Trick to instantly brighten tired, aging eyes

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How to apply eyeliner to the lower and upper waterlines (tightlining)

When it comes to mature eyes, how you apply eyeliner matters just as much as what you use. I go for a waxy pencil that glides on without tugging—my favorite is the Maybelline pencil in black or brown. It lasts longer than creamy formulas and stays put on the waterline.

I usually only line the outer third—especially on smaller or aging eyes—to define and lift without closing off the eye or emphasizing fine lines. If your eyes are larger or deep-set, you can line farther in—but starting small often looks softer and more flattering for most women over 40.

In the photos below, I’ll show you exactly how I apply eyeliner to both the lower waterline and the upper waterline (tightlining), with tips to help your eyes look naturally bigger and lifted.

Lower Waterline: Start at the Outer Corner

In this pic, I’m starting at the outer corner and lightly lining just the outer third of my lower waterline. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference—adding soft definition without closing off the eye.

Lower Waterline: Stop Before the Inner Corner

Here, I’m stopping the liner about a third of the way in—right around the center of my lower waterline. I avoid taking it all the way into the inner corner, since that can close off the eye and make it look smaller or emphasize fine lines. 

Lower Waterline Tips:

• Only line the outer third—this keeps the eye looking open
• Use soft shades like brown, bronze, or taupe
• Lightly smudge or blend if needed for a barely-there finish

Upper Waterline: Lining Beneath the Lashes

Here, I’m starting at the outer corner and working inward along the upper waterline—right beneath the lashes. This close-up shows exactly where the pencil goes: between the lashes, not above them. It’s a simple trick that fills in gaps for a fuller lash line with no smudging, no tugging, and no harsh lines on the lid.

Upper Waterline: Stop Before the Inner Corner

 In this pic, you can see where I stop—just past the halfway point, leaving the inner third of the waterline bare. Skipping the inner corner helps keep the eyes looking open and brighter, especially if your eyes are smaller or more hooded.

Upper Lid Tightlining Tips:

• Warm up your pencil on the inside of your wrist so it glides on more easily.
• Use short, gentle dashes instead of one long line—this gives you better control.
• Start at the outer corner and work inward along the waterline.
• Tightline just the outer third if your eyes are small or hooded—it still gives a lift without looking harsh.

This eyeliner lift trick is perfect for women over 50

Want the full flick technique with extra tips for hooded lids?
👉 See my detailed guide here.

After you’ve finished applying your liner, just give the corner a little flick upward. Draw one small line that angles slightly toward the tail of your brow.

This subtle lift helps brighten the eyes and makes the corners look more lifted—without the drama of a full wing. Perfect for women over 50!

Avoid drawing the line out like a cat-eye, as it can emphasize sagging eyelids. Instead, draw a small line straight up to compensate.

Once you apply mascara you won't notice the winged line at all!  Be sure to choose a mascara specifically designed for brittle or dry lashes to keep them looking their best.

Eyeliner pencils that won’t smudge or fade

For a casual daytime look, a hard waxy pencil is ideal because it offers control for color deposit and stays on all day.

ABZ Tip: Maybelline Pencil Wood Liner for its quality and affordability. It's hard to find in drugstores, so I often get in on Amazon.

My other top 3 picks

As an older woman, I look for eyeliners that are smooth, glide on easily, won't crease 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:

1. URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil. Lasts forever!
2. Almay All-Day Intense Gel Eyeliner, Longlasting, Waterproof.  This one sharpens easily to a nice rounded point.
3. Pat Mcgrath Labs Permagel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil. This eye pencil has a shimmery finish. So I don't use it inside the waterline.

What not to use on your waterline if you wear contacts

Try to avoid soft eye makeup pencils, like Kohl pencils, or thick crayon-type liners on the waterline as they can leave residue on contact lenses and smudge or fade quickly.

Eyeliner tips for different eye shapes (including hooded lids)

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.

Final tips and takeaway:

Smooth, effortless eyeliner starts with hydrated skin—apply a lightweight, non-greasy eye cream and follow with primer or concealer for a flawless base.

Struggling with eyeliner over 40? Whether it’s fine lines, hooded lids, or sensitive eyes, the right products and techniques make all the difference.

Gel liners offer a smooth, long-lasting finish, while waxy pencils provide control and precision. Try tightlining for a natural look or a subtle wing to lift the eyes.

💡 Want more tips? Check out my 10 Aging Eyeliner Tips for perfect results every time!

Eyeliner should be fun, not frustrating! Learn to love applying and wearing eyeliner again. For even more expert advice, visit my Eye Makeup Tips for Older Women page to keep your eyes looking vibrant and defined at any age. 😊

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FAQs: How to apply eyeliner

Have questions about how to apply eyeliner? See below…

Share your go-to techniques, favorite products, or even a photo of your best eyeliner look. Come on, join the conversation!

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