How to Apply Eyeliner Over 40: Step-by-Step Pictures and Tutorial with Videos

Q: Q: How should a 60-year-old woman wear eyeliner?

A: First, it's best to use an eyeliner with a tiny, thin applicator - like a thin brush. Pencils are difficult because you have to sharpen all the time and sometimes those sharp points can hurt and tug on soft, loose skin. Second, a water-proof gel liner like the one mentioned above with a very tiny, thin, talon brush would work great for your situation. It's smooth and will glide on easily without tugging on your eyelid skin.

Q: Q: Which Maybelline pencil eyeliner do you use?

A: I use the M aybelline wood pencil eyeliner in black. It's been around forever. My mother used it years ago. However, sometimes it's hard to find in stores. My favorite colors black and dark brown are almost always sold out. If that's the case, check it out on Amazon. Here is the link.

- Should you wear eyeliner if you're older?
- How to apply liner in your 50s?
- How should a woman over 60 wear eye makeup?

How to Apply Eyeliner Step by Step with Pictures

I'll show you how to apply eyeliner and answer these questions. You'll also find natural looking tips and what types of eyeliner to use for hooded, droopy eyelids, eye wrinkles, fine lines, or shaky hands.

Also, how to apply eye pencil on upper lash line, lower lash line and what type are best for older skin.

You'll also find an eyeliner application tutorial for contact lens wearers who have trouble with liner leaving residue on lenses.

Contents:

Should you wear eyeliner if you're older?

Problems applying eyeliner on hooded eyes with wrinkles

Eyeliner can really enhance your features and brighten your face! But many women over 40, 50, and beyond have a hard time with eye makeup application for many reasons, including:

Best eyeliner for wrinkled eyelids? Woman with hooded eyelids.

wrinkled or hooded upper eyelids
drooping or sagging upper eyelids
poor vision
shaky hands
don't know how to apply correctly to enhance mature eyes
are not using the right liner makeup (pencil vs. gel)

I'll show you how to wear liner that looks natural. Applying eye pencil shouldn't be difficult, regardless if you use liquid liner, pencil liners or gel liners.

Choosing the best eyeliner for seniors

From my experience as a "60 something year old woman" I found the best types of liner makeup for older eyes is either:

gel based, waterproof liner
waxy pencil liner
eyebrow pencil

Here are why these types of eyeliners are best for mature eyes...

Gel Eyeliners Better Than Pencil?

Yes! Gel liners are especially easy for those who have no experience using liners or have a hard time applying them (like me!).

And for older women who may have issues with unsteady hands or wrinkles and folds around the eye area.

They have a nice thick creamy texture, so they're easy to control during application. They usually come with a super thin brush, which makes application and control super easy!

What about waterproof Gel Liners?

Even better! Waterproof gel eyeliner prevents smudging, disappearing, or sticking to wrinkles, folds, and contact lenses.

You can also apply this type of liner inside the waterline, as this gel liner will NOT stick to contact lenses, making it suitable for contact wearers.

So, a waterproof gel liner offers the following advantages:

You'll have more control over the application
It won't deposit too much color per swipe
It won't disappear, melt or smudge
Best eyeliner for contact wearers

How to Apply Eyeliner Tutorial: How should an older woman wear eyeliner?

How do you apply eyeliner to mature eyes?

Click here to watch this simple how to apply eyeliner tutorial. This easy eyeliner video will show you a simple trick for applying gel liners for a classic, natural everyday-look that works well for eyes of all ages.

Regardless of what type of eye makeup you use, it's best to put it on in dashes, like little lines across the whole eyelid.

Check out this helpful "how to apply eyeliner step by step with pictures video" for other liner looks over 40.

It covers:

how to get a smooth application
what colors work best for mature eyes
how to apply eyeliner on lower lashes and lower eyelid

Best waterproof gel eyeliner

I've tried lots of waterproof gel liners, and many are too thick or chunky and leave floating deposits in my eyes.

The gel liner listed below is the only one that doesn't irritate my eyes and best for contact wearers because it won't smudge your contact lenses.

