The 7 Best Eye Shadows for Older Women, According to Makeup Artists 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

A few adjustments to your usual application technique can help eyeshadow look more flattering on mature eyelids. There are simple hacks like pressing shimmer on the highest part of the brow arch to give a subtle lifting look to the eyes. Other techniques during application also make a difference, like removing excess powder from the brush or lightly rolling the brush on your hand to evenly distribute the shadow across the bristles before applying.

Investing in tools can also enhance your makeup tool kit — a good magnifying mirror for placement, a brush dedicated to applying pressure to the product, a clean fluffy brush to blend it out after that — says Offer.

And based on experts’ feedback, cream or powder eyeshadows both work. It depends on the formula, color and preference.

Mature women should also make sure they’re using easily removable eye makeup for optimal eye health, says Dr. Chung. Insufficient makeup removal in your 50s and 60s may contribute to its development. demodex, Microscopic particles that reside in the hair follicles and become clogged when residue, oil and debris remain on the lash line. Residual eye makeup can also cause meibomian gland dysfunction, in which makeup or debris accumulates along the eyelid, blocking the meibomian glands and causing evaporative dry eye. “Make sure you’re using a gentle, thorough removal technique – without rubbing. This is essential for the long-term health of the eyelid and ocular surface,” says Dr. Chung.

“The skin on the eyelids may become more loose, or even begin to change in texture and take on a more crepey texture,” says makeup artist Katie Deno. If this is the case, a sheer application of eye shadow is best, because the more you pack on, the more likely you’ll inevitably highlight texture issues. Sometimes glitter cream shadows that are lighter than your skin tone will also exhibit crepeyness, so avoid them. My advice is to avoid it.” For anyone who loves shine, a finely milled formula applied with a light hand may be more flattering than a thick glitter or heavily layered shadow.

For hooded eyes, applying eye shadow directly to the crease may mean that the color will disappear when the eyes are open. Instead, makeup artist and founder of Laura Geller Beauty Laura Geller recommends keeping lashes light and bright, then adding a slightly darker shade just above the natural crease to keep the color visible. “Be sure to blend darker shades upward and outward instead of bringing them too low on the lid,” she says. Geller also swears by her three E’s: eyeliner, lashes, and eyebrows. Keep eyeliner thin and close to the lash line, use mascara to lift lashes and define brows to help open up the entire eye area.

If your eye shadow looks good in the morning, but has shrunk or faded by lunch time, an eye shadow primer may be worth adding to your routine. “I’m a big believer in primer at all ages, but it can be especially helpful on mature lashes,” says Geller. Primer helps create a smooth base for the shadow to adhere to, which can reduce creasing and keep the color from fading or changing throughout the day. You usually need a thin, even layer before applying your favorite shade.

Whether you’re 40, 50, or 70, colored eyeshadow has no expiration date. “I always say there are no rules when it comes to color. Wear what feels beautiful to you,” says Geller. If you want to brighten and define the eyes without creating an overly dramatic look, she recommends taupes, warm browns, champagne, bronze, and soft pink tones. And glitter is absolutely welcome. Geller suggests choosing a soft, sophisticated shimmer that catches the light on the lids rather than anything overly shiny, especially if you want to avoid emphasizing texture.

glamour We spoke to several celebrity makeup artists and optometrists who work with clients of all ages to pick the best pro-approved eye shadows for mature eyes. We also consulted our network of writers and contributors to evaluate formulas based on different skin tones, eye shapes, and textures. During our research, we considered how eye shadows perform on mature eyelids, especially when it comes to creasing, dryness, and texture changes in the skin. glamour Writers and contributors tested cream shadows, eye shadow sticks, liquids, and powder palettes in matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes, paying close attention to pigmentation, blendability, longevity, and whether the formulas settled into fine lines or smudged throughout the day. Expert recommendations and direct testing informed our final selection.