Makeup is a form of self-expression and is often used to enhance your natural features. However, as you reach your fifties, certain eye makeup trends, such as cat eyeliners and shimmery eye shadow, do not give the same results as they used to a decade ago. But this does not mean you need to avoid them altogether. With the right set of products and application techniques, you can achieve an eye makeup look that complements older women.
Here are a few easy tips and tricks on how to apply eye makeup for women over 50 and make them feel confident, polished, and, yes, sexy too!
Use primer on the eyelids
When it comes to eye makeup, using a primer is certainly a must. It helps avoid creasing and smearing of other layers of products. While applying the primer, blend a tiny amount of the product evenly over your eyelids – from the lash line to the crease. After you’re done, let it rest for a minute before following up with another product. Layering the products without enough rest time may result in a creasy, unblended, and messy eye makeup look.
Your technique may be right, but if the product is not up to the mark, you might not get the desired results. Therefore, choosing the suitable primer according to your eyelid is important. Mature eyelids can be warm and moist. Therefore, opt for an oil-absorbent formula that is sweat resistant. The eyeshadow will glide on and blend seamlessly, and the eyeliner application will be an easy play. But if you have dry eyelids, opting for a primer with a creamy, hydrating texture is best. The eye makeup will stay put without creasing for long hours.
Contour the creases
Contouring the crease line is a trick that can work wonders for the overall eye look. This makeup technique creates depth on the crease, adding definition to the natural eye shape. Those with hooded eyes can also use this trick to make their eyes look lifted and more open. While contouring your creases, opt for neutral medium-toned eyeshadows that complement the skin tone of the eyelids. Then, begin tracing the hollow of your eye and right below your crease with a brush. Pay attention to the outer half of your eye in order to get it right. Take minimum product on the brush and build it up, if needed. The next step is to blend the line. Use the same brush to retrace and slightly soften the edges. Some of the colors you can choose include shades of browns and grays. In most cases, this will depend on the tone of your makeup – either warm or cool.
Eyeshadow sticks are your best friends
While applying eye makeup on women over 50, there are certain factors that need to be considered. Choosing the right eyeshadow is one of them. Eyeshadows come in various formulas and textures – liquid, powder, and cream. And these formulas can sit differently on mature eyelids as they have wrinkle folds and fine lines and undergo textural changes over time. Although eyeshadow powder palettes are commonly used, the product can settle on fine lines quickly, making them difficult to blend. Therefore, consider using eyeshadow sticks/crayons to apply eye makeup on mature eyes. Their formula is creamy, easy to apply and blend. All you have to do is swipe the product across your eyelid and blend it gently with a brush or fingers. Remember to apply a thin layer and then build it up in layers, if required. If it’s not done correctly, the formula may not work effectively, resulting in a patchy look.
The application and the shade match are two important factors in achieving the best eye makeup for 50-year-olds. Therefore, choose practical neutral shades of browns, pinks, and grays. And if you want to add a pop of color, opt for shades that complement your eye. Those with brown eyes can go with hues of green, gold, plum, and peach, while rusty tones may work best for those with blue eyes.
Go easy on the eyebrows
Eyebrows start thinning with age. It’s quite common in older women as their estrogen levels decrease after age 40. Therefore, to make the best of your natural eyebrows, avoid tweezing them. Instead, trim the hair or pluck out the extras with a pair of tweezers. And if you have sparse eyebrows, use a light shade of brow pomade or eyebrow pencil to achieve fuller eyebrows. You can follow these steps:
- To begin with, start brushing your brows downwards.
- Next, take the product on an angular brush, draw an arch (according to your brow shape), and elongate the brow tail.
- Then, fill the gaps with the remaining product left on the brush.
- Finally, brush the eyebrows upwards (in line with the brow growth) again to blend the product.
Double up on the eyeliner
Eyeliners can either make or break a look. So, here is a tip that can instantly power up its effect on your eyes with minimal effort. After creating a line on your eyelids with a pencil eyeliner, use the closest shade of eyeshadow from the palette and go back over the same line. This will fill in the gaps between the eyeliner and your eyelash roots. Make sure you use a precise brush for application. This trick is best for those who want a bold, dramatic eye look.
