As we get older, we’re often told that certain beauty products should be ditched – and eyeliner is usually high on the list. Queen Camilla, however, is clearly something of a beauty rulebreaker, proving just how flattering a sweep of liner can be on mature eyes.
Yesterday, the royal was spotted in York enjoying a day at the races. Of course, no Camilla beauty look is quite complete without her luminous complexion and signature blowdry. But it was her eyes that truly popped, thanks to the beautiful soft liner along the lashline.
‘I think there’s a misconception that eyeliner is something women should stop wearing at a certain age, but I couldn’t disagree more,’ says top makeup artist and brand founder Ruby Hammer. ‘Beauty has no age limit, and neither does eyeliner.’
It’s something Camilla proves beautifully. ‘She’s a wonderful example of how makeup can enhance your features in a very elegant and effortless way,’ says Ruby. ‘Her eye makeup adds beautiful definition without appearing heavy or overly structured.’
‘As we get older, our features can naturally lose a little contrast, and eyeliner is one of the simplest ways to bring that back,’ she explains. ‘On Camilla, the liner subtly frames the eyes and works in harmony with her lashes, making the eyes appear brighter and more expressive.’
With the royal seal of approval, it’s less about whether mature women should wear eyeliner and more about how it’s applied. According to Ruby, a few small adjustments can make all the difference.
The key is gentle definition. ‘I tend to favour something softer, rather than anything too heavy or graphic. A soft black, charcoal or deep brown shade worked close to the lash line can be incredibly flattering, particularly when it’s gently smudged,’ she says.
Your technique matters, too. ‘It’s important to stay as close to the lash line as possible, especially on hooded or more mature eyes, as taking liner too high on to the lid can make the eye appear smaller and can transfer throughout the day.’
For extra precision, Ruby recommends investing in a liner with a fine nib. Her Precision Eyeliner is designed for exactly that and comes in both black and brown. ‘It really allows you to build definition gradually exactly where you need it.’
Ruby Hammer Precision Eyeliner Pencil
Ruby’s smudge brush from her Magnetic Brush Set is ideal for gently softening the look. ‘It’s brilliant for diffusing liner and creating that beautifully lived-in finish without the makeup ever feeling heavy,’ she says.
Ruby Hammer Magnetic Brush Set 01
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is break a beauty rule.
