Our facial features naturally evolve over time, making it occasionally feel more daunting to perfect chic eyeshadow looks. To address this, makeup professionals and specialists have identified six common eye makeup mistakes that women over 40 might make and have provided straightforward solutions to correct and prevent them.
Additionally, they have shared some practical tips for achieving effortless yet flattering eye makeup looks for fall. These suggestions can help many avoid the most frequent missteps while enhancing their natural beauty.
6 Eyeshadow Errors That Can Emphasize Fine Lines — And Simple Hacks To Avoid Them
1. Using Ultra Sparkly Eyeshadow
According to Destiny McGill, celebrity makeup artist and Day Spa Owner of Lavish Life Studio, eyeshadows that are excessively glittery or shimmering can have the unintended effect of further highlighting wrinkles, potentially exacerbating the issue rather than masking it. McGill says that "glittery or shimmery eye shadows really settle into the wrinkles and draw attention to them." Instead, she recommends "choosing a matte eyeshadow."
Kerrin Jackson, celebrity makeup artist and creator of The Makeup Refinery blog agrees, adding that the color of your shadow is just as important. "Using a cool toned eyeshadow and applying it with a heavy hand can tend to create a skull-like shadow in your eye socket," she warns. "Try to use a warmer tone eyeshadow instead," she suggests. She stresses that "keeping the application to a wash over the lid instead of a strong definition in the crease line" is ideal.
2. Wearing Red Eyeshadow Shades
One eye makeup color Jackson suggests skipping if you want to look younger is a red, scarlet or crimson one. "Red eyeshadows can add years to your face simply by making your eyes look tired, irritated and generally giving a look of being unwell." There is very little that is flattering about a red eyeshadow, Jackson stresses, and she always advises "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 points out.
This, she says, is purely because of the "color of our blood," which is red. "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 adds. This, she concludes, is why using a red eyeshadow can inadvertently look like "you have been crying, have allergies or something unpleasant altogether is going on. It’s not a very appealing or flattering look." (Noted!)
3. Applying Black Shadow To Your Lower Eyelid
One TikTok-trendy hack taking over the internet right now is using black eyeshadow in place of eyeliner for a smudgy, 90s-inspired look. When applied heavily on the lower eyelid, any black shades can create the illusion of smaller eyes, Anastasia Tomchenko, co-founder and CPO of Glambook, warns, and this can also accentuate under-eye bags and wrinkles. To avoid this effect, she says to always think of a softer end goal. "Women over 35 do not need graphic makeup, and the line should be soft," she suggests.
Tomchenko has a great solution to this issue, and explains how to get a gentle cat-eye look that will make your eyes look more refreshed and youthful. "I recommend using a gray or brown color, and a soft formula like kohl can be used to stretch out a line," she adds. Tomchenko notes that "you can blend it while it is fresh or use a slightly dampened angled brush dipped in concealer to help achieve a soft mini-wing."
4. Skipping Concealer At The Inner Corners
Eyeshadow can look its best, Jenny Stokes, beauty expert and founder/ CEO of MinimalJapan. says, when paired with strategic concealer to cover one's dark circles and under-eye areas.
“To look younger and fresher, apply concealer to dark areas around your eyes,” Stokes says. “Choose a shade or 2 lighter and apply to the inner corners of your eyes as these tend to darken first.”
5. Choosing Powder Over Cream Formulas
When it comes to the type of shadow to look out for, cream 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 40, who desire a moisturized and smooth appearance.
Oscar Velasquez, professional makeup artist and beauty expert, 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. As Jackson stresses, skipping red colors and anything that is too shimmery is essential, as these could inadvertently highlight wrinkles and fine lines.
6. Forgetting Primer Beforehand
Lastly, before even applying eyeshadow at all, Gargi Patel, celebrity makeup artist at Vashanti Cosmetics, explains that it is essential to use a primer on your eyelids. This, she says, will prevent smudging and smearing throughout the day as primers are designed to lock in your shadow in place."
The goal is to always keep the eyeshadow in places you want it to stay," she says. In order to prevent looking older with a smudged look, Patel stresses that you should always "start with preparation of the eye area."
The Bottom Line
Using a good primer "suitable for the eye area," she explains, will "help to keep not only your eyeliner in place, but also your eyeshadow."
She concludes 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."
