Makeup for Aging Eyes

“AS I AGE, I JUST DON’T KNOW HOW TO DO MY EYE MAKEUP ANYMORE!!! HELP!” is a line we hear more often than not! As we age, our eyes deserve makeup that enhances their beauty. This guide is your aging eye beauty playbook. In this to-the-point article, we will explore simple, practical tips for aging eyes that are completely achievable from home!!!

Invest in A Well Lit Mirror

Let’s start with the basics even before you do your makeup! Investing in a well-lit makeup mirror is a simple yet impactful step for optimizing your makeup application, particularly as you age. It not only ensures a more precise and flattering result but also makes the entire process more enjoyable and empowering.

Hydrate and Prime

Priming your eyes is a crucial step in any makeup routine, especially for mature skin. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prime eyes for mature skin:

Hydrate the Eye Area: Begin by applying a hydrating eye cream to moisturize the delicate skin around your eyes. Choose a product with anti-aging properties to address fine lines and wrinkles.

Choose a Mature-Skin-Friendly Eye Primer: Opt for an eye primer that is specifically formulated for mature skin. Look for products that are hydrating, lightweight, and designed to smooth the skin's texture. Some may even contain ingredients like peptides or antioxidants to provide additional skincare benefits.

Apply a Small Amount: Use a small amount of eye primer – a little goes a long way. Dab or gently spread the primer evenly across the eyelids, extending it up to the brow bone if desired. Avoid applying too much, as excess product may lead to creasing.

Blend Well: Blend the primer using your ring finger or a soft brush. Ensure that the product is evenly distributed, covering the entire eyelid and any areas where you plan to apply eyeshadow.

Wait for Absorption: Allow the primer to set for a minute or two before moving on to the next steps of your makeup routine. This ensures that the primer creates a smooth base for eyeshadow application.

Consider a Tinted Primer: If you have discoloration or uneven skin tone on your eyelids, consider using a tinted eye primer. This can help neutralize any redness or darkness, providing an even base for eyeshadow.

Set with Translucent Powder: To prevent eyeshadow from settling into fine lines, set the primer with a small amount of translucent powder. This step helps control excess oil and provides a smoother canvas for eyeshadow application.

Conceal Dark Circles

Use a creamy, hydrating concealer to cover any dark circles or discoloration. Look for concealers with hydrating properties. Mature skin tends to be drier, so a concealer with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or vitamin E can help prevent creasing and enhance skin elasticity. We are personally LUVVing this one!

Choose Aging-Friendly Eyeshadows

Opt for matte or satin eyeshadows, as they are more forgiving on mature skin compared to shimmery or glittery shades. Matte eyeshadows can help create a soft and sophisticated look without emphasizing fine lines. We LUVV this one for aging skin! Here are some absolute pro tips to try for eyeshadow application!

Avoid Harsh Lines: Choose neutral tones that complement your skin tone. Browns, taupes, and soft mauves work well for a natural and flattering look.
Apply Transition Shade: Use a soft, fluffy eyeshadow brush to apply a neutral transition shade slightly above the crease. This helps create depth and dimension in the eye area.

Define the Crease: With a smaller, tapered blending brush, add a slightly darker matte eyeshadow to the crease. Blend it well to define the crease without creating harsh lines.

Avoid Shimmer in Crease: Avoid applying shimmer eyeshadows directly in the crease, as they can accentuate wrinkles. Reserve shimmer for the eyelid or the inner corner for a brightening effect.

Illuminate the Inner Corner: Apply a small amount of highlighter or a shimmer eyeshadow to the inner corners of the eyes. This technique adds brightness and opens up the eyes.

Eyeliner Placement

Apply eyeliner close to the lash line to define the eyes without making them appear smaller. Consider using a brown eyeshadow on a thin brush to create a slightly smudged effect. Pro tip: consider using this process to achieve a super natural eyeliner look with your eyeshadow palette and setting spray!

Choose Your Eyeshadow Color: Select an eyeshadow color that complements your eye makeup or adds a subtle definition. For a natural look, you might choose a brown or gray shade, while a bolder look could involve black or a vivid color.

Dampen Your Brush: Lightly dampen the angled eyeliner brush with setting spray. Hold the brush at a slight angle to avoid over-saturation.

Pick Up Eyeshadow: Dip the dampened brush into the eyeshadow. Ensure that the brush picks up enough product for a smooth application without excess fallout.

Create Your Eyeliner: Gently and precisely apply the eyeshadow along your lash line. You can make the line as thin or as thick as you desire, depending on the intensity you want. The damp brush will help the eyeshadow adhere and create a more defined line.

Brow Definition

Did you know that not having enough contrast between your brow color and skin tone can contribute to an aging appearance? According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, dark brows were found to make a person look younger, emphasizing the importance of finding the right balance between your brow color and overall appearance. Don’t know your brow shade? Take this quiz!

Curl Your Lashes

This sounds so minimal, but it is a game changer! Curling your lashes can instantly open up your eyes, making them look larger and more awake. Use a good-quality eyelash curler before applying mascara.

Mascara Matters

Choose a lengthening and volumizing mascara to give your lashes a lifted appearance. Wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes to add volume without clumping. We LUVV this one! Pro tip: Coat both sides of your lashes by closing eyes and sweeping down on the back side of your lashes and then opening your eyes and sweeping up! It will 10x the volume and impact of your mascara!

Highlight Strategically

Want an instant lift to your eyes? A literal facelift in seconds—use a subtle highlighter in the inner corners of your eyes and under the brow bone to bring attention to these areas. This can create a brighter and more lifted appearance. This is a super amazing brow highlighter with a EASY PEASY application!