Eyeliner Tips for Aging Eyes: 10 Tricks That Really Work

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist

What’s the best way to apply eyeliner on aging eyes?

For mature eyes (over 40, 50, or 60), the best eyeliner techniques are ones that create soft definition without emphasizing wrinkles, puffiness, or hooded lids.

The most effective tips include using a pigmented pencil, tightlining for fuller lashes, a small upward flick for lift, and choosing softer shades like brown, plum, or navy instead of harsh black.

One of my go-tos is this waterproof gel liner — it glides on smoothly and doesn’t tug on mature lids.

If your eyeliner smudges, skips, or fades into creases, you’re not alone—these are the most common eyeliner problems for older women.

That’s why I’ve tested and collected 10 simple eyeliner tricks that actually work for mature skin.

These include placement adjustments, texture swaps, and a few extras (like concealer and mascara) that instantly make eyeliner look fresher on aging eyes.

Want a full eyeliner tutorial? Watch this step-by-step tutorial for applying eyeliner on mature eyes, with video tips from makeup pro Debra Rubin-Roberts.

How to apply eyeliner for a youthful, lifted look

Aging eyes can still look lifted, bright, and beautifully defined with the right eyeliner techniques. These quick tips are designed to enhance your eyes gently—without tugging, smudging, or drawing attention to wrinkles or puffiness.

Let’s take a closer look at the techniques that really make a difference—starting with one of the most (in my opinion) overlooked steps...

1. How can concealer help eyeliner stay put on aging eyes?

Concealer on the eyelids prevents eyeliner from smudging and settling into fine lines.

It evens skin tone, covers discoloration, and creates a smooth base so eyeliner lasts longer on mature eyes.

Don’t skip this anti-aging tip! Concealer is key for mature eyes—it helps cover discoloration and redness, and it also prevents eyeliner from smudging or settling into fine lines throughout the day.

I always start with a hydrating eye cream to help it glide on smoothly. Then I use a beige shade concealer (never white) that matches my skin tone to create a crease-free base.

Skip the foundation—it tends to settle into creases. Concealer is a better choice for mature skin. Here’s why you should skip foundation on your lids.

☀️ Summer Tip: Oily lids and humidity can make eyeliner melt fast. A lightweight concealer acts like a primer, helping your eyeliner stay put—even on hot, sweaty days. A light dusting of translucent powder over your concealer can lock it in without adding weight. It’s a trick beauty editors at Byrdie also recommend to help eyeliner last longer and prevent smudging.

2. What kind of eyeliner pencil looks best on aging eyes?

Gives definition without making eyes look heavy or overdone.

The purpose of eyeliner is to define and shape your eyes, so choose a liner with a rich color—dark enough to create definition without looking harsh. Look for an opaque formula that provides full coverage, but avoid overly pigmented liners that can come off as too intense

If you're not sure, here is a test to check opacity:

• Swipe the liner on your hand. An opaque liner shows solid, rich color with no gaps. If it's patchy or see-through, it might not be opaque enough.

Julep When Pencil Met Gel Eyeliner – Rich Muted Brown (check price on Amazon)

I use this on both upper and lower lash lines. It defines without looking too bold and stays put all day—even on slightly crepey lids.

Julep Pencil Gel Eyeliner – Pink Rose Shimmer (check price on Amazon)

I dab a small dot of this shimmer right above my iris or in the inner corner—it adds just a touch of brightness without screaming “glitter.”

3. What eyeliner texture works best for mature skin?

Look for one that glides on easily without tugging or settling into fine lines.

As skin loses moisture and elasticity with age, the wrong eyeliner texture can be frustrating. Creamy liners may smudge into fine lines, while dry formulas can skip and drag. If this happens to you then try a soft waterproof gel liner. 

This waterproof gel eyeliner has a slightly firmer texture that works best on dry crepey skin—it gives a soft, even application without smudging or clumping.

I like apply the gel with the Mommy Makeup’s super thin gel brush for razor-sharp definition. 

Want to see how it looks on me? In this post, I'm wearing a gorgeous Champagne Golden Brown shade. Check it out!

4. What is tightlining and why does it work for older eyes?

Defines lashes softly while lifting smaller or hooded eyes.

Tightlining is one of my favorite tricks for aging eyes! It defines the lash line without settling into fine lines—and done right, it won’t make your eyes look smaller. I only line the outer third of the upper waterline to gently lift and open the eyes.

The trick? Keep it tight and minimal. This soft-focus technique gives definition without closing off your eyes—especially helpful if you have smaller lids or hooded eyes.

You can see how I tightline my eyes here—the pencil I use, how I hold it, and exactly where I start.😊

5. How can a small eyeliner flick lift aging eyes?

Creates a lifted, more awake look without dramatic lines.

I Love this tip! It creates the illusion of lifted eyes with subtitle eyeliner flick. Pin it to try later!

• To create the lift, keep your eyes open and look straight ahead.
• Start at the outer corner of your eye and draw a small, thin line going upward—not sideways. It should angle toward the end of your eyebrow, like a tiny lift.
• The line disappears when your eyes are open, and mascara enhances the lifted effect.

Want a quick refresher on just this flick technique? Here’s the tiny eyeliner flick broken down in its own guide. It’s a simple lift trick that’s especially helpful for hooded or aging eyes—and it’s one of my go-to moves when I don’t want to wear a full eye look.

