Beauty Update: Eyeshadow Tips for Women Over 40

How we apply eyeshadow can sometimes age our appearance or make us look older than we truly are. By staying in tune with current trends and embracing advancements in formulas and technology, you can refresh your makeup routine and significantly enhance your overall look. Updating your eyeshadow choices not only revitalizes your style but also boosts your confidence as you embrace a more modern, vibrant aesthetic.

After years—sometimes decades—of using makeup to conceal or reshape our natural beauty, many of us are realizing that less truly is more. I began this journey by simplifying my morning skincare routine and gradually transitioning to a cleaner, more minimalistic approach to beauty.

As our skin evolves in our 40s and beyond, it naturally looks different than it did in our 20s and 30s—and that transformation is something to celebrate!

It’s incredibly liberating to step away from heavy coverage and contouring, allowing your skin to breathe and radiate. Interestingly, the younger generation is opting to skip eyeshadow altogether, focusing more on brows and lashes. While I appreciate a bare-eye look, I personally love adding a touch of warmth to make my eyes pop.

Today, I’m excited to share my best eye makeup tips and eyeshadow looks tailored for women over 40, helping you stay modern while simplifying your routine.

Eyeshadow For Women Over 40: Tips and Tricks

Inner Corners Highlight

Using just a small amount of highlighter in the inner corners of your eyes can have a big impact on your overall makeup look. A subtle touch of glow near the bridge of your nose and under your brows, instantly adds radiance, making it a simple yet effective way to elevate your makeup for any occasion.

It’s the perfect example of the “less is more” approach I love.

My go-to eye highlighter is the Brilliant Eye Brightener™ from Thrive Causemetics. This cream-to-powder stick is richly pigmented, long-lasting, and stays in place all day.

With 17 shades, including some fun, bold options and a wide range of inclusive tones, there’s something for everyone. I’m fair with blue eyes and personally love the shade “Stella,” a shimmery champagne that adds warmth without being too harsh.

When choosing a highlighter, it’s important to find a shade that complements your undertone. For example, even though I’m very fair, a pure white highlighter would look too stark. The champagne hue is soft, warm, and perfectly natural.

You can wear this alone or layer onto other looks.

Subtle Bronze Warmth

Over the summer at the beach, I started using my bronzer as eyeshadow, and I’ve been loving the results ever since. I’ve kept it up since the start of the school year because it’s not only a one-step solution but also creates a natural look with just the right amount of depth and warmth.

The key is to use a bronzer that’s neutral—not too cool or too warm—and without shimmer for a soft, flattering effect. I swear by Fenty Beauty’s bronzer in the shade “Inda Sun.”

Fenty is one of the most inclusive beauty brands, so you’re sure to find a perfect match for your skin tone.

For application, it’s as simple as swiping it on with your finger and blending it out—easy-peasy!.  

Nude & Matte

After turning 40, we may find that softer, more neutral eyeshadow shades and creamier formulas work best, as they enhance our eyes without settling into fine lines.

One of my go-to looks that embodies the “less is more” makeup philosophy is using nude, matte eyeshadows. It’s a step up from simply swiping on bronzer, offering a more polished finish while still keeping the look natural.

I can’t recommend The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette from Ilia in Warm Nude enough. Although they’re powder shadows, they don’t crease and have minimal fallout, giving you a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Modern Smoky Eye

There are countless ways to create a smoky eye. Still, they all follow the same basic principle: layering and blending darker shades, usually neutrals, around the eyes to achieve a sultry, smoldering effect perfect for a night out.

And yes, women over 40 can rock a smoky eye—it’s all about blending and using shades that enhance your features.

Along with eyeshadow, a smoky eye typically features bold eyeliner applied along the lash line or just above and below it—the more “lived-in” the liner, the better for a truly glamorous smoky look.

When creating a smoky eye, the quality of your eyeshadow is paramount. Opt for a high-quality product that blends seamlessly and allows you to build up the color effortlessly.

A lower-quality product will have less pigmentation, and fall out that will attach to your under eye and that not only looks messy, but will create shadows that make you appear tired and worn out.

To balance the intensity of the eyes, pair the look with a neutral, nude, or barely-there lip, keeping the focus on your beautifully defined eyes.

The Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette is spendy at $55, but it’s definitely worth it if you want a smokey eye for special occasions. There are 11 shade combinations, I use the “Golden Goddess”

How To Apply Eyeshadow For Mature Eyes

I mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth saying again: less is more! 

By that, I mean that you don’t have to pile on layers of shadow. Start with a light hand and gently add on to create your desired look.

Prepping your eye area is important for a smooth and long lasting finish.

If I’m doing my make up for a photo shoot or special event, I like to first use the grace & stella Under Eye Mask to give my under eye extra hydration.

If you’re using a shadow, first layer on an eye primer. I like the Milani Eyeshadow Primer, it’s simple drugstore product (also on Amazon) for under $8.

I finish every eye look with my favorite mascara. I’ve been using this for YEARS. No need to try anything else.

And I won’t go to the gas station without filling in my brows , it makes a biggest difference regardless of if you are doing a natural or full glam look.

With the right eyeshadow, you can highlight your best features to feel confident and beautiful.

Eyeshadow can be one of those elements that ages your look or makes you appear older than you are.

By evolving with current trends and embracing advancements in formulas and technology, you can significantly enhance your overall appearance and style. Making these updates can not only refresh your makeup routine but also elevate your confidence as you embrace a modern, vibrant look.

For more makeup and beauty tips, check out the 19 Beauty Products I Love for My Mature Skin.