Makeup tips and tricks for mature eyes are the key to staying on trend and looking younger. As we age, our skin tends to sag slightly, causing a disconnect between our tried and true method of applying makeup: it just won’t sit properly!
This doesn’t mean for one second that we are out for the count; all it means is that we need to update our methods of application and maybe try a few new tricks. Makeup can be a fun way to express yourself, but it’s easy to fall into some common mistakes.
My guide will help you avoid these makeup mistakes on mature eyes and look your best!
Quick Summary: What You Need to Know
- Always use an eyeshadow primer on mature skin to stop makeup from creasing and wrinkling within hours of application.
- Apply lighter eyeshadow shades on the eyelid and darker shades in the crease to make eyes appear bigger and more youthful.
- Stop following your natural eye line with eyeliner. Instead, give a slight flick-up at the last lash to create an instant eye lift.
- Use the three-dot eyebrow measurement method (nose corner to inner eye, outer eye, and pupil center) to shape even, natural-looking brows.
- Curl your lashes before applying mascara in an upward zig-zag motion to lift the eye and avoid a droopy look.
What Are the Biggest Eye Makeup Mistakes Women Over 50 Make?
I am so excited to share with you my tips for avoiding eye makeup mistakes on mature skin and getting your eye makeup perfect every single day!
The five most common mistakes are:
- Not wearing an eyeshadow primer
- Not knowing the colour theory to follow
- Following your natural eye line
- Not perfecting your eyebrows
- Not knowing what to do with your lashes
Whether you want to give yourself an immediate eyelift, get your colors correct, or learn new eye makeup methods, keep reading!
1. Why Should You Wear an Eyeshadow Primer on Mature Skin?
With aging skin, eye makeup might wrinkle a couple hours after application. An eyeshadow primer will help your makeup last all day.
A primer makes the skin sticky, which makes our makeup stick to it like glue and keeps it from bending and wrinkling. It also intensifies eyeshadow, emphasizing your eyes.
In application, all you need is a very small amount applied to the eyelids. This is just a small thing that you can do every day that makes a massive difference. Say hello to an all-day-long finish!
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2. How Does Colour Theory Apply to Eye Makeup for Mature Eyes?
In basic colour theory, dark colours reduce, and light colours expand. For example, if you wanted to make a small room appear larger, you would paint the room white. Fashion, design, and cosmetics follow this rule.
One mistake that is very easy to make is applying dark colours in spots we should be accentuating and making bigger, and inversely, applying light colours in spots we should be drawing attention to.
Where Should You Apply Light and Dark Eyeshadow on Mature Eyes?
Now, where should we be applying? The spot directly above our eyes (the eyelid) is some of the most important real estate for our eye makeup. Making this area appear bigger can help us look more youthful and make our eyes pop.
We should be applying a lighter colour here. Just above this, where the eyelid folds into the bone, is an area that can droop slightly as we get older. The skin here is generally less taught, so a darker colour should be used here to recede.
In the example below, on the left-hand side, I have applied my eye makeup the correct way and on the right, I have applied it incorrectly so you can see exactly what I am talking about.
READ ALSO: What Colors Make Green Eyes Pop: Top Tips for Stunning Looks
3. Why Should You Stop Following Your Natural Eye Line After 50?
One of the biggest makeup mistakes we can make with our mature eyes is to follow our natural eye line when applying eyeliner. This seems counterintuitive, though as we get older, the skin around our eyes can drop downward.
When we were younger and our skin was tighter, following our natural line worked perfectly because there was a natural flick-up. Now, we have to get a little creative to cater to mature skin.
How Do You Apply Eyeliner to Lift Mature Eyes?
When applying eyeliner, follow your natural line until the last lash. Once we get to the last lash, we give it a slight flick-up, as in the example below.
This helps give our eyes an instant lift!
Another thing to keep in mind here is that our eyeliner will generally be a darker shade than our eye shadow. Sticking to colour theory, make sure your line is not too thick and dark, as this will make the eyelid appear smaller and your eyes droopier.
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4. How Do You Shape and Fill in Eyebrows on a Mature Face?
Following our natural eyebrow shape is the fourth worst cosmetic blunder for adult eyes. Many of us have uneven eyebrows.
To create the illusion that they are, we need to follow a simple tip that will make a huge difference.
What Is the Three-Dot Eyebrow Measurement Method?
We must measure increments along our eyebrows to adapt them to our faces. An eyebrow pencil works.
First measurement: Place your eyebrow pencil at the corner of your nose and the inner corner of your eye. Mark your eyebrow.
Second measurement: Place the eyebrow pencil at the corner of your nose and along the outermost corner of your eye. Place a dot here along your eyebrow line.
Third measurement: Place the pencil from the corner of your nose to the centre of your pupil. Mark the dot on your eyebrow and this will indicate the peak.
