Best Eyeliner for Aging Eyes

by Linda Robison

Choosing the Best Eyeliner for Maturing Eyes: A Guide for the Graceful.

In my humble opinion, there is NO single best eyeliner for older women. It's a matter of finding what works for your eyes and skin type.

So, let's find an eyeliner that works best for you!

Why some eyeliners don't work for aging skin?

My women over a certain age (over 50 or so) tell me they can't wear eyeliner for a number of reasons, including:

  • eyeliner settles into wrinkles
  • eyeliner looks too harsh against skin tone
  • liner seems too heavy and make eyes look small or tired

But, the right eyeliner applied correctly can help enhance aging eyes and actually make you look more awake and well…quite frankly, I think eyeliner looks sexy!

How to select the best eyeliner for mature skin

Choosing the perfect eyeliner for mature skin: Considerations

Here are a few simple things to consider before you buy any eyeliner makeup.

What color eyeliner is best for mature eyes?

Ok, the general rule of thumb for color selection is:

  • Fair skin: Opt for softer shades like taupes and light browns.
  • Darker skin: Embrace vibrant tones like plum and teal.
  • Brown or hazel eyes: Try purples, greens, or golds to enhance your natural eye color.

Regardless of the type of eyeliner you choose, make sure the color doesn't look harsh on you. 

Here is a Tip: If all you notice is your eyeliner and not your eyes, then the color is too dark or pigmented.

But, honestly, you have to try different ones and see what works for you.

The depth and richness of a certain color will vary from one eyeliner brand to the next. And whether it's a pencil, gel, or waxy crayon makes a huge difference too. 

Does dark eyeliner make you look older? My experience

best eyeliner for older women

Don't just listen to what others say. Everyone is different.

For example: Many make-up artists suggest light brown or taupe eyeliner colors for those with light skin and eyes (like me).

But, these colors make my eyes and my lids look red and tired. So the best way to find your own style is to try a variety of colors. 

Even though I'm a "mature woman over 60", I can get away with wearing a dark purple cream gel liner or even a classic black eyeliner pencil as long as the pencil is not very pigmented and waxy.

A non-rich pigmented pencil that is very waxy makes it go on lightly, and I can control the depth of the color by the number of applications I use.

P.S. You'll find different brand suggestions on eyeliner colors with pictures below!

Different types of eyeliners:

What is the best eyeliner for wrinkled eyelids?

The type of eyeliner you choose can have a big effect on the final outcome.

Gel liners are great if you have crinkly upper eyelid skin. A gel eyeliner with a creamy, waterproof formula base can provide a smooth, soft look. And, it won't skip or settle into wrinkles, avoiding a blotchy, uneven effect.

Crayon liners can be problematic as they tend to smudge and settle into fine lines.

A waxy pencil liner, like Maybelline's Eye Pencil, can be an ideal choice for a smooth application that doesn't go on too dark or thick.

Liquid eyeliners demand a steady hand and might not be the best option for mature individuals. 

Check out this video on how to apply gel waterproof eyeliner...

Creamy Gel Eyeliner

Mommy Makeup founder shows how to use her gel liners

Best Eyeliner for Over 40

A great option (and my favorite) is this gel formula that won't melt or disappear in the middle of the day. I love a waterproof formula that won't dry too quickly, so you can play around with it before it sets in.

Contact Lens Friendly
Also, it's formulated for sensitive eyes and works well with contact lenses. I use the one listed below.

It's made for older eyes, so it has a creamy texture that allows for a smooth application but won't smudge into the outer eye areas. 

This (IMO) is the perfect eyeliner for mature women with sensitive skin.

OMG! I love this creamy liner in Black Orchid. The color is gorgeous!

A pot of gel liner in Black orchid color.

VERSATILE

With this versatile creamy gel eyeliner you can create a variety of looks based on how you apply it. Plus it comes in so many beautiful different shades.

These creamy gel eyeliners were developed by professional makeup artist Debra Rubin-Roberts. She offers no frills, inexpensive, easy to use, quality makeup. Check out all the other beautiful colors.

