As I’ve gotten older, eyeliner has definitely become more challenging. My lids are thinner, my lashes aren’t nearly as full and thick as they used to be, and the darker liner I wore for years suddenly feels a little too harsh.
But I’m certainly not giving up eyeliner! In fact, I find I need it more than ever. As my lashes have gotten thinner and sparser, eyeliner really helps define my eyes, makes my lashes look fuller, and gives my eyes a brighter, more lifted look.
What I’ve discovered is that it’s not about wearing less makeup or giving up eyeliner altogether. It’s about tweaking the way you apply it—and sometimes changing the color you wear.
Here are a few eyeliner tricks for mature eyes that I’ve learned lately that have made a real difference for my mature eyes.
Does Eyeliner Make You Look Older Or Younger?
I don’t think eyeliner itself makes you look older. It’s more about how you’re wearing it.
For example, I used to get away with darker liner and a little more definition. Now, if my eyeliner is too dark or too strong, I find it can make my eyes look smaller and heavier. And that’s exactly the opposite of what I want!
A thinner, softer line gives me the definition I’m after without overpowering my eyes. I want you to notice my eyes—not my eyeliner.
What Color Eyeliner For Mature Eyes?
This has been a bit of an eye-opener for me lately.
For years, I automatically thought of eyeliner as black or brown. But as I’ve experimented with other colors, I’ve realized that the right shade can make a surprisingly big difference.
Brown: This is probably the easiest place to start if black is beginning to feel too harsh. A rich chocolate or espresso still gives you plenty of definition, but it’s softer.
Navy: Navy is another nice alternative to black. It gives you that darker definition without looking quite as stark and can be especially pretty with blue eyes.
Plum: If you have green or hazel eyes, as I do, try a deep plum, raisin, berry, or burgundy liner.
I recently started wearing Clinique High Impact Gel Tech Eyeliner in Black Honey, and wow, what a difference! I have hazel green-brown eyes, and this color really brings out the green. It’s a deep raisin/berry-burgundy, so I still get plenty of definition, but it’s much softer than black. I never would have guessed an eyeliner color could make such a difference, but it does.
Bronze: Bronze is another pretty choice, especially if you have warm coloring. It gives you definition with a little warmth and isn’t as dark as black.
Taupe: If you prefer a very natural look, taupe gives you just a hint of definition without looking like obvious eyeliner.
Charcoal: I’m not usually a big fan of gray around the face because it can be draining, but charcoal eyeliner is one place where it can work. It’s softer than black, so if you have cooler coloring, it may be worth a try.
White: Bet you weren’t expecting white to make it onto the list? I talked about this trick in my makeup for droopy lids post. You would be surprised what a little white liner on the lower lash line can do for aging eyes! It makes you look awake and rejuvenated.
How To Apply Eyeliner For Mature Eyes
Focus the attention on your upper lash line.
The way I apply eyeliner has changed too. I can’t apply it exactly the way I did 20 years ago and expect it to look the same. My eyes have changed, so I’ve had to tweak my technique to match.
1. Keep Eyeliner Close to Your Upper Lashes
This is probably the biggest thing.
Instead of drawing a noticeable line across your lid, try to get the liner right down at the base of your upper lashes. You get definition without taking up much lid space, and it helps make sparse lashes look fuller too.
I’m also much more careful about putting dark liner underneath my eyes. Too much can pull the eye down and make it look smaller.
2. Go Thinner and Softer
It’s surprisingly easy to start out intending to draw a thin, dainty line and somehow end up with more eyeliner than you wanted!
With thinner, less smooth lids, I find it much easier to start with very little and build from there.
And don’t worry about creating one perfectly straight, crisp line. I actually think a slightly softened line is more flattering. You can gently blur the edge with a small brush or cotton swab if it looks too sharp.
3. Try Tightlining to Make Your Lashes Look Fuller
Have you ever tried tightlining? This is a great little trick when your lashes have thinned or become sparser.
Instead of drawing the liner above your lashes, you work it right into the upper lash line. If you’ve never tried this technique before, it will feel funny at first! It fills in those little spaces between the lashes, making the whole lash line look thicker without seeing an obvious line of eyeliner. It’s similar to the first approach, except you’re applying the eyeliner to your upper lash line instead of above it.
For those of us with mature skin, it’s a great way to give the illusion of fuller lashes and a more defined eye shape without having that typical, obvious swipe of color. Just make sure to grab a waterproof base (more on this later) so your eyeliner won’t smudge throughout the day. It feels a little strange the first few times, but once you get the hang of it, the effect is very natural.
A waterproof or transfer-resistant pencil helps the color stay where you put it.
4. Give the Outer Corner a Little Lift
I still like a little definition at the outside of my eyes, but I don’t want a big dramatic cat eye.
Instead, I extend the liner ever so slightly at the outer corner and angle it a little upward. Sometimes I soften it with a tiny brush so it doesn’t look too precise.
