11 Best Eye Shadows for Mature Skin of 2024, According to Makeup Artists

Key ingredients: mica, synthetic beeswax, carnauba wax, iron oxides | Shades: 22 (9 matte, 13 luminous)

Best Shimmer Eye Shadow For Mature Skin: Kulfi Zari Eyes Cream Eyeshadow

Why it’s worth it: The Zari Eyes Cream Eyeshadow comes from South-Asian-founded brand Kulfi, which honors the culture’s rich beauty history and works to steer the industry toward full-fledged inclusion. You might already know and love Kulfi’s Kajal Eyeliner, but what better pairing than with a creamy pot of shadow? Even though, yes, it’s creamy, this stuff dries down nicely into an almost matte texture, which helps it stay in place all day (and/or night) long. The also formula includes vitamin E, chamomile, and aloe vera to soothe dull, dry skin.

Tester feedback: “I love the wash of color just one finger-dip of this shadow gives me,” says contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman. “It’s subtle, bridging the gap between shimmery and not-so-shimmery, and the Auburn Aura shade (pictured above) is a sophisticatedly sexy addition to any look—especially with my bluish green eyes.”

Key ingredients: mica, vitamin E, chamomile, aloe vera | Shades: 5 (3 shimmer, 2 metallic)

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of eye shadow is best for mature skin?

Cream eye shadow comes out on top every time. “[Creamy shadows] have a smoother texture and are less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles,” says Lisa Aharon, a makeup artist based in New York City. While cream eye shadows come in matte, shimmer, or metallic finishes, Katy Holland (a makeup artist at Boom! Beauty) and Aharon vouch for matte formulas since they provide a soft and diffused look that doesn’t emphasize the skin’s texture.

How should you prep your skin before applying eye shadow?

Aharon likes “to start by cleansing the area with something gentle like micellar water, followed by a light application of eye cream.” After that, she goes in with an eye shadow primer to smooth fine lines on the lids and ensure the makeup adheres and blends evenly.

If you have dry skin, makeup artist Tamara Delbridge recommends prepping with an emollient eye serum infused with lipid-restoring ingredients like antioxidants and hyaluronic acid (like the EltaMD Renew Eye Gel) to hydrate the delicate skin around the eyes and on the lids. If you have oily skin, she suggests a sebum-balancing eye serum (perhaps the Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Eye Gel) that can act as an excess oil absorber, paired with a silicone-based eye primer (try the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eyeshadow and Concealer Primer) that helps prevent the migration of eye shadow.

How should you apply eye shadow to mature skin?

For starters, use an eye cream or eye serum to ensure the skin around your eyes is clean and adequately hydrated. Once your skin is nice and juicy, you can add an eye shadow primer to lock in your shadow and prevent creasing or fading. With most formulas, you can apply eye shadow with your fingers, a brush, or an included applicator. Whatever shadow vehicle you opt for, ensure it’s nice and sanitary.