Facts: Eyeshadow isn't just for your twenties—and it's definitely not off-limits once fine lines and crow's feet begin to creep in. The truth? A little color on the lids can do wonders for making eyes look brighter, lifted, and refreshed.. The key is to find the best eyeshadows for mature skin and use a few pro tricks for application to keep everything smooth and crease-free.
As we age, our eyelids (and the rest of our skin) become thinner, drier, and less elastic, which makes certain textures challenging. Like foundations for mature skin, concealers for mature skin, and even primers for mature skin, the formulation becomes an important aspect to consider when shopping for new makeup.
Mattes that once looked smooth can suddenly feel flat or dull, while full-on glitter can spotlight every crease. So, where's the sweet spot? "Cream eyeshadow with a soft, luminous finish and nothing too sparkly can be one of the most flattering choices for mature eyes," says makeup artist Erica Taylor. Think hydration and lightweight textures—not heavy pigments or chunky glitter.
Of course, application matters just as much as the shadow itself. Skip the heavy layers and focus on skin prep and placement—you can still have fun with colors and textures, there are just a few more tricks involved. Ahead, the makeup pros break down the best eyeshadow formulas for mature lids—including some expert-approved powders— the prep steps you should never skip, and the application techniques that give your eyes a subtle glow and lift.
The Best Eyeshadows for Mature Skin
- Best Overall Eyeshadow for Mature Skin: Armani Beauty Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow
- Best Eyeshadow Stick for Mature Skin: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick
- Best Eyeshadow for Hooded Eyes: YSL Couture Mini Clutch Eyeshadow Palette
- Most Blendable Eyeshadow for Mature Skin: Diorshow 5 Couleurs Couture Eyeshadow Palette
- Best Matte Eyeshadow for Mature Skin: Merit Solo Shadow
This liquid eyeshadow formula performs like a primer for its longevity, yet wears like a cream for that crease-free finish. Its secret? A water-infused base that delivers an extra hit of hydration, helping smooth over fine lines instead of settling into them. There's zero risk of fallout further accentuating crow's feet, and the doe-foot applicator makes it effortless to swipe on and blend—perfect for a quick, foolproof step in your routine.
Shades: 24
Finish: Shimmer, Matte, Metallic
What I Love: It plays well with other textured shadows if you want to layer; Won't cause fallout
What I Don't: The metallic finish can sometimes accentuate lines
Review for MC: "This is wonderful. The key is layering to create the look you want, and it also offers a ton of versatility. I blend it in easily with my finger, and it just glides on and looks totally smooth on my eyelids." — Heather Gagliano, 56
Heather Gagliano applies the Armani Beauty Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow.
This one's a longtime editor favorite. It's a true multi-hyphenate, doubling as an eyeshadow, an eyeliner, and even a highlighter. The super creamy formula glides beautifully, with no tugging or skipping, and its eyeshadow stick format makes it as convenient as it gets. It also features 35 different shades with varying finishes, ensuring you'll always find the perfect color for any occasion.
Shades: 35
Finish: Shimmer, Matte, Metallic
What I Love: Convenient; Multiple uses; Holy grail favorite; Shimmer is the perfect amount for mature lids
What I Don't: Can dry out when exposed to air for too long
Review for MC: "I'm not the best at eyeshadow, my granddaughter (the MC beauty editor!) always tries to teach me. This is the only one I can easily apply and actually looks nice. It's foolproof, and I find that it doesn't settle in my eyelids. I am in my upper seventies, after all." — Jackie Witherow, 76
Jackie Witherow applies the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick.
Hooded eyes can make shadow tricky, especially as skin starts to drop with age. This eyeshadow palette makes it easy with its four essentials: a transition shade, a deeper tone, and two shimmers for highlight. Apply the transition shade just above your natural crease to create the illusion of a higher fold when your eyes are open. Next, tap a soft shimmer onto the lid to bring in brightness, then deepen the outer corners with the darkest shade to add shape and lift. Blend everything up for a lifted, eye-opening effect.
