As we age, wisdom often accompanies us, but so does a heightened sensitivity and fragility of our skin. Nonetheless, getting older doesn’t mean we must forgo the joy of experimenting with makeup. Eyeshadow, in particular, remains a beloved choice, and there are expert tips to guarantee a seamless application and extended wear, suitable for any skill level. Eyeshadows come in various forms, including powder (both pressed and loose), cream, liquid, stick, and baked formulations.
Whether aiming for a bold or understated look, for day or night, well-applied eyeshadow can accentuate the eyes and divert attention from fine lines and wrinkles. We spoke with renowned celebrity and professional makeup artists to uncover the most recommended eyeshadow formulas for women over 50. They often favor cream and stick varieties over powders, highlighting their flattering qualities. Additionally, they offered invaluable advice for mature women eager to enhance their features with eyeshadow this fall.
Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Kerrin Jackson, celebrity, film and television makeup artist and creator of The Makeup Refinery blog, Oscar Velasquez, professional makeup artist and beauty expert, Jenny Stokes, beauty expert and founder/ CEO of MinimalJapan, Mandie Brice, professional makeup artist and instructor, Margina Dennis, celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert and Saffron Hughes, professional makeup artist at False Eyelashes UK.
4 Cream & Stick Eyeshadow Tips For Women Over 50, According To Celebrity MUAs
1. Try Neutral Matte Cream Eyeshadows
Since metallic or sparkly shadows can “cause lines and wrinkles to look more pronounced” than they actually are, Jackson says that the best bet for mature beauties is to “avoid these products and stick with neutral colors and matte eyeshadow types instead.”
“If you must use a shimmer eye shadow, try a cream-based product that you can blend in softly,” she advises. This will be “far more flattering and flexible on your skin” than a powdery metallic or shimmery eyeshadow.
2. Opt For Satin Finish Stick Or Cream Shadows
When it comes to the type of cream or stick shadow to look out for, satin finish eyeshadows boast a subtle hint of radiance, lending a dimension that is neither completely flat like matte nor too flashy like shimmer. As a result, they are an excellent choice for women above the age of 50, who desire a moisturized and smooth appearance.
Velasquez notes that when it comes to eyeshadow colors for mature beauties, looking at your natural eye color and then finding “shades on the opposite side of the color wheel” is a great place to start.
3. Use A Subtle Nude Shadow For Daytime
To enhance your eyes during the daytime this fall, Stokes suggests adding a nude eyeshadow. For the nighttime, a slightly darker color is the way to go.
“Sweep a nude eyeshadow for day makeup, and for nights, apply a slightly darker shade to the crease to add definition to the eyes,” Stokes says. “Avoid using eyeliner and don’t apply eyeshadow to your brow bone as this can add years to your face.”
4. Choose A Darker Nude For The Night
Stokes also recommends never neglecting your lower lids. “Opening up your eyes can give you a modern, youthful look,” Stokes says.
She continues: “Apply the darkest shade in your eye palette to the lower lid just below the lashes and soften the look with a makeup brush.”
The Bottom Line
Overall, Stokes concludes that eyeshadow “can emphasize your best features and when done right, it can take years off your face.” She acknowledges that “eye makeup can feel quite tricky” at first, “especially if you have areas you need to correct, but with these hacks, you’ll be applying eyeshadow like a pro.”
"You can find your undertone easily by looking at the veins on the inside of your forearm," Brice says. If your veins have more of a blue hue, you likely have a cooler undertone. If they're more green, she says to choose a warmer option.
Or, if silver jewelry looks "better on you, you’re more suited to cooler tones, but if gold is better, you have a warm undertone," Brice notes, adding that "there’s also the possibility that you’re neutral, which is if gold and silver are equally flattering." (Good to know!)
