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Eye Makeup for Mature Skin — How to Get Youthful Looking Eyes

Look younger instantly with these eye makeup tricks and tips for older women
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The Mistake: Choosing the Wrong Eyeliner
Even if you've perfected your eyeliner technique, you could be doing yourself a disservice if you're using the wrong tools.

"Liquid liner can look a little harsh, so stick to long-wear eyeliner pencils or gel liners, and keep it close to the lash line to define the eyes." Bass suggests using a matte eyeliner to accentuate the eyes (try Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil, $21, in Matte Black). Just like a shimmery eye shadow, a sparkly eyeliner pencil can draw attention to fine lines.

"To define the bottom lash line, it is essential to use a waterproof eyeliner, as mature eyes are more likely to run, which can enhance dark under eyes," Bass says. Consider using Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner, $12. "Keep the liner or shadow close to the lash line, and blend well." Babaian recommends using L'Oréal Infallible Lacquer Liner 24H, $9.95, for easy application and breezy blending.

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The Mistake: Relying on Mascara Alone
Throughout life we continually grow, shed and re-grow lashes. But as we get older, lash growth tends to slow down a bit (thanks, Mother Nature.) If you've noticed your eyelashes become sparse with age, your first inclination might be to reach for a volumizing mascara — but mascara isn't the only weapon you need in your lash-enhancing arsenal. Eyeliner can be almost as valuable, according to Bass. "Dotting your eyeliner between the lashes gives the illusion of a thicker base," she says.

Also consider giving falsies a chance. "For extra sparse lashes, or to add a little drama, I would recommend experimenting with individual falsies which can be applied between the lashes for a super natural finish." (Try Ardell Individual Lash Starter Kit, $11.29).

Not your cup of tea? Then you'll want to make nice with your eyelash curler, which can significantly amp up the volume on dwindling lashes and make eyes look more open and awake. "A good curler makes all the difference," Babaian says. "However, do not curl lashes after your mascara is on. I've only heard of people pulling out their lashes because they get stuck on the curler due to the mascara." Her pick is the Shiseido Eyelash Curler, $24. She says it catches all the lashes and only needs one quick squeeze for an instant lash lift.

But even if you've got all of these lash-boosting tricks up your sleeve, you'll still want to use mascara. Skipping mascara can make mature eyes disappear, so it's an essential step to achieve even the most natural look." Bass says. Just make sure you pick the right one...

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The Mistake: Using the Wrong Mascara
While voluminous lashes are great, you want to think carefully about what kind of mascara you're using. For one, Bass says mature eyes should avoid the clumpy mascara trend, as this style is too harsh and aging on older skin, and can smudge and run, accentuating dark circles and fine lines. Yikes.

When selecting a mascara, Babaian and Bass recommend waterproof products. "Mature eyes tend to water, and waterproof mascaras are actually lighter on the eyes so they won't weigh down the lashes," Babaian says. She suggests L'Oréal Voluminous Carbon Black Waterproof Mascara, $8.49, for a budge-free product that won't irritate sensitive eyes.

But if you're not a fan of waterproof mascaras, Maalouf recommends picking up a tubing mascara. "It won't fall down your face, and it comes off with soap and water," Maalouf says. We like D.J.V Miaray Fiberwig Mascara, $19.

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The Mistake: Coating Your Bottom Lashes
When you apply your mascara, steer clear of your bottom lashes. "Avoid mascara on the lower lash line because it can easily smudge, bringing more attention to the under eye circles and bags, which tend to get worse as we age," Bass says. Instead, focus your lash-plumping efforts on your upper lash line.

Start with the wand close to the root of the lash and gently wiggle back and forth to get as much product on the base of the lash as possible. Then slightly angle your mascara up and wiggle back and forth up the length of your lashes. Apply two to three layers of mascara. To avoid clumps, Bass recommends running a clean mascara wand through your lashes between coats while the product is still wet.

BY JESSICA AMARIS | OCT 24, 2016 | SHARES
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