I’m a Makeup Artist & These Are the 12 Liquid Eyeshadows I Love for Mature Skin

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As a makeup artist, one of the best pieces of beauty advice I can give is to continue to evolve your beauty routine as you age. There is no need to say goodbye to your favorite looks — you simply need to update them with products that work with your skin, as opposed to against it. A light smokey eye, for example, has been my go-to makeup since my 20s, but there came a stage when shimmery powders and matte browns began to appear too heavy. When it comes to the best eyeshadows for mature skin, liquid eyeshadows have since stepped in to save the day, as they not only provide a defined and enhanced eye shape but also a quicker and longer lasting application. 

Available in mattes, shimmers and glitters, the best liquid eyeshadows benefit mature skin in numerous ways. For one, they glide on in one stroke and need minimal blending. This means less tugging and pulling on the eye — reducing puffiness and irritation. Another big plus about switching to liquid eyeshadows is that the pigments adhere to the eyelids securely, eliminating fallout or particles settling in fine lines.

Check out our makeup artist–recommended picks for the best liquid eyeshadows below, along with pro tips on how to apply them. 

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Best Liquid Eyeshadows at a Glance

• Best Overall: Doll 10 This Colors Everything Smoothing Cream Eyeshadow, $20
• Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Liquid Metallic Eyeshadow, $6
• Best Shimmer: r.e.m. beauty Starlet Liquid Eyeshadow, $20
• Best Matte: about-face Matte Fluid Eye Paint, $16
• Best Metallic: ColourPop Chrome Liquid Eyeshadow, $12
• Best for Everyday: Chanel Ombre Première Laque Longwear Liquid Eyeshadow, $40
• Best Multi-Use: Lancôme Idôle Tint Long Wear Liquid Eyeshadow & Eyeliner, $30
• Best Crease-Proof: PAT McGRATH LABS FetishEYES Longwear Liquid Eyeshadow, $32
• Best for Sensitive Eyes: ILIA Liquid Powder Eye Shadow Tint, $28 
• Best for Oily Lids: Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Liquid Eyeshadow, $20
• Best Shade Range: Armani Beauty Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow, $38
• Best for Dry Lids: Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow, $25

How do you use liquid eyeshadow?

Liquid eyeshadows are actually one of the easier makeup products to apply. Although I’m able to draw on my own personal experience as a makeup artist, I also spoke to celebrity makeup artist Caitlyn Dominic to get her expert tips on how to achieve a professional looking finish. When starting your application, Dominic advises to keep it simple saying. “My biggest tip for applying liquid eyeshadow on mature skin is to use the applicator wand and work a bit all over your lids,” she tells Flow Space. “Bring it up to the crease of your eyes — or slightly above the crease. Then gently blend it into the crease a bit using a fluffy eyeshadow brush, using back and forth buffing motions like a windshield wiper.” 

When it comes to choosing the right shade for mature skin, Dominic recommends, “soft and neutral shades” such as champagne, taupe, brown, rose gold and bronze, especially if you want to brighten the eyes. She also suggests staying away from anything too intense. “Avoid choosing a shade that’s too dark or too metallic,” she cautions.

What’s the best way to apply liquid eyeshadow?

Most liquid eyeshadows are buildable, making them a great crossover product from day to evening. They can be used for a light veil of shimmer or layered on for a full-coverage finish. Dominic recommends going for light layers as opposed to one heavy placement of pigment. “Start with a little bit of liquid eyeshadow and build from there,” she says. “My motto is less is more — you can always add more but it can be tricky to take away.” 

Her go-to method? “Apply a small amount to the center of the lid and blend outward and up toward the crease of the eye using a fluffy brush for a soft, diffused look.” Another pro tip: liquid eyeshadows tend to set fast, “so work one eye at a time.”

Is liquid eyeshadow better than powder?

Liquid and powder shadows both serve a purpose, and while neither is superior to the other, when it comes to working with mature skin, liquid eyeshadows provide a cleaner and smoother finish. They also require less blending, which helps you avoid puffiness or irritation.

Dominic is a big fan of liquid eyeshadows for mature skin “because their lightweight formula easily adheres to the eyelids. If applied correctly, it can offer a smooth, skin-like finish that enhances the eyes without looking heavy. Many liquid eyeshadows also have a long-wear, crease-resistant quality, making them ideal for all-day wear. I recommend opting for satin or soft shimmer finishes to add brightness to the eyes.”