9 Best Eye Shadows for Mature Skin That Glide, Blend, and Never Crease

The best eye shadows for mature skin create all the stunning lid looks, whether subtly matte or serious shimmer, without seeping into teensy fine lines. Regardless of age, we all have creases along our eyes and lids—it’s simply a human trait—but they can mess with our meticulous glam when their formulas start caking and emphasizing texture. So, we tapped the experts (as in, professional makeup artists) to find their tried-and-true eye shadow favorites that provide a smooth, even finish. These easy-gliding formulas are approved by testers of all ages, including our very own editors. Happy shopping and swiping!

Our Top Eye Shadows for Mature Skin

Best Overall: Merit Beauty Solo Shadow

Why it’s worth it: Merit Beauty’s Solo Shadow has a unique cream-to-powder texture, meaning it applies smoothly as a cream and then dries as a richly pigmented powder that won’t smear or crease. Notable ingredients include peptides to plump fine lines, magnolia bark to smooth texture, and sunflower seed oil to moisturize. Plus, how chic is that gold-topped container? If you’ve got mature eyes, consider a matte eye shadow. “When it comes to eye shadows, matte textures are the best choice for mature skin,” shares Los Angeles-based makeup artist Tamara Delbridge. “They offer opaque coverage, which helps conceal the darkening of the lids common in aging eyes.”

Best Cream: Jones Road Just A Sec

Why it’s worth it: Jones Road’s Just A Sec cream eye shadow feels like a cushiony putty, but each swipe of its easy-glide formula turns into a thin veil of buildable shimmer that won’t make a mess like powder formulas. In fact, its vitamin E-spiked formula leaves your lids feeling velvet-smooth without color smearing throughout the day. This layerable, goof-proof eyeshadow comes in eight metallic and soft-shimmer shades that can be used for day looks and date-night eyes alike.

Best Palette: Tom Ford Eye Color Quad

Why it’s worth it: It’s hard to beat the Tom Ford Eye Color Quad if you’re looking to create dimension and depth, especially on mature lids. Each quad features a thoughtful mix of satin, shimmer, and matte finishes that layer beautifully (and seamlessly) without settling into fine lines. “The formula is silky smooth and can be used dry for a soft, subtle look or applied with a wet brush for a bold, dramatic finish. It’s so worth the splurge,” says ​Kierra Lanice Wray, a makeup artist based in Lansing, Michigan. Each quad follows the same easy-to-use layout: Start with the top-left shade (shade one) as your base, then blend shades two and three to build depth and intensity. Finally, sweep the bottom-right shade (shade four) onto the outer corner to define and lift your eyes for a polished, multidimensional look.

Best Liquid: Armani Beauty Longwear Eyeshadow

Armani Beauty

Longwear Eyeshadow

Why it’s worth it: New York City-based makeup artist Lisa Aharon has only good things to say about the Armani Beauty Longwear Eyeshadow. “These [shadows] glide on seamlessly, have amazing hold, and are great on their own but also work well layered with other shadows,” she explains, adding that she especially recommends the shadow’s matte finishes for people with mature skin. If you want a more glam vibe, shop this liquid formula in a range of shimmer finishes—like 56S Mahogany, a metallic deep burgundy pictured above.

Best Bold Shades: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow

Laura Mercier

Caviar Stick Eye Shadow

Why it’s worth it: You know what’s cheaper than caviar and just as luxe? The Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow. Kind of. Let’s just say it is. This creamy, 2024 Best of Beauty Award-winning formula has major staying power—we’re talking 24 hours (please get some sleep, though), and maintains its pigment all the while. It’s crease-proof, smudge-proof, moisture-proof, and chill for sensitive skin. Plus, it includes hydrating hyaluronic acid, castor seed oil, and raspberry oil. “I always have them in my kit as they are super versatile, and you can create something very natural to something very smoky in a few swipes,” New York City-based makeup artist Kirin Bhatty previously told Allure.

Best Neutral Shades: Danessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork: Defining Neutrals

Danessa Myricks Beauty

Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette

Why it’s worth it: For the ultimate multitasker, Danessa Myricks’ Beauty Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette has a lineup of smoothing Velvet Pomades and oil-absorbing Shape N’ Fix Powders that let you sculpt, define, and set everything from your eyes to your brows, cheeks, and lips. “It’s by far my favorite for mature skin because the silky texture makes it blendable and easy to use. The formula is made with upsalite, which controls oil, smooths texture, and sets for long wear,” says Wray. With a range of flattering neutral shades for every skin tone, it’s great for creating everything from soft contour to defined liner.

