In the vibrant city of London, black eyeliner has long been a staple, much like the iconic platform shoes and ankle socks of the 60s. I fondly recall my days living there, sporting bright red, spiky hair and experimenting with bold makeup looks. One memorable mishap involved using aerosol deodorant as hairspray for a wedding—yes, I was a bridesmaid, and yes, I walked down the aisle like that. This humorous incident has made me double-check my hairspray ever since.
As the leaves begin to change this fall, it’s time to bid farewell to traditional black eyeliner and embrace the enchanting world of jewel tones. These rich, light-reflecting colors offer a refreshing alternative that can enhance and lift mature eyes. Join me and my friend AJ as we explore the science behind jewel tones and learn how to achieve a youthful, pro-age look with a simple three-step technique.
The science behind jewel tones for mature eyes
Jewel tones, such as luminous emerald greens, deep sapphires, and rich berries, are not just visually stunning; they also possess unique properties that make them ideal for mature eyes. Unlike black, which absorbs light and can create harsh shadows, jewel tones contain undertones that capture and bounce light. This optical illusion brings out the natural flecks of color in gray, brown, green, and hazel irises while softening the appearance of hooded or drooping lids.
The secret lies in color theory and light reflection. Black eyeliner can inadvertently accentuate texture or creping on delicate lids, making eyes look smaller and heavier. In contrast, jewel tones provide rich definition without the aging severity, offering an instant optical eye lift.
A three-step guide to jewel-toned eye makeup
Step 1: Neutral tones as base, emerald as the star
To achieve a youthful, lifted look, start by applying a neutral, cream eyeshadow base all over the lid and under the eye. Using circular motions, blend the shade seamlessly, adding slightly more in the crease area. Next, apply a slightly darker shade on the outer edge to lift hooded lids. Stick to shades that are 1-2 tones darker than your skin and align with the autumn color range.
Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the show: a stunning emerald green color. Apply it next to the top eyeline, making the outer edge the thickest part. With a soft brush, blend it outward and up for a beautiful flick. Be sure to keep the line from hitting your crease to avoid an overdone look. Emerald has a wonderful ability to bring out brown and hazel eyes like no other color. Once blended, it is a deliciously autumn shade that goes with nearly any wardrobe.
Step 2: Define and lift with a flattering eyeliner
Next, take a cream-gel water-resistant eyeliner in a slightly darker and more dense emerald shade. Instead of drawing a thick, continuous line across the lid, apply micro-dots right into the root of your upper lash line. When you reach the outer third of the eye, stop following the downward curve of your lash line. Instead, flick the liner slightly upward toward the tail of your eyebrow.
Pro-age formulas remain blendable for about 60 seconds before setting budge-proof. Take an angled brush to smudge that outer flick upward. This subtle angle creates an instant visual lift to hooded outer corners.
Step 3: Tightline for maximum impact
To make your lash line look denser without sacrificing precious eyelid space, gently lift your upper lid and apply a flattering shade in the waterline. For a more glamorous look, consider using a water-repellent black shade. On the lower lid, less is more. Avoid lining the full lower waterline, which can close the eye and accentuate dark circles. Simply dust a whisper of your leftover cream shadow onto the outer third of the lower lash line for soft balance.
For a touch of drama, we added false lashes to AJ’s eyes and used mascara to blend the false and real lashes. She’s headed to the theatre, so it felt right! AJ loved her finished look, and honestly, any of you can achieve this stunning transformation. This fall is a spectacular time to experiment with these colors and add some much-needed drama after a long, hot summer. There’s nothing quite like trying new colors and feeling how beautiful you are—because you are! Just remember to check your hairspray to ensure it’s not deodorant…
