My Top Pick Best Eyeshadows for Women Over 60

The best eyeshadows for women over 60 are ones that work with your skin, not against it, and sister, I’ve tried enough of them to know the difference!

If you’re a fabulous woman over 60 searching for eyeshadow for mature skin that doesn’t settle into fine lines or fade by noon, you landed in exactly the right place.

As a former Clinique makeup artist and a 63-year-old gal, I know firsthand that finding the right eyeshadow for aging eyes takes a little know-how. But once you know what to look for, the whole process gets a lot easier and a lot more fun!

We’ll cover everything from the best formulas and textures to the most flattering colors for mature eyes, plus my top product picks that I genuinely love.

Ready? Let’s do this!

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Eyeshadow and Older Skin

Eyeshadow is one of the most powerful tools in your makeup bag. It can brighten tired eyes, enhance your natural features, and create a more youthful, vibrant look overall.

That said, choosing the right product for mature eyes takes a little more thought. The skin around our eyes becomes thinner and more delicate over time, and the challenges are real. Here’s what we’re working with:

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

As our skin thins with age, fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes become more prominent. The wrong eyeshadow formula will settle right into those lines and make them look even deeper. The right one will glide over them like they aren’t even there.

Dryness

Many women over 60 deal with dryness around the eyes, which means powdery, drying formulas can make things worse. Hydrating cream formulas are a game-changer here.

Sensitivity

Mature skin tends to be more reactive, so some eyeshadows may cause irritation or allergic reactions. When in doubt, reach for clean, fragrance-free formulas with skin-loving ingredients.

Pigment Changes

As the eyelid skin thins, it can take on subtle red or purple tones, especially for fair-skinned women. Choosing the right neutral shades or color-correcting formulas helps balance this out beautifully.

Tips for Choosing the Best Eyeshadow for Older Eyes

Shopping for eyeshadow with mature skin in mind doesn’t have to feel limiting. It actually narrows things down nicely! Here’s what to look for:

Smooth and Silky Texture

Look for shadows that glide on effortlessly without tugging. Cream eyeshadow is a top choice because it blends easily, feels velvety on the skin, and never dries things out.

Long-wearing Formula

A good long-wearing, crease-resistant formula means you’re not doing touch-ups all day. Once it’s on, it stays put.

Anti-aging Ingredients

Eyeshadows formulated with vitamin E, pro-calcium, or hyaluronic acid do double duty by nourishing the delicate skin around your eyes while you wear them. Always a win.

Neutral Shades

Taupes, beiges, and soft browns are endlessly versatile and universally flattering on mature skin. They enhance without overwhelming.

Ease of Application

Choose an eyeshadow that blends easily. A soft, fluffy brush makes all the difference for seamless, natural-looking application.

Eyeshadow Formulations for Older Women

Not all eyeshadow formulas are created equal, especially for mature skin.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s out there and how each one performs:

Powder Eyeshadow

The most common type is available in loose and pressed forms. Easy to apply, blendable, and available in every color and finish imaginable.

The downside? Powder eyeshadow can be drying on mature skin and may settle into fine lines if the formula isn’t finely milled.

Cream Eyeshadow

A top pick for women over 60. Cream formulas have a velvety texture that blends beautifully, stays put without creasing, and often contain hydrating ingredients that are kind to delicate eyelid skin.

Liquid Eyeshadow

Smooth and lightweight, liquid eyeshadow gives a sheer wash of color that can be layered for more intensity. It’s long-wearing and crease-resistant, making it a fantastic option for mature eyes.

Stick Eyeshadow

Think cream formula in a convenient stick form. Easy to apply, buildable, and long-wearing. Great for on-the-go application without needing brushes.

Mineral Eyeshadow

Made from natural minerals and gentle on sensitive skin. Mineral formulas have a silky texture, buildable coverage, and excellent staying power.

The Best Eyeshadows For Women Over 60

When it comes to choosing the best eyeshadow for older women, you want products that complement mature skin tones and create a natural, youthful look.

Here’s what tends to work best:

Cream Formula Eyeshadow

Cream eyeshadow is a go-to for a reason. It glides on without settling into fine lines, blends like a dream, and many formulas include skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid that keep eyelid skin looking its best.

Liquid Eyeshadow or Lid Tints

Lid tints are sheer, lightweight, and incredibly flattering on mature eyelids. They create a soft, diffused effect that looks natural and fresh, never heavy or overdone. Long-wearing and crease-free, they’re perfect for everyday wear.

