How to Apply Eyeliner Over 40 (With Step-by-Step Photos)

Best Eyeliner Tips for Older Women

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist

✔️ TAKEAWAY:

For mature eyes, the easiest eyeliners are waterproof gels or waxy pencils—they glide without tugging, won’t skip over fine lines, and stay put longer when you prep your lids with a little concealer first.

Are you struggling with eyeliner because of fine lines, wrinkles, smudges, contacts, shaky hands, or poor up-close vision? You’re not alone! Applying eyeliner really does get trickier as we get older.  

The good news is you don’t need fancy techniques or dramatic looks to make your eyes stand out.

On this page, I focus only on gel and pencil eyeliners—the two formulas I personally find easiest to use on my own 60+ eyes. Liquid liners can be frustrating on textured lids and usually require more precision than most of us want for everyday wear.

What I aim for isn’t bold wings or heavy lines. It’s soft definition that brightens the eyes and feels doable.

In this guide, I’ll show you the exact methods I use on my own eyes, with step-by-step photos and simple tricks that make application easier.

These are small adjustments, but they make a big difference—especially if your hands aren’t as steady as they used to be or your vision isn’t great up close.

I think you’ll find your eyeliner goes on easier and your eyes look a little brighter.

Let’s make eyeliner easy—and pretty—again.

How to apply eyeliner. Step by step eyeliner makeup hacks. A woman applying eyeliner gel to the lower eyelid called tightlining.How to Apply Eyeliner Step by Step with Pictures. This is one of my most-shared eyeliner tutorials for women over 40—here’s how to make it work for you...

If you want a bigger-picture look at eyeliner makeup for older women—including colors, placement, and techniques that work best after 40—I cover that in my main eyeliner guide.

Start with concealer for longer-lasting eyeliner

Woman applying concealer on eyelid to create a smooth base for eyeliner application and longer-lasting results.

A tiny bit of concealer or eye primer on the lids makes eyeliner go on smoother and stay put longer — especially on mature or crepey skin.

Here’s why it helps:

  • Creates an even surface so liner doesn’t skip over fine lines
  • Reduces redness and darkness around the lash line
  • Helps eyeliner “grip” and last through the day
  • Cuts down on transfer if you have hooded lids

ABZ Tip: I prefer concealer, not foundation, on the eyelids. Foundation is heavier and can crease, while concealer gives just enough grip without looking thick.

Want more tips and quick fixes, these eyeliner tips for aging eyes offers 10 easy tweaks that make a noticeable difference.

Is gel or pencil eyeliner better for older eyes?

Open pots of gel eyeliner with a fine brush, showing smooth, easy-to-apply formulas for mature eyes.

Both gel and pencil liners work beautifully on mature eyes — the right choice really depends on your lid texture and how steady your hands feel.

Gel eyeliner

Glides smoothly over fine lines, doesn’t skip, and lasts longer on slightly oily or hooded lids. It’s great when you want a clean, defined line with minimal tugging.

Pencil eyeliner

Perfect for quick, soft definition. Waxy formulas press easily into the lash line, are forgiving on unsteady hands, and smudge beautifully for a natural look.

Bottom line:

  • If your liner drags or skips → try gel.
  • If you want fast, soft everyday definition → go with a pencil.

Most women over 40 switch depending on the day and how their eyes feel. 

For formulas that actually stay put on mature lids, I’ve tested and compared my favorites in this guide to the best eyeliners for aging eyes.

 How to apply gel eyeliner on mature eyes

Applying gel eyeliner on mature eyes using a wide angled brush pressed into the lash linePressing gel liner into the lash line with a wide angled brush can be done with one hand—no perfect line needed.

Gel liner is one of the easiest formulas for mature eyes because it glides instead of skipping over fine lines. With a light hand and the right brush, you can get soft definition without tugging or harsh edges.

Here’s exactly how I apply it on my own 60+ eyes.

What I use:
I use Mommy Makeup’s water-proof gel liner with a wide, angled brush. It lets me press color right into the lash line instead of trying to draw a perfect line—which is much easier on textured lids.

1. Load your brush lightly

Dip a thin brush into the gel and wipe off the excess on the jar edge. A tiny amount is all you need.  Because the brush is wider and angled, you’re pressing color into the lash line — not trying to draw a thin, perfect line.

2. Steady your hand

Rest your elbow on the counter or mirror frame to reduce shaking. I like to support my eyeliner hand at the elbow with my other hand. This added support helps keep the brush from wobbling when applying liner.

3. Start in the center of the lash line

Open your eye wide so you can see the base of the lashes, then press the brush right into the lash line. Because I use a wider angled brush, I’m pressing color into the lash line rather than trying to draw a thin, perfect line. It’s much easier to control!

4. Press and smudge into the lash line

Gently press the brush into the base of the lashes, then lightly smudge along the lash line as you go. There’s no need to draw a perfect line.

