If you’re struggling to get your eyes to appear as big and bright as you know they could look, it may be time to mix up your makeup application. Wondering how to make your eyes pop after 50? You’re not alone.
There’s a lot of chatter on social media about how mature women “should” and “shouldn’t” do their makeup, but these tricks aren’t about rules, because mature women can do their makeup however they like! But if you feel that the makeup techniques you used in your 20s and 30s are no longer working for you, take a look at these pro tips below and give them a whirl. It should be fun to try new formulas and techniques—not a chore—and this guidance is simply a starting point from which you can craft your own look and style.
We spoke with two highly skilled makeup artists, including celebrity makeup artists Karoline Karakeosian who works with stars like Sophia Carson and Lori Harvey, as well as lash expert and pro makeup artist in the UK, Saffron Hughes.
Hughes acknowledges that makeup application has to adjust as our skin matures. “As we get older, the skin around our eyes changes in texture and tone, so the makeup that once worked perfectly may start to feel a little flat,” she tells Parade. “The key isn’t to pile on more products but to use light, well-placed touches that bring back definition and brightness.”
Ready to discover how to brighten mature eyes and really make them pop? We’ve got everything you need to know below.
Related: 7 Foundation Tips for Mature Skin That Actually Work, According to a Celebrity Makeup Artist
How To Make Your Eyes Pop After 50: 7 Tricks, According To Makeup Artists
1. Hydrate and Prep
Hughes and Karakeosian both agree that preparing the eye area is a very important step that cannot be missed. “When the eye area is moisturized, makeup sits better and lasts longer,” Hughes says.
They suggest starting with a lightweight eye creamand Karakeosian likes something with caffeine or peptides in it to help plump fine lines and reduce puffiness. To apply, “tap it in with your ring finger, never rub,” she says.
Next, both makeup artists recommend applying a smoothing primer to even out the lid, prevent creasing and grip the eyeshadow evenly.
Related: One Quick (and Fun!) Way to Update Your Makeup Look Over 50
2. Brighten the Inner Corners
Karakeosian suggests applying a dab of shimmer shadow in the inner corners of the eyes and under the brow arch. “This creates a natural lift and youthful light reflection,” she says. “Mature eyes often look tired due to inner-corner shadowing.”
She recommends using a champagne, rose gold or soft peach shade (never stark white).
Hughes likes to do this step using a cream highlighter. “It’s a subtle step that keeps the eyes looking lifted and awake,” she agrees.
For under the eyes, don’t use too much concealer. “It can make the under-eye area look dry or cakey. A small amount of luminous concealer, just where you need it, keeps the look fresh and natural,” Hughes says.
Related: The 7 Best Concealers for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
3. Consider Placement of Eye Shadow
“The placement of shadow matters more than the amount,” Hughes advises. “I like to sweep a neutral, mid-tone shade slightly above the natural crease to create lift. This gives the illusion of a higher lid and opens the eyes instantly.”
For the rest of the lid, Hughes recommends a soft shimmer or satin shade in a tone that catches the light without sparkle. “It makes the lids look fresh and smooth,” she says.
She then takes a deeper shade at the outer corner and blends it softly upwards and outwards, never downwards. “It’s a gentle way to add definition without dragging the eye shape down.”
Karakeosian suggests to keep the darker toned shadows to the outer third of the eye.
4. Keep Eyeliner Soft
“Eyeliner should enhance, not overpower,” Hughes says. She recommends working a fine pencil or shadow into the upper lash line and then blending it with a small brush. “It adds definition while keeping the eyes open and soft.”
Karakeosian likes to do the tightlining technique to avoid closing off the eyes. To tightline, smudge eyeliner into the roots of your eyelashes and line your waterline (the rim of your eyelid where it meets your eyeball).
Both experts recommend avoiding very dark or black pencils, which can make the eyes appear smaller. “Brown, gray or plum shades are more flattering than black and create a natural contrast that lifts the eyes,” Hughes says.
Related: The Eyeshadow Shade That Makes You Look More Awake, Instantly
5. Choose the Right Mascara
One of the easiest ways to make the eyes pop is to curl the lashes to open the eyes and then apply mascara. “I prefer lengthening or defining formulas that separate the lashes without clumping,” Hughes explains. “Apply from root to tip, wiggling the wand slightly to coat each lash. Two light coats are usually enough to give definition and keep the eyes looking bright.”
Karakeosian recommends a brown-black mascara shade, which is softer than pure black and to “concentrate the mascara at the outer corners to elongate and lift,” she says.
6. Use False Lashes for Special Occasions
Maybe it’s because she’s a lash expert, but Hughes is a fan of false lashes for any age when chosen carefully. “I usually recommend lightweight half lashes or small clusters placed at the outer corners. They add lift and polish without looking overdone.”
Once the half lashes or clusters are applied, she recommends a light coat of mascara to blend them seamlessly with your natural lashes.
Related: The Best Lipstick Trick for Thinning Lips, According to Master Makeup Artist Rose-Marie Swift
7. Reframe With Soft, Natural Brows
Don’t forget the brows! They help frame the eye area and make the face look younger, since brows thin with age. Fill in any sparse areas and follow the natural arch, Hughes says, explaining, “I like to use a fine pencil to create small, realistic strokes, then brush through with a tinted gel to set them in place.”
For mature women, “keeping the tone slightly lighter than your natural brow color looks softer and more flattering,” she adds.
Karakeosian likes shades with soft ash undertones, sharing, “They look more modern and flattering on mature skin.”
What Type of Eyeshadow Is Best After 50?
Karakeosian prefers matte to satin finishes since thick shimmer shades can settle into lines. She recommends choosing soft, mid-tone browns, mauves or taupes to apply in the crease to add dimension.
“If your lids are hooded, blend a neutral taupe just above the natural crease, not directly in it. This creates the illusion of a lifted lid,” she says.
Related: 11 Best Eyeshadows for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
“Cream and satin shadows are my go-to for mature eyes because they reflect light in a flattering way,” Hughes says. “Powder can settle into fine lines, but these finishes stay smooth and luminous.”
Both makeup artists say to avoid anything too heavy since it can make the eyes look tired. “Thick eyeliner, frosted shadows or dense false lashes can weigh everything down. It’s better to build soft layers and use products that move with the skin,” Hughes explains.
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Related: Makeup Artists Swear By This Trick for Perfect Eye Makeup Over 50
Sources:
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Karoline Karakeosiancelebrity makeup artist
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Saffron Hughesprofessional makeup artist
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the Life section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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