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Just as your personal style and beauty preferences shift as you age, so do the needs of your skin — which means that the skincare products and makeup you loved in your 20s and 30s might not quite fit the bill anymore. Especially once you hit perimenopause and menopause, you might notice your skin getting drier and less elastic thanks to hormonal changes like estrogen loss, as well as developing more wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, and different textures. To put it simply: our skin naturally changes as we age, and that can influence what the right makeup is for you as time goes on. The best eyeshadows for mature skin meet you — and your skin — where you’re at now, while delivering the flattering pigments and lasting wear you deserve.
Of course, you can wear any kind of eye makeup, whenever and wherever you want. But if you’re looking for eye shadows with ingredients that are tailored toward your specific needs, there are a few worth considering. Check out our top picks for the best eyeshadows for mature skin, and keep scrolling down for advice from a dermatologist and makeup artist on elements to look for (and avoid) when shopping for this essential beauty product.
Best Eyeshadow for Mature Skin at a Glance
Best Overall: Laura Mercier Waterproof Caviar Eye Color Stick Set, $28
Best Easy-to-Blend Eyeshadow: , $32
Best Eyeshadow at Amazon: Charlotte Tilbury Bigger Brighter Exxager Eyes, $49.90, was $69.99
Most Affordable: Revlon Crème Eyeshadow Palette, $6.48, was $8.39
Best Long-Lasting Eyeshadow: Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow, $35
Best Matte Eyeshadow: Merit Solo Shadow Cream-to-Powder Soft Matte Eyeshadow, $24
Best Liquid Eyeshadow: Stila Shimmer Glow Liquid Eye Shadow, $24
Best Crease-Proof Eyeshadow: Kulfi Zari Eyes Long-Lasting Crease-Proof Cream Eyeshadow, $30
Best Splurge: Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Crème Eyeshadow Palette, $90
Best Eyeshadow with SPF: Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow SPF 30, $24
Best Eyeshadow-Primer Combo: MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot Cream Eyeshadow, $28
What type of eyeshadow is best for mature skin?
It’s important to kick things off with skin prep before you apply your makeup, says makeup artist Erica Taylor. “If your skin is not properly hydrated and exfoliated, you are already at a disadvantage,” she says.
When it comes to the type of eyeshadow, she suggests looking for creamy formulations. “Cream textures are more forgiving to mature skin and are way easier to apply,” she says. These can be dabbed or gently brushed on to avoid unintentionally irritating your skin during the application.
Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research at The Mount Sinai Hospital, agrees. “Cream makeup formulas tend to be more hydrating to give additional skincare benefits in addition to cosmetic coverage,” he says.
What to avoid in eyeshadow for mature skin
There are a few things to consider when choosing eyeshadow for mature skin. It’s important to avoid products with fragrances, since these can be irritating, says Dr. Zeichner. If you’re going with a stick-based eyeshadow, you’ll want a creamy formula that glides on easily — otherwise, you risk irritating your eyes with pressure needed to apply it, he adds.
Also, it may be helpful to avoid overly matte products. “There is a misconception that mature skin should wear matte, but matte textures can come across as dry and dusty,” Taylor says. “I tell everyone to look for products that are luminous and silky but stay away from thick sparkles and glitter.” Why? Fine lines and wrinkles can cause the finish to look slightly messy and uneven.
What kind of eye makeup should a woman wear as she ages?
Any kind you want! Wear what makes you feel your best irrespective of your age. Still, if you want specific guidance, “eyeshadows that have implemented additional moisture like hyaluronic acid, squalene, and ceramides are a few to look for,” Taylor says.
Just keep this pro tip in mind from Dr. Zeichner: Don’t overly stretch or pull your skin when you put on or take off your eye makeup. “Even low grade inflammation from removing eye makeup can contribute to premature aging, pigmentation, and wrinkling over time,” he says.
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Cream Eyeshadow
best overall
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Cream Eyeshadow
Laura Mercier’s waterproof Caviar set features cream eyeshadow in a stick form that goes on easily. You can use the two shades separately or together for buildable color, and the eyeshadows come in shimmer and matte finishes to give you options.What we love most about this formula is that it stays crease-free and transfer-resistant all day long, which is great for those of us with eye wrinkles, and the neutral colors that complement your whole makeup look so you don’t need to worry about color-clashing.
Laura Geller Blend Away Rosy & Rustic 8 Multi-Finish Eyeshadows
Best Easy-to-Blend Eyeshadow
Laura Geller Blend Away Rosy & Rustic 8 Multi-Finish Eyeshadows
$32Buy Now from walmart
Laura Geller’s palettes are massively popular, and with good reason. This palette features eight pressed colors in rosy tones that are shimmery and matte. You can mix and match them for the perfect natural-looking smokey eye.
Charlotte Tilbury Bigger Brighter Exxager Eyes
Best Eyeshadow on Amazon
Charlotte Tilbury Bigger Brighter Exxager Eyes
On Sale 29% off
This rose-gold eyeshadow palette is free of fragrances, parabens, and alcohol. It’s also cream-based, to infuse extra moisture into your skin and go on smoothly.
