13 Best Eyeshadows for Older Skin

Makeup trends and eyeshadow colors go in and out of style. At our age, we have seen many of these trends come and go and sometimes even come back.

I went through phases where there were periods when I couldn’t leave the house without a full face of makeup, and that included eyeshadow. There were other times when I went most days with minimal makeup.

Yes, I went through the super bright and shimmery colors of the 80s. No regrets! The photos of those years – neatly tucked into photo albums – remind me of my youth and adventurous experimentation.

Now, being over 50 and pretty settled in my style and confidence, I still enjoy experimenting with makeup. But I find that there are a few things I need to keep in mind regarding my makeup choices.

Let’s face it, our 50+ eyes have seen a lot but are not what they used to be. Chances are your lids have developed lines and spots, and eyeshadow doesn’t sit as well as it used to. Join the club.

Finding that perfect eyeshadow that will not crease and make my eyes look smaller has been an onward quest in the last few years.

Here is our list of the top Eyeshadows for Older Skin:

1. All About Shadow™ Quad from Clinique – crease- and fade-resistant and is super easy to apply.
2. No Shimmer Eye Shade Trio from Look Fabulous Forever – cold-color palette specifically created with older women in mind.
3. RMS beauty Eye Polish – cream eyeshadow with a slight shimmer.
4. PRO LONGWEAR PAINT POT by MAC – comes in several natural colors and can be worn solo or combined with complementary shades.
5. THE MATTE BAR EYESHADOW PALETTE  from Maybelline – offers 10 matte shades at a price that won’t break the bank.

Keep reading to discover many more eyeshadow options perfect for mature eyes.

Prep the Eyes with a Primer

You may never have heard of eyelid primers before, but they are crucial at our age to make sure that the color stays put and doesn’t create creases.

Kerrin Jackson, a professional film and television makeup artist for 25 years who recently had her third Emmy Nomination for her work on the Netflix show Hollywood says:

“The first step of any makeup application is skin preparation. Hydration is the key. For your eyes, an eye cream and an under eye primer can work wonders.”

She recommends Anastasia Beverly Hills Eye Primer.

“I particularly like it on a more mature eyelid as it’s a light color. This works by helping your eye base act as a highlight to begin with, and also to help open your eyes up before you’ve even applied any eyeshadow,” says Kerrin.

The texture is rich and creamy and “smooths the surface of your lid to help create an even canvas for your eyeshadow. It will also help keep your makeup lasting all day long.”

Cream vs Powder

There are two types of eyeshadows: cream and powder. This is a highly debated question when it comes to older skin. Some swear by cream eyeshadows that glide on easily, and others prefer the more conventional powder eyeshadows.

It all depends on your eyelid, skin, and lifestyle. Cream eyeshadows are not recommended for women who have a lot of wrinkling or who have hooded eyes. This can cause unflattering creasing.

Powder eyeshadow can be slightly moistened for a more intense color.

Matte vs Shimmer

Almost all makeup artists will agree that matte and low-shimmer eyeshadows are better suited for mature women’s skin. Shimmery and frosty eyeshadows tend to accentuate wrinkles. But you do you, and if you enjoy shimmery eyeshadow read our article SHOULD YOU SHUN SHIMMER EYE MAKEUP AFTER 50? CHECK OUT THESE 5 SUGGESTIONS to discover tips and tricks to apply it properly.

Best Color Eyeshadows for Older Women

The colors you choose will depend on your skin tone, hair color, and preference. We tend to gravitate towards warmer browns, greys, and natural tones as opposed to bright blues and purples as we get older because this can make us look overdone and actually make us look older than our actual years.

When I say “overdone” I mean applying too much bright eyeshadow in a way that isn’t flattering for the eyes and that can actually make our eyes seem smaller and sunken – the opposite of what we truly want to achieve, right? 

Many brands offer palettes with complementary colors. Apply the lighter colors on your lids and use the darker colors to outline your lash line and natural eye crease and brow bone. If you’re uncertain about how to apply your eyeshadow read our article PRO MAKEUP ARTIST TIPS: EYESHADOW 101 FOR OLDER WOMEN (VIDEO) which also contains a helpful video.