Shades: 6
Finish: Matte, Shimmer
What I Love: Luxurious packaging; Four shades take the guesswork out; Shimmer is subtle and won't emphasize fine lines
What I Don't: The shimmer can sometimes create fallout
Review for MC: "YSL packs a punch! It has a high color payoff, and the packaging is perfection; it's so luxe and nice on my vanity. The colors are beautiful, and they highlight my blue eyes." — Mindy Holender, 56
Mindy Holender applies the YSL Couture Mini Clutch Eyeshadow Palette.
The skin around the eyes is one of the most delicate areas on the face, and it only gets more sensitive and thinner with age. That's why your eyeshadow should be incredibly easy to blend. While creams and liquids are great options, this powder palette from Dior stands out as one of the most effortless formulas our testers and reviewers have ever used. Infused with moisturizing squalane and rosehip oil, it has a buttery texture that makes blending a breeze.
Shades: 8
Finish: Matte, Satin, Pearly
What I Love: The satin and pearl finishes are not shimmer, instead, they lend a soft highlight; Incredibly pigmented
What I Don't: Some testers report the shadow breaking when in their makeup bag
Review for MC: "The colors are super soft and pretty. I apply it with my finger if I want more color payoff, but a fluffy brush works just as well because of the super-blendable formula. The shadow has an airbrushed-like effect!" — Mindy Holender, 56
Mindy Holender applies the Diorshow 5 Couleurs Couture Eyeshadow Palette.
Some matte formulations can leave mature eyes looking dull or flat, but this one does the opposite. Its cream-to-powder finish melts into the lids for a natural, skin-like effect rather than a harsh matte. The secret is in the formula: chamomile and calendula soothe the delicate eye area, while peptides help stimulate collagen and elastin production—two key skin proteins that decline with age. The result? Beautiful, wearable shades that look instantly vibrant on the lids while supporting skin health over time.
Shades: 8
Finish: Matte
What I Love: Jam-packed ingredient profile that benefits skin health while looking pretty right away; Great range of neutrals
What I Don't: The formula can dry out quickly, so be careful when leaving the cap open for too long
Customer Review: "I already had this product. I love it. I purchased it for my 64-year-old mom. Guess what? It is the most flattering eyeshadow I have ever seen for her. It is also very mistake-proof for people who are not used to wearing makeup. The shades are perfection." — Sephora
Jones Road is known for its mature-friendly makeup formulations, and this eyeshadow doesn't miss. While it's a powder, the velvety formula—enriched with extracts that help the skin retain moisture—keeps lids soft and smooth. You can build the color to your liking: use a fluffy makeup brush for a sheer wash or a denser brush for more intensity.
Shades: 16
Finish: Matte, Shimmer, Subtle Shimmer
What I Love: The subtle shimmer adds just enough pearl to catch the light; Velvety texture
What I Don't: The most universal shades are often sold out
Customer Review: "I love this eye shadow. It's a soft color that gives just enough definition without overdoing it. Perfect for older women who don't want their makeup to look garish. I put it on with my finger, and it looks great. I wish I had a soft gray eyeliner to go with it." — Jones Road
The shade Painterly is synonymous with an eyeshadow primer, but it doubles as a concealer-like base to neutralize redness or visible veins—a common concern for mature lids. Its primer-like formula smooths over fine lines and resists creasing, creating the perfect canvas (see what I did there?!) for any look. Use Painterly for an even, long-lasting base, then layer other shades on top. And true to its name, the Pro Longwear Paint Pot stays put all day.
Shades: 30
Finish: Matte, Pearl, Frost, Sparkle
What I Love: A large range of shades and finishes; Doubles as a base and color; Can be easily layered
What I Don't: Water-resistant, so you'll need a proper makeup remover like a cleansing oil
Customer Review: "What every YouTuber in existence says about this is true: it's the absolute best canvas for eyeshadow I've ever used. Shadow applies so well over it, it's like a miracle. I have mature skin, and it's like nothing I've ever tried before. Just beautiful. I can only imagine how pretty it is on younger gals. I also find it simple and pretty to use alone with maybe some soft bronze eyeliner (sub your fav color eyeliner) for a casual look. This is a holy grail kind of a thing!" — Ulta
Ah, a full-blown eye shimmer for mature skin? Hear me out. This isn't your typical chunky glitter—it's made with micro-fine pigments that create a soft, pearlescent glow. When applied over a neutral or base shade on the center of the lid and along the brow bone, it subtly lifts and brightens the eyes, making them look more awake and refreshed.
