Makeup Artists Share Their Top Eyeshadows for Mature Skin (2025)

This eyeshadow stick from Laura Mercier couldn’t make applying your eye makeup easier. James recommends these (particularly the shades Au Naturel and Amethyst) because the formula “glides on effortlessly and gives enough play time to blend before it sets.” She adds that they are great for smudging along the lash line or creating soft definition on the eyes.

What we think: “I love eyeshadow, but as I have aged, my already hooded eyes have become looser and thus, more hooded, so putting in the effort doesn’t seem like it’s worthwhile. Thank goodness for Laura Mercier’s caviar sticks,” says Prevention Senior Commerce Editor, Charlotte Lewis. “I simply draw a few swipes across my eyelid, blend it out with my finger or a brush, and it’s set for the whole day. Unlike other eyeshadow sticks, this one doesn’t crease or get oily throughout the day and comes in an extremely wide range of colors for all kinds of needs. My daily color is a super flattering light brown, khaki, and I love the dark purple amethyst for evening events!”

This eyeshadow quad from Covergirl makes applying eye makeup easier than ever with four neutral shades that are designed to pair well together and flatter most skin tones. The non-chalky formula helps resist creasing and glides on smoothly.

What reviewers think: “This is a very nice shadow that has a silky feel and it applies smoothly with a very consistent color,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “There is a soft shimmer to it that is very flattering, especially for my older eyes, which surprised me because I thought we were supposed to stick to matte. Who knew?”

“These single shadows are great! The soft velvety finish and buildable color make them perfect for people who like low effort, and subtle makeup,” Lanice explains of this innovative cream-to-powder formula from Merit. “You can wear them as a soft wash of color or build them but for a smokey effect.”

What reviewers think: “Staying power is INCREDIBLE and as someone with mature skin and hooded lids, I can say this does NOT crease at all, not even a tiny bit, after a whole day of wear,” wrote one Sephora reviewer.

Matte eyeshadow on mature skin can be tricky, as it tends to emphasize areas of texture. However, this innovative option from RMS Beauty solves that problem by offering a unique cream formula with a “cashmere-soft” texture that provides even, flattering coverage.

What we think: “The skin around my eyes has gotten darker and more purplish, and usually I use some kind of concealer before putting on shadow, but that gets gunky and heavy looking. But these shadows are amazing—with one layer, you’ve got coverage that doesn’t get creased or look heavy,” says Prevention Executive Editor, Stephanie Dolgoff. “This color especially [Tundra Taupe] lets me cover the darkness, and if I wear only mascara has a really nice natural, awake look.”

When it comes to makeup for mature skin, makeup artist Bobbi Brown knows a thing or two. Brown’s own brand, Jones Road Beauty, is full of mature skin makeup gems, like this powder eyeshadow that comes in a variety of flattering shades. They are ultra-blendable and can be layered for your desired intensity. Brown has recommended this herself and often uses the brown hue to cover grays along her hairline.

What reviewers think: “These shadows are great and spread easily. Other powdered shadows I used can be blotchy,” one reviewer on the Jones Road Beauty website wrote. “I actually have not worn eyeshadow in years because I hated the way they look on me. I thought I would give Jones Road a try and of course, they are great!”

If you’re looking for an eyeshadow palette full of flattering shades and formulas for mature skin, this option from Dior deserves a spot in your beauty bag. “This palette is compact and has a beautiful range of shimmer and matte shades for everyday use. They are smudge-proof and long-lasting,” Lanice explains. “The palette comes in three colorways: nude essentials, smoky essentials, and warm essentials—so there are options for everyone no matter their style preference and skin tone!”

What reviewers think: “A truly exceptional palette. I bought this just before an extended (month-long) trip to Europe and dropped it in my make-up bag. So glad I did,” wrote one Sephora reviewer. “It worked for quick day looks, with just a single wash of lid color and the darker shade used as a liner. The mattes are great (especially for those of us who are older and don’t like to play with shimmer). However, the shimmers in the middle row are so subtle that they work on even older lids.”

Not only does this liquid eyeshadow come in so many different shades (inclusive of matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes), James says that the formula “blends seamlessly with fingers or a brush and won’t crease, even on textured lids,” making this a great option for those struggling with hooded eyes or wrinkles. James specifically recommends shade 22, which she describes as a universally flattering taupe with the perfect soft sheen that is “ideal for a quick one-and-done look.”

