10 Best Eyeshadows for Older Women, According to Makeup Artists 2026

The best eyeshadows for older women should enhance the eye area without emphasizing texture, creasing, or dryness. “As we get older, the skin around our eyes naturally becomes thinner and more stretched—it’s actually the thinnest skin on the body, which is why fine lines tend to show up there first,” says Julie Chung, MD, a Los Angeles-based ophthalmologist and co-founder of T3

At 41, I’ve noticed new folds on my lids, fine lines under my eyes, and subtle changes in skin elasticity that have completely shifted my approach to makeup. But don’t feel boxed in. “The old standard that you don’t wear shimmer after 35 is so not to be followed,” says Katey Denno, a celebrity makeup artist who’s worked her magic on stars like Sarah Foster, Amanda Seyfried, and Leslie Bibb. “There are plenty of neutral shimmery-toned shadows that look great on 40 to 80 year old lids.” Below, I vetted top-rated formulas based on recommendations from makeup artists. Our top overall pick is Laura Mercier Caviar Stick because it’s backed by pros, hydrates lids, and lasts all day. But, we also have drugstore picks, ones best suited for brown or blue eyes, and more.

Our top eyeshadow picks for older women

Best Overall: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick

Laura Mercier’s Caviar Sticks can be applied like a crayon, simply coloring in your lid with a velvety smoothness. Blend it out with a soft brush or your finger, and you’re ready to walk out the door. It’s particularly great for women over 50, as it’s packed with ultra-hydrating and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and raspberry stem cells that help with moisture and skin barrier health. Keeping the eyes hydrated is paramount as mature skin produces less oil and is overall drier. While these sticks are creamy in texture, they’re still smudge-proof and crease-resistant, and last all day. Nina Soriano, a celebrity makeup artists, says she uses this formula on set and also in her everyday life, “Caviar Sticks are a constant in my kit, both personally and professionally. It gives just the right amount of color to add to the eye and is buildable, for just a ‘wash’ of color or really glammed up with your tools. It also has a great color selection to choose from.”