Shades: 5
Finish: Shimmer
What I Love: Not chunky, more of a sheen; Highlights and draws eyes up; Super blendable
What I Don't: It's best to go in with a light hand; you can always add more
Customer Review: "I now own two and the shadows are gorgeous! very sparkly and smooth! I have mature eyelids and it does not crepe! I find it best when applied with fingers. What wonderful holiday (and everyday) sparkle!" — Sephora
What Type of Eyeshadow Is Best for Mature Skin?
When it comes to eyeshadow for mature skin, the formula can make all the difference. According to Taylor, "Cream eyeshadow with a soft, luminous finish and nothing too sparkly can be one of the most flattering choices for mature eyes." While many of us are led to believe that matte was the gold standard for older lids, she says this approach can actually backfire: "Too much matte can actually make the eyes look flat and tired."
Instead, Taylor recommends a cream texture that brings hydration and a subtle sheen. The goal is for the formula to make the eyes appear bright and awake. "It’s all about finding that balance between glow and control."
Makeup artist Jenny Patinkin previously told Marie Claire that she agrees, but adds that not all cream or liquid shadows are created equal. "There's a bunch of different types of liquid or creamy eyeshadows, and they're all formulated differently," she says. For example, glosses tend to be shinier with "more of a slick consistency and texture." They look beautiful initially, but the downside is that this formula is more prone to creasing by the end of the day.
On the flip side, hyper-opaque creams can cause a different problem. "If your skin is starting to thin or getting a bit looser, this texture can accentuate some of those issues," Patinkin notes, warning that these formulas can look dry.
How Do I Apply Eyeshadow on Mature Skin?
- Prep
Before you even think about color, you need a well-prepped canvas. "I always start with a lightweight eye cream to prep the lids," says Taylor. If your eyelids are dry, she suggests tapping a creamy concealer to even out the skin and create a smooth base. For those with oily lids, an eyeshadow primer is your best friend. "A good primer can make all the difference in how long your eye makeup lasts and how smooth it looks."
And don't forget hydration beyond the lids of the eye area, either. "Skin prep is everything—especially around the eyes." To keep the eye area plump and prevent shadow from settling in fine lines or crows' feet, she layers a lightweight serum or balm both before and after makeup.
- Application
Less is more when it comes to application. "The key is not to overdo it. Too much product will settle right into texture and fine lines." Her advice? "Just [use] the tip [of the brush]." Start with a tiny amount of shadow and build gradually for the most natural effect.
For a soft, blended finish, Taylor recommends using the fluffiest makeup brush in your kit. "Use a soft brush to lightly graze the eyeshadow across the lid, building slowly. It’s always easier to add more than it is to take it away. The softer the brush, the softer and more blended your application will look."
As for placement, it's all about lift. "I call this the 'Over the River and Through the Hood' technique," Taylor says. As lids begin to droop with age, your shadow should move higher. "Think of it like a sunrise—lifting the color upward toward the brow bone. If you open your eyes and can’t see the shadow, that’s your cue: go higher."
How We Tested
Women age 50 and above were selected to undergo a rigorous testing period, during which they reviewed dozens of eyeshadows. After consulting with makeup experts to determine the top picks, they tested each eyeshadow for its creasing resistance, finish, texture, and feel to compile this list of the eight best eyeshadows for mature skin. They also evaluated customer reviews and best-selling products across our favorite retailers.
Why Trust Marie Claire?
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Meet the Experts
Erica Taylor has been in the cosmetic industry for over 26 years, working for top brands: MAC, Laura Mercier, Benefit Cosmetics & Trish McEvoy. She is a professional makeup artist and mom of three living in New York. Erica majored in art education in college, initially aspiring to be an art teacher, but instead, decided to search for a career that would allow her to be more creative. In 2021, she started sharing her makeup tips and techniques for any age on her social media and has quickly become a trusted expert to her more than 3 million engaged followers. In 2023 and 2024, she was named L'Oreal Paris League of Experts and continues to be a major authoritative figure in the beauty and skincare space.
Jenny Patinkin is a professional makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur. Products from her line have been featured on Oprah's Favorite Things, and she is revered for her sustainable approach to beauty. She is currently based in Chicago.
