The Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Trick Every Woman Over 40 Should Try—Plus What To Avoid

Avoid shimmer and crease colors

With wrinkles around the eyes and on the lids, you may be tempted to opt for glittering shadows in order to distract from crepey skin. However, Moor warns that this tactic may actually have the opposite effect when it comes to reducing your age. “Avoid shimmers or thick glitter pigments, which can make your eyelids appear 'wrinkly' and aging,” she says. Softer champagne shades may not have the same impact, but particularly shadows with larger pieces of glitter should be avoided. 

Jenny Patinkin, celebrity makeup artist and brand founder, agrees. She says this is especially true when it comes to the eyeshadow you apply to your creases. "Eyeshadows with any amount of shimmer or luminosity should be avoided in the crease because not only do they accentuate the thinning texture of the skin as we age, but when light reflects from the crease, it can make the eyes look puffy and the shape appear distorted."

In fact, following the theme of sticking to one single matte shade, Moor even suggests skipping out on using crease colors altogether as you grow older, as this can simply function to age your face as well, creating unnecessary shadows. “We’ve all been taught the two-tone trick of darkening the crease. When you reach the point where you’re concerned about looking older, stop doing that, as creating a hollow can be aging,” she says.

Applying makeup as you age is all about finding new methods of complimenting your skin and best features, drawing attention away from fine lines and wrinkles while highlighting your best assets. This is not to say you can’t try out the vast array of makeup trends taking social media by storm, but sticking to single shade looks can be helpful in reducing your age and allowing for a smooth and effortless look that enhances both your beauty and your confidence in turn.