How to Rock a Smokey Eye as an Older Woman - Mature Makeup Tutorial
You’re never too old for a smokey eye! As we get older, we actually need more definition in our faces. But poorly applied eye makeup can look bad - even oddly terrifying - so it’s best to know how to apply smokey eye makeup as an older woman.
It’s hard to put liner on perfectly, so this makeup tutorial for smokey eyes for older ladies, or just those of us who are 50+, will show you to how do it so you look gorgeous no matter what your age!
I'm using makeup from Look Fabulous Forever, but you could replicate the same techniques with your own makeup.
Tools and materials:
- Eye primer
- 3 shades of eye shadow: light, medium, and dark shades
- Mascara
- Fluffy eye shadow blending brush
- Eye shadow brush
- Concealer brush
- Small wedge-shaped brush
- Fluffy foundation or powder brush
1. Prep & prime
A smokey eye is dramatic, so do the rest of your face makeup first. This way, you can better gauge how intense you want to go.
Apply eye primer to smooth your eyelid surface. You’ll need just a tiny amount. This helps camouflage any discolorations or veins on the lids and helps the shadow adhere better.
Apply with your finger and use a concealer brush or your finger to spread it on your eyelids.
You’ll need at least 3 eyeshadow colors ranging from light to dark for your smokey eye.
2. Light eyeshadow
Use a fluffy eyeshadow blending brush to apply the lightest shade from the base of your lashes to just above your eye socket. This creates a lovely base. You’ll be deepening and building up the color with the other shades.
3. Medium eyeshadow
Use the middle shade with an eyeshadow brush and apply just above the socket line, in the socket line, and down on the outside corner of the eye like a sideways number 7.
If you want a stronger look, you could use this medium shade all over your eyelid as well. Build up the color and blend with the fluffy blending brush.
4. Dark eyeshadow
Use the small wedge-shaped brush and dip it in the darkest color. You’ll use this as eyeliner. It’s much softer than using a pencil or liquid eyeliner and gives the effect of a lovely, fuller lash line.
Wing the eye out at the outer corners and only go in about two-thirds of the eye.
If you like more definition, you can certainly go all the way to the inner corner and bring it all across. Just make sure you’re depositing the darkest color at the base of your lashes.
Totally optional - place some of the darkest color at the base of your lower lashes on the outer corners of your eyes.
5. Mascara
Use the mascara and gently wiggle it through from the base to the tips of your lashes. Make sure you get those little tiny ones at the ends to open up your eyes. Coat the lashes well.
You can also place mascara on your lower lashes if you like that look!
6. Clean up
Use a fluffy foundation or powder brush to whisk away any debris.
7. Intensify the smokey eye
Optional: If you want a much deeper, smokier look, you can add some of the darkest color right on the socket line with the little wedge brush or concealer brush. Blend with the fluffy blending brush.
This adds some depth and dimension. You can also top up the liner!
Smokey eye for an older woman tutorial
There you have it! A 5-minute tutorial on doing a smokey eye for older eyes.
You can see what a difference it makes. Please let me know in the comments if you’ve tried this. Better yet, share photos because I love seeing the difference makeup makes, especially on mature skin!
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- Eye primer
- 3 Shades of eye shadow: light, medium, and dark shades
- Mascara
- Fluffy eyeshadow blending brush
- Eyeshadow brush
- Concealer brush
- Small wedge-shaped brush
- Fluffy foundation or powder brush
The author may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.
Comments
Join the conversation
Lovely look and simple to follow. Since getting older I’ve been relearning make up techniques and this made it so easy. Thank you
Thank you for sharing. I've been looking for a nice tutorial and even one that'll have step by step instructions. At my age of 63 and the changes that gravity has done to my face. 🤷♀️ It's necessary for the instruction's be available in print as well as in a tutorial form. Happy holidays everyone! 🎄🤶