Below, Debra from Mommy Makeup demonstrates a similar technique on both the upper lash line and the upper waterline — you can skip the waterline if it’s not comfortable for you.

🎥 Watch: How to Apply Gel Liner

How to apply eyeliner when you can’t see well up close

Applying gel eyeliner by pressing a wide angled brush into the upper lash line when close-up vision is difficultWhen close-up vision isn’t sharp, a wide angled brush lets you press color into the lash line instead of trying to draw a precise line.

If you struggle to see clearly in the mirror (same here — my right eye won’t focus up close anymore), the easiest method is to stop trying to draw a line and instead press the color right into the lashes.

It’s quick, forgiving, and perfect for mature lids.

1. Lift the upper lid slightly (optional)

Just enough so you can see the base of the lashes.

2. Press, don’t swipe

Use a pencil or small brush and press color into the lash line. Think “stamping,” not drawing.

3. Let the blink help you out

A couple gentle blinks transfer a soft hint of color to the lower lashes—no need to line underneath.

4. Keep the line thin

A thinner line is easier to control when vision is tricky and always looks softer on mature eyes.

ABZ Tip: This method is amazing if you have shaky hands, watery eyes, hooded lids, or poor up-close vision.

How to apply pencil eyeliner on mature eyes

Pencil liner is one of the easiest options for mature eyes because you can press instead of draw — no tugging, no skipping, and it’s very forgiving on textured lids.

1. Warm up the tip

Rub the pencil on the back of your hand for a second so it glides smoothly. What I use: On most days I grab a waxy pencil (I use Maybelline) because it’s quick, forgiving, and easy to press into the lashes.

2. Anchor your elbow

Resting your elbow on the counter keeps your hand steady for a softer, cleaner line.

3. Start at the outer third

This gives lift and avoids crowding the inner corner (a common aging-eye issue).

4. Use tiny dashes

Short, gentle strokes look softer and give you more control than trying to draw one line.

5. Smudge the top edge (optional)

A light smudge keeps the look natural and lifted without going smoky.

ABZ Tip: If the pencil skips on crepey skin, apply a thin layer of cream shadow first — it grips the pigment and smooths the texture instantly.

Trick to instantly brighten tired, aging eyes

Close-up of woman wearing soft green eyeliner that makes the whites of her eyes look brighter and more awake.Want your eyes to look brighter and more awake? A soft pop of color along the upper lash line can make a huge difference — especially on mature lids.

If your eyes look a little dull (mine do some mornings), a soft pop of color along the upper lash line can make the whites look brighter instantly.

Try a deep green or bronze

Black can feel harsh on mature eyes. Rich colors like forest green, bronze, or deep plum brighten the entire eye area without looking “colorful.”

Apply it right at the upper lashes

A thin sweep of color adds lift and light without emphasizing texture. See how it looks here: Hunter Green Eyeliner for Mature Eyes

ABZ Tip:
This trick is extremely forgiving. You don’t need perfect eyesight or a steady hand to pull it off.

Tightlining: how to line the lower and upper waterline

Tightlining is one of the easiest ways to define mature eyes without creating a heavy line. It makes lashes look fuller and keeps the eyes looking open, soft, and naturally lifted.

I usually reach for a waxy gel pencil because it glides smoothly, lasts on the waterline, and doesn’t tug.

Here’s the exact method I use on my own mature eyes:

1. Start at the outer corner of the lower waterline

Linda applying eyeliner to the outer third of her lower waterline for soft definition on mature eyes.

Gently line only the outer third of your lower waterline. This adds definition without closing off the eye.

Tips:

  • Stick to brown, bronze, or taupe for soft definition
  • Keep the line thin
  • Smudge lightly if you want a natural finish

2. Stop before the inner corner

Linda applying eyeliner to the lower waterline and stopping before the inner corner to keep eyes open and lifted.How to use Maybelline gel pencil liner on the lower eyelid.

I usually stop around the center of the eye. Lining the inner corner can make eyes look smaller or more tired, especially on mature lids.

Upper waterline (tightlining) on mature eyes

Tightlining in upper lid can make your lashes look fuller. It works beautifully on mature eyes because it fills in the little gaps between lashes and gives instant definition.

Here’s how I do it on my own 60+ lids:

1. Start at the outer corner

Close-up of tightlining between lashes on mature eyelid

Gently lift the lid just enough to see the upper waterline. Place your pencil between the lashes, not above them on the eyelid.

2. Use tiny dashes

Instead of drawing a long line, use small, gentle presses or dashes along the upper waterline. This keeps the application controlled and prevents tugging—perfect if your lids are textured or sensitive.

3. Stop before the inner corner

Woman tightlining upper waterline with black gel pencilLining my upper waterline makes my eyes look bigger and subtly fill in the lash line.

I only tightline to just past the halfway point. Leaving the inner third bare keeps the eyes looking open and prevents that “closed-off” look—especially helpful for smaller or hooded eyes.

