Who says smokey eye makeup is just for the young? The concept that only twenty-somethings can rock this sultry, dramatic look is as outdated as blue eyeshadow from the ’80s. Women over 50 can—and should—embrace the smokey eye. Elegance, confidence, and a little bit of edge know no age limits. Let’s steer away from these stereotypes and show you how to achieve a fabulous smokey eye look that complements mature skin beautifully.
Why Age is Just a Number in Makeup
In the world of make-up, age truly is just a number. The beauty industry has evolved to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, recognizing that self-expression through make-up knows no age limits. Whether you’re in your 40s, or 50+, experimenting with bold colons, mastering the art of contouring, or embracing a natural glow, make-up empowers women of all ages to enhance their unique features and express their individuality. With the right products and techniques, you can highlight your inner radiance and confidence at any stage of life. After all, beauty is timeless, and so is the joy of playing with make-up.
Breaking Stereotypes
Society often pigeonholes older women, labeling them as too old for certain styles and trends. These outdated notions suggest that a bold look like a smokey eye is inappropriate or unbecoming for mature women. Nothing could be further from the truth! Embracing bold makeup at any age is a form of self-expression. The myth that makeup should be minimal as we age needs to be dispelled, and women over 50 should wear their makeup with pride.
Empowerment Through Makeup
Makeup is a powerful tool for self-expression and confidence. It’s not just about looking younger; it’s about feeling fabulous and empowered. It’s about the confidence you gain when you look in the mirror and love what you see. No matter your age, makeup can provide that extra boost, and a smokey eye can add a sense of allure and sophistication.
Smokey Eye Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
Prep and Prime
The key to flawless makeup is a good base. Mature skin can be a bit more textured, so prepping your eyelids with primer is essential. A good primer will smooth out fine lines and keep your eyeshadow from creasing. Look for primers specifically designed for mature skin that offer hydration and a bit of a blurring effect to soften lines.
Choosing the Right Colors
When selecting eyeshadow colors, stick to tones that complement your skin tone. Neutrals like browns, grays, and taupes are excellent choices. Avoid very dark shades, as they can make eyes appear smaller. A soft shimmer on the eyelids can also brighten up the eyes without settling into fine lines. Great options can often be found in eyeshadow palettes tailored for mature skin like those listed here.
Blending is Key
For a smokey eye, blending is absolutely crucial. Harsh lines can give an unpolished look, so take your time to blend well. Use a soft brush to work the colors into each other seamlessly. The end goal is a gradient effect where the colors melt into one another.
Step-by-Step Smokey Eye Tutorial
Step 1: Highlight the Brow Bone
Start by applying a light, shimmery eyeshadow to your brow bone. This will lift the eyes and add some sparkle. Use a shade that’s a few tones lighter than your skin to achieve a natural-looking highlight.
Step 2: Apply Base Color
Next, choose a neutral base color and apply it over your entire lid. This acts as a primer and helps the other colors to blend more smoothly. A light taupe or beige works well for this step.
Step 3: Add Depth
To create depth, apply a darker shade to the outer corners of your eyes and sweep it into the crease. For mature skin, it’s advisable to use matte shades for this part, as they won’t accentuate fine lines. Blend the darker color well into the base color for a seamless look.
Step 4: Blend and Finish
Take a clean blending brush and blend the colors thoroughly to remove any harsh lines. Add a touch of eyeliner close to your lash line, and finish with a coat of mascara to open up your eyes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overdoing the Dark Shades
Too much dark shadow can make the eyes appear smaller and can be overwhelming for mature skin. Stick to shades that enhance without overpowering.
Skipping Primer
Skipping primer can cause your makeup to crease and settle into fine lines, making them more noticeable. Always start with a good primer to ensure your eyeshadow stays put.
Not Using Waterproof Mascara and Eye-Liner
A big no-no when it comes to the smokey-eye look. As there is a little more eye product used to create this look, using waterproof eye-liner and Mascara is your best bet to ensure that your eye make-up remains impeccably fresh and intact. We don’t want to end up with Panda Eyes.
Not Using an Eye Make-Up remover
The eyes are very sensitive as we all know. Smokey eyes take a little more effort to remove, and rubbing with a wipe or a cleanser doesn’t quite cut it. Moreso, having thinner skin around the eyes as we age, we need to have a gentle eye make-up remover which effortlessly removes all traces without rubbing or applying any unnecessary pressure.
Recommended Products for Mature Skin
Eyeshadows
Choose eyeshadows designed for mature skin. Palettes that have a mix of mattes and shimmers in neutral tones are ideal. The La Catrina 12 Colour All Matte Eyeshadow Palette is a great option. Another favourite of mine is the FOCALLURE 3 Pcs Cream Eyeshadow Stick set in Coral Sea , which are easy to apply Eyeshadow Pencils with colours designed to go together to create that perfect smokey eye look. They glide on easily, are easy to manipulate and blend and perfectly Pigmented and Crease-proof. The best part is that they are waterproof and the lighter shade makes the perfect highlighter.
Primers
Look for primers that are hydrating and offer a blurring effect. The Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Base is a a popular choice among makeup artists for mature skin which is excellent for Preventing Oily Lids and Creasing, and is a waterproof eyeshadow primer suitable for all shadows. It is paraben free & cruelty free.
Eyeliner and Mascara
Select eyeliners and mascaras that are gentle on the eyes and designed to emphasize and open up the eyes. Waterproof formulas can help prevent smudging throughout the day.
Our absolute favourite is the Prime Prometics PrimeEyes Glide Eyeliner (in Black) for Mature Women. It is Water-Resistant, long-stay and mess-proof with a gel cream texture, discreet sharpener and effective smudger. Also available in Wood Brown colour.
Our best pick for a beautiful finish to this amazing smokey eye look is the complimenting Prime Prometics PrimeLash Mascara for Older Women (in Black). The perfect volumizing, incredible length in 2 Coats – long-stay, zero Clumps, and Hypoallergenic.
Eye Make-Up remover
I am very fussy when it comes to eye make-up remover. It needs to be effective, yet gentle and they are not all created equal. My go to is La Roche-Posay Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover. It is specifically designed to remove waterproof makeup, and it can also be used to remove any long-wearing make-up.
Embrace your age and have fun with your makeup. The smokey eye look is timeless and chic, suitable for any woman who wants to add a little drama to her look. Confidence and style have no age limit, and makeup is a wonderful way to express both. So, go ahead and try the smokey eye—you’re never too old to look fabulous!
By incorporating these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the smokey eye look with the flair and sophistication that mature beauty brings.
For expert tips on mastering the smokey eye, check out this video tailored specifically for mature women to achieve flawless results for the perfect smokey eye look.