Where these three dots sit indicates the start and end points of where your eyebrows should be. There will be a defined start, middle and end point. Quite often, these dots will not match up exactly with your eyebrow. This is OK! Fill in the gaps.
Make sure you don’t go too heavy with filling in your eyebrows here and aim to maintain a natural look.
Looking for a flawless makeup look? Start by avoiding these common makeup mistakes on mature eyes!
5. How Should You Curl Your Lashes and Apply Mascara on Mature Eyes?
The fifth and final tip for applying makeup to mature eyes may seem unnecessary, but it can make a world of difference. Don’t let these makeup mistakes ruin your look!
For many women, curling their lashes seems redundant. It’s a lot of hassle for seemingly no payoff, though trust me when I say this is not the case.
Curling your lashes acts to add further lift to mature eyes, which is exactly what we are after. The more our eyes are lifted, the more youthful they will seem.
What Is the Best Way to Curl Lashes for a Long-Lasting Lift?
To curl your lashes, take your eyelash curler and clamp your top lash gently. What I like to do now is tilt the curler slightly in towards your nose and then very gently pump for 10 seconds. This will give your lashes the longest-lasting curl.
How Do You Apply Mascara to Lift Mature Eyes?
Now, moving on to mascara. Applying in a downward motion will make your lashes droop slightly and hang, drawing the eye downward. What we should be aiming for is an upward motion.
Take your mascara wand and apply from up and underneath the eyebrow. What I like to do is apply in a zig-zag motion, which helps to add further lift to the lashes.
READ ALSO: Best Makeup Tips for Droopy Eyelids To Instantly Lift Your Aging Eyes
Final Thoughts on Eye Makeup for Mature Skin
Mature skin makeup requires slightly different techniques. These new techniques don’t need to be radical changes; just small shifts can ultimately improve your whole look!
Want to up your makeup game? Avoid these biggest makeup mistakes on mature eyes and you’ll be on your way to a stunning, flawless look.
I would love to hear how you go with these new techniques and if you have any questions at all.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Makeup for Mature Eyes
Using an eyeshadow primer is the single most impactful step. It prevents creasing, keeps your eyeshadow in place all day, and intensifies the colour of your shadow.
Light, shimmery shades on the eyelid make the eye area appear larger and more open. Use darker shades only in the crease where the eyelid folds into the bone to create depth and dimension.
Follow your natural lash line, but when you reach the last lash, give the line a slight flick upward instead of following the natural downward droop. Keep the line thin so it does not make the eyelid appear smaller.
Use the three-dot measurement method: place an eyebrow pencil from the corner of your nose to the inner eye corner (dot 1), outer eye corner (dot 2), and the center of your pupil (dot 3, the peak). Fill in gaps between these guide points with light, natural strokes.
Yes. Curling your lashes before applying mascara adds significant lift to the eye area and creates a more youthful, open look. Tilt the curler slightly inward toward the nose and pump gently for 10 seconds for the longest-lasting curl.
Apply mascara from underneath the lash in an upward zig-zag motion. Avoid applying in a downward motion, which can make lashes droop and draw the eye downward instead of lifting it.
Mascara should be replaced every three months to avoid bacteria buildup. Eyeshadow primers and liquid liners last about six months. Powder eyeshadows and pencil liners can last up to two years if kept clean and stored properly.
13 Responses
Hey there! Amazing post! Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. Thanks for sharing the knowledge. Keep posting!
Superb post! Thanks for sharing such amazing makeup techniques with all of us.Very helpful post it is.
What was the eye shadow primer you but talking about in the make up for over fifties
What’s your favorite primer?
I’m 61 and stopped putting makeup on because my eyelids are drooping and I wasn’t happy with the results. My eyelashes used to curl up. With mascara they looked great.
Now with my eyelids drooping, my eyelashes no longer curl up but go out. I no longer get the impact with mascara.
I loved your tips and am going to go buy an eye lash curler and give it a try. I have tried in the past but your tips show me I just need to make an adjustment to get the look I want.
This post was great. Thank you.
This is such great advice! I never bothered using primer before. I am getting near 50 and had been finding that the skin around my eyes would look crinkle up and look wrinkly when I put on my beloved eye liner (I am from Italy – it’s what we do!). With the primer it goes on smooth, stays that way and lasts forever. Thank you!!!
I’m so happy it helps Carla ❤️ You are awesome! Keep up the fabulous work ????????
Thanks, I’m 53 and I think I’ll have some practice sessions and make more of an effort!
Yay! Go you Amanda! Stay fabulous! ❤️????
I am learning the hard way,I need to wear my makeup different than I when I was younger. Your article was very helpful. Thank you for sharing, now I am excited to try your tips.
Thanks so much Micky! ???? I am glad you enjoyed the post and I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment ❤️❤️❤️
Love this post! As a mature woman, I can totally relate to these common makeup mistakes. #1 is a big one for me – I always forget to blend my eyeshadow properly and end up with a patchy mess. Thanks for sharing these easy fixes! ?✨