Eyeshadow over the age of 30?

[DixieB03]

So here is my question in your 30's like so 30-39 what type of eyeshadow finish is appropriate or what u can pull off for everyday looks? I personally think mattes for are best with some satin or shimmer mixed in every now and then at least for me and the looks i like. It just seems that almost every makeup palette has shimmer and glitter in it with few mattes. Even the make your own palettes (matte singles) don't have a huge selection at least in some colors? Some examples of what I like, but are have too much sparkle for me or dark colors I won't wear I tagged. Anyway just curious to get some thoughts from other people is appropriate? I'm 34 with hazel and love my purples is hard to find in a matte palette. Really I just want more matte palettes with purples 

[SuzieQJ]

Hi, I feel that in your 30’s is still young & also that no matter what age a person is, they should feel free to do what makes them look good.  I’m in that age bracket & when I think of my Mom, I totally think she could wear any eyeshadow she would choose. 

If it’s for work appropriate, that’s a different reason altogether, & that depends where you work & the expectations in that work environment, but I think you could definitely still use shimmers that would be ok & possibly even glitters, I think in certain work environments it is possibly more important to consider HOW you use those eyeshadows.  I very often use a neutral (kind of ultra light blush/ bronzer), then end up using mainly shimmer or glitter eye shadow over my lower lid.  Depending on where you work & if it was me, I wouldn’t do too much on the upper lid, though you could, just way played down a little.  Have you ever tried a neutral matte for your upper eyelid & a shimmer on your low eyelid?  If you just like mattes, there are So many matte ones now, just search palettes.  I know this because I am kind of the opposite and don’t like mattes at all. 

You mentioned purple, I just ordered a Clinique quad eyeshadow that are violets to medium purple, when it came I swiped the nice purple and swatched it on my hand - truly a matte, so I will be sending it back, mattes just don’t work for me at all, so I can understand that you have an extreme preference.  Wish I could give you the quad, it is so matte I didn’t even bother trying it on my eyes.

In your personal time, I think you might really like a bit of a shimmer, you could just use a little & many shimmers don’t really look shimmery, some it’s kind of just easier to apply , the shimmer can be almost unnoticeable.

S

[GennX]

For me, a lot of the palettes that have come out over the last couple of years have too many warm toned shades - even the ones that are supposed to be cool toned or suitable for those with a cool undertone to their skin/hair/eyes (I'm cool toned in all three of those categories). Because I am loathe to buy a palette with close to a dozen or more individual shades but only three or four I can see myself wearing enough to justify the purchase, I mostly go for the MUFE singles and grab one of their empty 3-pan palettes to create my own. I have both of the naked basics, but those are my only two that are not comprised of self-selected shadows.

As for what finishes are age appropriate - I subscribe to the "You do you!" school of thought. If you don't feel comfortable in metallic glittery shadows, that's ok! If you don't like being limited to mattes, that's ok too! As women we are constantly bombarded with messaging about what we need to do, what we must wear or not wear, what we need to be - in order to 'woman' properly. When we push back on these messages, is when we regain the power in being however, whoever, whatever we choose.

[WinglessOne]

Soon-to-be 47 here. I use every finish except big chunky glitter—and that’s only because I hate cleaning that stuff off my face. 😄 

Part of my preference is dictated by my eye shape and lid space. I have hooded eyes. I like bold shimmers/metallics/foils on my visible lid space to maximize impact. I also like to play up the hidden part of my lid with a mix of mattes and shimmers/metallics: it’s a fun visual surprise when I close my eyes or lower my gaze. For my brow bone, I like a mix of mattes, shimmers, and/or duochromes. 

Other hooded eye folks might like a different combo of finishes, and that’s great! The world would be boring if we all had the same aesthetics. 

I have a few palettes but prefer to buy single shadows and build my own palettes. My single purple mattes are by MUFE (though they don’t have many), Coloured Raine, and Sugarpill. I just checked Sugarpill and didn’t realize they’ve discontinued 2 AM, which is one of my favorite purple mattes. 😨 Guess I’ll stretch my single pan as long as possible! Anyway, there are a few nice purple mattes in both of my Viseart palettes (Dark Mattes and Editorial Brights; those are both all-mattes palettes). But purple’s one of those shades that’s surprisingly hard to find lots of in single matte format. 

[dennisselisseth]

I’m 41 and I mostly (only) use shimmers because it’s a personal preference. I’ve made it a point to only buy high end makeup and skincare since I believe that quality ingredients outweighs quantity of products. I don’t have numerous eyeshadow palettes like others do but of the ones I have, they’re all great quality. I’ve been using Pat McGrath shimmers and the look is amazing and it doesn’t crease. I do think it has a lot to do because that brand is high quality.

[DixieB03]

Loving how everyone feels there is no rules when it comes to all the different finishes eyeshadows allow us to play with! Like everyone has stated it's what you feel comfortable with for sure. I simply was curious about some ppls opinions outside the normal people I ask and things I've read. I've always been a matte girl with a little shimmer added and I am perfectly happy with that!!

[faeriegirl]

@DixieB03 I’m 35 and I have to add at least a little shimmer to my eyeshadow. Matte is too boring and makeup should be fun. As long as it looks good to you, age doesn’t matter.

[DixieB03]

Well that is your opinion but I'm going to disagree. It's all about how you mix the colors I feel. 

[RGbrown]

@DixieB03Unidentified

I'm 42 and love a good shimmery or glittery eye look! I actually avoid most mattes because I feel like they just look dry...gimme some sparkle any day! I'll even add glittery eyeshadows to my brows, because why not? ✨😋

I don't think makeup should have rules imposed by anyone but yourself and what you feel comfortable with. Feel free to rock the shimmer, or not, based on your own preference and what you feel suits you. 💖💖

[mmmiu]

I’m turning 34 in a few months and I looooooovvveee shimmers, can’t give that up. I’m not a huge fan of mattes except the ND camel palette. I’d say there are no rules, wear what makes you feel beautiful and confident . 😉

[SportyGirly125]

@DixieB03 I am 35 and I don't follow any rules about what you can and can't wear at a certain age.  Makeup has no rules so why not make the most of life and have fun with it.  I still incorporate glitter in my makeup routine.  It really just depends on you and what you like.  Who cares what other people think as long as you are comfortable.  I honestly feel like people in their 30s can rock eye shadow just as well as people younger than us. 

[jozkid]

@DixieB03 I am 57, and my birthday is in January. I don’t think there are any hard and fast rules when it comes to eye makeup. I will use shimmery shades on my lid, but I have hooded eyes so a) it’s not super visible and b) I avoid it on my brow area because it makes that area look heavy. Mattes work better for me there. But that’s the shape of my eye. Not everyone is like that. And even with shimmer, some people are lighter handed than others. In other words, do what you like and just be honest with yourself on if it works or not. Don’t just follow some arbitrary rule

[GG84]

@DixieB03 I don't think age dictates anything when it comes to what's appropriate vs. What's not appropriate. It's what YOU are comfortable with.  I'm in that age bracket and I LOVE glitter/shimmer/sparkle. To each their own. I wear what I want not what society expects me to. 

For reference, my age doesnt matter and I have hazel eyes.