Should You Use Cream or Powder Eye Shadow For Older Women?

When you've entered the realm of what fashion magazines refer to as "older woman" or "mature," the changing texture of your skin can become a beauty concern. Because skin tends to lose moisture as it ages, it may take on a "crepe-y" appearance and influence the eye makeup you choose to wear. Deciding between cream and powder eye shadow can play a significant role in the way you appear throughout the day.

While the soft, moist, malleable consistency of cream shadow may give you the impression that it is better for mature skin, the opposite is actually true. This texture has a tendency to clump up on areas of dry skin, which calls attention to moisture issues. In addition, its slick, moist nature means it melts quickly and may exaggerate wrinkles or lines, according to "Good Housekeeping." Resist the hype and reach for powder eye shadow instead.

Add a primer to your eyelids before applying your eye shadow, no matter what type of shadow you choose. Start with a soft, broad brush and apply a primer evenly over your entire eyelid. Primer offers your lids a thin layer of product to which shadow adheres to reduce smudging throughout the day. In addition, primer fills lines and creates a smooth surface for a softer appearance as shadows rest over skin, rather than sinking into lines or becoming uneven as a result of oiliness or dryness. A corrective color, such as yellow, will also combat discoloration and darkness.

While you're reaching for a powder eye shadow, consider your shimmer choices carefully. Shimmer in the correct doses can add a dewy, youthful glow to your appearance. However, too much shimmer tends to highlight dryness, fine lines and "crepe-y" lids,, rather than offering a smooth look. For the best approach, look for formulations with subtle, iridescent shimmer -- rather than glitter -- in a gentle, barely there shade, suggests "Real Simple." The effect will offer a soft reflection of light so you look like you're glowing from within.

A mature look does not necessarily mean a toned-down, subtle appearance. Go for a bold look without overdoing it by choosing a soft, smoky effect. While you may assume smoky eye shadow does not work for hooded or mature eyes, it is actually flattering. Apply a charcoal or brown shimmer powder eye shadow several shades darker than your natural complexion. Apply the powder to your entire upper lid, extending up past the natural eye crease so that the height extending past your crease measures the same height as your eyelid. Blend the shadow on your top lids with a soft makeup brush. Gently dot a black pencil along the outer third of your lower lash line and smudge it with a brush. Curl your top lashes with an eyelash curler and finish the look by adding black mascara to your top and bottom lashes.