Click on the pictures below to see all the gorgeous gel liner colors and a closeup of the super thin (made in the USA) hand-cut Pointed Eyeliner Brush!

Showing soft gel liner and thin brush. This is the best eyeliner for mature eyes.

how to apply gel eyeliner using a gel brush

I also like that this gel liner doesn't dry immediately, so you have time to wipe away any first time mistakes.

This line of gel liners come in a lot of different colors, but my favorite is the Hunter Green because it makes my eyes look brighter!

Speaking of eyeliner color and brighter eyes...

How to make eyes whiter with eyeliner

Certain colored eye pencils can help the whites of your eyes look whiter, brighter.

Want brighter, whiter eyes? See how this eyeliner can help! Click here...

Just how some lipstick colors can make your teeth look whiter, certain colored eyeliners can make the whites of the eyes look whiter too.

And, no, this does not involve using white eye pencil, which in some cases, can make the eyes look dull or yellow.

This eyeliner is a certain shade of dark green that helps brighten the whole eye area. Click here to watch this video and see how it works.

What color eyeliner is best?

Whether your eyes are green, blue, hazel, or brown, all look good with eyeshadows or liners in the dark brown, taupe, or rusty warm colored family.

This creamy gel liner below is my favorite and seems to work with everyone's skin tone and color. Plus, it's soft, so don't notice the liner, just your eyes!

Click Here: To see this GOLDEN CARMEL BROWN ANYWHERE EYE CREAM

Here I'm wearing this brown/champagne color, and I've added a bit to the lower lashes. It frames my eyes, but it's not so dark to emphasize any puffiness or dark circles.

How to apply eyeliner for older women. What eyeliner color is best?

How to wear eyeliner without looking like you're wearing eye makeup?

You don't want people to notice your makeup, you want to notice your beautiful face. You want that natural, barely-there subtle look.

So a simple trick is to apply the liner to the upper waterline and (using the brush) smudge it in-between the lashes, down at the roots, to fill in any white gaps. This will make your eyelashes look thicker too.

And, use a beautiful neutral color, like the one below. It's bright enough to highlight your eyes without that heavy makeup look. 😘

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualified purchases without any extra charge to you.

Do You Like Eyeliner Pencils Better?

Don't want to use a gel liner? That's fine because a pencil liner is just as good for mature skin and very simple to use.

Just make sure to stay away from the super soft crayon type as they can smear easily.

I prefer a waxy pencil, it stays on longer. Here is how to put on an eye pencil liner with ease…

Is putting eyeliner on your waterline bad?

Putting eyeliner on your waterline (also called tightlining) isn't necessarily "bad," but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Some may find that eyeliner on the waterline can cause irritation or discomfort, or even infection. Especially if they have sensitive eyes.
Applying eyeliner to the waterline can make your eyes appear slightly smaller.

If you want to line your waterline, test a small area first. Even eye pencils that are designed for this and are ophthalmologist test can cause issues. At least that's the case for me.

The only two eyeliners I can use on the waterline are Maybelline pencils and Mommy Makeup waterproof gel liners. All other brands will cause my eyes to itch, water, and feel uncomfortable.

Also, it's important to keep your pencils and eyeliner brushes clean.

Here is how to use eyeliner pencil on upper lid:

Sometime time after 40, our eyelids start drooping downward, making the corners look turned down (sad look). How can you apply liner without accentuating droopy eyelids?

Top eyeliner tutorial pencil. How to apply eyeliner step by step with pictures to the upper waterline.

No need to worry about winkled eyelids, poor vision, or shaky hands. This defines your upper eyelid and make lashes look thicker too.

Apply the eye pencil to the inside of the lashes and then bring the tip up at the corners.

Ok, here is how I apply an eye pencil on the upper lid.

Take clean eye pencil and gently smudge it onto the upper inner lash line. If needed, use your index finger to lift the outer corner of the upper eyelid.