Neutral Shades

Beige, taupe, and gray are your workhorses. They suit every skin tone, go with everything, and create a polished look that’s never overdone. Perfect for daily use.

Matte Shadows with a Subtle Sheen

Matte eyeshadow is a mature woman’s secret weapon. The non-reflective finish minimizes texture and shine, making fine lines and wrinkles far less noticeable. A touch of soft sheen (not glitter!) in the right spot adds just enough dimension.

Long-lasting Formula

A long-wearing formula that resists creasing and fading keeps your look fresh from morning to night without constant touch-ups.

Eyeshadows Women Over 60 Should Avoid

While there are so many great options for mature eyes, a few formulas and finishes are worth skipping. Remember blue eyeshadow in the 70s and 80s?

Yeah, we’ve all grown since then. 😄

Glittery Eyeshadows

Chunky glitter and heavy shimmer settle into fine lines, making the texture much more noticeable.

If you love a little sparkle, opt for a satin finish or subtle micro-shimmer instead. Much more flattering and just as pretty.

Bold or Trendy Colors

Bright, saturated colors can be overwhelming on mature skin and tend to draw attention to lines and discoloration rather than your beautiful eyes. Stick with classic, soft shades and you’ll never go wrong.

Powder Eyeshadows with Fallout

Heavy fallout from powder shadows can settle under the eyes and into fine lines, accentuating everything you’re trying to minimize. If you love powder shadows, look for finely milled formulas with minimal fallout, or swap to a cream eyeshadow for a cleaner application.

The Best Color Eyeshadows for Women over 60

When choosing the best color eyeshadow for older women, it’s essential to consider your skin tone and personal style.

Here are some tips to help you choose the best color eyeshadow for you:

Neutral Shades

Neutral beige, taupe, and brown shades are versatile and work well with all skin tones. They can create a natural and subtle look that complements mature skin tones.

Earthy Tones

Earthy tones like olive, rust, and deep green create a sophisticated and elegant look.

They work well with darker skin tones and women with blue eyes. Earth tones create a more dramatic and bold look without being overdone.

Plum and Burgundy

Plum and burgundy shades can be flattering for older women, especially those with cooler skin tones and women with green eyes! (Purple shades make green eyes pop!)

These shades can help to bring out the natural beauty of the eyes and create a more youthful and vibrant look.

Soft Pinks

Soft pink shades can be flattering for older women with fair skin tones. Pink tones can create a smooth, feminine look that enhances the eyes’ natural beauty.

Avoid Bright Colors

Bright or bold colors can be overwhelming and may draw attention to fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Sticking to natural, subtle shades that complement your skin tone and personal style is best.

Best Eyeshadows for Women Over 60

More Noteworthy Eyeshadows for Women over 60:

Clinique All About Shadow-his cream-to-powder eyeshadow is super blendable and comes in over 20 shades, perfect for creating subtle makeup looks for any occasion.

GXVE By Gwen Stefani: Eye See in Color Clean Multidimensional Eyeshadow Palette-is a high-quality and versatile palette that features a range of vibrant and pigmented shades that can be used to create endless eye looks.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow – With 23 shades, this cream eyeshadow is formulated with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and vitamin E, plus it provides a highly pigmented finish.

Maybelline New York Color Tattoo 24HR Concentrated Crayon-Available in 10 shades, this crayon provides a matte finish that won’t smudge or fade throughout the day.

Honest Beauty Eye Catcher Lid Tint-The Honest Beauty Eye Catcher Lid Tint is a lightweight and versatile liquid eyeshadow that provides a long-lasting and crease-free wear.

RMS Beauty Eyelights Cream– These little tubes of eyeshadow are dreamy! Richly textured cream eyeshadows create a luminous, light-reflective finish. You’ll love them!

Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème to Powder–These oh-so-yummy eyeshadow sticks come in beautiful colors, are nice and creamy, and last all day! And you can’t beat the price!

The Best Makeup Tips for Mature Eye Makeup

Makeup artists have many tricks up their sleeves when creating beautiful and flattering looks for mature eyes.

Here are a few makeup techniques for mature eyes:

Use Eyeshadow Primer

This is non-negotiable. An eyeshadow primer keeps your shadow in place, prevents creasing, and makes colors appear more vibrant. Apply it all over the lid before anything else, and you’ll be amazed at the difference.

Related article: The Best Eyeshadow Primer for Mature Eyes

Use Matte Eyeshadows

Matte eyeshadows can help to create a more natural and subtle look that complements mature skin tones. They can also help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, making them an excellent choice for adult eyes.

