When you’re applying makeup after a certain age, you may notice it becomes more difficult for products like foundation, concealer, and even eye shadow and eyeliner to stay put. It’s natural and normal for products to seep into fine lines or to fade or smear. The answer doesn’t have to be to forego makeup altogether; rather, it’s a great idea to change up your routine just a little bit and make a few smart swaps where your makeup is concerned.
Ready to ditch shimmer in favor of matte? Then you’ll be happy to learn about Makeup Artist Tricia Cusden’s tips for the best products to use over 50 to smooth out wrinkles on your eyelids and help makeup stay on all day without creasing.
Eyelid Primer
Before you apply even a stitch of makeup to your eyes, it’s important to first apply a layer of quality eye primer to lids. As time goes by, blood vessels and other discoloration can become apparent on your lids. A thick layer of foundation isn’t ideal for lids, but a light layer of primer is just perfect. It blurs out discoloration and fine lines and creates a smooth, silky base that allows shadows and liner to more readily be applied. Added bonus: primer helps eyeshadow and liner stay on your lids longer.
A Light and A Dark Eyeshadow Color
If you only want to stick to the bare minimum when it comes to eyeshadow, choose two complementary shadow shades — one light, and one dark. Cusden reminds us that light shadow is for areas of the eye that you want to bring forward, while dark shadow is for areas you want to recede. For example, it’s common to apply a dark shadow to the crease of your eye and a lighter shadow on the lower lid — this contrast can make it look like you have more lid area, which becomes a nice little magic trick if you notice your eyes have become more hooded over the years.
Soft Gray Eyeliner
Unless you have very dark hair and brows, using a black eyeliner can appear harsh over age 50. Cusden instead recommends a soft eyeliner in soft gray. She starts her liner at the outer corner of her eye and draws her line right along her top lash line using short strokes. This gives the effect of having thicker lashes.
Shimmer-Free Shadow For Lining The Eyes
To soften your eyeliner even more, take an angled brush and dip it into a shimmer-free matte gray eyeshadow. Tap off excess powder on your hand and apply it along the same path as your liner. This not only helps diffuse the drama of an eyeliner, but the powder sets your liner in place.
Mascara
If there’s one constant that remains no matter what your age, it’s mascara. But if you have been using lengthening mascaras, try switching to a volume-building mascara that can also plump up lashes and make them appear denser.
Getting your eye makeup to look gorgeous after 50 isn’t all that different from the steps you’d take at any other age. A few simple swaps and application tips are all it takes to get gorgeous.