Revlon Crème Eyeshadow Palette
most affordable
Revlon Crème Eyeshadow Palette
On Sale 23% off
$6.48Buy Now On Amazon
$6.48Buy Now from walmart
This set of four cream eyeshadow colors from Revlon is crease-resistant, for a smoother look. It provides a mix of blendable matte and luminous finishes that you can mix and match to get your perfect shade. The kit comes in nude and brighter colors, to give you plenty of options.
Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow
Best Long-Lasting Eyeshadow
Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow
$35Buy Now from sephora
$35Buy Now from ulta beauty
Charlotte Tilbury’s Eyes to Mesmerize eyeshadow is a cream formula with a silky finish that glides on easily. It has a metallic finish for a little luminosity without being over-the-top. Choose from eight shades.
Merit Solo Shadow Cream-to-Powder Soft Matte Eyeshadow
Best Matte Eyeshadow
Merit Solo Shadow Cream-to-Powder Soft Matte Eyeshadow
$24Buy Now from merit beauty
This cruelty-free eyeshadow goes on creamy for easy application. It has a soft-matte finish and includes plenty of soothing ingredients like chamomile and calendula. The clean eyeshadow contains peptides, too, to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Merit’s Solo Shadow is available in nine shades, ranging from a cool taupe to a bold navy blue.
Stila Shimmer Glow Liquid Eye Shadow
Best Liquid Eyeshadow
Stila Shimmer Glow Liquid Eye Shadow
Luminosity can really highlight your eyes, and Stila Shimmer Glow Liquid Eye Shadow delivers. This eyeshadow glides on with the help of an included applicator. It comes in two pretty shades—the purpley Cloud and pinkish Kitten.
Kulfi Zari Eyes Long-Lasting Crease-Proof Cream Eyeshadow
Best Crease-Proof Eyeshadow
Kulfi Zari Eyes Long-Lasting Crease-Proof Cream Eyeshadow
$30Buy Now from sephora
Looking for eyeshadow that really pops? Kulfi’s Zari Eyes cream eyeshadow comes in five bold shades, including Disco Dreams, which shifts from green to blue, and the cranberry-colored Auburn Aura. It’s crease-proof, so it won’t highlight your fine lines and wrinkles.
Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Crème Eyeshadow Palette
best splurge
Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Crème Eyeshadow Palette
This eyeshadow palette offers a range of shades to help create a perfect smokey eye, whether you’re looking for a daytime look or evening wear. The palette features long-lasting pigments in a formula that’s resistant to creases and flakes.
Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow SPF 30
Best eyeshadow with spf
Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow SPF 30
$24.00Buy Now On Amazon
Supergoop! Shimmershade contains SPF 30 to protect the delicate skin around your eyes. It’s designed to reduce the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots around your eyes, while delivering long-lasting color. This eyeshade contains rose, roman chamomile, jasmine, and sunflower extracts to soothe the area around your eyes.
MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot Cream Eyeshadow
best eyeshadow-primer combo
MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot Cream Eyeshadow
MAC’s Pro Longwear Paint Pot is designed for longer use, with a finish that will stay put until you’re ready to remove it. The formula works as an eye primer and cream shadow, going on smoothly and providing full coverage. It’s also water resistant, in case you get teary-eyed or stuck in a rainstorm.
Maybelline Color Tattoo Eye Shadow
Maybelline Color Tattoo Eye Shadow
$14.99Buy Now On Amazon
$13.50Buy Now from walmart
Enjoy up to 24 hours of wear with Maybelline’s Color Tattoo eyeshadow. This formula is waterproof and crease-resistant, with a creamy texture you can smooth on with your fingertips. Saturated pigments give you plenty of coverage.
Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix
Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix
If you prefer multi-functional products, consider Colorfix from Danessa Myricks Beauty. This cream formulation can be used on your eyes, cheeks, and lips to deliver all-over color. Choose from a massive range of colors in matte and luminous finishes.
Jolie Waterproof Indelible Creme Eye Shadow
Jolie Waterproof Indelible Creme Eye Shadow
$24.99Buy Now On Amazon
$18.20Buy Now from walmart
Jolie’s waterproof eyeshadow glides on easily with the help of your finger or a brush and dries quickly to help it stay put. It’s creaseless and designed for long use, so you can put it on in the morning and still look put-together at night. Choose from 22 shades.
Ilia Liquid Powder Eye Shadow Tint
Ilia Liquid Powder Eye Shadow Tint
This clean formula comes in matte and metallic finishes to give you options. The liquid eyeshadow comes with its own applicator to make it easy to slide on. It’s long-wearing, too, and won’t fade once it’s in place.
KVD Beauty Super Pomade Vegan Eyeliner, Shadow & Brow Pigment
KVD Beauty Super Pomade Vegan Eyeliner, Shadow & Brow Pigment
$25Buy Now from sephora
$16.91Buy Now On Amazon
Another multi-functional product, the KVD Beauty Super Pomade works triple duty as an eyeliner, eyeshadow, and brow pigment. It’s a cream formula that’s also waterproof, so you can put it on and go about your day. This product comes in eight different shades.