What reviewers think: “Fellow hooded eyelid girlie, here!” wrote one Sephora reviewer of the shade 22. “I tend to shy away from cream or liquid eyeshadows/bases because I’m pretty sure I have the oiliest eyelids on planet Earth...Anyways, this liquid eyeshadow lasted on me for the entire 8-hour excursion with ZERO creasing. I was shocked. The color is stunning—it’s your standard ‘bronzer shade.’ The application literally takes two minutes tops, including blending time.”

James calls this longtime MAC favorite “a workhorse cream shadow” that is “buildable and totally budge-proof.” She specifically recommends the shade Groundwork which she says works just as well as a base for other eye products as it does a standalone wash of color. However, there are a variety of neutral shades in varying finishes that you can choose between, from the iconic Painterly nude-beige hue to the pearlescent multicolor Princess Cut shade.

What reviewers think: “I’m 65, and I think eyeshadow really has to be matte, but I don’t want it settling into lines, and this doesn’t. It applies beautifully, it stays, and it’s a lovely neutral,” wrote one Ulta reviewer.

Makeup artist Laura Geller has so many amazing mature makeup tips, and the products from her namesake brand are formulated to flatter complexions of all ages. This baked eyeshadow quad is ideal for mature skin and contains four crease-proof and smudge-proof shades in both matte and shimmer finishes. Plus, the baked formula offers vibrant pigment that reviewers say works well for sensitive eyes.

What reviewers think: “This product is 100% perfect for all of us over 50! It’s lightweight and doesn’t flame my allergies, I have tried so many products and this is the only one I will continue using 100%!” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “This is so perfect for those like me with sensitive skin.

Both James and Lanice recommend using an eyeshadow primer before applying eyeshadow for mature skin. Lanice recommends this formula from Urban Decay, which she calls “a holy-grail primer for mature skin.” She appreciates the creamy, hydrating texture that blurs imperfections and ensures a smooth eyeshadow application. “A little goes a long way and it intensifies the color making it more vibrant and crease-free,” Lanice adds. Deputy Editor Emily Goldman also swears by the product for mega staying power.

What reviewers think: “I’m 47 years of age and have always had problems with my eyeshadow creasing, smudging, or just plain wearing off. I have very oily skin,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I found Urban Decay and read many of the reviews so I had to try it...I was so impressed the very first time I tried it. I didn’t believe it...This is a must try and I promise you’ll fall in love with it AND your favorite eyeshadow with NO creasing and NO smudging WHATSOEVER!”

✔️Consider the finish. The finish of an eyeshadow refers to whether it is matte (flat and not shimmery), satin (matte with a bit of a glow or sheen), shimmery, or glittery. Lanice and James recommend generally steering clear of any shadows that are overly matte or glittery, as both can emphasize unwanted texture and can often be difficult to blend on mature eyes. Soft-matte, satin finish, and formulas with a touch of shimmer blend easily without settling into fine lines. “Think glow, not glitter,” James emphasizes.

✔️Opt for cream formulas. Lanice suggests trying out cream or stick formulas which often offer an easy application on mature eyes while providing buildable coverage and a smooth, satin finish.

✔️Keep your skin tone in mind. When it comes to choosing specific colors, Lanice generally recommends staying away from anything too gray, as these tones “tend to mimic dullness” and are not as flattering. Below, find her tips for choosing shades based on skin tone:

• Light to fair skin tones: Champagne, rose gold, mauve, warm taupe, soft pink, and soft purple
  
• Medium to tan skin tones: Golds, copper, bronze, and rich browns
• Dark to deep skin tones: Deep plum, burgundy, chocolate brown, and metallics like gold, bronze, and copper

When applying eyeshadow to areas with wrinkles, the process begins before you dip your finger or brush into any hue. Lanice recommends starting by “framing your eyes” (especially if you have hooded or wrinkled eyelids) which involves filling in your eyebrows and applying eyeliner to your upper lashline (and waterline if desired). This will provide the necessary definition to the eyes.

Next, apply an eyeshadow primer. “It’s like Spanx for your lids,” James says, explaining that primer helps smooth texture, ensures your shadow stays in place, and prevents creasing or settling into fine lines.

For the actual eyeshadow application, Lanice suggests using small eyeshadow brushes and applying a neutral tone to the crease (or socket) of the eye. For hooded eyelids, apply slightly above the crease and blend upward to lift the eyes. Next, apply a lighter shade to the eyelid and a shimmery shade to the inner corner of your eye and underneath the eyebrow to open up the eyes.

Finally, curl your eyelashes. “It’s the quickest way to make eyes look lifted and more youthful,” James explains.

We consulted Kat James, celebrity makeup artist and mature skin expert; and Kierra Lanice, celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert, for their recommendations. We also tested the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Cream Eyeshadow and the RMS Beauty Cashmere Matte Eyelights.