Need more detail help with eyeliner application? Check out simple step-by-step eyeliner tutorial that make you a pro in no time!

How do you do Crayon eyeliner?

Crayon eyeliner pencil is not the best for older eyes.

These are super easy to use! I've tried crayon eye makeup liners, like L'Oreal's Smoldering Pencil. It works great if you only line the upper lids.

But! They don't last long. And, they melted and faded into wrinkles and lines within hours, so it's not my favorite.

But, if you don't wear a lot of eyeliner and only apply it to the outer corner of your eyes (for an instant eye lift), then a thick crayon type eyeliner might work for you.

And, this pencil is perfect for those with unsteady hands or poor eyesight!

Because it’s so thick, it glides on easily and quickly, and you usually only need one swipe to line your lids with rich color.

You can easily find this type of "crayon" eyeliner in drugstores or on Amazon.

Problem? Your creamy eyeliner color disappears halfway through the day? Apply a thin layer of similar colored eyeshadow on top to seal it. Or give waterproof gel eyeliners a try!

Which pencil liner is best?

In addition to gel liners, I like pencil eyeliners for the daytime. I especially LOVE this inexpensive wax pencil liner on my upper and lower lids.

Best eyeliner pencil.

Most people will tell you that women over 40 shouldn’t wear black eyeliner on their lower lids. But, I think you can make it work if you apply an eyeliner that does not deposit too much color.

Usually, a very waxy type of pencil work best, like Maybelline's Eye Pencil.

It's so very easy to work with since it's waxy and doesn't go on too thick or dark. Because it's waxy, you have to press a little harder to get color deposit, but it lasts all day. 

How should an older woman wear eyeliner pencil? Take a peek at this page to see how I apply this pencil.

You can find this pencil in most all drugstores or on Amazon

Best eyeliner tips for daytime look

If you're not comfortable wearing dark eyeliner colors during the day, but still want your eyes to POP and standout, here is an alternative option:

Try a golden/caramel champagne cream gel eyeliner. This, when combined with a nice layer of black mascara, gives a beautiful subtle yet eye popping look.

Se my picture below...

Update: I found a product called Any Wear Cream that can be used on the eyes, cheeks, lips, or anywhere you want color or highlighting. I use it as an eye shadow, highlighter and as an eyeliner on my and upper and lower lashes.

A picture of me wearing golden brown gel liner for daytime look.Any Wear Cream (Golden Caramel) on upper and lower eyelids and above eyebrows to brighten and highlight the upper face!

To make my eyes stand out more I've also added black mascara for a more dramatic effect.

TIP: This is a great option for aging eyes because the golden caramel color is subtle but still defines the eyes without drawing attention to crinkly skin or lines/wrinkles - especially those under the eyes.

Best eyeliner tips for night-time/dramatic look

Get Eyeliner in dark colors for nighttime look.

I love the Black Orchid Eyeliner by Mommy Makeup. For a more dramatic evening look, I just apply a thicker line on my upper lids and also line the inside (water rim) of the upper lids.

But, before you try this – make sure the eyeliner you’re using won’t irritate your eyes. I have very sensitive eyes but Mommy Makeup gel eyeliner is one of the few that won't bother my eyes.

I apply the gel liner on the outer 1/3 of the inside lower lids too for a more dramatic nighttime look.

Final thought on best eyeliner for aging eyes

Selecting the right eyeliner as we age is a journey of exploration and experimentation.

The best liner for you accentuates your eyes, stays put without settling into wrinkles, and brings you joy. Always take into account personal preference, convenience, and comfort while making your choice.

After all, make-up at all ages should be about self-expression and enjoyment!

So, there you have it. There is no reason why us women (over 40, 50, and beyond) can't have some fun with eyeliner makeup.

Choosing the best eyeliner is simple when you understand how to apply them.

More Tips:

Eyeliner Makeup

Under Eye Wrinkles

Eyebrows




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