This topic came up recently when someone asked me, “I’m almost 50 – should I stop wearing eyeshadow altogether?”
Honestly, this question made me both sad and a little angry. Why? Because women are still being influenced by outdated opinions about how they should look (and behave), often leaving them feeling less than confident.
I remember being told to tone down my makeup as I approached 50, and it didn’t sit right with me. In fact, I was furious, which I’m sure I didn’t mask very well.
So, let me be clear – the answer is an emphatic yes! Women over 50 can and should wear eyeshadow if they want to. Here’s why and how you can embrace makeup at any age.
Why are women told what to wear after 50?
Let’s face it – society has long dictated how women ‘should’ look as they age. While men rarely hear unsolicited opinions about their appearance, women are often told to tone things down or conform to specific rules.
The notion that women over 50 shouldn’t wear eyeshadow is rooted in outdated stereotypes. It harks back to a time when mature women were expected to blend into the background. Thankfully, we’re not in the 1950s anymore!
For many women, these expectations come from external influences – partners, friends, or societal norms. But here’s the truth (and repeat after me) – what you wear, including your makeup, is nobody’s business but yours.
The beauty of eyeshadow for women over 50
Makeup, including eyeshadow, is a powerful form of self-expression. It allows you to highlight your features, experiment with colours, and, most importantly, feel confident. Your face is a canvas, and eyeshadow is a tool to create a masterpiece that reflects your personality. Whether you’re drawn to neutral tones or love bold, vibrant colours, the trick is to find what works for you and own it.
One of my favourite quotes (though I can’t remember where I saw it) is: “Wear your heart on your face.” Makeup often mirrors how we feel, and that’s incredibly empowering.
Common concerns about makeup (especially eyeshadow) over 50
Many women hesitate to wear eyeshadow after 50 due to concerns like wrinkles, hooded eyes, or societal pressure. Let’s address these here.
1 Wrinkles and Makeup
Are you worried about eyeshadow emphasising fine lines? Don’t be. The key is to use quality products and application techniques that enhance your features.
2 Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes? No problem! There are countless tutorials and techniques to make eyeshadow look stunning on any eye shape. You can still wear shimmer, bold colours, or whatever you love – it’s all about adapting your approach.
3 Self-Consciousness
Ageing often brings changes like grey hair, wrinkles, or weight shifts, which can impact self-esteem. But makeup isn’t about hiding – it’s about highlighting your beauty and feeling fabulous.
Why confidence fades after 50 and how to reclaim It
For many women, confidence takes a hit as they age. Responsibilities, expectations, and even family dynamics (hello, judgmental teenage kids!) can make us feel like we should fade into the background.
But why conform to someone else’s expectations? Whether it’s a partner, in-laws, or critical cousins, ask yourself what right they have to make you feel this way.
Luckily, confidence isn’t something you lose forever – it can be reclaimed. Here are some questions to help you reflect:
- What would a confident version of me look like?
- Am I trying to fit into someone else’s expectations? If so, why?
- What would I say to a friend who felt this way about themselves?
Practical tips for embracing eyeshadow at any age
Ready to reclaim your confidence and start wearing eyeshadow again? Here’s how:
1 Start Small
You don’t need to dive into bold colours right away. Experiment with neutral shades or a subtle shimmer to ease into it.
2 Find Your Style
Whether you prefer a natural, everyday look or a bold, dramatic style, there’s no right or wrong with makeup. Explore different finishes like matte, shimmer, or metallic, and play with a variety of colours to find what makes you feel fabulous.
3 Educate Yourself
Countless tutorials are online, specifically for women with hooded eyes or wrinkles. As a starting point, head over to my YouTube channel HERE
4 Make It a Routine:
Incorporate makeup into your daily routine to remind yourself of your beauty and individuality.
Reclaim YOUR confidence and YOUR life
Makeup is more than just a tool for beauty – it’s a way to express who you are. Life after 50 is a vibrant chapter, and you deserve to step into in unapologetically. You have the power to redefine beauty and confidence on your terms.
Ask yourself: What would I do differently if I stopped worrying about what others think?
Remember, it’s just makeup—you can wash it off if you don’t like it. But the confidence it can bring? That stays with you.
So go ahead – wear that eyeshadow, embrace bold colours, and let your face tell your story.