Make sure the pencil is not too sharp, you want a smooth rounded tip, so it glides on the upper eyelid easily and doesn't hurt or poke your eyelid.
Then smudge the pencil back and forth into the eyelash roots along the outer 1/3 of the eye only. Don't go too far in or your eyes will look smaller.

The beauty of this eye pencil application if you have poor vision or shaky hands, there is NO need to draw a straight or even line.

Also, it's a good idea to clean your eye pencil by wiping it with a paper towel moistened with rubbing alcohol. Give it a few minutes to dry before using.

How do you lift your eyes? Winged eyeliner for older eyes

Here is a simple trick to apply eyeliner for a quick lift. winged eyeliner for older eyes

After you've finished applying your eyeliner, just give the corner a little flick upwards. Simply draw one line straight up from the end of your eyelash line.

See picture below...

This simple winged eyeliner helps lift the corners of the eyes. Perfect for women over 50!

There are all types of eyeliner tips, but this last step can really give your eyes a nice lift and works best if you wear mascara.

When you open your eyes, that line will blend in with your lashes, giving the eyes an uplifting appearance.

How to apply eyeliner with pictures. How can I make my eyes lift?

Simple, easy way to apply winged eyeliner over 50. This little, tiny tip will make your eyes look more lifted.

Remember, don't draw the line out (like cat eyes style) as this will most likely draw attention to any sagging of the eyelids.

You need to compensate by drawing a tiny line straight up.

I found that by drawing one thin line upward gives the eyes a nice lift.

How angled should that line be? That depends on the shape and amount of laxity in your eyelids.

But for most women, a small dash angled toward the tail-end of your eyebrow works great. Play around and to see what works best.

Now, just add mascara and your eyes have definition, lift, and a bit of pop—without looking over-done or heavy.

How to apply eyeliner pencil on lower eyelid:

Depending on your eye shape and the condition of your skin, you may be able to wear a bit of liner on the lower lid.

If so, try this EASY tip and see how it looks on you.

Using your index finger, lightly pull your lower eyelid down. Now run the pencil on the 1/3 outer corner only of the inside the lower eyelid rim (water line). If you draw a line from end to end across the lower lid, it can look too harsh.

How to put on eyeliner on lower waterline lid using Maybelline pencil eyeliner.

Now add a little color to the outer lower waterline for more definition.

Note: Make sure to keep the color deposit very light. You just want a hint of color outlining the lower lid to make your eye stand-out.

Depending on the shape and size of your eyes, some women choose to skip this step completely.

Also, many find some eyeliner color from the upper lid will transfer to the lower lid when they blink, and this is often enough to provide a light outline for the lower lid.

Best all day eyeliner pencil?

When it comes to pencil liners, I prefer a hard waxy pencil (over a soft crayon) because it gives me control for color deposit and stays on all day.

My two favorites are:

Maybelline Pencil Wood Eyeliner and
Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Automatic Pencil

I have very sensitive eyes and have tried plenty of eyeliners, but Maybelline pencil eyeliner brands never bother my eyes.

They provide great options for those who can't master the use of a pencil liner or want a softer look.

Worst-case scenario, if you still have a hard time putting on eyeliner makeup, try using a dark eyeshadow. This might be easier to apply and allow you to practice.

Then you can move onto long-lasting eye pencils and gel liners.

What type of eyeliner to avoid for waterline

Avoid using soft eye makeup like Kohl pencil or this thick, crayon-like eye pencil by L'Oreal.

Avoid this type of eyeliner for contact lenses

Why:

First, it's hard to control and often deposits too much color.
Second, it's so soft and will leave a residue on your contact lenses.
Third, it will melt, smudge and disappear too quickly.

However, that being said, this eye crayon works beautifully for on upper lids an eyeshadow. I love it and use it mostly as an eyeshadow.

It's hard to find this at the local drugstore, but you get it on Amazon.

Should a woman over 60 wear eyeliner?

I say yes! Because everything seems to fade with age!

As we age, everything seems to fade…skin tone & color, hair color, eye color, even eyelashes and eyebrows fade.

Do you feel uncomfortable wearing dark eyeliners?

