There are no rules about what eye make-up you “should” or “shouldn’t” wear after you reach 40. Makeup can enhance your natural beauty and is a way to express yourself. If the cat eye or shimmery eyeshadow you wore in your twenties doesn’t seem to work anymore, you don’t have to throw them out. You can easily change the way you apply eye makeup.
Jamie Greenberg, MUA, says that it’s a good idea to sit down with an artist and find out what you look best in. Not everyone can afford to hire a makeup artist, or knows their face well. We asked Greenberg to share her eye makeup tips for women over 40.
Continue reading to see six of our favorite celebrity-inspired looks, along with product recommendations.
Shimmery Eyeshadow
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Greenberg says that women often blend shimmery eyeshadows too high above the crease. The shimmery eyeshadow will accent any skin texture, so I like to use it on areas with little texture. She suggests applying shimmer as an accent to the lid for extra pop, or as a light liner.
Inner Corner Highlight
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You can highlight the inner eyelids just like your cheekbones. Greenberg likes to give this part of the eye a little shimmer. Gwyneth’s champagne shimmery eyeshadow, which she applied to the inner corners of her eyes is a good example.
The Colorful Smoky Eye
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
Dark colors are not the only option. While the classic smoky-eye look is usually associated with charcoal or pewter, there are other options. Greenberg says that just because you’re doing a “smoky” eye, it doesn’t necessarily mean the color has to be super dark or black. “Smoky can be any colour, as long as the darkest shades are at the base.” Look at J.Lo’s lavender smoky eyes. Makeup artist fills in the lashline with black eyeliner or shadow to give it subtle depth.
Below The Crease
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Greenberg suggests that you keep dark colors below your crease when creating a smokey eye. This is what Victoria Beckham did. If you don’t have dry, untextured skin, then avoid bringing darker colors above your crease. This will also bring attention to the texture of your skin, she says.
Cat Eye Eyeliner
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Greenberg, who is in her 40s, says that she has had to adjust the place where she puts the cat-eye style. She suggests shortening the wing. This will also help to avoid drawing attention around the eyes to any texture.
Greenberg recommends creating the shape of the cat-eye first with eyeshadow. She suggests that you first draw the line using eyeshadow, and then go over it with liquid liner.
Balance It
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Greenberg says that “less can be more” on the eyes. The key is to balance out the look of the eyes with the rest the face. She recommends highlighting the cheeks using a blendable, creamy blush, such as her Blightlighter, in addition to adding individual lashes. Greenberg also loves a bold lip in any color. Cameron Diaz, with her slightly copper-shimmering eyes, rosy blushes and matching lip, is a great inspiration.
Our Favorite products
Beautycounter Lidglow Cream Shadow
Ulta
This product’s creamy texture helps it to not clump in areas where they are less flexible than before. Use it all over your eyelid or apply a small amount to the inner corner to highlight your eye.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
Urban Decay/Amazon
Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil was the winner in our search for best eyeliners for women aged over 40. The fact that there are over three dozen different shades is a plus. This product is also great because it’s cruelty-free, and the pigmentation complements mature eye color.
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
Thrive Causemetics
Lengthening is the key when it comes to lashes on people over 40. Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara is the answer. This mascara comes in black and brown, and gives your lashes a lot more volume and length.
KVD Beauti Tattoo Liner
KVD Beauty
KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner is a great liquid eyeliner if you prefer it to a pencil. This eyeliner comes in both brown and black, just like the Thrive Mascara. This product’s pigmentation is its most notable feature.
