What kind of eye makeup should a 70 year old woman wear?

As skin loses elasticity and lashes thin with age, many women seek guidance for updating their makeup routine.

So, what kind of eye makeup should a 70 year old woman wear to best flatter her eyes? The key is focusing on hydrating, gentle formulas and application techniques that lift and brighten.

Quick Summary

The best approach involves using soft, matte or satin cream eyeshadows, a gentle pencil or gel eyeliner in a softer shade, and a conditioning mascara to define and brighten mature eyes without emphasizing fine lines and wrinkles.

Key Points

• Embrace Cream Formulas: Opt for hydrating cream eyeshadows and soft gel or pencil eyeliners to avoid emphasizing fine lines and crepey texture.

• Prioritize Matte and Satin Finishes: Steer clear of heavy glitter and shimmer, which can settle into wrinkles, and instead use matte or soft satin shades for a diffused, flattering effect.

• Soften Your Liner: Use brown or charcoal eyeliner instead of harsh black, and smudge it gently to create a subtle, lifted definition for the eye.

• Define with Conditioning Mascara: Choose a volumizing and conditioning mascara to lengthen thinning lashes without clumping, and consider a brown-black shade for a softer look.

• Prep with Hydrating Primer: Always begin with an eye cream followed by a good primer to smooth the eyelid and ensure your makeup stays put all day without creasing.

• Consider Your Eye Shape: For hooded eyes, apply shadow slightly above the crease with your eyes open to ensure the color is visible.

Revitalizing Your Eye Makeup Routine

For many women, the eye area changes with age, presenting new challenges for makeup application. However, these changes also offer an opportunity to refresh your routine with products and techniques that enhance your features beautifully. The best eye makeup for a 70-year-old woman focuses on hydration, subtle definition, and brightening the eyes for a more open and awake appearance.

Preparing the Canvas: The Foundation for Flawless Makeup

Proper preparation is crucial for mature skin, as it helps makeup glide on smoothly and prevents creasing. Start with a hydrating, nourishing eye cream to moisturize the delicate skin around the eyes. Once the eye cream has absorbed, apply a thin layer of eyeshadow primer. This step is a game-changer, as it smooths the eyelid, fills in fine lines, and creates a long-lasting base for your shadow. For those with hooded eyelids, a good primer will also prevent your shadow from disappearing into the crease.

Choosing Your Eyeshadow: Matte vs. Shimmer

When it comes to eyeshadow for mature eyes, the general rule is to embrace matte and satin finishes over heavy shimmer or glitter. Sparkle can settle into fine lines and draw unwanted attention to texture. Matte shadows provide a soft, diffused color that creates dimension without emphasizing crepey skin. Satin finishes offer a subtle, light-reflecting sheen that can be used strategically to brighten.

• Stick to Neutral Shades: Soft taupes, warm browns, and muted rose tones are universally flattering and provide natural-looking definition. Using lighter shades on the lid and a slightly deeper shade in the crease can create depth.
• Consider Cream Formulas: Cream eyeshadow sticks or liquid formulas are often a better choice than powder for mature skin. Their creamy texture glides over the lid without tugging and is less likely to settle into fine lines. They are also easy to blend using just your fingertips.

The Art of Eyeliner: Soft and Lifting Techniques

Heavy, harsh black eyeliner can make mature eyes appear smaller and more closed. Instead, opt for a softer approach that defines the lash line subtly. Gel or pencil liners are easier to control and blend than liquid formulas, which can look too stark.

• Tightline for Definition: To define the lash line without creating a thick line, try tightlining. Use a waterproof pencil to apply liner to your upper waterline, creating the illusion of thicker, fuller lashes.
• Smudge for Softness: For a softer look, apply a soft brown, charcoal, or plum pencil liner along the upper lash line and gently smudge it with a small brush. Extend the smudging slightly upwards at the outer corner to create a lifting effect.
• Avoid the Lower Lash Line: Dark eyeliner on the lower lash line can close up the eye and emphasize dark circles. For the bottom lashes, a light swipe of a nude or white eyeliner on the waterline can make eyes appear larger and brighter.

