9 Best Eye Shadows for Mature Skin of 2024 That Won’t Crease or Fade, According to Experts

Tester feedback: “I love the wash of color just one finger-dip of this shadow gives me,” says contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman. “It’s subtle, bridging the gap between shimmery and not-so-shimmery, and the Auburn Aura shade (pictured above) is a sophisticatedly sexy addition to any look—especially with my bluish green eyes.”

Key ingredients: mica, vitamin E, chamomile, aloe vera | Shades: 5 (3 shimmer, 2 metallic)

Best Neutral Shades: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Shadow Stick

Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Shadow Stick

Why it’s worth it: The Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Shadow Stick (pictured above in Truffle, a creamy beige) is a 2023 Allure Best of Beauty winner and we have a feeling it’s about to become the MVP of your makeup bag. There are 27 different shades to pick from, including matte, metallic, and shimmer finishes—some even have color-shifting finishes—so it’ll be hard to resist picking up more than one. These versatile, smooth-gliding sticks can be used as eye shadow, eyeliner, or even highlighter—depending on the shade you choose.

Editor’s tip: This product is waterproof, so you’ll need makeup remover handy when it’s time to take it off. Cleanser and water alone probably won’t do it.

Key ingredients: synthetic beeswax, silica, mica, citric acid, iron oxides | Shades: 35 (12 matte, 20 shimmer, and 3 metallic)

Best Bold Shades: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier

Caviar Stick Eyeshadow

Why it’s worth it: You know what’s cheaper than caviar and kind of just as luxe? The Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow. Kind of. Let’s just say it is. This creamy 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.

Editor’s tip: “I’m a die-hard fan of the Laura Mercier shadow stick in Cocoa (a rich chocolate with bronze pearl pictured above),” New York City-based makeup artist Kirin Bhatty previously told Allure. “I always have them in my kit as they are super versatile, and you can create something very natural to something very smokey in a few swipes.”

Key ingredients: dimethicone, hyaluronic acid, castor seed oil, raspberry oil | Shades: 15


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,” explains Lisa Aharon, a makeup artist based in New York City. While cream eye shadows come in matte, shimmer, or metallic finishes, Katy Holland (a makeup artist at Boom! Beauty) and Aahron 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 (you can never go wrong with Urban Decay’s Primer Potion) to smooth fine lines on the lids and ensure the makeup adheres and blends evenly.

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11 Best Eye Shadow Sticks in 2024, Tested & Reviewed

Who it’s for: people who don’t shy away from bold colors | Available shades: 16 …

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