Aging is a beautiful journey, and with it comes a new set of beauty needs particularly when it comes to makeup application. Eyeliner, a staple in any makeup routine, requires special attention as we age, especially for women over 40. The good news? Age shouldn’t limit your eyeliner choices. You can still achieve stunning looks with the right products and techniques. Let’s explore the essential eyeliner tips for mature women that will elevate your makeup game.
1. Opt for Creamy Textures: As Monika Blunder, a celebrity makeup artist, notes, “The skin gets thinner around the eyes over time, so you want to make sure to use a pencil that is creamy and not too harsh.” Creamy eyeliners are gentle on mature skin and glide on smoothly. Look for formulations that incorporate moisturizing ingredients like shea or cocoa butter to keep the delicate skin around your eyes hydrated and comfortable.
Product on Amazon: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner, Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner – Black, Vegan Formula
Brand: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP
Price: 9.99 USD
Rating: 4.6 Total reviews: 88,085
Top Review from US: “Just repurchased for the second time. No mess, smooth glide, love the pointed tip for perfect cat eye eyelining. It is a wet eyeliner but not too wet. It lasts all day for me but easy to remove at night or if you make a mistake. Bold black color with no streaking.
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2. Prioritize Clean Ingredients: Sensitivity around the eyes can increase with age, making it crucial to choose eyeliners that are formulated with clean, non-toxic ingredients. Avoid parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. These can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Instead, look for eyeliners with natural, nourishing components that promise not just beauty, but also safety for your skin.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. H2O Proof EyeLiner Pen, Felt Tip, Waterproof, Long-Lasting, High-Pigmented Liner For Bold Looks, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Jet Black. 0.02 Fl Oz
Brand: e.l.f.
Price: 7 USD
Rating: 4.5 Total reviews: 9799
Top Review from US: “I’m absolutely in love with the e.l.f. H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen! As a tired mom who needs my makeup to last all day, this eyeliner is a game-changer. It’s super easy to apply with the precise tip, and the color is rich and bold. What I love the most is that it stays put, even through long days of running around. No smudging, no fading—just perfect wings that last until I take my makeup off at night. Plus, the price is amazing for the quality you get. Definitely a staple in my makeup bag now!”
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3. Choose the Right Type of Liner: There are various eyeliner formats available, including gel, liquid, cream, and pencil. For mature eyes, pencils or cream eyeliners are generally recommended. As Sasha Ghodstinat advises, “Try pencils and shadows instead of liquid,” since liquids can look too harsh if over-applied. Pencils and creams offer a softer finish that is more flattering on mature skin.
Product on Amazon: Professional Eyeliner Pen, Intense Color, Quick-Drying, Waterproof, Felt Tip, Long-Lasting, Bold Color, Jet Black
Brand: MiaCatalina
Price: 12.98 USD
Rating: 4.0 Total reviews: 35
Top Review from US: “Good pencil, doesn’t break off easily.
LOVE the brush on the other end! I can even train my eyebrows the way I want them! It has stiff bristles!”
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4. Experiment with Color: While black eyeliner is a classic, it can sometimes appear too stark on mature skin. Consider softer alternatives like dark brown, charcoal, navy, or even plum. These hues can define the eyes without overwhelming them. According to makeup artist Natalia Thomas, a shade like espresso works well on medium to deeper skin tones, offering definition without harshness.
Product on Amazon: 15 Colorful Eyeliner Pen Set, Eye Shadow Pencil, Pearl Eyeliner Kit Metallic Eyeliner Pencil Glitter Eyeliner for Women Eye&Lip Liner Professional Eye Makeup Set Colorful Eyeliner Eye Color
Brand: LemonSac
Price: 9.99 USD
Rating: 4.2 Total reviews: 3778
Top Review from US: “Bought these for myself but my kids fell in love with these! They are very beautiful colors , they glide right on .They are fun to use.They brighting your eyes right up . They are so fun to use They are waterproof did not cause any eye irritation or anything. They last the whole day I will be buying myself a set !!
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5. Long-Wear Formulas: Mature skin often experiences shifts in moisture levels, which can affect how long your makeup lasts. Opt for eyeliners that are waterproof and long-wearing. These formulas stay put, resisting smudging or fading throughout the day, which is especially beneficial for those with watery eyes or oily eyelids.
Product on Amazon: Liquid Eyeliner Pen Queen Cobra – Long-Lasting & Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil – Black Eyeliner Liquid Liner for All Day Wear – 0.016 Fl Oz
Brand: SELESTIA BEAUTY
Price: 9.99 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 409
Top Review from US: “Very pleased with this product. It goes on smoothly, seems to be waterproof (though I have not cried with this on yet) and is blackest black. It will last all day: I forgot to wash my face one night – fell sleep from exhaustion and it was still on the next morning with no smudging. I will be buying this again. I am currently testing to see how long a tube will last using it once per day. The tube itself is a very light plastic (almost seems cheap); however, the small cobra head is badass looking and definitely defines the product.”
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With these expert-driven techniques, you can refine your eyeliner skills and continue to express your beauty at every age. Eyeliner is not just a tool for enhancing eyes; it’s a way to embrace the beauty in maturity with confidence and style.
Related posts:
The 7 Best Eyeliners for Older Women of 2025, Tested and Reviewed
Makeup for older women
Makeup Artist Laura Geller Shares Makeup Tips for Women Over 40