4. Add mascara to finish

Once the upper waterline is filled in, mascara grabs onto the fuller-looking base and lifts the whole eye without looking overdone.

ABZ Tip: Warm up your pencil on the back of your hand so it glides over delicate skin more easily. A soft, warm tip = less skipping, more control.

Eyeliner pencils that won’t smudge or fade

If your eyeliner melts or disappears halfway through the day, you’re not doing anything wrong — soft, creamy formulas just break down faster on mature lids.

A waxier pencil or waterproof gel usually grips better, stays put longer, and resists smudging on textured skin.

ABZ Tip: Setting your upper lid with a little powder or concealer before pencil helps prevent transfer — especially on hooded or slightly oily lids.

What not to use on your waterline if you wear contacts

Avoid this type of eyeliner for contact lenses

If you wear contacts, stick to firm, waxy pencils or waterproof gel formulas on the waterline. Soft kohl pencils and crayon-style liners tend to leave residue, transfer to lenses, and fade quickly — especially on mature lids.

If your eyes are sensitive or prone to watering, keep the line thin and apply only to the outer third for the most comfortable, flattering result.

👉 Need more guidance on choosing the right eyeliner for your eye shape and sensitivity? Visit my page: Choosing Eyeliner for Mature Eyes

My simple eyeliner kit: What I use

Mommy Makeup Waterproof Eyeliner Gel + small angled brush

  • This combo lets me press color into the lash line smoothly, with great staying power—without tugging or trying to draw a perfect line.

Maybelline eyeliner pencil (waxy formula)

  • I use this when I want quick, everyday definition. It glides on easily and is forgiving on mature lids.

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara + Primer Set

  • The primer coats and cushions each lash, giving aging lashes a little extra “support” so they look fuller and stay protected. Then the mascara glides on smoothly, adding soft volume and lift without weighing lashes down. It’s an easy combo that helps mature eyes look brighter and more defined.

Final tips and takeaway:

Smooth, easy eyeliner starts with a good base — a touch of concealer or primer helps everything glide and stay put. From there, choose the formula that matches your day: gel for the smoothest glide, pencil for soft, everyday definition.

If you struggle with shaky hands or poor up-close vision, remember that tiny dashes or dabs and tightlining do most of the work for you. A light mascara finish lifts everything without much effort.

If you want help tweaking placement for your exact eye shape, start here: eyeliner by eye shape.

Eyeliner doesn’t have to be frustrating — a few small tweaks make it easier (and prettier) at any age.

FAQs: How to apply eyeliner

Q: Should I wear eyeliner on my top or bottom lids?

A:   Upper lids are almost always the most flattering, especially if you have smaller eyes or dark circles. If you want extra definition, lightly line the outer third of your lower lash line — but stop there so the eye stays open and lifted.

Q: How do you apply eyeliner with wrinkles or shaky hands?

A:  Don’t try to draw one perfect line. Use tiny dashes along the lash line and let them connect naturally. Warm up your pencil on your wrist so it glides easier over mature skin.

 Celebrity If you want to see this technique in action, makeup artist Debra Rubin shows you how to easily do this in this step-by-step tutorial.

Q: What eyeliner is best if you wear contact lenses?

A: Stick with firmer, waxy pencils or waterproof gel formulas. They stay put better and are less likely to leave residue on your lenses. Avoid soft kohl pencils along the waterline — they smudge easily and can transfer to contacts.

Q: How should a woman over 60 wear eyeliner?

A:  Keep the line soft and thin. A smooth, waterproof gel works great because it glides without tugging. Apply with light pressure and press the color into the lash line instead of pulling your lid tight.

Q: What color eyeliner makes brown eyes pop?

A: Shades like deep green, plum, bronze, and navy brighten and lift brown eyes instantly. They add contrast without the harshness of straight black.

Q: What’s the easiest eyeliner to apply for beginners over 40?

A:  A wax-based pencil or a slow-drying gel liner. Both give you time to correct mistakes, and they press nicely into the lash line without skipping or tugging.

Question: What is best eyeliner technique if I can't see up close?

Answer:  Use the “press, don’t draw” method. Press the pencil into the base of the lashes in tiny stamps instead of trying to draw a full line. It’s the easiest approach if your vision isn’t perfect or your hands aren’t steady.

Question: What eyeliner is best for mature eyes?

Answer: For most mature eyes, gel liners and smooth, waxy pencils are the easiest to work with.

They glide on without tugging, give soft definition instead of a harsh line, and usually stay put better than dry pencils or flaky liquids.
If you’re not sure where to start, try a smudge-proof gel or pencil and apply a thin line close to the lashes for a lifted look.

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About the Author:
Linda Robison is a Facial Fitness Specialist and the founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone. With decades of hands-on experience, she shares practical, natural ways to lift and brighten mature skin—without expensive or invasive treatments.

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