Eye makeup can be a powerful tool in your beauty toolkit, helping you to enhance your natural features and express your individuality and evolving style as you journey through life.
In your 20s, experimentation is key, so don’t be afraid to try out different colours, textures and finishes. As you progress into your 30s and 40s, you may want to focus on defining and accentuating your eyes, while also taking care to keep the delicate skin around them hydrated and smooth. Moving into your 50s, 60s and beyond, it’s all about embracing the ageing process and ensuring that your eye makeup enhances your natural beauty and radiance.
20s
Your 20s is the perfect time to experiment with eye makeup – you’ll be able to pull off bold and dramatic looks with ease! When it comes to eye shadows, don’t be afraid to explore vibrant shades and complex textures. Matte shades can be used in the crease to define and
add depth, while shimmery or metallic finishes add a playful touch to the eyelid. Blend your eye shadows well for a seamless finish.
Don’t forget about your eyebrows. Well-groomed and defined eyebrows frame your face and complement your eye makeup look. Experiment with different eyebrow products and techniques, such as powder, pencil or pomade to find the one that suits you best. And remember, practice makes perfect.
30s
This is the decade for honing in on your style and enhancing your features. When it comes to choosing the right colours, pick shades that complement your skin tone and highlight your features. Opt for more neutral tones that can blend well with your skin and define your eyes without looking too harsh.
For a more subdued look, use slightly darker shades close to your lash lines and blend the colours upwards, keeping the darker shades in the outer corners of your eyes. Enhance your lashes with a mascara that adds volume and length to make your eyes appear more open and youthful.
It’s also important to have a solid skincare routine in place to keep the skin around your eyes nourished and looking its best. Apply eye cream regularly to maintain hydration, boost collagen and elastin production, and help reduce the appearance of dark circles.
40s
In your 40s, fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area may start to appear. First and foremost, hydrate your skin to minimise the appearance of fine lines. Consider a hyaluronic acid serum and an anti-ageing eye cream to help plump up the appearance of the eye area.
When it comes time to apply makeup, opt for matte eyeshadows as they are less likely to settle into creases and emphasise wrinkles.
A universally flattering eye look is a medium- toned matte shade on the eyelid, followed by a slightly darker shade in the crease for definition. Remember to apply a primer to your eyelids before applying eyeshadow, as this will not only help with smooth application but will also keep the makeup in place throughout the day. To further reduce any creasing, consider using a matte-finish setting powder on the lids.
For eyeliner, go for a softer look by avoiding harsh lines. A soft brown or grey eyeliner will give definition without drawing attention to fine lines or wrinkles. Using a pencil liner or smudging a gel liner with an angled brush is a great technique for achieving a subtle, flattering winged eye.
Pay attention to your eyelashes and eyebrows, as they can greatly impact your overall eye makeup in your 40s. Use an eyelash curler to lift and open up the eyes. A volumising mascara will add thickness to your lashes, making your eyes appear more youthful. When filling in your eyebrows, use small, upward strokes with a pencil or powder for a natural look. Gently brush through with a spoolie to blend the product and soften the brows.
50s
As you reach your 50s you may notice more obvious changes in your skin’s appearance as lines and wrinkles become more etched, under- eye bags are more pronounced and eyelids seem to sag that little bit more. But with the right techniques, your eye makeup game can still be just as strong as ever.
Using an eye cream that boosts collagen production and cell turnover is vital. Look for ingredients like peptides, vitamin C and antioxidants to help improve elasticity and target signs of ageing.
When dealing with dark circles or shadows under the eyes, use a lightweight, moisturising and easily blendable concealer that provides good coverage without creasing into lines. Opt for cream or gel-based eyeshadows that won’t settle into fine lines, and choose neutral, matte shades that complement your skin tone.
To address thinning or sparse eyebrows, opt for a subtle brow powder or pencil to
fill in gaps and make small, natural-looking strokes. For eyelashes, consider curling them to enhance the appearance of length without weighing them down. Using a volumising, clump-free mascara that’s easily buildable will also help in achieving a fuller look.
60s and beyond
Embracing your 60s and beyond doesn’t mean giving up on eye makeup! Opt for subtle, lighter shades and finishes that complement your skin tone and eye colour.
Universally flattering peachy hues can work wonders in revitalising the look of the eyes and brightening your overall complexion.
Pay special attention to the application and blending process, since these can greatly affect the final look. Aim for a soft, diffused finish void of any harsh lines.
Texture is another crucial factor to consider when choosing eye makeup products. Look
for creamy, hydrating formulas that glide on effortlessly and avoid products with shimmer,
as they can draw attention to imperfections. Instead, focus on enhancing your eyes with matte shades and understated hues, giving you the freedom to experiment and find the perfect look for your 60s and beyond.
Also consider the shape of your brows. A well-defined brow with a subtle arch can lift the appearance of your face. Fill in sparse areas with a light, feathery touch, and use a spoolie brush to blend and groom hairs into place. Don’t forget to nourish your lashes, too, with a conditioning treatment serum.
Last but not least, love the skin you’re in! Embrace those extra lines and wrinkles as a sign of a life well-lived and one that is ready for even more adventures to come.
