Eyeliner Tips for Aging Eyes — 10 No-Tug Tricks That Lift & Brighten

By: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist.

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I didn’t stop wearing eyeliner because I got older — eyeliner stopped working the way it used to.

Same products. Same hands. But suddenly it skipped, smudged, or made my eyes look more tired instead of defined.

It took me a while to realize the issue wasn’t “bad eyeliner” or needing more makeup — it was that my eyelids had changed, and my approach needed to change with them.

Once I made a few small tweaks, eyeliner became flattering again — softer, cleaner, and actually lifting instead of dragging my eyes down.

Some of these tips are about technique, but a few come down to choosing formulas that behave better on mature lids. I’ll point those out as we go so you can decide what’s worth trying — and what’s not.

Smudges, skips, or fading? You’re not alone.

The 10 no-tug tips below address the most common eyeliner issues on mature lids — from dryness and texture to wear time.

Quick note:  If you want help choosing the liners that tend to behave better on mature lids, I break that down here — but the tips below will still help no matter what you use.

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

Concealer evens tone and grips liner so it doesn’t melt into fine lines.
Tip: dab a hydrating eye cream first, set lightly with translucent powder.

Skip the foundation—it tends to settle into creases. Concealer is a better choice for mature skin. 

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

Gives definition without making eyes look heavy or overdone.

Look for a rich, opaque color defines without looking harsh—and glides on mature skin.  On me, browns look washed out, so I reach for deep hunter green eyeliner instead — it’s softer than black but still gives definition.

If your liner skips or drags, technique matters — I break it down step-by-step here.

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.

I like pencil liners like this when my lids feel a little drier or textured, because they glide without tugging. If pencils tend to skip on you, warm the tip slightly and use short, gentle strokes instead of one long line. Less pressure almost always looks better on mature lids.

3. What eyeliner texture works best for mature skin?

Look for one that glides on easily without tugging or settling into fine lines. A slightly firmer waterproof gel smooths over crepey texture without smudging

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

Gel liners can be a great option when pencils feel too soft or smudge too easily. The key is using a very thin brush and pressing the color in close to the lash line rather than dragging it across the skin. This gives definition without emphasizing fine lines.

A thin, flexible brush makes a big difference. If your liner keeps looking thick or uneven, it’s often the tool—not your technique. I get cleaner results when I barely load the brush and build the line slowly.

Want to see how it looks on my eyes? I share my photos and exactly how I apply it in my How to Apply Eyeliner guide.

If you’re ready to try it yourself, you can check the current price directly from waterproof gel eyeliner and brush.

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 keep tightlining very minimal so it lifts my outer eye instead of closing it. You can see how I tightline my eyes here.

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

Creates a lifted, more awake look without dramatic lines.

Keep the flick tiny and angle it toward your brow tail — it subtly lifts the outer corner.

Want the quick breakdown? Here’s the tiny eyeliner flick guide (especially helpful for hooded or aging eyes).

6. Should you put eyeliner on the lower lash line if you have mature eyes?

Define your eyes without emphasizing puffiness or fine lines.

If you like liner on the lower lid, keeping it minimal makes a big difference. Heavy or full-length lower liner can drag the eye down and highlight texture.

I show the exact lower-lash placement (with photos) in my How to Apply Eyeliner guide.

Tip: For sweaty or humid 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.

A soft > shape in the inner corner wakes up tired eyes instantly.

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?

A sheer gel shadow gives soft definition that won’t settle or smear.

If you’ve got fine lines under your eyes (especially those tiny cross-hatched ones), heavy lower liner can settle fast and make the area look more textured.

My go-to swap: I use a very light smudge of gel shadow instead of drawing a line under the eye — it gives definition, but stays smoother.

Want to see the exact placement and what it looks like on me? See it 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.

A medium matte shade slightly above the natural fold adds depth and lift.

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. 

Curled, volumized top lashes open the eye; bottom mascara is optional.

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

Not sure it’s the eyeliner—or the application?

If eyeliner tips aren’t working the way you expected, it’s not always about technique. As eyelids change, some eyeliners just behave better than others, and sometimes placement matters more than the product itself.

If eyeliner still isn’t working, it’s often about the formula—not your hands. Some liners just behave better on textured or hooded lids. I explain which eyeliner types work best for mature eyes (and which to skip) here.

Quick Recap: Eyeliner Tricks That Really Work

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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