I'm 38. Should I stick with earth tones on my eyes or can I still wear bright colored eye makeup?

By Liz S A Posted on August 16, 2008 - 6:34am

People often say that I look young for my age, but I don't want to push it. I've read that warm, neutral colors will make me look younger, while harsher bright greens, purples, blues and such on my green eyes will age me. I love all the pretty new palettes, though.

By Liz S A on September 20, 2008 - 5:56am

Well, I've been experimenting with bright eye color since this post. I've had some success with purple and light blue, but one color that looks absolutely awful on my green eyes is peacock green/blue. Wow. I don't know why but it totally overpowers my eye color--even just a thin line along the upper lid. Interesting. In any case, earth tones are still the most flattering for me.

By Sparkle Diva (not verified) on August 25, 2008 - 5:24am

There are NO RUILES in makeup. There are only comfort levels! So you may not wear electric blue on the eyes because you've moved past the time it feels right for you, but that doesn't mean you're stuck with 4 shades of Vanilla.

Try pretty deep plums or olive greens. Toss in a rich bronze. Maybe a smattering of rich, deep blue.

If you're not sure how to incorporate those shades, try using a bit pushed along the lashline after you put a more neutral tone over the whole eye. Or put a warm medium-brown all over the lid, a lighter color from crease to brow if you want, and then use a fluffy brush to swirl a "more exciting" color into the outer 1/3 of the lid for a "pop".

All of that said, you can make some STUNNING eye looks with neutrals, so don't write 'em off completely. They're pretty hot this fall, anyway!

By Liz S A on August 16, 2008 - 1:08pm

Thanks both. I'm going to try the chubby/creamy eyeliner idea.

By mrswhite072895 on August 16, 2008 - 11:54am

I would wear it and I'm going to be 36 in September. If you're nervous, I would do a neutral lid and bold eyeliner. If you're going out at night, I would go deeper/heavier with the color. I like Jordana's chubby eye pencils. Just a quick swipe along my eye line gives me great color and it enough product that I don't even need to add shadow.

By lauracarsonmiller on August 16, 2008 - 8:51am

Try using the bright blues, greens and purples as eyeliner as opposed to shadow all over your eye lid. Use a creamy pencil in your color of choice, then use a small eyeliner brush and go over it with the bright shadow. You can wet the brush for even more intense color. The CoverGirl Eye Enhancers shadows are bright and very cost friendly. There is no reason why your age should keep you from wearing these colors if you are attracted to them, and using them as liners, you get the bright color and eye enhancement, with out the 80's overkill look!