Enhancing one’s best facial features is no doubt achievable with the use of eyeshadow. It even has the ability to give a youthful appearance when applied in accordance with one’s eye shape, color and skin tone. We caught up with seasoned makeup artists and professionals who shared their timeless tips on eyeshadow application.
They also provided insight on two unflattering eyeshadow shades that women over 40 should avoid, as well as two trendy alternatives that are sure to impress! Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Kerrin Jackson, celebrity, film and television makeup artist and creator of The Makeup Refinery blog and Christina-Lauren Pollack, creator and lifestyle editor at Inspirations & Celebrations.
2 Unflattering Eyeshadow Shades To Skip Over 40
1. Skip Fiery Reds
One eye makeup color Jackson suggests skipping if you want to look younger or more awake is a red, scarlet or crimson one. "Red eyeshadows can add years to your face simply by making your eyes look tired, irritated and generally giving a look of being unwell," she explains. There is "very little" that is flattering about a red eyeshadow, Jackson stresses, and she always recommends "avoiding red on the eyes altogether."
"I generally avoid red eyeshadow because it is such a tricky shade to get right on the eyes," Jackson continues. This, she says, is purely because of the "color of our blood," which is red, of course. "What happens when we cry, or have an allergic reaction to something, rub our eyes, or get a bruise? Our skin and eyes go red," she continues. This, she says, is why using a red eyeshadow can inadvertently look like "you have been crying, have allergies or something unpleasant altogether is going on. It’s not a very appealing or flattering look."
Instead, Try Nude Shades
One eyeshadow tip that Pollack says she recommends for women over 40 is to apply a light matte nude shade all over the eyelid. "For example, if you have fair skin, an ivory-colored shadow is ideal; whereas, if you have darker skin, you can opt for a mocha hue," Pollack says.
"Matte eyeshadows are great for age 40+ skin, as they don't make fine lines look pronounced (whereas sparkly shadows can). Plus, it gives you a natural, refreshed appearance that makes you look more awake and bright-eyed."
2 Skip Metallics
As seen on Euphoria, BeautyTok and elsewhere, "metallics are back," Jackson says, and "for us over 40s, that may not be such good news anymore." A shimmery red eyeshadow, she adds, can be "particularly cruel to even the most slightly textured skin."
Due to the light-reflecting flakes or ingredients in many shimmer products, this kind of eyeshadow can "end up highlighting every wrinkle, line or textured surface you usually spend your makeup time trying to soften," Jackson warns.
Instead, Try Neutral Mattes
As a celebrity makeup artist, Jackson says she ultimately "avoids metallic eyeshadows on older skin because shimmers and metallics are so harsh on textured and wrinkled complexions."They can "cause lines and wrinkles to look more pronounced" than they actually are, she continues. Jackson goes on to note that the best bet is to "avoid these products and stick with neutral mattes instead."
"If you must use a shimmer eye shadow, try a cream-based product that you can blend in softly," she concludes. This will be "far more flattering and flexible on your skin" than a powdery metallic or shimmery eyeshadow. Got it!
