Here Are Eye Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
The eyes are the window to the soul. But the window dressing - makeup - that we use may need a little shakeup as we get older. What worked when we were in our 20s may not work quite so well in our 50s, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still look awesome and enjoy using makeup to accentuate our best features. It simply means we may have to try a few new tricks and tips to achieve the same captivating and radiant look. Here are some eye makeup tips and tricks for women over 50.
It’s all in the prep
Great eye makeup starts with the right prep. It’s important to create the best base you can for your makeup. Skin loses moisture and elasticity as we age, particularly after menopause. This applies to the areas around the eyes, where skin is generally thinner and more delicate. Make sure you have a good skincare routine that includes specialized products for the under-eye area. Before applying eye makeup, use an eyeshadow primer to provide a smoother surface for cosmetics and prevent eye shadow from sitting in creases.
Lighten up
You may have been fond of dramatic black eyeliner and dark smokey eyes in the past, but on more mature women, this can look harsh and aging. Lighten up by choosing softer, lighter eyeshadows. Try a brown eyeliner and mascara for a more subtle look while still adding definition. Of course, turning 50 doesn’t mean you have to ditch a dramatic smokey eye; just switch up the color palette. Instead of blacks and dark grays, create a smoky eye using lighter shades of brown or plum, for example.
Know your colors
As you get older, it is more important than ever to understand your colors. Look for eyeshadows that complement your skin tone to achieve the most flattering effect possible. Seek the help of a color specialist if you need help to determine whether your skin is cool or warm toned. Remember that skin changes over time, so your skin tone may have changed over the years, too.
Ditch the glitter
Glittery eye shadows are usually thought to be aging on more mature skin, but if you still love a bit of sparkle, look for soft satin products with a slight sheen instead.
Avoid matte
Matte eyeshadows can highlight uneven surfaces. Opt instead for soft satin eye shadows with a slight sheen, which gives it a more blurred effect. A cream shadow with a satin finish could be your best friend.
Highlight your arch
You don’t have to stay away from shimmer completely, however. Try a dab of highlighter on the arch of the brow bone and on the inner corner of the eyes to reflect light and provide a more wide-eyed and youthful look.
Blend it
If you still can’t tear yourself away from black eyeliner on your lower lash line, there is another way. Ditch the harsh gel liners and try a kohl pencil instead for a softer finish. Be sure to blend really well with a sponge or your finger for a more flattering look. Keep it as close to the lash line as possible before you blend it out.
Dab, dab, dab
Use an illuminating concealer under the eyes to reflect light particles and cover dark circles. How you apply it is especially important. Don’t smear it across the whole undereye area and pull at it; the skin here is super delicate. Instead, dot it onto the skin and dab it into the skin with your fingers.
Less is more
When it comes to concealer, the old adage "less is more" is certainly the case for more mature skin. Too much undereye concealer can sit in lines and creases and can have the opposite effect of what you are trying to achieve.
Get luscious lashes
Thick, luscious-looking lashes make a statement whatever age you are. If you are trying to create a glamorous and dramatic evening look, don’t forget the mascara. You may want to try a mascara with a comb applicator instead of a brush to try to get every single hair. If you find that your lashes are more brittle and not quite as full as they once were, there are always false eyelashes. Try false strip lashes or even magnetic lashes, such as those offered by SoCal Beauty. They offer a customizable magnetic lash system made for lash artists called Designer Lashes.