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by: Linda Robison
Struggling with fine lines and wrinkles while applying eyeliner? Anti-Aging Beauty Zone is here to help. This guide provides easy solutions for hooded eyelids, wrinkles and contact lens wearers.
Get tips on how to apply eyeliner for a natural look and to make tired eyes look bigger and brighter. Learn what mistakes to avoid and feel confident wearing eyeliner again!
Plus, don't miss the step-by-step pictures and a video tutorial on best eyeliner application tips for older women from renowned makeup artist Debra Rubin-Roberts.
What You'll Find on This Page:
When it comes to eyeliner for mature eyes, gel-based and waxy pencils are often your best bet. They provide more control, won't smudge or skip over lose eyelid skin, or sink into fine lines, giving you a smoother application.
Anti-Aging Beauty Zone suggests looking for gels that don’t dry too fast, allowing you time to make adjustments as needed.
More on that below...
Ready to see the techniques in action? Watch this eyeliner video tutorial below for a step-by-step guide on applying eyeliner perfectly for older eyes. Debra Rubin-Roberts shares her expert tips to help you achieve a flawless look.
Note: Applying eyeliner the right way can significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and ensure a smoother finish. If you’re dealing with criss-cross lines or other specific under-eye issues, check out our detailed guide on how to address criss-cross lines under your eyes for tailored tips and tricks.
Gel liners are especially easy for those who have no experience using liners or have a hard time applying them (like me!). Or for older women who may have issues with unsteady hands, wrinkles, or loose skin around the eye area.
For a long-lasting and smudge-free application, waterproof gel liners are your go-to. They are particularly useful for those with contact lenses.
TIP: Look for gels that don’t dry too fast, giving you time to make adjustments as needed.
Just my opinion: These gel liner come in over 10 colors and a super thin, super pointy-brush that makes them so easy to apply. Plus, these gel liners have staying power, don’t smudge, or irritate the eyes, which can get more sensitive with age.
Click on the pics below to learn more...
Whether your eyes are green, blue, hazel, or brown, all look good with eyeshadows or liners in dark brown, taupe, or rusty warm colors. Softer colors are better if you have issues with dark circles or eye wrinkles.
If you have fair skin or hair, I highly suggest you try shimmery caramel brown AnyWhere Cream. It works well with most skin tones and can also be used as an eyeshadow and cheek highlighter!
This color is gorgeous! And it seems to work with everyone's skin tone. It a can also be used as a highlighter. I even applied it above my eyebrows too!
Certain eyeliner colors can enhance the whiteness of your eyes. While white pencils can sometimes look harsh, shades like dark green can brighten your eye area. Here Debra shows how to use eyeliner gel brighter looking eyes.
Best Eyeliner for Your Eye Shape: How to Apply Pencil Tutorial
Eyeliner Makeup: How to Wear Eyeliner to Make Eyes Look Bigger, Brighter
Best Eyeliner: What Kind of Eyeliner is Best for Older Eyes?
Don't want to use a gel? That's ok, a pencil is just as good for mature skin and simple to use. Just stay away from soft crayon types, they smear easily. Waxy ones last longer.
See how I apply it below...
This is perfect for making tired eyes stand out. Apply lightly and avoid depositing too much color.
This is great for hooded or droopyeyelids. It also makes eyelashes look thicker.
Here is a simple trick for a quick lift.
After you've finished applying your liner, just give the corner a little flick upwards. Simply draw one line straight up from the end of your eyelash line.
This helps lift the corners of the eyes. Perfect for women over 50!
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.
Once you apply masacara you won't notice the winged line at all!
A Note About Eyeliner Makeup:
Don't Forget About Your Eyebrows!
You'll be amazed at how important well-defined eyebrows are in accentuating your eyes and framing your face.😲
For a casual daytime look, a hard waxy pencil is ideal because it offers control for color deposit and stays on all day. Anti-Aging Beauty Zone recommends: Maybelline Pencil Wood Liner for its quality and affordability. It's hard to find in drugstores, so I often get in on Amazon.
As an older woman, I look for eyeliners that are smooth, glide on easily, won't creas and have staying power. BUT, most important, ones that won't irritate, as my eyes have become more sensitive with age.
Here are my top 3 picks for eyeliners:
Try to avoid soft eye makeup, like Kohl pencils, or thick crayon-type liners on the waterline as they can leave residue on contact lenses and smudge or fade quickly.
However, this is a really nice pencil that works well on upper lids and makes a great eyeshadow. It's hard to find this at the local drugstore, but can you find it on Amazon.
Anti-Aging Beauty Zone provides a visual guide on applying eyeliner for different eye shapes. Done right, eyeliner can make you look more awake, brighter, and more defined.
Not sure what type of eyes you have? Check out this simple guide on how to find your eye shape for a more customized makeup routine.
To ensure a smooth eyeliner application, start by moisturizing the eye area with a lightweight, hydrating eye cream. Apply gently with your ring finger to avoid emphasizing fine lines.
Next, use an eye primer to create an even surface and enhance eyeliner longevity. Apply a thin layer over your eyelid and lower lash line, allowing it to absorb fully before proceeding.
Note: This is especially important if you're applying eyeliner on the upper eyelid.
In the video below Debra Rubins shows how to use her duel use concealer & foundation for the eyes before putting on your eyeliner and to help hide dark circles and give you a more "wide-awake" look!
If needed, finish with a light dusting of translucent setting powder to control shine and set the primer. This will help your eyeliner stay in place and look fresh all day.
If you have any eye issues or medical conditions, always consult with an ophthalmologist before applying eye makeup. Also, some ophthalmologists suggest that applying it to the waterline may cause dry eye syndrome overtime.
Have questions about 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.
Q: Should liner 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 it on the upper eyelids.
Q: How do you draw straight lines?
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 which is best?
A: The most important feature of eye 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 one 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: Can you use liquid on waterline
A: I don't like to use liquid liners. But, everyone is different. You can try it and see how it works for you.
Q: What waterline color 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.
Is it bad to put eyeliner on your waterline?
Applying to your waterline (tightlining) isn't "bad," but there are a few things to keep in mind:
The only two I can use on the waterline are Maybelline pencils and Mommy Makeup waterproof gel liners.
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.
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