Shimmer eyeshadow is often one of the first makeup products women over 40 are told to avoid. While it’s true that sparkly formulas can sometimes settle into fine lines and emphasize texture, celebrity makeup artist Vincent Ford says you don’t have to give up your favorite shadows altogether.
Instead, it’s all about where you place the shimmer.
Ford recently shared a simple application technique that allows mature skin to enjoy the light-reflecting effect of shimmer without drawing attention to wrinkles on the eyelids.
@vincent.ford Here’s how I like to use shimmer eyeshadows on mature skin I used NARS Eyeshadow Quad in Laguna and the 26 brush #eyeshadow #matureskin original sound – Vincent Ford
Don’t Apply Shimmer Across the Entire Lid
The biggest mistake, according to Ford, is sweeping shimmer over the entire eyelid.
“If you are over 40, 50, 60s, and you’re used to wearing shimmer eyeshadows and they start looking like this, that’s going to accentuate all those fine lines and wrinkles,” he explains.
Because shimmer catches the light, applying it all over the lid can make creases and texture appear more noticeable.
Press It Along the Lash Line Instead
Rather than covering the whole eyelid, Ford recommends concentrating the shimmer close to the lashes.
Using a flat eyeshadow brush, gently press the shimmer along the upper lash line instead of sweeping it upward.
This placement creates brightness exactly where you want it while keeping the most reflective pigments away from areas where fine lines tend to be more visible.
Blend Upward at the Outer Corner
After placing the shimmer, switch to a small blending brush.
Ford recommends softly blending the color back and forth before lifting it slightly at the outer corner of the eye.
This subtle upward motion creates a gentle lifting effect that can make the eyes appear more awake and refreshed without adding excess shimmer to the center of the lid.
Frame the Eye With a Touch Underneath
If you want a little more definition, Ford suggests applying a small amount of the same shimmer beneath the lower lash line.
Doing so helps frame the eyes and ties the look together while keeping the sparkle concentrated around the eye rather than across the entire eyelid.
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The Bottom Line
Mature skin doesn't mean you have to give up shimmer eyeshadow. According to Ford, changing your placement can make all the difference. By pressing shimmer along the lash line, softly blending it upward at the outer corners, and adding a subtle touch beneath the eye, you can enjoy a luminous look that enhances your features without emphasizing fine lines or wrinkles.
