Eye Makeup Tips For Older Women That Will Give You A Wide-Awake Appearance

After a late night out or a bout of disrupted sleep, many women turn to makeup to create the illusion of a well-rested appearance. Considering the ways skin naturally changes with age, older women often require demographic-specific makeup and skincare products, as well as techniques. So, to get a better understanding of said techniques, Women spoke exclusively to professional makeup artist and licensed esthetician Jade Griffin to get insider tips on how older women can achieve a wide-awake appearance. 

Griffin urges women over 40 to take their time with skin prep around the eyes, speaking to the importance of adjusting skincare routines to cater to mature skin. "As we age, the skin around the eyes becomes thinner and drier, so hydration paired with a light makeup application can help create a more wide-awake, youthful appearance," she explains. It's crucial to integrate hydrating products into your everyday routines in general, but a moisturizing primer that works well with a light dab of foundation is essential for achieving that wide-awake look around the eyes.

On top of going easy during application, Griffin recommends choosing face makeup products purposefully. "Makeup formulas that are buildable with satin finishes tend to work best for mature skin, as opposed to matte finishes and heavy powders, which can emphasize texture and fine lines," the expert explains. So, products like Elf's Soft Glam Foundation can help you achieve your desired look while treating your aging skin with care.

While skincare prep and foundation choice go a long way, mature women can also intentionally apply eye makeup to create a wide-awake look. Speaking exclusively to Women, Jade Griffin points to the power of eyeliner. "Using flesh-toned or even fun-colored eyeliners can also help brighten the eyes and give a more youthful appearance," she explains.

Nude-colored eyeliner applied to the waterline opens up the eyes, giving the illusion of a larger eyeball and an overall fresh-faced look. Professionals also advise that older women stay conscious of eyeliner formulas, as cream and gel products are generally softer than ultra-graphic liquid liners and easier to apply. While Tarte's Fake Awake Highlighter Pencil serves as a flesh-toned option, Nyx's Long-Lasting Eyeliner Pencil offers a variety of color choices.

Seasoned makeup lovers should also take time to make sure their lashes are securely curled. The lift from an eyelash curler helps to create an even more impactful wide-eyed look. When it comes to mascara, tubing formulas work great for aging eyelashes because they cut out the flakes and smudges that can further darken tired eyes. For an expert recommendation, check out Urban Decay's Tube Job Lash Tubing Mascara.