Use Highlighter

Applying a highlighter to the inner corners of the eyes and along the brow bone can help to brighten and illuminate the eyes, making them look more youthful and vibrant.

Less is more.

When applying makeup to mature eyes, it’s essential to use a light hand and blend thoroughly to create a natural, subtle look. Over-applying makeup can make the eyes look heavy and tired.

Tightline the Eyes

Tightlining the eyes can help create a more defined and youthful look without heavy eyeliner. To tight line, apply eyeliner to the upper waterline of the eyes, just beneath the lashes.

Use Eyeshadow Instead of Eyeliner

Consider using eyeshadow to line your lashes instead as an alternative to pencil or liquid eyeliner. This technique can create a softer, more natural look that is perfect for older women.

Curl Your Lashes

Curling your lashes can help to open up the eyes and make them look more awake and youthful. Use an eyelash curler before applying mascara to achieve the best results.

Conceal Dark Circles

Dark circles can make you look tired, adding years to your appearance. By concealing dark circles, you can create a more rested and refreshed look that makes you look younger and more vibrant.

FAQs: The Best Eyeshadows for Over 60

What is the best form of eyeshadow for mature skin?

Of it, it’s best to use creamy eyeshadow for older eyes as it can be more hydrating to dry, creepy eyelids.

Can I still wear shimmery eyeshadows if I’m over 60?

The Short answer is yes- but it’s not advisable. Yes, you can still wear shimmery eyeshadows, but choosing ones with a smooth and silky texture won’t emphasize texture or shine is essential.

And a slight shimmer in the inner corner of your eye is nice for special occasions (at night) for an extra pop!

Should I choose warm or cool-toned eyeshadows?

It depends on your skin tone and personal preference. Generally, warm-toned eyeshadows such as browns and golds are more flattering on warmer skin tones, while cool-toned shades such as purples and grays are more flattering on cooler skin tones.

What’s the best way to apply eyeshadow for mature eyes?

Use a soft, fluffy brush to apply eyeshadow and blend well to create a seamless look. Avoid applying too much product and opt for neutral or muted shades that complement your skin tone and eye color.

How can I prevent my eyeshadow from creasing?

Use an eyeshadow primer to ensure that your eyeshadow stays in place and doesn’t crease or fade throughout the day.

Should an older woman wear mascara on her bottom lashes?

Many makeup artists recommend older women skip the bottom layer when wielding the mascara wand. Not only is it a spot prone to clumping, flakes, and smudging can often settle in the folds of your under eyes, making you appear tired and older. 

Does eyeliner make eyes look older?

Yes and no. If you keep it soft and subtle, avoiding harsh lines, you’ll be good to go.

Pencil eyeliner is preferable to liquid eyeliner for mature eyes. You can use a bit of eyeshadow with a liner brush to softly line eyes for a more subtle, natural look.

What eyeshadow colors make eyes look bigger after 60?

Light, neutral shades on the lid paired with a soft highlight in the inner corner instantly open up the eyes. Champagne, ivory, and light taupe are your best friends here. Avoid dark shades all over the lid, as they can make eyes appear smaller and more tired.

What is the best eyeshadow for hooded eyes over 60?

Hooded eyes benefit from matte eyeshadow applied just above the crease, not on the lid itself, so the color stays visible when your eyes are open. Shimmery shades on the brow bone and inner corner help lift the look. Cream formulas work beautifully here because they don’t migrate.

Is it okay to wear eyeshadow every day after 60?

Absolutely! Just be sure to prep with a good eyeshadow primer and choose hydrating formulas that won’t dry out the delicate skin around your eyes. Removing your makeup gently each evening keeps that skin healthy and happy for the long haul.

How do I stop eyeshadow from falling onto my cheeks?

A finely milled, low-fallout powder eyeshadow helps, but honestly, the easiest fix is to apply your eye makeup first, then your foundation and concealer.

That way, any fallout gets wiped away cleanly. Cream eyeshadows are a great solution for this, too, since they have virtually no fallout.

Final Thoughts on The Best Eyeshadows for Women over 60

Finding the best eyeshadows for women over 60 really comes down to choosing products that are made to work with mature skin, not fight against it.

Look for long-wearing, crease-resistant formulas, hydrating cream eyeshadows, and soft neutral shades that brighten without overwhelming. And please, do not skip your eyeshadow primer. It makes all the difference!

Whether you’re reaching for a $9 Revlon find or splurging on a Charlotte Tilbury palette, you deserve products that make your beautiful eyes shine.

Thanks for reading, gorgeous. Now go have some fun with your makeup!

XO, Christine