6. How to apply eyeliner to lower lash line

Define your eyes without emphasizing wrinkles or puffiness.

If you like the look of liner on your lower lid, this is a great tip to subtly make your eyes pop! Apply pencil on the outer 1/3 of your lower lash line with a very light touch.

This brightens the eyes and makes them stand out. Be careful not to apply too much, as it can make your eyes look smaller and more aged.

For a softer look, apply lightly and blend with a brush or your finger. Stick to lighter shades, as dark colors can accentuate fine lines and make your eyes appear smaller.

Learn my step-by-step technique to perfectly line your lower eyelids—ideal for a brighter, youthful look.

☀️ Summer Edition Tip:
In hot weather, smudging along the lower lash line is super common—especially if your eyeliner is too creamy. For sweatier days, choose waterproof or gel-based liners — these are a few I’ve tested that don’t smudge in the heat.

7. How to brighten tired eyes with white or beige liner

Wakes up tired eyes for a brighter, more refreshed look.
A white or beige eyeliner on the inner corners can make your eyes look wider and more awake. This anti-aging trick works wonders for small, close-set eyes, or when your eyes are puffy or tired.

Just make sure to smudge or blend the line well. I use an off-white or beige pencil to draw the > shape, then soften it with a thin brush. I love this tip—even on days I’m not wearing makeup!

TIP: Need a quick pick-me-up for tired skin? These 8 fun little glow-boosters help perk up my face fast!

8. What’s the best gel-shadow trick instead of lower eyeliner?

Softens the look while avoiding creasing and smudging under the eyes.

If you’ve got fine lines under your eyes—especially those tiny cross-hatched ones—be cautious with eyeliner on your lower lids. It tends to settle into creases and can make the area look even more lined or puffy.

On days those lines stand out, I skip lower eyeliner and use a soft gel eyeshadow instead. It glides on without tugging or smudging and gives just enough definition. You can see exactly how I apply it—and how it looks on me right here.

9. How does contouring the crease lift hooded eyes?

Adds depth and dimension to help hooded eyes look more lifted.

Contouring the eye crease helps lift and define hooded eyes by creating depth where the natural fold is less visible.

Use a medium-toned shadow slightly deeper than your skin tone, and blend it just above your real crease—not directly in it. This creates a soft shadow that makes hooded or mature eyes look more open and dimensional.

10. Why curl lashes and use mascara on mature eyes?

Opens up the eyes and enhances definition without extra liner.

Complete your look by curling your lashes and applying a volumizing mascaras for mature lashes. Apply it from the roots to the tips. Skipping the lower lashes can help avoid drawing attention to dark circles or shadows (but test it—every eye is different).

Pro tip: Lightly dusting powder on your lashes before mascara helps it stick better and makes them look thicker—and even a bit longer. Try it for a fuller, lifted look!

Want even thicker, healthier lashes? Try these expert tips for longer lashes.

Quick Recap: Eyeliner Tricks That Really Work

Do This	Here’s Why
1. Use Concealer on Upper Lids	Helps liner stay put & evens out skin tone.
2. Use Pigmented Pencil	Rich color defines eyes without harsh lines.
3. Pick Balanced Liner	Glides without tugging or smudging.
4. Tightline	Makes lashes look full.
5. Invisible Eye Lift Trick	An outer flick lifts corners.
6. Line Lower Lashes	Outer third only—fresh and lifted.
7. Brighten Inner Corners	Wakes up tired eyes.
8. Use Rich Natural Colors	Brown, plum & navy.
9. Contour Crease with Shadow	Adds depth & eyes look more open.
10. Curl Lashes + Mascara	Opens eyes.

Takeaway: Eyeliner tips for aging eyes

You don’t need to give up eyeliner as you get older. The best eyeliner techniques for mature eyes (over 40, 50, or 60) are the ones that softly define without emphasizing eye wrinkles, puffiness, or hooded lids.

Quick recap of what works best:

• Use concealer or primer on lids to stop smudging.
• Choose a soft pencil or gel liner that glides without tugging.
• Try tightlining and a small flick for lift.
• Stick to softer shades like brown, plum, or navy instead of harsh black.
• Keep lower liner light and minimal.

✨ ABZ Tip: Puffy under-eyes can make eyeliner tricky. See my before-and-after photos + which eye serums actually helped me get smoother results.

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Common eyeliner mistakes that make eyes look older (and easy fixes)

Even the best products can fall flat if the technique isn’t right. Here are three common eyeliner mistakes I see on mature eyes — and the quick swaps that keep things fresh and lifted:

1. Using harsh black liner everywhere

• ❌ Mistake: A thick black line on top and bottom lids makes eyes look smaller and draws attention to wrinkles.
• ✅ Fix: Switch to softer shades like brown, navy, or plum. Keep the line thin and blendable.

2. Lining the entire lower lash line

• ❌ Mistake: Tracing eyeliner all the way across the bottom lid emphasizes puffiness and fine lines.
• ✅ Fix: Apply only to the outer third of the lower lashes, then smudge lightly for a softer finish.

3. Skipping primer or concealer on lids

• ❌ Mistake: Applying liner directly to bare, oily skin makes it smudge and settle into creases.
• ✅ Fix: Use a lightweight concealer or primer first, then set with a touch of translucent powder for all-day wear.

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