Best Eyeliner for Aging Eyes

What is the best eyeliner for seniors?

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!

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

Things to consider when choosing eyeliner

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

What color eyeliner is best for mature eyes?

Eyeliner color is so important. But, it's not just the color, but how rich the color is.

Regardless of the type of eyeliner you choose, make sure the color doesn't look harsh on you. If all you notice is your eyeliner and not your eyes, then the color is too rich or pigmented.

Most make-up artists and experts will tell you that mature eyes should avoid dark eyeliner colors as this only draws attention to crow's feet, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles.

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.

Keep reading, we'll help guide you to find the perfect eyeliner for your needs.

Does dark eyeliner make you look older?

Personally, I can get away with wearing rich dark colors like dark plum, dark champagne, brown, or deep blue.

But, the brand I use makes these colors in a muted tone, so they look soft, but still manage to accent my eyes.

However, use your own judgement and experiment with different colors.

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 (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 eyeliner 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?

So many eyeliner types and so many choices! Thick soft eyeliner crayon, thin waxy pencil liner, liquid eyeliner and even gels, powders liners.

TIP: As we age, the thin skin on the upper lids tend to crinkle - especially when we close the eye shut to apply makeup.

So when we apply eyeliner, it tends to skip – looking blotchy and uneven along the upper lash line. This is a messy look and draws attention to the crinkles/wrinkles instead of your beautiful eyes!

Some work around this problem by pulling or stretching the eyelid skin - not a good idea.

So, if you have very loose or crinkly upper eyelid skin, try a gel eyeliner with a creamy waterproof formula base.

It will glide on smoothly and fill in wrinkles and gaps, creating a nice, smooth and soft look.

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

Creamy Gel Eyeliner

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!

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.

PLUS: By "smudging" it directly into the upper lids (as opposed to drawing a thick eyeliner line) you won't accentuate droopy eyelids.

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.

For more tips on applying eyeliner for mature eyes, hop on over to the following page:

How do you apply eyeliner to aging eyes?

This article will show you really simple step-by-step pictures and a eyeliner tutorial that will make you a pro in no time!

What kind of eyeliner should an older woman wear?

Which eyeliner will work for you?

liquid
crayon
pencil
gel

which eyeliner will work for you? Well, being over 60, my liquid eyeliner days are over!

My hands are just NOT that steady anymore, and you need precision with liquid liners.

Crayon liners are SUPER easy to use, but are too smudgy, thick, and melt too fast. They tend to settle into fine lines and wrinkles before the day is over.

How do you do Crayon eyeliner?

Crayon eyeliner pencil is not the best for older eyes.

I've tried crayon eye makeup liners, like L'Oreal's Smoldering Pencil. It works great if you only line the upper lids.

Note: It didn't last long for me. It melted and faded into my wrinkles 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.

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. Note: Take a peek at this page "eyeliner makeup" to see how I apply this pencil.

How should an older women wear eyeliner pencil?

Take a peek at this article "eyeliner makeup" to see how I apply this pencil.

I try to avoid the inner corner and instead apply a small amount of this eyeliner to the outer 1/3 corners of my eyes....making sure to smudge it into the lash line.

Because it's waxy, you have to press a little harder to get color deposit, but it lasts all day. Especially, when you smudge a bit of eyeshadow on top.

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

How should an older woman wear eyeliner?

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.

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

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.

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

Questions/Comments or Just Wanna Chat?

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"With product tested reviews, step-by-step tutorials, videos, and before and after pictures, my goal is to give you the confidence to look your best at any age."