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Here’s the deal when it comes to makeup and aging: you can and should feel freedom to experiment with any shade and any texture under the sun. And what works for one person may not work for another — regardless of age or any other factor that immediately comes to mind. With that said, if your goal is to create a fresh, natural makeup look, the type of eyeshadow you use will make a difference. If you’re trying to avoid an outdated makeup look, this is the one eyeshadow to avoid.
Metallic/Glitter Eyeshadow
If you ask many makeup artists to name the one eyeshadow type that looks the least natural and fresh, you might not be surprised to hear a similar response: glittery shadows may look amazing at a nightclub, but less so when applied to run everyday errands.
“Metallic eyeshadows (which contain glitter ships) can actually accentuate fine lines and wrinkles on the eyelid and make skin dryer (matte shadows also can make lids appear dryer),” says Laura Geller, makeup artist and Founder of Laura Geller Beauty. “One should avoid this color and texture when aiming for a fresher look.”
Atlanta-based Celebrity Makeup Artist for Television, Meredith Boyd agrees — but says there is a caveat. “Eyeshadow can be tricky when it comes to mature skin as it becomes more and more delicate with each passing year,” Boyd says. “While some advise to avoid shimmers and sparkle, I think a subtle soft pearl texture effect to eyeshadow gives the eyes some life versus the dull textures of matte shadows. I gravitate towards soft jewel tones as it is flattering on all eyes.”
Geller says she also ops for low-level shimmer shadow. “This type of color and texture can create a blurring effect and make lids looks smoother,” Geller says.
Geller also suggest three tips for a fresher look:
Use a highlighter (like the Laura Geller Baked Original Highlighter in French Vanilla) right under the brow bone for a subtle glow - this will create a lifting effect.
In the inner corner of the eye (tear duct) place a beige/pink/gold color to make eyes pop! This will call attention away from the lid.
Lastly, use a beige or bone colored liner (like the Laura Geller INKcredible Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Beige To Beige) to create an extension of the white of the eye. This will make eyes appear wider and brighter!
Remember: how you prep your eyes is just as important as the eyeshadow you use.
“To ensure a flawless finish, start with an eye base (not concealer as it has too much oil and can cause the shadow to separate) eyeshadow primer which will even out the eyelid space from lash line to brow and cleverly disguise any veins, ruddy undertones and darkness,” Boyd says. “An eye base (like Eyefix from Meredith Boyd Cosmetics) will provide a perfect canvas to ‘paint’ on essentially so that your shadows have more staying power. Eyeshadow tends to clump on the eyelid, which is why an eyeshadow primer is so important.”
Finally: powder eyeshadow or cream? Which can give you a fresher look?
“A cream eyeshadow is totally effortless and easy to apply to the lid and stays all day,” Boyd says. “This product is good for those who are not as confident using powder eyeshadows. Simply apply the cream eyeshadow to the lid, quickly blend it out to the crease and you’re out the door. It sets itself! Then use a brown eyeliner to line the top lash line to finish the look. My favorite shadow shade I use on the majority of my clients is a soft brown with an undertone of purple. This brings out the amber or green in the iris. Looks great in person, on camera and on zoom calls. This shade will have people asking “what are you wearing?” “did you do something different” all with one shade it will bring back that youthful look instantly!”
