Beautiful middle aged woman
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Getting older is an adventure, in more ways than one. Because of changes in your skin and your style, your makeup regimen is one of the many things that evolves through the years. The skin around the eyes is particularly sensitive and requires more moisture as you age. Many women decide to ditch glittery and glow-y products and opt for smooth matte formulas instead. Prep the eyes carefully and use soft, warm colors to open them up.

Prep and Prime

Prepare your skin with a lightweight, fragrance-free daytime moisturizer and an eye cream for the sensitive skin under the eyes. Let the moisturizer absorb for a few minutes. Follow up by applying a liquid primer to the eyelid, the outer corner of the eye, and below the eye all the way down to the cheekbone. The primer sets a smooth base for the makeup. Gently blend in the product with your ring finger until it sits evenly on the skin.

If you have small veins or unevenness along the eyelid or some blue tones underneath the eye, apply a pea-sized drop of lightweight, slightly yellow-toned cream concealer, with a small concealer brush. Sweep the brush over your eyelid and underneath the eye and blend. Keep the application extremely light for a natural and crease-free look.

Eye Shadow

Smooth, matte eye shadow gives dimension and a wide-awake effect when done correctly on mature skin. Choose a matte, pressed-powder eye shadow in a neutral, warm tone, such as taupe or champagne. The matte finish applies more smoothly and is less likely to show off fine lines or creasing than when using makeup with a shimmery finish. With an eyeshadow brush, sweep the color over the entire eyelid and up to the crease.

Follow up with a slightly deeper matte shade such as honey brown, mauve, or a warm gray-brown. With a blending brush, sweep the color into the crease using gentle windshield-wiper motions. Focus the color on the outer half of the lid. If you have hooded lids, sweep the color slightly above the crease to add visual dimension and lift the eye. Blend this darker color until it sits softly and evenly on the outer corner of the eye.

Highlight your eyes and give them a dewy, refreshed glow with a lighter shadow. Opt for a finely milled pressed pearl or champagne color. Dip a small blending brush into the shadow and apply to the inner corner of your eye and along your brow bone for a natural, bright highlight.

Tip

  • For an evening look, build up the darker eye shadow along the crease and slightly up above the crease with a second layer of product. To create a smoky, warm effect, blend the darker color down and onto the lid. With an angle brush, sweep a tiny bit of the darker color along the outer edge of the bottom lash line.

Eyelashes

A full lash line adds vibrancy to the eyes, and it doesn't require a heavy cat-eye. Invest in a dark brown or black waterproof cream eyeliner pencil. Apply along the lash line using small dash strokes. The goal is to build up the lash line rather than make a harsh line along the lid. Work the product from just inside the iris all the way to the outer corner of the eye.

Blend the eyeliner with a clean angle brush to smooth it out. Your lashes should appear thicker with added dimension at the lash line. Sweep the same angle brush along the bottom lash line to distribute the leftover product for a soft boost of color.

Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler. Clamp the tool about midway on the lashes and very gently squeeze a few times, each time moving the tool closer to the tips of the lashes. This step opens up the eyes for a refreshed look.

Apply a dark brown or black mascara for a subtle pop of color and definition. Look for a mascara with a fine wand. Avoid volumizing or clumpy mascaras, which create a jarring and harsh line on more mature eyes.

Eyebrows

Eyebrows anchor and frame the face. Brush your eyebrows, and using an angle brush, fill in any sparse areas with matte eye shadow. A light brown or taupe works with most hair colors, but you can also shop around for a shade suited to your brow hairs.