Pro MUAs Share The 'Worst Eyeshadow' Formulas If You Have Mature Skin That Settle Into Fine Lines—And What To Use Instead

As we age, our facial features inevitably evolve, often complicating the mastery of eyeshadow application. To address this, makeup experts have pinpointed common eye makeup missteps frequently made by women over 40, such as choosing powder eyeshadows over the more flattering creamy alternatives.

They have provided straightforward remedies to correct and prevent these errors. Moreover, these professionals have offered valuable advice for achieving effortlessly flattering eye makeup looks for the fall season. These insights can help many avoid prevalent pitfalls while enhancing their natural beauty.

Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Kerrin Jackson , celebrity, film and television makeup artist and creator of The Makeup Refinery blog, Oscar Velasquez, professional makeup artist and beauty expert, Destiny McGill , celebrity makeup artist and Day Spa Owner of Lavish Life Studio, Anastasia Tomchenko , co-founder and CPO of Glambook, Gargi Patel , celebrity makeup artist at Vashanti Cosmetics and Alyssia Chang , founder of Prevail Beauty.

Powdery Eyeshadows To Avoid For Mature Skin—And Superior Alternatives

Ultra Sparkly Eyeshadow

According to McGill, eyeshadows that are excessively glittery or shimmering can have the unintended effect of further highlighting wrinkles , potentially exacerbating the issue rather than masking it. McGill says that "glittery or shimmery eye shadows really settle into the wrinkles and draw attention to them." Instead, she recommends "choosing a matte eyeshadow."

Jackson agrees, adding that the color of your shadow is just as important. "Using a cool toned eyeshadow and applying it with a heavy hand can tend to create a skull-like shadow in your eye socket," she warns. "Try to use a warmer tone eyeshadow instead," she suggests. She stresses that "keeping the application to a wash over the lid instead of a strong definition in the crease line" is ideal.

Red Eyeshadow Shades

One eye makeup color Jackson suggests skipping if you want to look younger is a red, scarlet or crimson one. "Red eyeshadows can add years to your face simply by making your eyes look tired, irritated and generally giving a look of being unwell." There is very little that is flattering about a red eyeshadow, Jackson stresses, and she always advises "avoiding red on the eyes altogether." "I generally avoid red eyeshadow because it is such a tricky shade to get right on the eyes," Jackson points out.

This, she says, is purely because of the "color of our blood," which is red. "What happens when we cry, or have an allergic reaction to something, rub our eyes, or get a bruise? Our skin and eyes go red," she adds. This, she concludes, is why using a red eyeshadow can inadvertently look like "you have been crying, have allergies or something unpleasant altogether is going on. It’s not a very appealing or flattering look." (Noted!)

Additional Pro Tips For A Refreshed Look This Fall

Never Skip Eyeshadow Primer

Lastly, before even applying eyeliner or eyeshadow at all, Patel explains that it is essential to use a primer on your eyelids. This, she says, will prevent smudging and smearing throughout the day as primers are designed to lock in your eyeshadow in place." The goal is to always keep the eyeshadow in places you want it to stay," she says. In order to prevent looking older with a smudged look, Patel stresses that you should always "start with preparation of the eye area."

Using a good primer "suitable for the eye area," she explains, will "help to keep not only your eyeliner in place, but also your eyeshadow." She concludes that your primer "should also hydrate the eye area so liquid eyeliners will not dry out, causing pieces to land in places that will not give a clean look."

Try Satin Finish Shadows

When it comes to the type of shadow to look out for, satin finish eyeshadows boast a subtle hint of radiance , lending a dimension that is neither completely flat like matte nor too flashy like shimmer. As a result, they are an excellent choice for women above the age of 40, who desire a moisturized and smooth appearance.

Velasquez notes that when it comes to eyeshadow colors for mature beauties, looking at your natural eye color and then finding "shades on the opposite side of the color wheel" is a great place to start. As Jackson shared before, skipping red colors and anything that is too shimmery is good to be safe, though!

Opt For Neutral Matte Shadows

Since the use of metallic or sparkly eye shadows can exacerbate the appearance of lines and wrinkles, Jackson says that the best bet for mature beauties is to "avoid these products and stick with neutral colors and matte eyeshadow types instead."

"If you must use a shimmer eye shadow, try a cream-based product that you can blend in softly," she concludes. This will be "far more flattering and flexible on your skin" than a powdery metallic or shimmery eyeshadow. Got it!