Best Long-Wearing: Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Long-Wearing Cream Eyeshadow

Makeup by Mario

Master Mattes Long-Wearing Cream Eyeshadow

Why it’s worth it: Makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic built his name on creating seamless, skin-like finishes—and his Master Mattes Long-Wearing Cream Eyeshadow nails that same effortless vibe. In eye shadow for aging skin, a weightless, crease-resistant formula like this is key—it won’t settle into lines or emphasize texture. “These have such a beautiful consistency and dry down like perfection. Even though mature skin can be drier overall, the eyelids themselves often stay oily—and this formula helps balance that. It blends smoothly, doesn’t crease, and layers beautifully with other products,” says Wray. The creamy pigment sets in about a minute to a soft matte, creaseless finish.

Best Shimmer: Hourglass Voyeur Eyeshadow Stick

Hourglass

Voyeur Eyeshadow Stick

Why it’s worth it: If you’re in the camp where too much shimmer accentuates fine lines but matte formulas feel too flat or drying, the Hourglass Voyeur Eyeshadow Stick strikes that sweet spot. “While many people advise against shimmer on the eyes for mature skin, I strongly disagree—it’s all about finding a formula with a creamy texture, and this one takes the cake,” says Wray. This portable shadow stick glides on effortlessly, leaving behind a soft, refined metallic sheen that brightens the eyes without emphasizing texture. Plus, you can’t go wrong with any of the seven flattering neutral shades.

Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette

E.L.F.

Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette

Why it’s worth it: Living up to its name, the e.l.f. Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette packs 10 flattering shades—all for just a little over $10. Each palette includes a thoughtful mix of mattes, shimmers, and metallics with seriously impressive color payoff. “They come in seven different variations, ranging from neutrals to rose golds and even smoky options to create any type of look. They’re very blendable and ultra-pigmented,” says Wray. Whether you’re after a soft daytime wash or a bold evening look, these silky shadows glide on effortlessly and stay put, making them an easy, affordable staple in any makeup bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of eye shadow is best for mature skin?

Cream eye shadow comes out on top every time. “[Creamy shadows] have a smoother texture and are less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles,” says Aharon. While cream eye shadows come in matte, shimmer, or metallic finishes, Katy Holland (an Austin-based makeup artist at Boom! Beauty) and Aharon vouch for matte formulas since they provide a soft and diffused look that doesn’t emphasize the skin’s texture.

How should you prep your skin before applying eye shadow?

Aharon likes “to start by cleansing the area with something gentle like micellar water, followed by a light application of eye cream.” After that, she goes in with an eye shadow primer to smooth fine lines on the lids and ensure the makeup adheres and blends evenly.

If you have dry skin, makeup artist Tamara Delbridge recommends prepping with an emollient eye serum infused with lipid-restoring ingredients, such as antioxidants and hyaluronic acid (like the EltaMD Renew Eye Gel), to hydrate the delicate skin around the eyes and on the lids. If you have oily skin, she suggests a sebum-balancing eye serum (perhaps the Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Eye Gel) that can help absorb excess oil, paired with a silicone-based eye primer (try the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eyeshadow and Concealer Primer) that helps prevent the migration of eye shadow.

How should you apply eye shadow to mature skin?

For starters, use an eye cream or eye serum to ensure the skin around your eyes is clean and adequately hydrated. Once your skin is nice and juicy, you can add an eye shadow primer to lock in your shadow and prevent creasing or fading. With most formulas, you can apply eye shadow with your fingers, a brush, or an included applicator. Whatever shadow vehicle you opt for, ensure it’s nice and sanitary.

Holland notes that as people age, their eyes may become more hooded, so she applies a setting powder all over the eyes to keep the area smooth and dry. Don’t close your eyes when it’s time to use the eye shadow. “The best way to sculpt hooded eyes is to begin with your eyes open, looking straight ahead into the mirror,” Holland explains. “Blend in the same direction toward your nose using an eye shadow brush.” You can finish with a dash of shimmer at the inner corner of your eye, and some mascara for a beginner-friendly but elevated makeup look.

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best eyeshadows for mature skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists who work with mature skin to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we can fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Mature skin deserves top-tier makeup—and we’ve got even more non-fine-line-emphasizing recs for you: