These are the best eye makeup tips for older women in their 50s and 60s. As we age, our skin and facial features change, and so do our makeup needs. If you don’t make the changes, you might end up looking like a clown.
Eye Makeup Tips For 50s, 60s & 70s Women
Eye makeup, in particular, can transform your appearance, highlighting your eyes and making them pop.
However, the techniques and products that worked in your 20s may no longer have the same effect.
For older women, embracing subtle, age-appropriate makeup can enhance natural beauty without emphasizing fine lines or wrinkles.
In this post, I’ll provide practical tips and tricks for creating beautiful, timeless eye makeup looks that work for mature eyes.
Understanding the Changes in Mature Eyes
Aging brings natural changes to the skin around the eyes. The skin may become thinner, less elastic, and prone to dryness.
Hooded eyelids, fine lines, and sparse lashes or brows are common. These changes require makeup techniques and products that cater to mature skin’s unique needs.
Instead of masking these features, the goal is to enhance them subtly, bringing out your natural beauty.
Preparing the Canvas
Hydration and Skincare
The key to flawless eye makeup begins with skincare. Use a lightweight, hydrating eye cream to reduce puffiness, smooth fine lines, and prep the skin.
Look for creams containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides. Apply sparingly too much product can cause makeup to slip.
You should also remember to keep up with your skincare in general. How you treat your skin over time will always affect how your makeup sits on the skin.
Primer
Eye primers are a game-changer for mature skin. They create a smooth base for eyeshadow, prevent creasing, and help makeup stay in place.
Choose a primer with a lightweight texture that won’t settle into lines. You can experiment with several types before you find what works best for you.
Eyebrows: Framing the Eyes
Eyebrows frame the face and draw attention to the eyes. As we age, brows are often thin, but well-defined brows can make a significant difference.
Choosing the Right Product: Use a brow pencil, powder, or tinted gel to fill in sparse areas. Opt for a shade that matches your natural brow color for a seamless look.
Application Tips: Use light, feathery strokes to mimic natural hairs. Avoid harsh lines that can look artificial. A spoolie brush is helpful for blending and creating a softer finish.
Shape Matters: Focus on creating a natural arch that lifts and opens up your eyes. Overly dramatic arches can appear unnatural.
Eyeshadow Tips
Neutral and Soft Colors
Neutral tones like taupe, soft browns, and muted mauves work well for older women. These shades brighten the eyes without overwhelming them.
Avoiding Shimmer
While shimmer may look dazzling in younger years, it can accentuate texture and fine lines on mature skin.
Opt for matte or satin finishes, which provide a polished look without drawing attention to imperfections.
Application Techniques
Blending is essential. Start with a light shade over the entire lid to create a base. Apply a medium shade to the crease to add depth, and use a slightly darker shade on the outer corners for definition.
Blend well to avoid harsh lines, which can make the eyes appear smaller. Nobody learns how to blend perfectly on the first or second try. Practice is what makes it perfect for all of us.
Eyeliner Techniques
Eyeliner adds definition and enhances the shape of the eyes, but heavy lines can look harsh on mature skin.
Choosing the Right Color
Swap black eyeliner for softer shades like brown, gray, or navy for a more flattering look.
Most women in their 50s and 60s grew up with bold eyeliners and sometimes have had difficulty letting it go.
However, feel free to experiment and you might like how you look with other softer shades.
Tightlining
Instead of lining the entire lid, focus on tightlining—applying liner to the upper waterline. This technique defines the eyes subtly without looking overdone.
Avoiding Lower Liner
The heavy liner on the lower lash line can make the eyes appear smaller. If you prefer some definition, use a soft pencil and smudge it gently for a more natural effect.
Mascara Application
Mascara can open up the eyes and make lashes look fuller and longer.
Choosing the Right Formula: Look for a volumizing and lengthening mascara. Avoid waterproof formulas, which can be drying and harder to remove.
Curl Your Lashes: A lash curler can instantly lift and open the eyes. Curl before applying mascara to prevent breakage.
Lower Lashes: Apply mascara sparingly on the lower lashes to avoid smudging, which can accentuate under-eye wrinkles.
Highlighting and Brightening
Strategic use of light can make the eyes appear larger and more youthful.
Highlight the Brow Bone: Use a light, matte shade on the brow bone to lift the eyes. Avoid frosty highlighters, which can emphasize texture.
Inner Corner Brightening: A touch of a light, neutral shadow or pencil on the inner corners of the eyes creates a fresh, awake look.
Nude or White Eyeliner: Applying a nude or white pencil to the lower waterline can make the eyes appear larger and more open.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overuse of Shimmer: Shimmer can settle into fine lines and make them more noticeable. Stick to satin or matte finishes.
Heavy Eyeliner: Thick eyeliner can overpower the eyes and make them look smaller. A subtle definition works best.
Neglecting Brows: Sparse or undefined brows can age the face. Keep them groomed and filled in for a polished look.
Recommended Tools and Products
Investing in quality tools can make all the difference. When it comes to brushes, use soft, high-quality brushes for blending eyeshadow and applying liner.
When it comes to eyeliners, gel or pencil liners work well for mature eyes. These types of eyeliners are easier to control and less likely to smudge.
When it comes to eyeshadows, opt for palettes with matte or satin finishes in neutral shades.
When buying mascara, choose a formula that lengthens and volumizes without clumping.
The most important aspect of any makeup look is to apply what you feel comfortable and confident in. Experiment with techniques and products to find what works best for you.
Remember, makeup is about enhancing your natural beauty, not hiding it. A little effort can go a long way in making your eyes look brighter and more youthful.
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Final Thoughts
Eye makeup can be a powerful tool for older women, helping to highlight their natural beauty while addressing the unique needs of mature skin.
For some older women, this can be tricky because the makeup they were doing in their younger days is not working anymore and they have to learn new tricks.
For others, they went through their younger years without applying makeup and are getting into it when they are older.
Regardless of which category you fall under, be open to experimenting. Embrace age-appropriate techniques and you can create stunning looks that celebrate your elegance and confidence as a mature woman.
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