Eye Makeup Tips: How to Make Older Eyes Look Less Tired and More Youthful.

If your eyes are the first place aging shows up, you're not alone—I see it in myself too. Droopy lids, puffiness, dark circles, sparse lashes... I’ve dealt with all of it.

But with the right makeup tricks, you can brighten and lift your eyes in minutes. Below are some of my favorite tips that have helped me (and women I’ve worked with) look great. I’ve also linked to the tutorials and products I personally recommend.

👉 Just want eyeliner tips? Start with my full eyeliner makeup guide here »

Woman applying eyeliner, demonstrating eye makeup tips for a youthful look.

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

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1. Eyeliner tips that flatter aging eyes

Eyeliner is one of my favorite tools—but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned it’s all about how you apply it. Harsh lines can make eyes look smaller or more tired. Especially if you have hooded eyelids. 

These little changes made a big difference for me

  • Smudge just the outer corners: I like a soft ">" shape in the outer corners to lift the eyes without closing them off.
  • Tightline the upper lash line: Adds definition and makes lashes look fuller without heavy liner. See how I do it (with photos).
  • Skip heavy lower-lid liner: I usually avoid lining under the eyes—it tends to drag the whole look down.
  • Use off-black or colored liners: Navy, plum, or dark brown can brighten the whites of your eyes.
  • Use the right eyeliner: You might be using the wrong formula. Explore eyeliner options that work better for wrinkled or mature eyelids.
Woman applying eyeliner in a < shape to the outer corner of her eye — a technique that helps lift and define aging eyes.

👉 10 Eyeliner Tricks That Really Work on Aging Eyes

👉 How to Apply Eyeliner Over 40: Step-by-Step Tutorial

👉 Smudge-Proof Summer Eyeliner Tips

2. Know your eye shape

Once I figured out my eye shape, it changed the way I applied everything—from liner to eyeshadow placement. Here’s how to identify yours:

  • Look straight ahead in the mirror: Are your outer corners higher, lower, or level with your inner corners?
  • Check your crease: If it folds or disappears, you probably have hooded eyes like I do.
  • Adjust techniques accordingly: Liner placement and shadow shape should work with your eye structure, not against it.

👉 How to Find Your Eye Shape
👉 Eyeliner Tips by Eye Shape

3. Eye makeup hacks for brighter-wider look

Applying white eyeliner to brighten and open up mature eyes.

As we age, our eyes can lose their natural glow. These quick tricks help make your eyes look more awake and open:

  • Use off-white eyeliner: Line your lower waterline or inner corners. It instantly brightens without looking too harsh.
  • Focus mascara on top lashes: Heavy lower lash mascara can drag eyes down. I keep the volume up top.
  • Add volume with primer or powder: A light dusting of translucent powder before mascara helps it grip and adds fullness.
  • Try colored eyeliner: Certain green or navy shades can make the whites of your eyes appear brighter. Check out this eyeliner makeup video by a top makeup artist and see how the right eyeliner can whiten your eyes instantly!
  • Dot bright concealer: A tiny bit in the inner corners and above the iris creates an instant eye-opening effect. See how I do it here.

👉 My Favorite Lash Serum and Growth Tips
👉 Best Mascara for Older Women

4. Cover up dark circles

Illustration of right vs. wrong concealer application for dark circles.

Dark circles are usually a mix of shadows, puffiness, and pigment. A few smart concealer tricks can make a huge difference:

  • Hydrate first: Use an under-eye cream or primer to smooth the area and help makeup apply evenly.
  • Triangle concealer trick: Apply creamy concealer in an upside-down triangle shape (🔻) under your eyes to lift and brighten.
Woman applying highlighter to the bridge of her nose to brighten the under-eye area.Blend a highlighter down the center of the nose to help reduce appearance of dark circles
  • Highlight the center of your nose: It brings light to your face and subtly draws attention away from shadows.

This unusual technique creates a contrast that brings light to your face and draws attention away from dark circles. Be sure to use a shade a few tones lighter than your skin tone for the best result.

5. Hide puffy eyes

You can’t always make puffy eyes disappear—but these tricks help disguise them fast:

  • Try a tightening serum: I tested over 7 puffy eyes serums (from Preparation-H and Plexaderm) here are the ones that gave me visible results.
  • Use cold therapy: Ice packs, chilled spoons, or green tea bags can reduce swelling in minutes.
  • Adjust sleep and salt: Staying hydrated and sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help long term.

👉 Full guide: How to Reduce Puffy Eyes Naturally

6. Define your eyebrows

Close-up of a woman filling in her eyebrows with a pencil for a defined and lifted appearance.

Beautiful full eyebrows frame your entire face. When they’re sparse or faded, everything looks more tired. A few quick fixes go a long way:

👉 Why Full Brows Matter More as We Age

Final Takeaway:

Want to look more refreshed—even on no-sleep days or sweaty afternoons? Focus on three things:

  • Soft eyeliner and subtle lifting tricks that flatter aging eyes
  • Defined lashes and fuller brows to frame and brighten your face
  • Concealer techniques that lift shadows and hide puffiness

💖 Reader Favorites:

Need more tips?

Here are a few of the most-read eye tutorials on my site:

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About the Author:
Linda Robison is a Facial Fitness Specialist and the founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone. She shares expert insights on skincare, facial rejuvenation, and beauty treatments—blending traditional wisdom, personal experience, and science-backed research for both at-home and in-office solutions.

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