If you want to look polished, use three shades: put the lightest colour on the lid, the mid-tone in and just above the crease, and the darkest on the outer third and around the lash line for definition. Matte shadows or ones with a light sheen are the way to go, as shimmer accentuates fine lines.  

Shadow sticks are also a great option; they’re fun and easy to apply. Again, look for ones with minimal to no shimmer. Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks, for example, are a cult favourite and particularly suited for mature skin as they are also moisturizing. We suggest using a lighter shade on the lid and inner corners, while a slightly darker shade can be used for your crease or as a smudged eyeliner by itself. Simply apply these directly to your eye and then blend with your fingers or a brush. 

Trace eyes with long-lasting liners like Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Cream Eyeliner Stick or gel liners, like the Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel – both known for their staying power. If you love the classic winged-liner look but are finding it more difficult to achieve as your skin loses tautness, there are some easy adjustments: Try the micro-wing (a shorter wing that avoids the crepey outer edges of the eye), or a blended wing by smudging the outer tip upwards to create the illusion of a wing. Also switch from black to a softer chocolate brown or aubergine – this change in shade will draw less attention to loose skin or folds. 

If you want some extra oomph, pop on a false lash. My favourites are the Ardell Demi-Wispies, which have a light thin band, look natural and are easy to apply. For a more dramatic effect like the ones we used in our shoot (above) try the M-A-C LASH/83 SIREN LASH. If you can’t manage the fiddliness of glue, use magnetic or self-adhesive ones instead like Ardell Magnetic Megahold Liner & Lash, or Lilly Lashes Self Adhesive Lashes – they’re foolproof!

And remember, there’s always time for reflection,

Tana D’Amico