The world of makeup is ever-evolving, and when it comes to mascara, there's a lot to consider, especially for older women. It's not just about finding a product that makes your lashes look great; it's also about ensuring it's safe for your eyes and doesn't exacerbate any existing conditions. So, what's the best approach to choosing and using mascara as we age? Let's dive in and explore the top considerations and recommendations from experts in the field.
The Importance of Gentle Care for Mature Eyes
As we age, our skin and lashes become more delicate. This means we need to be extra careful with our makeup choices. Diane Hilal-Campo, a board-certified ophthalmologist, emphasizes the importance of gentle care for mature eyes. She advises avoiding waterproof formulas, which can be difficult to remove and irritating, and suggests prioritizing nourishing, paraben-free options that are safe for sensitive eyes.
Lower Lashes: A Youthful Open Look
Makeup artist Nina Soriano highlights the importance of the lower lash line in completing the face's frame. She notes that a little swipe on the bottom lashes can widen the eyes and add a youthful openness. This technique is versatile, whether you're going for a subtle everyday definition or a more dramatic finish.
Blepharitis and Mascara: A Delicate Balance
For those dealing with blepharitis, managing eye makeup requires a delicate balance. Julie Chung, an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, explains that mascara can exacerbate the condition, especially when not properly removed. She recommends picking a formula that comes off easily and being diligent about removing it every night while treating your blepharitis.
Thinning Lashes: Keep Them Healthy and Hydrated
To thicken lashes, Hilal-Campo suggests keeping them healthy and hydrated. This involves maintaining good hygiene with gentle cleansers and using natural oils like argan oil, which is rich in alpha-linolenic acid and helps hydrate lash shafts. Applying a primer before mascara can also help lashes appear thicker.
Applying Mascara on Mature Eyes: Technique Matters
When applying mascara on mature eyes, Hilal-Campo recommends starting with an eyelash curler to lift the lashes. Then, deposit the product, sweeping it up to the tips. Work from the inside out, and when you get to the outer corners, turn the wand vertically and use just the tip to coat those lashes.
Removing Mascara Gently: Preservative-Free Micellar Remover
For gentle removal, Hilal-Campo suggests using a preservative-free micellar remover applied to a microfiber cloth and held against the eye for 30 seconds before gently wiping. This helps protect the delicate skin around the eyes from becoming more wrinkled.
Expert Recommendations for Mascara Ingredients
Ophthalmologists recommend looking for mascaras that are fragrance-free, oil-free, ophthalmologist-tested, and hypoallergenic. These ingredients help minimize irritation and ensure the product is safe for sensitive eyes.
Color Choices: Black is Classic
Jeanine Lobell, a makeup artist, dispels the myth that older women should avoid black mascara. She believes that black is still the go-to color for definition and brightness. For those with fair coloring, she suggests an ombré effect with brown mascara, adding black to the middle-to-ends of lashes.
Avoiding Clumpy and Heavy Mascara
Lobell warns against using heavy or clumpy mascaras, as they can be too harsh for daily use. Instead, she recommends formulas that define, lift, and separate, with a good brush to grab every lash and open up the eyes.
The Testing Process: Glamour Editors' Take
Glamour editors with mature lashes tested dozens of top-rated formulas, focusing on texture, transfer resistance, and ease of removal. They also paid attention to brush performance, noting how each formula enhanced length, volume, separation, and lift. Any mascaras that caused irritation were automatically eliminated.
In conclusion, choosing the right mascara for older women involves a careful consideration of ingredients, application techniques, and personal preferences. By following the expert recommendations and understanding the unique needs of mature eyes, you can achieve beautiful, defined lashes while maintaining eye health and comfort.