If you have hooded, deep-set, or watery eyes, use a pen liner as an alternative to the powder shadows. Double lining with a liquid pen liner will give you a sharp, clean look. But as a standard rule, use the pencil liner for the first coat.
Use mascara and a lash curler
Curling the eyelashes can instantly open your lashes and the eyes. But you need to know how to use the correct tool as you do not want to have a black eye in the process. So before choosing a curler, note a few things.
- The curve of the curler must fit your natural eye shape.
- The grip needs to be comfortable, and
- The quality of the lash pads needs to be on point.
Now, here’s the tip. Once your lashes are secure in the curler, turn your wrist away from the face. Apply minimal force while squeezing the curler for a few seconds. Repeat the process twice for the most desirable curl. And then follow up with a coat or two of black mascara. Remember – always curl the lashes before applying the mascara.
The shade and formula of the mascara matter the most. Mascaras for mature women need not always be black. If you are fair-skinned with blonde hair, opt for brown or deep brown mascara for a natural look. And if you have thin or short eyelashes, go with a lightweight, plumping mascara. Your aim should be volume, not the length of your lashes. And in case you have watery eyes, opt for waterproof mascara.
Use highlighters correctly
Highlighters and concealers are not similar products. Many people often get confused between the two and use them interchangeably. The primary function of concealers is to cover any signs of skin blemishes or pigmentation. And highlighters, as the product name suggests, are employed to highlight certain areas of the face, giving a dewy effect.
Now, let’s look into how to use this makeup product to draw more attention to the eyes. Take a small amount of the highlighter on a brush and apply it on the inner corners of your eyes. Yes, it’s that simple! You can also you the tip of your finger for the application. This can instantly brighten up the eye makeup look.
Try false lashes
A double coat of mascara is enough for a daily eye makeup look. But if you want to add a little drama to your eyes, try your hands at false lashes. A pair of lashes can make all the difference, especially for events and parties. Skip those long fluttery lashes, instead, opt for the natural-looking ones.
Remember to use a lash glue that does not contain formaldehyde or latex. Opt for one that is easy to use, quick to dry, water resistant, and suitable for sensitive eyes.
Use concealer sparsely
The skin under your eyes is extremely thin and thus sensitive to aging. As a result, when you grow older, it can lead to the formation of wrinkles in the area. So, while applying concealer, remember to use a pea-sized amount and blend it starting from your cheekbone and moving upwards to the lower lash line. Do not drag the product, instead, dab it with your fingers or a beauty blender. Try not to layer the area with a lot of product to hide the signs of aging; it can backfire and appear cakey. Further, concentrate on the inner corners of the eye. This can help effectively counteract dark circles and make the eyes pop.
If you are having trouble finding the right area to apply the concealer, look straight into a mirror. Then, tip your chin downwards and look back again. This simple activity will emphasize your dark circles.
Apply the blush low
Applying blush on mature skin can be intimidating. However, learning how to use the product can enhance the overall makeup. The correct placement of blush can provide more emphasis on your eyes and less attention to the wrinkled skin. So, to achieve the best eye makeup look, apply the blush on the apples of your cheek with a brush. If you aren’t able to find the right spot, stand in front of a mirror and smile. And as your cheeks are raised, you can apply the product on the high points. And if you are still confused, place two fingers next to your nose and apply the blusher around the area. Make sure you do not apply it too high or too low.
In most cases, a powder blush may not provide an all-natural look as it settles between the wrinkles. Instead, pick a matte cream blush. It easily blends on the cheeks and gives your face a natural flush of glow. You may have to lightly layer it with a matching powder blush to prevent it from melting. This easy tip will set the cream and make the makeup last longer.
Before adopting the tips mentioned above to your eye makeup regime, ensure you have a skincare routine in place. It can include cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating the skin with suitable products. So, regardless of what makeup products you use to enhance your eyes or face, keeping your skin healthy is important too.
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