The eyes may be the window to the soul, but they’re also one of the first places to show signs of aging. For women over 40, finding makeup techniques that enhance rather than age the eyes can feel like a delicate balancing act. But according to beauty blogger Courtney McBride Spencer, there’s one simple eyeshadow trick that creates definition—without drawing attention to fine lines.
“We all know that one of the very first places we start to show our age is in our eyes,” says Spencer, whose beauty content has helped countless women 40+ feel confident in their makeup routine. “So let’s not emphasize that.”
Instead of reaching for a heavy eyeliner, which can settle into creases and make the eye look smaller or harsher, Courtney recommends a soft, matte eyeshadow applied with a light touch.
@courtneymcbridespencer We can make small differences and tweaks to our make up that will help give us that youthful appearance. The days of thick heavy eyeliner we can leave in the 90s. Harsh eyeliner is only going to make our eyes look smaller and make us look older. Instead, use a matte brown or whatever color eyeshadow you prefer and soften it with a fluffy end of an eyeshadow brush to make the perfect eyeliner for those of us over the age of 40. #eyeliner #makeuptutorial #makeupover40 #makeupover50 #yourhfulskin original sound – Your makeup friend
The Trick: Skip the Eyeliner, Use Matte Shadow Instead
“Grab a nice matte eyeshadow color and apply that along the top and bottom lash lines,” she explains. “Then take the fluffy end of your eyeshadow brush and soften it out.”
This creates subtle definition around the eyes—enough to frame and lift the area—but without the harsh contrast that pencil or liquid liner can create, especially on textured skin.
The matte finish is also key. Shimmer or glitter can accentuate crepey skin, but matte shades stay soft and smooth, making this technique ideal for mature eyes.
Struggling With Sleep? This Rechargeable Sound Machine Is A Total Game-Changer
Why It Works for 40+ Skin
As we age, the skin around the eyes becomes thinner, more delicate, and often drier. Traditional eyeliner can tug, skip, or smudge—and even a perfect application can settle into fine lines by midday.
Courtney’s method avoids those pitfalls altogether.
“This is going to give you nice definition without that harsh line that can age you,” she says.
Not only is it easier to apply and blend, it also gives you a more natural, lifted look that enhances your eyes without overwhelming them.
The Bottom Line
If your eyeliner isn’t doing you any favors lately, it might be time to swap it out for a more forgiving (and flattering) option. With the right matte shadow and blending brush, Spencer’s eyeshadow trick proves that beauty over 40 doesn’t have to be complicated—just a little more intentional.
