What is Best Type of Eyeliner for Aging Eyelids: Top Picks for Older Wrinkled Eyes

by Anita G.
(Atlanta, Ga.)

Best kind of eyeliner for aging eyelids applied on mature skin

Best kind of eyeliner for aging eyelids applied on mature skin

What’s the Best Type of Eyeliner for Aging Eyelids?


by Anita G. (Atlanta, GA)

Hi Linda,

What’s the best kind of eyeliner for aging, wrinkled eyelids?

I’m over 50 and I’ve noticed those tiny lines creeping in around my upper and lower lids. Just like you, I love eyeliner—but lately, it just doesn’t look the same. I think the wrinkles are making it harder to apply smoothly, and honestly, I don’t feel like myself without it. Eyeliner is pretty much the only makeup I wear. Without it, I look tired and my eyes just disappear.

Do you have any suggestions for the best eyeliner for mature eyes?


Editor’s Note:

Hi Anita—thank you so much for your question! You're definitely not alone—eyeliner can get tricky once those little wrinkles start to show up. I went through the same thing.

For years, I relied on my go-to pencil, but as my lids aged, I noticed the liner would skip over fine lines and leave uneven little dashes. Crayon-style liners glide on more smoothly, but they don’t always last the whole day. And layering them too much can start to look overdone, especially during the day.

Recently, I’ve been experimenting with gel eyeliners, and I’ve got to say—they’ve been a game-changer. The creamy texture hugs the lash line, fills in those tiny creases, and doesn’t budge halfway through the day. I apply it with a super fine brush for a soft, defined look that still feels natural.

If you’re looking for tips on how to make eyeliner work better on mature eyes, including tricks for avoiding smudging and making your eyes pop (without looking overdone), I shared everything that’s helped me in this guide:
10 Smart Eyeliner Tips for Aging Eyes.

This is the eyeliner I personally use now: a gel eyeliner with a super thin pointed brush. I love the natural look and how it holds up all day without fading or skipping.

I hope it helps you feel like you again—lined eyes and all. ❤️

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Feb 27, 2024
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starstarstarstarstar 		Use a stiff eyeliner brush to apply your eyeliner
by: Anonymous

I have a similar issue myself. There's this extra skin near the outer corner of my left eye, right where you'd usually do a cat-eye flick.

After some trial and error, I found that using gel eyeliner with a really firm eyeliner brush works best for me.

Eyeliner pens tend to wobble too much, making it hard to get a clean line, and pencils just smudge everywhere.

I make sure to gently stretch the skin while applying, and then I like to set it with a black eyeshadow for extra staying power. It works pretty good for me.
Feb 27, 2024
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Eyeliner for wrinkly eyelid skin?
by: Aspen

Hey there!

So, I'm only 33, but my eyelids have this extra skin thing going on that can make them look kinda wrinkly.

Applying eyeliner is a bit of a challenge because it never seems to go on smoothly and ends up looking a bit clunky.

Any suggestions on brands or techniques that might help me out with this?

Thanks.
Jan 20, 2024
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks for that eyeliner suggestion
by: Linda

Thanks for that eyeliner suggestions. I tried Mac but it didn't last all day even though it's supposed to be water-proof.

I still like Mommy Makeup's water-proof, smudge-proof gel liner. The thin brush that comes with it is skinny enough to define my eyelid, but not make my eyes look hooded.

I have smallish eyes and thick liners only make my lids look heavy and my eyes look small. It's really hard to find a pencil that is super skinny.

I would like to have a pencil on hand, because while the gel is nice, it takes a little longer than using a pencil. I'll give the Urban Decay a try. I don't care if it's pricey, as long as it works for me. :-)
Jan 20, 2024
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		update your makeup as you get older
by: Anonymous

As a 47-year-old eye makeup lover, I know how you feel. Wearing eyeliner just doesn't look or go on as good as it used to when I was younger.

I wore thick black liquid eyeliner in a cat's eye style. But, now it just looks strange and makes me look haggard.

So I've switched to using a really thin, long-wearing, water-proof black pencil on my upper waterline only. And before it dries, I try subtly smudge it into the lash line.

This works great for me. Currently, I use the Mac twist-up liner. But, I've heard great things about Tarte's waterline liner and Urban Decay twist-up, even though it's more expensive.

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About the Author:
Linda Robison is a Facial Fitness Specialist and the founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone. She shares expert insights on skincare, facial rejuvenation, and beauty treatments—blending traditional wisdom, personal experience, and science-backed research for both at-home and in-office solutions.

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