I’ve heard this time and time again from my mom: “My makeup just doesn’t look the way it used to.” For those with aging skin, textural changes can alter the way makeup applies and looks on the skin, especially around the eyes. This is because the skin around the eyes is thinner than the rest of the face and shows signs of aging sooner. Sometimes, the products or techniques you’ve used for years just aren’t the best fit anymore. Here, seven eye makeup tips for mature skin types, according to makeup artists.
Featured Experts
- Charlie Riddle, celebrity makeup artist and creative director
- Jeanine Lobell, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Neen
- Jenny Patinkin, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Jenny Patinkin Eco-Luxe Beauty Tools
- Jo Baker, celebrity makeup artist and founder of BAKEUP Beauty
Avoid shimmery or frosty eyeshadow
Celebrity makeup artist Jenny Patinkin, founder of Jenny Patinkin Eco-Luxe Beauty Tools, recommends avoiding eyeshadow that is shimmery or glittery, or has a frosty finish if you plan on applying it in your eyelid crease and/or on your brow bone. “These textures can accentuate all the little lines and folds,” she explains. “And, because they are so reflective, they can make the eyes look puffy or swollen. However, a little shimmer applied with a small brush like our Pin Point Liner Brush, just in the inner corner or on the center of the lid, adds a touch of glamour and drama without looking overdone.”
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Instead of shimmery shades, opt for neutral, earthy tones or soft, flattering colors. “These tend to be universally flattering and often serve to brighten the eyes,” says celebrity makeup artist Jeanine Lobell, founder of Neen. “Our new Matte Eyeshadow Trios come in two tones: one warm (Toasty) and one cool (Bare). If you have pink, red, or bluish undertones, go for Bare. If you’re more olive, Toasty is your go-to.”
Use matte eyeshadows for easy, everyday looks
“Our Matte Eyeshadow Trios create a smooth, skip-free look,” says Lobell. “They give your eyes that ‘wow factor’ without drawing attention to imperfections. I like using a lighter shade all over the lid as a base and to flatten any protruding texture. Then, using our fluffy shadow brush, I apply the medium shade to the crease to add depth and open the eye. I usually apply this with the eyes open so I can really see the best placement. I also use the medium shade in the lower lashes with the larger end of the precision liner brush, sort of sketching right under the iris. I often don’t put eyeshadow in the outer corner of the lower lash line for a more open, wide-eyed look.”
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Next, Lobell smudges the darkest shade into the upper lash line to make the eyes pop. “A well-pigmented, quality eyeshadow is great because you can avoid the layer of shadow primer,” she says. And to finish the look, considering adding that subtle pop of shimmer mentioned in #2 above. “A touch of shimmer really brightens up a matte eye. I either apply a little in the inner corner or in the center of the lid above the iris.”
Use an eyelash curler
“I’m a big believer that using an eyelash curler for deep-set and hooded eyes can be transformative for eye makeup on people with aging skin,” says Patinkin. “Curling your lashes helps to lift shadows from the under-eye area. It allows light to get to your eyes, which makes them look bigger. It creates a visual vertical line that makes the eyes appear taller. And, it also helps lashes to act as a camouflage to obscure thinning or crepey skin.”
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If you have dry skin, go for cream eyeshadow instead of powder
Sometimes, a really good cream eyeshadow can even allow you to bypass the primer step. “Try liquid and cream shadows versus powders,” says celebrity makeup artist Charlie Riddle. “This will give the appearance of a smoother skin texture.”
“Personally, I find that cream and crayon formulas, like Victoria Beckham’s eyeshadow sticks, work exceptionally well on mature skin,” adds celebrity makeup artist Jo Baker, founder of BAKEUP Beauty. “Look for a cream that provides a semi-matte finish and stays in place without smearing or settling into fine lines and wrinkles. This is ideal for maintaining a flawless look throughout the day.”
Try navy eyeliner
Swap out your usual black or brown eyeliner for navy. Patinkin is a huge fan of tightlining with a dark navy eye pencil. “Running the pencil under your upper lash line fills in the gaps between the lashes so they look thicker and fuller,” she explains. “It helps to define the shape of the eyes without having to take up precious real estate on upper lids that might be getting more hooded as time goes by. And, the blue tone makes the whites of the eyes look very bright and clear.”
Riddle also recommends using eyeliner in the top waterline. “This will give you a very natural definition and help your eyes appear more awake,” he says. “It also makes the lashes appear longer.”
Keep your skin hydrated
When skin is properly hydrated, lines, wrinkles and crepiness are less pronounced. “The skin around your eyes—your eyelids and under-eyes—is extremely sensitive,” says Lobell. “I am a diehard fan of Retrouvé Revitalizing Eye Concentrate Skin Hydrator. I like to use it at night before bed on my eyelids up to my brows for an overnight hydration boost.”
Prep your lids with primer
“An eye primer infused with hyaluronic acid is particularly beneficial for mature, aging skin,” says Baker. “Look for one that offers smoothing, blurring and brightening benefits.” We like Milk Makeup Hydro Grip, which really smooths the lids to prep them for eyeshadow. “Using an eyeshadow primer will help shadows and liner stay in place and prevent any creasing,” adds Riddle.
Add dimension to your lower lash line
“I almost always apply a smudge of matte bronzer or taupe eyeshadow on the lower lash line when I’m applying makeup on someone with aging skin,” says Patinkin. “The lower lash line often gets covered up by concealer. But, adding a little dimension back in creates the illusion that the lash line is slightly lower than it actually is. This makes the eyes look bigger overall.”
Try lash extensions
Riddle recommends experimenting with at-home lash extensions to enhance your look. “Try at-home lash extensions, like ProLash,” he says. “These go underneath the eyelash and give a very natural lash that lasts for many days. It will instantly open up the eyes.”
Use soft, fluffy brushes to blend
When you’re applying eyeshadow, opt for soft, fluffy makeup brushes. “Avoid any stiff brushes that can tug or be rough on delicate skin,” Lobell says. “Stiff brushes can also deposit too much product.”