It’s subtle, but it can give the eye a lovely little lift.
5. Don’t Automatically Reach for Black
This has probably been one of my biggest changes.
There’s nothing wrong with black eyeliner, but I find I have to be much more careful with it now. Sometimes chocolate brown, deep plum, bronze, or navy gives you just as much definition without looking as harsh.
And as I’ve discovered with Black Honey, changing your eyeliner color can actually bring out your eye color too.
So if that black pencil you’ve worn forever suddenly doesn’t look quite right, try changing the color before you give up on eyeliner altogether.
6. Yes, You Can Still Wear a Little Wing
There’s no reason you have to stop wearing winged eyeliner at a certain age. You may just need to tweak the wing.
A big, sharp cat eye can be hard to pull off when your lids have changed, but a tiny upward flick at the outer corner can be very flattering.
Keep it small and soft. You just want enough to help lift the eye, not a wing that takes over your whole look.
7. Don’t Forget Mascara
Eyeliner and mascara really do work together, especially when our lashes aren’t as full as they once were.
If I wear eyeliner without enough mascara, my eyes can still look a little unfinished. Mascara helps open them up and makes the eyeliner look more natural.
I like something that lengthens and defines without getting clumpy, and it has to stay put. Little black flakes and smudges underneath your eyes by lunchtime aren’t doing any of us any favors!
What About Eyeliner Under the Eyes?
I never bothered with this, but if you like wearing some under your eyes, know this.
A heavy, dark line underneath the eye can make it look smaller, so keep it soft and light rather than drawing a hard line all the way across.
Another trick is using a light pencil along the lower waterline to brighten your eyes. It reflects light, conceals redness, and enhances the overall shape. You’ll often hear white recommended, but I think a softer cream or nude can look much more natural. I recently tried this and found it does make me look more awake on days when I look a little tired.
What Is The Best Eyeliner For Mature Skin?
Color and technique matter, but so does the eyeliner itself.
The last thing you want is a dry pencil that skips across your lid, makes you tug at that delicate skin, and leaves your clean line looking jagged and undefined. Look for something creamy that glides on easily but sets well enough that it doesn’t end up all over your eyelids a few hours later.
Here are a few worth checking out.
Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Liner Stick
This Bobbi Brown fine tip eyeliner pencil has a soft and creamy texture that glides on easily without tugging or skipping. It’s waterproof and closely resembles a gel, which makes it much easier to work with on mature lids.
Rather than trying to draw one perfect line, gently press or dab the color into the lash line. This also helps fill in those little spaces between sparse lashes so there are no gaps or clumps.
This eyeliner is 24-hour long-wearing, meaning you won’t feel the need to constantly reapply throughout the day. It’s also non-smudging, non-flaking, non-creasing, and non-settling.
MAC Color Excess Gel Pencil
This is another great eyeliner choice for gals with mature skin. Like the Bobbi Brown formula, this liner doesn’t skip over loose skin or leave unnecessary gaps. It has a precise-glide application, increasing your chances of getting it right on the first swipe.
This eyeliner is also waterproof, transfer-proof, smudge-resistant, and tug-free—everything we’re looking for! You can grab this product in a variety of different shades, but I stuck with a handful of classics.
KVD Beauty Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Want to take a risk and try a liquid eyeliner? There’s no better choice than the KVD liquid liner, which makes application feel like a cakewalk. It’s bold, smooth, and has a needle-precise brush tip. Even if you’re new to the liquid liner world, you shouldn’t have much trouble trying this one out.
Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner
Any eyeliner that has “satin” in its name has instantly caught my attention! This creamy, smudge-free formula makes applications quick and easy. You won’t have to pull and tug on your lid, or restart after a slip of the hand.
This liner also comes in a wide range of shades, like “Navy Noir,” “Fig,” “Bronze,” “Cinnamon,” and “Cocoa.” No matter which color you choose, you’ll be impressed by the quality.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
This Stila eyeliner is another one of my favorites. It is a liquid liner, but the marker-like tip makes application effortless. The product details also claim that no matter how experienced (or inexperienced) you may be, it’s something you can work with.
Don’t Give Up on Eyeliner
One thing I’ve realized is that mature eyes don’t necessarily need less eyeliner—they need more strategic eyeliner. Instead of trying to create a perfect line, think about filling in where your lashes have thinned and adding definition where your eyes need it most. The goal is for your eyes to stand out, not your eyeliner.
For more makeup application tips on mature skin, check out these posts:
- Mother of the Bride Makeup Tips
- What I Use to Reverse the Look of Crepey Body Skin
- Best Makeup Primers for Mature Skin
And make sure you’re keeping up with my LTK storefront to see all of my favorite outfit ideas, from everyday classics to trendy new styles. You can also join my private Facebook group, Fabulous After 40 Insiders , to discuss your thoughts on eyeliner on mature skin. Will you be jumping back into this step in your routine, or have you ditched the pencil for good? Let me know in the comments; I can’t wait to chat about it!
