Eyeliner Makeup: Tips For Women Over 40: Make Your Eyes Pop!

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

See how eyeliner makeup can perk up tired looking eyes. I'll show you some quick easy tips especially for older women that looks classy and natural.

Here's what you'll find on this page:

• Personalized advice on eyeliner application for women over 40.
• Expert makeup tips and insights from makeup artist Debra Rubin-Roberts.
• Gel shadow alternatives to traditional eyeliner for a more natural appearance.
• Tips to brighten tired eyes and make them look and whiter.
• Recommendations for eyeliner colors and techniques to enhance your look.
• Product suggestions for best results.

At what age should a woman stop wearing eyeliner?

I say Never!  It’s never too late to wear eyeliner!

I love wearing eyeliner and I still do, even though I'm over 60! The trick is finding unique tips to make it work for you. While many makeup artists offer "rules" about eyeliner for older women, I prefer a personalized approach that enhances our natural beauty rather than limiting our choices. 

The key is to adapt your technique to look fresh and natural, without harsh lines or overdone makeup

Is there a wrong or right way to wear eyeliner?

Eyeliner Tips for Upper Lid

I used to think eyeliner was making my eyes look smaller—and sometimes it was. Especially on tired days or when my lids looked more creased. But once I adjusted how I applied it (and what I used), everything changed.

Here’s what helped:

• Use softer formulas. Creamy pencils or gels won’t tug on delicate skin.
• Only line the outer third. It adds lift and shape without closing off the eye.
• Dark shades are fine. With the right technique, even black can enhance—without looking harsh.

👉 Want to see exactly how I line my upper and lower lids for bigger, more defined eyes? Here’s my step-by-step tutorial with photos.

Eyeliner Tips for Lower lid

You’ve probably heard not to apply dark eyeliner to the lower lids—it can exaggerate wrinkles or dark circles. But if you go softer, it can work beautifully.

Here’s what I do:

• I apply just a touch of liner to the outer third of my lower waterline.
• I leave the inner corners clean to keep the eyes lifted and open.
• I often use a brown or bronze pencil for a softer effect.

👉 Want more detail on this technique? Here’s how I apply lower eyeliner step-by-step.

Want to wear eye makeup without eyeliner?

If you skip eyeliner but still want definition, try gel shadow or a soft highlighter. In this picture I used a champagne color called: Golden Caramel Brown Any Wear Cream here—it’s water and smudge-proof, and doubles as a brow and cheek highlighter.

How to apply eyeliner shadow: Video tutorial

Here, makeup artist and owner of Mommy Makeup, Debra Rubin shows how to use eyeshadow as an eyeliner and more.

What's nice about this color is that it accentuates the eyes without having to use dark eyeliner and brings a lift to the upper eye area! It's also a great eyeliner color for blondes.

How to make eyes look whiter

According to Debra Rubin-Roberts, Award-Winning Makeup Artist: "Choosing the right eyeliner color can make all the difference, regardless of your eye color. Certain shades of green eyeliner, like hunter green, can make the whites of your eyes really pop!"

How to make eyes brighter

Another eyeliner makeup trick for mature eyes that really works to brighten and open them up is applying a bit creamy white eyeliner inside or along the rim of the lower eyelids.

• Tip: Apply creamy white eyeliner to the waterline or inner corners of your eyes. Keep it to the inner 1/3 of your eye for the best effect. This will help the whites of your eyes appear larger and brighter.
• Note: Be sure to use a creamy formula that won’t irritate your eyes. A long-lasting formula works best for staying in place throughout the day.

Best white eyeliner for the waterline

Originally, I was using a cheap drugstore brand, wooded pencil eyeliner, but it was too white, it didn't last long, and irritated my eyes.

So I switched to Maybelline TattooStudio Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil. It's a hybrid of a gel and pencil that last all day and works very well on the waterline.  I have sensitive eyes, but surprisingly, Maybelline eyeliners don't irritate me, even though they're not labeled hypoallergenic.

How to choose the right eyeliner?

Speaking of choosing the right white eyeliner—let's talk about something that can be tricky for a lot of us: choosing the right eyeliner for mature eyes.

And I get it—I’m right there with you! As one of the millions of women who struggles with mature skin, wrinkles, puffiness, and smudging, I know firsthand how hard it can be to find an eyeliner that actually works for us.

When shopping for eyeliners, here’s what to look for:

• Formula: Go for creamy, smooth formulas like gel or pencil that glide on easily without tugging at delicate skin.
• Avoid Harsh Lines: Dark, thick eyeliner can actually make eyes look smaller and draw attention to wrinkles. Instead, opt for softer shades and gentler application for a more natural, lifted look.
• Waterproof & Long-Lasting: If you have oily eyelids or deal with smudging, look for waterproof formulas that won’t fade throughout the day.

Want some easy tips on choosing the perfect eyeliner for wrinkled lids? Check out my article on How to Pick Eyeliner for Wrinkled Lids.

Final eyeliner tips

Final Eyeliner Tips

To get the best look for your eyes, you really have to experiment with different types of eyeliner to find what suits you best.

Personally, I find pencil and gel liners easy to use, but liquid liners are a no-go for me! They tend to be too intense and apply more product than I can control, which can overwhelm my small eyes.

Hopefully, at the end of the day, you’ll find the best combination of eyeliner makeup tips that'll make your eyes just pop!

If you're looking for more detailed advice, check out these additional resources:

• Eyeliner by Eye Shape
• How to Find Your Eye Shape
• Waterproof Gel Eyeliner: Best for Mature Skin
• Liquid Eyeliner for Defined Lashes

Also, find some of my favorite and quick beauty hacks to make your eyes look less tired.

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