Here is a lovely champagne colored liner. It also works as a shadow and cheek highlighter. The color is soft, yet brings out your eyes.

You can see how it looks on me here at this page…

Puffy Eyes or Under Eye Wrinkles

Applying eyeliner to puffy or wrinkled eyes is difficult and can be frustrating. There are a few ways I deal with puffy eyes – depending on how much time I have and how bad the puffiness is.

1. You can temporarily hide the puffiness with one swipe of the Easy Eye Solution Instant Eye Tuck Serum.

You can buy it on Amazon or get it here on SALE with FREE shipping...

2. Manjishtha Eye Cream and the 3-C Massage Technique. Want more information on this technique? See more here.

3. You can try a cold compresses, but can be compresses can wet and messy. However, this cooling globe is not.

This Cooling Gel Globe is a new favorite, especially for my tired, allergy-irritated, itchy eyes.

It's cold and dry, and I just keep it in the fridge. That way, it's always ready when I need a little cooling relief for puffy eyes.

4. A good face massage does wonder not only for puffy eyes, but for your entire face and double chin.

This is my Kansa wand. When I have the time, I use it to de-puff my whole face, especially the eyes, and double chin area. It really works and is not a hoax.

Check out more information about the Kansa wand and see how I use it here.

Also, learn about the 5 proven ways to naturally firm up saggy, crepey skin.

Eye Makeup on Hooded Eyelids

Applying eyeliner makeup on hooded eyes present a unique challenge because excess skin drooping over the upper eyelid can make the eyes look small. And, a thick layer of eyeliner can make them look even smaller.

So the goal is to enhance and define the eyes without making them appear smaller or hidden.

Here are a few tips to try if you have hooded eyelids or your eyes are a little puffy. Everyone is different, so each of them to see what works best for you and your eye shape:

Note: I don't have hooded eyelids, but some days my eyes are swollen or puffy. I found that tips 1, 2, 3 and 4 work great for me! 😊

1. The Thin Line Trick: For those with hooded eyes, opt for a thin eyeliner line along the upper lash line. Using a finely sharpened eyeliner pencil or a gel liner with a super thin brush, is your secret weapon for precision application. This look will help open up your eyes naturally.

2. Wing Lift: An eyeliner flick at the outer corners of your eyes visually lifts your hooded eyes. Remember to follow your eye's natural shape for the best effect.

3. Tightlining: Applying eyeliner to your upper waterline, is perfect for defining your eyes without using precious lid space. It's a game-changer for hooded eyes.

4. Illuminate the Inner Corners: Add a dash of highlighter or shimmery eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes. This quick trick brightens your look and makes your eyes looking refreshed.

5. Smudge Magic: To create depth, gently smudge your eyeliner or use eyeshadow along the upper lash line. This smoky effect works wonders with hooded eyes, blurring the line between the lid and the hooded area.

6. The Neutral Palette: For hooded eyelids, it's best to that enhance your skin tone without drawing attention to the hooded area.

How to apply eyeliner – Final tips

Remember, there is no wrong or right way to apply eyeliner.

How you apply it or what type of liner you use all depends on many factors, like your eye shape and what issues you may have.

it’s a matter of what works best for you.

A Note About Hard Wax Eyeliner Pencils: Some complain that hard-waxy type liners are difficult to apply because they don't deposit enough color, especially when they're brand new.

So here is what you can do:

Try warming it up a bit, by placing the tip into the palm of your hand for a few minutes. The color will glide on more easily.

If you have any eye issues or medical conditions, always consult with an ophthalmologist before applying eyeliner or eye makeup.

Also, some ophthalmologists suggest that applying eyeliner to the waterline may cause dry eye syndrome overtime. Read more about that here.

FAQ - How to apply eyeliner

Have questions about eyeliner application? See below…

Do you have a favorite eyeliner or application tip that works well for mature eyes? We'd love to hear about it. Come-on, join the conversation or post your pictures by clicking here...

Q: Should eyeliner go on top or bottom?

