Here's Why Mature Women With Wrinkled Skin Should Always Use Black Mascara: 'Gives So Much Brightness To The Eyes'

Radiance is a magical word — and a hard thing to come by when you’re working on your makeup. If have added texture and skin changes that occur during and after menopause (such as fine lines and wrinkles), you know the importance of keeping your skin hydrated and applying less makeup for the most impact.

The hydration part may be the easier of the two goals to achieve. There are so many formulations of primer and foundation for dry, mature skin that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid that you won’t have to search far to find a product that works for you. Add a hydrating setting spray (and make sure your skincare routine is strong) and you’re good to go there. Minimal makeup, though, that’s tricky.

You want to look polished, radiant, and alert — but applying too many dark colors like eyeshadows to your lids and waterline can close the eye right up. One product that rarely lets you down though is a great mascara. Here’s why makeup experts say black — and not brown — mascara is ideal for mature women.

Black Mascara Makes Your Eyes Bright

Rose-Marie Swift, makeup artist and RMS Beauty founder, told Vogue she prefers black mascara to brown mascara. So when it comes to minimalism, it’s better to focus on doing less with liner, shadow, and foundation and keeping your mascara an intense hue.

“I like to really work the lashes,” says Swift. “That includes curling, and my preference is always black mascara. As we get older, the black gives so much more brightness to the eyes. Brown mascara can make the eyes look tired and even slightly yellow.”

Swift goes on to advise that cream shadows, when used up to the crease of the eye, can be incredibly flattering on mature skin. Matte and satin shadow finishes are also a great choice. When grooming your brows, a little tinting the gray away can go a long way. And it’s much better to keep your brows styled in a round, natural shape. Square brows can look severe and make the eyes look darker.

When it comes to choosing other makeup products for mature skin, less really is more. The older you are, the less foundation you should apply to get the smoothest results. If you’re trying to decide among liquid, cream, or powder foundations, many makeup experts say they prefer a cream foundation for textured skin or a liquid foundation with hydrating ingredients. Stay away from powders, which highlight dryness on your skin and can accentuate texture.