Best Eyeshadow Palettes for Older Skin

Best Powdered Eyeshadows for Older Skin

MAKEUP BY MARIO Master Mattes® Eyeshadow Palette: The Original

All About Shadow™ Quad from Clinique

One of my personal favorite eyeshadows is the All About Shadow™ Quad from Clinique. The Skinny Dip color combination is my fave, and I can’t count how many of these I have been through over the years.

It’s crease- and fade-resistant and is super easy to apply. I use an eyeshadow brush instead of the sponge applicators to apply the shades. They have a very slight shimmer that blends into the eyelids well without causing an excessive shiny look.

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Palette of Beautifying Eye Trends

This versatile palette features a curated collection of six wearable shades in matte, satin, and shimmer finishes designed to enhance mature eyes. The finely milled powders blend effortlessly, offering both everyday neutrals and richer tones for evening. Ideal for older women seeking flattering, buildable color without emphasizing fine lines.

NATASHA DENONA Mini Eye Sculpt Eyeshadow Palette

A travel-sized, all-matte neutral palette featuring five buttery-soft shades, ranging from fair and light taupes to medium and deep browns, plus a rich black. 

Dermatologist-tested formulas blend easily to sculpt, define, and enhance mature eyes, offering a natural, airbrushed finish without settling into lines. With high pigmentation and smooth texture, it’s ideal for both everyday looks and smoky evening styles.

Eye Shade Trio from Look Fabulous Forever

No Shimmer Eye Shade Trio from Look Fabulous Forever is a cold-color palette specifically created with older women in mind.

Morphe ChromaPlus 12-Pan Eyeshadow Palette

A cool-toned palette with 12 matte, shimmer, and metallic shades designed to define and brighten mature eyes. The ChromaPlus formula delivers rich pigment and a smooth, blendable texture that resists creasing. Compact and travel-friendly, it’s ideal for both everyday looks and soft smoky eyes.

bareMinerals MINERALIST Talc-Free Eyeshadow Palette

A six-shade palette with blendable matte and satin finishes, made without talc or harsh additives. Lightweight and gentle on mature lids, the formula resists creasing and layers smoothly. Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, with recyclable packaging for a cleaner beauty routine.

Best Cream Eyeshadow for Older Women

RMS Beauty Eye Polish

Kerrin’s go-to cream eyeshadow for older women is the RMS beauty Eye Polish. “It’s a cream eyeshadow with a slight shimmer,” she says.

“The Eye Polish is full of healing and protective ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and cocoa seed butter that are perfect to care for your skin at the same time as making it look great!”

PRO LONGWEAR PAINT POT

PRO LONGWEAR PAINT POT by MAC comes in several natural colors and can be worn solo or combined with complementary shades. As the name suggests, it is designed to stay put all day without creasing.

Best Budget Eyeshadow for Older Women

THE MATTE BAR EYESHADOW PALETTE from Maybelline

Makeup doesn’t have to be expensive to be good quality. Many drugstore brands at very affordable prices are used by professional makeup artists.

THE MATTE BAR EYESHADOW PALETTE  from Maybelline is one of my favorites and has rave reviews from clients of all ages. The palette offers 10 matte shades at a price that won’t break the bank.

Revlon PhotoReady Eye Contour Kit

Revlon PhotoReady Eye Contour Kit is a classic that has been around for quite some time. The palette colors are a wet/dry formula – wet the eyeshadow for a more intense color. We like the step-by-step application instructions for a variety of different eye shapes included on the back of every palette.

A few Extra Eyeshadow Suggestions for Mature Women

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow

Intense color mono eyeshadows from L’Oréal Paris are soft and velvety and come in shimmery and matte finishes. Create your own eyeshadow duos or palettes. 

Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette is a customer favorite that features 6 versatile eyeshadows to easily go from simple to dramatic eye looks on the go.

What Eyeshadow Color Should You Choose

Choosing the right eyeshadow color can enhance your eyes and complement your overall makeup look. 

