As we age, mastering fashionable eyeliner, eyeshadow, and mascara looks can feel more difficult due to natural changes in our faces, including a decrease in eye area moisture. Professional makeup artists and experts have identified three common eye makeup errors that women over 40 frequently make, which may cause them to appear older.
However, they’ve also provided valuable tips to achieve more flattering and simple eye looks for the new year while avoiding these common mistakes! Read on for suggestions and insight from Gargi Patel, celebrity makeup artist at Vashanti Cosmetics, Alyssia Chang, founder of Prevail Beauty, and Andrea Claire, professional MUA and beauty expert.
3 Eye Makeup Errors To Avoid In 2024 For Mature Beauties
1. Skipping Eyelid Primer
Before even applying eye makeup at all, Patel explains that it is essential to use a primer on your eyelids. This, she says, will prevent smudging and smearing as primers are designed to lock in your eyeshadow and eyeliner in place.
"The goal is to always keep the eyeliner in places you want it to stay," she says. Patel adds, "Let’s start with preparation of the eye area."
"Using a good primer suitable for the eye area will help to keep not only your eyeliner in place, but also your eyeshadow," Patel continues.
She also notes that your primer "should also hydrate the eye area so liquid eyeliners will not dry out, causing pieces to land in places that will not give a clean look."
2. Wearing Dark Liner on the Lower Lash Line
Claire advises applying eyeliner exclusively to the upper eyelid and lash line as darker application on the lower lash line may inadvertently accentuate dark circles and wrinkles around the eyes.
This, she notes, means that dark spots and other signs of aging can look even more prominent. The key is to only add a super-dark eyeliner shade (if you want to, as there are plenty of non-black, flattering ones out there) to the upper lash line.
If you "love your liner and have dark circles," she says, "keep your liner to the top lash line." A little trick that Claire uses "to counter darkness" is to apply a "nude liner to the lower waterline, which helps to open and brighten the eyes."
3. Using Older or Expired Mascara
Welcoming a new year means opting for new makeup (or checking the products you use), Chang stresses. The easiest way to get an undesired clumpy look when it comes to your mascara, Chang says, is to use a product that is older or expired.
"Mascara formulas are constantly being updated and improved, so if you’re still using the same mascara you’ve been using for years, it’s time to switch things up," she advises.
"Newer mascaras often have better staying power and can give your lashes a fuller, more voluminous look," she says. When it comes to purchasing new makeup products, many experts suggest reassessing your eye makeup every 3-6 months and replacing it if it begins to clump or gives a flatter or less voluminous effect when applied.
The Bottom Line
Although the idea of adjusting your makeup routine to suit mature skin may seem overwhelming, it doesn't have to be!
Our experts advise that by correctly cleansing, moisturizing, and priming your skin, as well as removing your makeup before bed, you can achieve a more luminous appearance for 2024, in addition to adhering to the aforementioned recommendations.