A: That's a personal preference. You should try it both ways and see which looks better on you. If your eyes are very small, or you have dark under eye circles, it's better just keeping the eyeliner on the upper eyelids.

Q: How do you do straight lines when doing eyeliner?

A: You really don't draw a straight line when applying eyeliner. It's much easier and looks more natural to draw tiny dashes (- - - ) across the eyelid. Celebrity makeup artist Debra Rubin shows you how to easily do this in this step-by-step tutorial.

Q: Can you wear eyeliner if you wear contacts, and what eyeliner is best for contact lens wearers?

A: The most important feature of eyeliner makeup for contact lens wearers is to make sure it's not sticky or too soft, because the eyeliner residue can stick to your lenses. A waterproof gel liner or a hard waxy type pencil seems to be easy for most women.

Liquid liners work too, but many women find them hard to apply because they deposit too much color too fast.

Q: How should a 60-year-old woman wear eyeliner?

A: First, it's best to use an eyeliner with a tiny, thin applicator - like a thin brush. Pencils are difficult because you have to sharpen all the time and sometimes those sharp points can hurt and tug on soft, loose skin.

Second, a water-proof gel liner like the one mentioned above with a very tiny, thin, talon brush would work great for your situation. It's smooth and will glide on easily without tugging on your eyelid skin.

Q: Which eyeliner is best for mature eyes?

A: Of course, I like waterproof gel liners because they don't melt into the fine lines and crow's feet around my eyes.

Q: Which Maybelline pencil eyeliner do you use?

A: I use the Maybelline wood pencil eyeliner in black. It's been around forever. My mother used it years ago. However, sometimes it's hard to find in stores.

My favorite colors black and dark brown are almost always sold out. If that's the case, check it out on Amazon. Here is the link.

Q: Can you use liquid eyeliner on waterline

A: I don't like to use liquid eyeliner on the upper or lower waterline. But, everyone is different. You can try it and see how it works for you.

Q: What waterline eyeliner makes brown eyes pop?

A: For brown eyes, I would try earthy tones like rich browns, deep plums, and dark greens can make them pop. These colors create a contrast that enhances the natural warmth of brown eyes. Experiment with different shades to find what works best for you.

Q: Is waterline eyeliner safe?

A: Some doctors feel that applying eyeliner to the top or bottom waterline may not be safe. They say that the waterline, (that's the inner part of your eyelid) has tiny glands that make tears to keep your eyes comfy.

When you put eyeliner there, it can block these glands, kind of like putting a cork in a bottle. This can mess up the production of tears, making your eyes dry and uncomfortable. So, it's like a traffic jam for tears, and that's not good for your peepers.

Post your comments & questions about eyeliner here!

Do you have questions, tips, or solutions about using eyeliner? Share it!

Feel free to Send us your pictures!

This is an interactive page, so you can ask questions from others, as well as share your tips, answers, or solutions.

Enter Your Title

Tell Us Your Story! [ ? ]

Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional)[ ? ]

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional)

Click here to upload more images (optional)

Author Information (optional)

To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

Your Name	(first or full name)
Your Location	(e.g., City, State, Country)

Submit Your Contribution

Check box to agree to these submission guidelines.
I am at least 16 years of age.
I understand and accept the privacy policy.
I understand that you will display my submission on your website.

(You can preview and edit on the next page)

What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Why I love this champagne/golden colored eyeliner gel! Not rated yet
Hi There! I love this waterproof champagne/Carmel colored eyeliner gel. It helps outline and defines my eyes without using harsh colored black eyeliner. …

Click here to write your own.

Before You Go... What's Going On With Your Eyebrows?

Well defined eyes need full-looking eyebrows to help frame the face and provide a more youthful, approachable face. Thin, spare, barely-there eyebrows can make you look older, washed-out, or tired.

Click here to see how to make eyebrows thicker, fuller without makeup!

AMAZON DEALS

Questions/Comments or Just Wanna Chat?

Visit the Anti-Aging Beauty Blog or contact me here.

Check us out at these locations:

"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."