Older women are making the same eyeshadow mistake – here’s how to fix it

Many makeup products on the market don’t work as well with mature skin – but there’s one beauty brand on a mission to ensure mature women are represented in the industry

As women age, many notice that their makeup doesn’t sit quite how it used to – but finding products that work with mature skin can be a challenge. That’s why, at the age of 65, Tricia Cusden took matters into her own hands to found the beauty brand Look Fabulous Forever for older women.

According to the founder, many mistakes that ageing women make with their beauty routine is with their eyeshadow. Look Fabulous Forever suggests that for those with fine lines and wrinkles appearing around the eyes, shimmer eyeshadow is out and matte formulas are in.

And to make things even easier for those looking to revamp their makeup bag, the brand has launched some handy matte eyeshadows that will not only work well together, but will look flattering on the skin, too.

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As we age, the skin produces less collagen and elastin, causing signs of aging around the eyes. As such, matte eyeshadow becomes more flattering because it goes on more smoothly and doesn’t sit in fine lines or emphasise wrinkles with shimmer or glitter. Look Fabulous Forever suggests that matte powder eyeshadow is best because it doesn’t migrate across your skin or gather into fine lines as a cream does.

The Look Fabulous No Shimmer Eye Shade is a matte powder eyeshadow that glides over fine lines and doesn’t settle into creases. If your eyelids are hooded, droopy, or have a ‘crepe paper’ texture, the smooth matte formula is designed to give even coverage. It reportedly stays where you put it, making it easy to apply and ensuring it lasts longer.

While the individual shadows cost £19 each, shoppers can pick up a handy trio palette of matte eyeshadow in three complementary shades for £35.

The palettes contain everything beauty fans need to create a cohesive makeup look, including a mirror for easy application. They come in a refillable compact, too, so once the eyeshadow trio is finished, shoppers can buy a refill. And for those who need help deciding which shades will suit you best, Look Fabulous Forever even has a quick colour quiz that can help in deciding.

The refillable compact set is a new launch and as a result reviews are limited, but hundreds of satisfied customers heaped praise on the original matte eyeshadow trios, where the actual eyeshadow in both products is identical.

One shopper, Gillian, said: “I ordered the green three shade eye shadow palette and have been really pleased with this product. It goes on smoothly, it’s subtle and stays put. The matte shadow is perfect on older skin.”

“I’ve always been a fan of Look Fabulous Forever’s eyeshadows and have built up quite a collection,” said Felicity. “I was tempted by the soft purples as a change from the more neutral shades. I’m just thrilled with the results. These soft purples really make my hazel eyes pop and I’ve had compliments galore.”

However, one shopper was left frustrated that one shade runs out faster than the others, commenting: “Absolutely love the eyeshadow palette but my only criticism is, the palest colour, which is used the most, runs out far faster than the rest. I do wish there were slot-in refills of the colours , which would be wonderful but would also help the environment.”

As for the new refillable compacts, customer Anne said: “A beautiful high quality compact. Love that it’s refillable. Great addition to the range. Will look great when using. Can highly recommend.”

Meanwhile, Sandra commented: “The refillable compacts are very classy looking and take a magnetic refill. Such a great idea.”

Elsewhere, some other popular neutral eyeshadow palettes include the Urban Decay Naked Basics 2 Palette, which is £24 at LookFantastic. The small yet essential eyeshadow palette features six full-sized matte eyeshadows in cooler, neutral, taupe-like tones for versatile eye looks.

Coming in at the same price, the Natasha Denona Mini Eye Sculpt Palette offers five skin-tone inspired shades, designed to sculpt and define. All of the shades are matte, with Natasha Denona’s formulas being revered for their pigment pay off.

For those who still find that their eyeshadow doesn’t last, it could be worth considering an eye primer to prep the skin for makeup. Look Fabulous Forever’s Smooth Out Eye Prime aims to create a perfectly smooth, neutral base to prevent your eyeshadow from migrating into fine lines and keep colours fresh all day.

Speaking on why she decided to launch the brand, founder Tricia said: “I launched Look Fabulous Forever at the age of 65 because I felt largely invisible to the traditional beauty industry. I was also finding it increasingly difficult to find makeup that really worked on my older skin and have come to this business as a consumer – all our products are formulated so they perform brilliantly on older skin.

As we get older, our makeup needs change – from finding a foundation which gives enough coverage without looking heavy to eye makeup which stays put and doesn’t end up looking messy. As well as great products, we share tips about the makeup to choose and how to apply it.”

Shoppers can explore the full range of makeup from Look Fabulous Forever here.