As we age, our skin and features naturally change, and makeup that once worked well may no longer have the same effect. For older women, eyeshadow can be a tricky area to navigate. Some colors and techniques can appear harsh, accentuate fine lines, or make the eye look smaller and more tired. Choosing softer, more flattering shades and applying eyeshadow in a way that enhances your natural beauty can make a significant difference.
We checked in with Kerrin Jackson, celebrity, film, and television makeup artist and creator of The Makeup Refinery blog, to discover the one eyeshadow color older women should avoid. Jackson revealed that shades of red are the most unflattering for mature skin. Read on to find out why.
Avoid Red
While red can give you a sultry and bold look, Jackson says, "Red eyeshadows can add years to your face simply by making your eyes look tired, irritated, and generally giving a look of being unwell.
She explains that there is "very little" that is flattering about a red eyeshadow, and she always suggests "avoiding red on the eyes altogether."
"I generally avoid red eyeshadow because it is such a tricky shade to get right on the eyes," Jackson adds. The reason is purely because of the "color of our blood," which is red, obviously. "What happens when we cry, or have an allergic reaction to something, rub our eyes, or get a bruise? Our skin and eyes go red," she notes.
This is the reason why using a red eyeshadow can accidentally look like "you have been crying, have allergies, or something unpleasant altogether is going on. It’s not a very appealing or flattering look."
As a bonus tip, she also suggests that older ladies should avoid shimmery eyeshadow formulas. Although they can be fun to play with, she notes that "for us over 40s, that may not be good anymore." A shimmery red eyeshadow can be "particularly cruel to even the most slightly textured skin."
These formulas can "end up highlighting every wrinkle, line, or textured surface you usually spend your makeup time trying to soften," Jackson states.
Youthful Alternative
Instead, Jackson reveals that older women should "stick with neutral mattes instead."
"If you must use a shimmer eyeshadow, try a cream-based product that you can blend in softly," she concludes. This will be "far more flattering and flexible on your skin" than a powdery metallic or shimmery eyeshadow. Got it!