Here are some tips to help you select the perfect eyeshadow colors:

Consider Your Eye Color

• Blue Eyes: Warm shades like peach, copper, and earthy browns can make blue eyes pop. Shades of blue or purple can also create a nice contrast.
• Green Eyes: Shades of purple, plum, and burgundy can enhance green eyes. Earthy tones like taupe and warm browns also work well.
• Brown Eyes: Brown eyes are versatile and can pull off a wide range of colors. Jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and deep purples can be striking. Neutrals, such as bronze and gold, can also complement brown eyes.

Take Your Skin Tone into Account

• Fair Skin: Soft pastels, light pinks, and cool-toned shades like lavender and silvery greys can complement fair skin.
• Medium Skin: Warm shades like terracotta, copper, and warm browns can look flattering on medium skin tones. Jewel tones and earthy colors also work well.
• Dark Skin: Rich, bold colors like deep blues, purples, and vibrant golds can make a statement on dark skin tones. Warm, earthy shades can also create a beautiful contrast.

Determine the Occasion

• Everyday Look: For a natural, everyday look, opt for neutral shades like beige, taupe, and soft browns.
• Evening or Special Occasion: Bold and shimmery colors like metallics, dark smoky shades, and glittery tones can add drama and glamour for special events.

Think About Your Eye Shape

Different eyeshadow techniques can enhance your eye shape. For example, light shades in the inner corners can make eyes appear larger, while dark shades in the crease can add depth and definition.

Take Your Personal Preference into Account

Ultimately, makeup is a form of self-expression. Choose eyeshadow colors that make you feel confident and beautiful.

Experiment and Practice

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and techniques. Practice different looks to find what works best for you and your unique features.

Feel free to mix and match colors to create your own unique style. Remember, quality eyeshadows with good pigmentation and blendability can make a significant difference in the final result, so invest in quality products for the best outcome.

Eyeshadow Brushes and Tools That Make Application Easier

The right brushes and tools can make all the difference, especially when applying eyeshadow on mature lids. As our skin becomes more delicate, having soft, well-designed brushes can help blend color without tugging or creating harsh lines.

Here are a few helpful tools to consider:

Flat Shader Brush

This brush is perfect for applying a base shade across the eyelid. Choose one with soft, densely packed bristles to gently press color onto the lid without irritation.

Tapered Crease Brush

Designed to fit into the eye crease, this brush helps add definition with a medium or darker tone. Look for one with a rounded tip that glides smoothly into the crease without skipping.

Blending Brush

This fluffy brush is a must for softening edges and ensuring your shadow transitions seamlessly. A good blending brush keeps your look polished, not patchy or overdone.

Angled Brush or Smudge Brush

These are great for applying shadow along the lash line or creating a soft eyeliner effect. They also work well for smudging pencil liner into a more flattering, diffused finish.

Cream Eyeshadow Applicator or Fingertips

Cream eyeshadows often apply best with clean fingers. The warmth of your skin helps blend the product naturally, especially on drier eyelids. If you prefer a tool, try a small silicone-tipped applicator made for cream formulas.

Dual-Ended or Ergonomic Brushes

If hand strength or grip is a concern, opt for brushes with thicker or rubberized handles. Dual-ended options can also save time and space if you’re traveling or prefer simplicity.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Ultimate Makeup Brush Set & Travel Roll

A well-curated brush set doesn’t have to be expensive. Invest in a few quality pieces and keep them clean, you’ll notice a big difference in how smoothly your eyeshadow goes on and stays put.

If you’re like me, as I get older I want to know what I’m putting on my skin, in my body, and in the environment. I also find it important to know if the company does any animal testing. Brands are starting to look into providing products with fewer chemicals and toxic ingredients. You can find our top 5 favorite natural eyeshadows in our article 5 Best Natural Eyeshadows For Older Women.

Read WHICH LOOKS BETTER – MY MOST EXPENSIVE OR MY LEAST EXPENSIVE DRUGSTORE MAKEUP?

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you tried any of these eyeshadows? Which one is your favorite? Do you have any other eyeshadow suggestions for older skin?