cosmetics, and makeup artist
- Cassandra McClure, celebrity MUA who has worked on Susan David, Priyanka Naik and Kylin Kalani
Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.
