Smudge-Proof Eyeliner Tips for Women Over 40 (Summer Edition)

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

Hot weather and eyeliner don’t always get along—especially if you’re over 40. Between oily lids, fine lines, and humid summer days, eyeliner can slide, smudge, or disappear by noon.

Have you ever looked in the mirror wondering “Where did my eyeliner go?”—me too!

Here’s a quick roundup of smudge-proof eyeliner tips that actually work for aging eyes in the summer heat.

I’ve tested all of these on my own 40+ eyes, and they’ve made a real difference when I want eye makeup that actually stays put all day—without tugging or smudging.

👉 Want my full eyeliner routine with all 10 tips? Check it out here.

3 Easy eyeliner tips that hold up in summer heat

Here are three quick eyeliner tricks I count on when it’s hot out.

1. Prime your lids with concealer—not foundation

Why it works: Creates a smooth, grippy base that helps eyeliner stay put.

Foundation might seem like a good base, but in the summer, it can crease and slide. Instead, try a lightweight, hydrating concealer. It creates a smooth surface for eyeliner to grip—and helps prevent smudging, especially if your lids get oily.

This combo usually works well for me. But if I know it’s going to be extra hot—or if I’m skipping eye shadow—I add a light dusting of translucent powder on top to help lock it in without any extra weight.

ABZ Tip: This combo works as a simple primer, even if you’re skipping the rest of your makeup that day.

2. Use a waterproof pencil or gel eyeliner

Why it works: Waterproof textures resist heat and humidity better than creamy formulas.

If your eyeliner is melting, check the texture. As much as I love how creamy eyeliners feel going on, they tend to melt fast in summer heat.

Instead, go for a waterproof pencil or a firmer gel eyeliner. These glide smoothly but set quickly—and they don’t budge as the day warms up.

Soft colors like brown, plum, or muted navy offer definition without the harshness of black.

ABZ Tip: I found beautiful colored gel eyeliners that feel super creamy, glide on smoothly without melting, tugging or skipping. You can check them out here.

3. Add a tiny outer flick for a lift

Why it works: Creates a subtle lifting effect without a dramatic wing.

A big dramatic wing can feel too heavy (and sweat-prone) in summer. But a tiny eyeliner flick—angled slightly upward at the outer corner—gives your eyes a natural, lifted look. It works especially well if you have hooded or slightly drooping outer corners.

How to do it:

• Keep your eyes open and look straight ahead
• Start at the outer edge of your top lash line
• Draw a short flick upward toward the tail of your brow
• Keep it light and clean—less is more

Even without full eye makeup, this mini flick makes your eyes look more awake and lifted.

Extra summer tips to help eyeliner stay put

Extra help for sweaty days: If your liner still smudges by noon, these bonus tricks give your look a little more staying power—without weighing it down.

• Tightline only the outer third of your upper waterline — defines your lashes without risking smudges at the inner corner.
• Skip liner on the bottom lash line on humid days — or swap for a soft powder shadow to avoid creasing.
• Dot white or beige eyeliner on the inner corners — it instantly brightens your eyes and makes you look more awake. See how I do it here.

Want the full eyeliner guide?

This quick summer roundup only scratches the surface. If you want the full breakdown—including prep tips, tools, and how to apply eyeliner without dragging on crepey lids—head here next:

Eyeliner Tips for Aging Eyes: 10 Tricks That Really Work

This guide includes:

• My go-to prep routine
• Waterproof product picks
• How to work with crepey or textured lids
• Lower lash line dos and don’ts
• Simple lift tricks for hooded or tired eyes

Takeaway: Summer eyeliner doesn’t have to melt off by noon

Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean your eyeliner has to melt away by noon. With the right prep, texture, and placement, it can stay put—especially on mature lids.

Start with a hydrating concealer base, switch to a waterproof pencil or gel, and try that tiny outer flick (it’s one of my go-to moves for a lifted look without a lot of effort).

Try one of these tricks today and see how it holds up—especially if you’re skipping heavy makeup in the heat.

Got a favorite eyeliner hack for hot weather? I’d love to hear it.

💌 Want more quick beauty tips like this?

I share seasonal skincare tricks, beauty hacks, how to apply eyeliner tutorials and favorite finds in my newsletter—straight from my own 40+ routine.

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