Article by Ceri Wheeldon

Eyes are often referred to as the ‘window to the soul’ , but as we get older they tend to lack definition, so we need to add that definition back.

Brows

Years of overplucking brows when we were younger can lead to sparse thinning brows today. A strong brow provides a frame to the face  and helps to lift the whole eye area.  Fill in gaps with a powder shadow 2 tones darker than your natural grow. Brush upwards and hold in place with eyebrow gel. Stray brows can be very ageing.

Eyeshadow

• Light colours cause the eyes to open, dark colours will cause the eyes to recede
• If you have very light skin avoid dark shades
• Be careful with shimmer – they will bring attention to imperfections and wrinkles
• The eye area is the first to show age  so don’t tug on the skin.

Where to apply eye shadow for your eye shape

• Small eyes-Use a light shade of powder for the centre of the lid and a darker shade in the outer edge.
• Almond-shaped eyes Use a light shade of powder from your lashes to the brow, a medium shade on your lid, and a darker shade on the outer third of your eyelid.
• Round eyes-Use light coloured shadow over the entire lid and a darker shade in the crease. Apply eyeliner on both the top and bottom lids, and use mascara on the upper outer lashes.
• Wide-set eyes-Use a darker shade in the inner corner, blending up and out. Concentrate eyeliner and mascara on the inner corner of the eye.
• Close-set eyes-Use one colour, varying from a light to darker shade. Start with the lightest shade one-third away from the inner corner of your eye, blending darker shades up and out. Use eyeliner on the outer half of your eye.
• Deep-set eyes-Use eyeliner on both the upper and lower lids, remembering to smudge and soften the line.

Eyeliners

Eyeliners can be your best friend when it comes to having younger looking eyes- they really can add much needed definition. Eyeliners are meant to define the eyes so they should do just that, not be the focal point of your makeup.

To line the eye, start on the lower lid, just beneath the lashes.   When you are finished always smudge the line with your sponge. Stay as close to the lash line as possible.   On the upper lid, draw a line from the inner corner to the outer corner, thickening the line toward the outer corner.  Don’t extend the line beyond the outer eyelashes, eyes tend to droop a bit as we age – and you don’t want to draw attention to the downturn – very ageing!

Mascara

Before applying mascara open up the eyes by using an eyelash curler. Lashes that are hard to curl may need the help of an eyelash curler.  Curl your lashes before you apply mascara – hold for ten to twenty seconds.

To apply mascara look straight into your mirror with your chin slightly lifted so you can see your lashes.  Insert the wand only once and twist, don’t pump.  Pumping can break the brush bristles and distribute the mascara unevenly and will dry out the mascara faster.  Start by rolling the wand from root to tip in an upward motion. Reinsert the brush and apply again. As eyelashes tend to get coarser and shorter with age, I prefer to  stay away from waterproof mascaras which can be drying unless I use an eyelash primer underneath to compensate.

One more make up tip for younger looking eyes

One stunning effect for all eye shapes that can be achieved easily and is a favourite of such well-known actresses from Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe to Gwyneth Paltrow, is rimming the eyes with either a white or beige eye pencil. This has the effect of enlarging the white of the eye to create a seductive, alluring and more youthful look. look.

Ceri Wheeldon

Ceri is Founder and Editor of Fabafterfifty.co.uk She is a frequent speaker at events and in the media on topics related to women over 50 , including style and living agelessly. With 20+ years experience as a headhunter Ceri also now helps support those looking to extend their working lives.

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