The Right Mascara: Conditioning and Volumizing

Lashes often become sparser and more brittle with age. The right mascara can make a significant difference, adding length and volume without clumping. Look for formulas with conditioning ingredients like peptides or argan oil.

• Prioritize Volume: A volumizing formula can help compensate for thinning lashes. Wiggle the mascara wand at the base of your lashes and pull through to the tips for maximum impact.
• Choose Brown Over Black: For a softer, more natural look, consider a brown or brown-black mascara instead of black, especially for those with lighter hair or complexions.
• Condition Your Lashes: In addition to using a conditioning mascara, consider adding a lash serum to your nighttime routine to help promote healthier, fuller-looking lashes over time. For more information on lash health, you can visit The American Academy of Ophthalmology's section on eye health.

Eyebrows: Framing the Eyes

Don't forget the power of well-defined eyebrows. As we age, brows can become sparse. Filling them in with a soft pencil or powder can frame the eyes and provide a polished finish.

Comparison Table: Cream vs. Powder Eyeshadow

Feature	Cream Eyeshadow	Powder Eyeshadow
Texture	Hydrating, blendable	Can be drying, may emphasize wrinkles
Application	Easy to apply with fingers, little to no pulling	Requires brushes, can create harsh lines
Finish	Matte or satin finishes are common	Can be matte, but shimmers can crease
Longevity	Excellent, particularly with a primer	Can settle into fine lines throughout the day
Ideal For	Mature skin, hooded eyes, dry eyelids	Younger skin, oily lids (with primer)

Conclusion: A Fresh and Modern Look

By focusing on hydrating formulas, softer application techniques, and well-chosen products, any 70-year-old woman can create a stunning and flattering eye makeup look. The goal is not to hide your age, but to enhance your features and celebrate your beauty. Less is often more, and a light touch with the right tools can make a significant difference. Experiment with different colors and techniques to find what makes you feel your most confident and radiant self.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to apply eyeliner for hooded eyes at 70?

For hooded eyes, apply a soft pencil or gel eyeliner only along the top lash line. Start with a thin line at the inner corner and thicken it slightly towards the outer corner. Gently smudge the line with a brush and extend it upwards at the outer edge to create a lifting effect.

Should a 70-year-old woman avoid shimmer eyeshadow completely?

Heavy, chunky glitter is best avoided, as it can highlight texture. However, a subtle satin or finely milled shimmer can be used sparingly. Apply a tiny amount to the inner corners of the eye or the center of the lid to catch the light and brighten the eyes without emphasizing fine lines.

How can I prevent my eyeshadow from creasing on mature lids?

The best way to prevent creasing is to start with a high-quality eye primer. The primer creates a smooth, long-lasting base that holds onto your shadow. Additionally, opt for cream or liquid eyeshadows, which are less likely to settle into fine lines than powder formulas.

What's the ideal mascara for mature, thinning lashes?

Look for a volumizing or lengthening mascara formula that contains conditioning ingredients like vitamins or peptides. Avoid waterproof formulas, which can be harsh and difficult to remove. Focus on wiggling the brush at the base of the lashes to build volume and definition.

Is it okay to use black mascara and eyeliner?

While black can sometimes be too harsh, especially on lighter complexions or hair, it's not off-limits. If you prefer black, use a softer, smudged application for eyeliner. For mascara, a brown-black shade often provides enough definition without being as stark as pure black.

How do I make my eyes look bigger with makeup?

To make eyes look bigger, use a nude or white pencil on your lower waterline. Curl your lashes before applying mascara. Use a light, matte shadow all over the lid and a slightly darker shade in the crease. Finally, define your brows to frame your eyes and create an open, lifted look.

Are brow products necessary for older women?

Yes, defining your eyebrows is a crucial step that can make a huge difference. Brows can become sparser with age, and filling them in with a soft pencil or powder that matches your hair color can frame the eyes, providing a more youthful and polished look.