The eyes are the windows to the soul, right? So does that mean eye makeup is the window treatment? And are those curtains up to date? It might be worth double checking – what used to make your eyes twinkle at age 20 may not do the trick anymore.

You see – the shape and texture of the skin around your eyes change over time – and it’s a good idea to shift your eye makeup routine every so often to accommodate those changes. So here are a few makeup tips that will make those windows sparkle.

1. Start With Moisturizer

Fresh looking eyes begin with well-moisturized skin. It’s a very basic makeup tip but an extremely important one.

As you age, your skin loses its natural hydration and this dryness can really show on the area beneath your eyes.¹ Applying makeup on top of this dry skin can lead to a dull, cakey look.

So before you do anything else – moisturize. You can even use an eye cream that contains ingredients like caffeine to keep skin looking hydrated and firm.²

2. Reflect Light To Diminish Dark Circles

The skin beneath your eyes is some of the thinnest skin on your body — and it only gets thinner with age. Because the skin is so thin here blood vessels can show through more easily leading to the appearance of dark circles.³

But you don’t want to just cover those circles with concealer.

A good makeup tip is to counteract darkness with color-correcting particles that diffuse light and instantly get rid of those shadows and give you a more brilliant look.

3. Perfect Your Eyeliner Application

Now, a good application of eyeliner will always help define your eyes and give structure to your face. Here are some key makeup tips for applying eyeliner:

• Be sure not to tug at the outer corner of your eyes. This can cause your skin to crinkle, and when the skin is released – you’ll have a jagged line. Instead – tilt your face up at a 45-degree angle and look down so that your eyelids are halfway closed. This will keep things precise and straight.
• Keep liner as close to the lash line as possible. Then – follow up with a little dark eyeshadow to smudge and blend the eyeliner. The point here is to make sure that line is less obvious. Obvious lines will only accentuate the other lines on your face – like wrinkles.

4. Love Your Lashes

Thick, dark lashes are a hallmark of beauty. But only a few of us have a natural Elizabeth Taylor fringe. In fact, most people experience a decrease in eyelash length, thickness, and darkness as they age.⁴

But that’s precisely what science is for, right? You can actually encourage eyelash growth with a good eyelash serum. Serums with hair protein-stimulating peptides have been shown to increase the length and volume of your lashes – without the trouble of putting on falsies.⁵

Of course, all that growth doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use that little miracle tool – the eyelash curler.

As you age, the skin above your eyes can become loose and saggy.⁶

This can make your eyes appear smaller and can give off a “sleepy” look. But eyelash curlers can open up your eyes, making them look bigger and more awake. After you’ve curled, it’s time for mascara.

Here are two great makeup tips to try:

• When brushing, concentrate on the root of your lashes, then paint out. Adding too much mascara to the tips of lashes will make them look clumpy. And clumpy lashes can cast a shadow that will give you a tired, heavy look. So, again, start at the root and paint out.
• Second, direction makes all the difference. Fanning your lashes out in every direction will make your eyes look even bigger. Brush the lashes on the outer corners of your eyes in the direction of your temple. Then, brush your center lashes straight out and up. And for your inner lashes – brush them toward the bridge of your nose.

5. Use Eyeshadow To Compliment Your Skin Tone

An eyeshadow that works against your skin tone can make you look washed out, pale, or ashy. Better to keep things bright – choose an eyeshadow that works with your skin tone.

Fair: Stay away from too much pigment. Too much pigment can actually overpower delicate coloring. Try taupes, beiges, and cool pinks.

Medium: Look for rose golds and warm browns to compliment medium skin tones.

Olive: Stay away from pastels that can wash out olive skin. Deep pinks, peaches, and even burnt orange will make your eyes pop.

Tan: Tan skin can take heftier pigments like rich browns and warm coppers.

Deep: Deeper skin tones respond well to vibrant color. Jewel tones in green, orange, and purple are universally flattering.

6. Highlight The Good Stuff

Too much shimmer can draw attention to crinkly skin. But that doesn’t mean you should stay away from shimmer completely. Dab a little shimmery shadow on the brow bone just below the arch and on the inner corner of your eye to highlight your bone structure and lighten up any shadows.

Forever Young

Eyes say a lot. But outdated or unflattering eye makeup can distract from the conversation. Use these makeup tips and tricks to keep your eyes looking clear and bright.

For more makeup tips, keep reading here:
8 Makeup Tips That Will Make You Look Instantly Younger
Why You Should Clean Your Makeup Brush… Now!
Wonderful Benefits of Mineral Makeup (But Is it Right for You?)

Sources
1.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15492432
2.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4300604
3.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4756872
4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25347452
5.http://www.dermascope.com/ingredients/the-evolution-of-peptides#.WjA-FmWAaf4
6.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2255834