To wear eyeliner over 50, use soft pencils or powders in neutral shades, focus on defining the lash line with small strokes for lift (avoiding the inner waterline), and create a subtle upward flick at the outer corner to avoid droopiness, blending harsh lines for a softer, more lifted look that works with mature eyes. Waterproof, creamy formulas are best, and you can set them with eyeshadow for longevity.
For women over 50, softer eyeliner styles like tightlining, using a smudged pencil liner, or opting for a subtle winged eyeliner can be flattering. These styles can define the eyes without appearing too harsh.
The best eyeliners for mature eyes are creamy, blendable pencils or gels that glide on without tugging delicate skin, offering definition without harshness, with top picks including Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner, Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner, and Clinique High Impact Gel Tech Eyeliner, focusing on formulas with moisturizing ingredients or waterproof options for longevity. Felt-tip liners are also great for precision, while some brands like Revant and Primedics offer products specifically designed for mature skin's needs.
5 Fast Ways to Help Your Eyes Look Younger & More Alert
Here are a few easy tips you can apply that will help you maintain a younger looking body, and restore your confidence:
A search for “Vaseline under eyes” brings up thousands of people raving about this trick and several experts explaining how it works. You simply dab some onto the fragile skin under your eyes each night in place of eye cream to lock in moisture. The added hydration plumps up skin and can help reduce fine lines.
A question we hear all the time: Does eyeliner go above or below the lashes? The answer is, both can work! Lining above the lashes creates a classic, lifted look, while applying liner to the waterline (also known as tightlining) offers a more subtle, natural effect.
Thick black liner can make your eyes appear smaller and more closed off! Especially if you have hooded lids!!!! Instead, opt for softer tones (soft brown is my fave) and smudged liner for a more flattering, softer frame! This will make those peepers appear more youthful and will enhance your natural beauty!!!!
Eyeshadow as Eyeliner: You can also use eyeshadow as a liner by applying it with a damp angled brush. This can create a softer and more diffused line compared to traditional eyeliner.
Drawing the Edges Too Far Out or In
Winged eyeliner is a go-to for many dramatic makeup looks, but not everyone gets it right at first. It's easy to draw the wing too far out or too close to the lid. “This mistake can make your eyes either look set too close together or far apart,” explains Dempsey.
If you have smaller eyes, applying eyeliner under the bottom lashes can make them appear larger. Conversely, eyeliner in the waterline can make big eyes appear smaller. The goal is to apply eyeliner to suit your face and enhance your natural beauty.
Vaseline is a very effective makeup remover. It's lubricating, soothing to skin and helps makeup slide off without unnecessary tugging and pulling. Baby shampoo is an inexpensive and ophthalmologist-recommended product for washing eyelids and the area around the eyes.
In 2025, permanent eyeliner continues to reign as a top beauty trend, offering a hassle-free way to enhance your eyes and streamline your daily routine. From natural lash line enhancements to bold, colored eyeliner tattoos, these semi-permanent cosmetic solutions provide options for every aesthetic.
The final elements of Kate's eye makeup are black liner along the upper lashes – which you can flick out to the sides – and black mascara, which should pull the whole look together.
Let's age gracefully — together!
Yes, older women can wear eyeliner on their lower lid, but it's often recommended to use softer techniques to avoid making eyes look smaller, tired, or emphasizing wrinkles, like using a smudged brown shadow or pencil instead of harsh black, focusing on the outer corner, and blending well. The goal is to enhance, not drag down, the eyes, so consider lighter colors, smudging, or even skipping the lower line for a more lifted look, depending on your preference and eye shape.
Take a clean, freshly sharpened pencil and gently glide it along the waterline, from the inner to the outer corner. Line the entire waterline, not just the outer corners. Don't expect color to last as long as it does on the upper lash line.
Eyeliner For Beginners
5 Ingredients to Avoid Using Under Your Eyes
Koreans (and others) use Vaseline at night for "slugging," a K-beauty trend where a thick layer of petroleum jelly seals in nighttime products, preventing moisture loss (transepidermal water loss) and creating a protective barrier for plump, hydrated, "glass skin," especially beneficial for dry skin, but not ideal for oily or acne-prone types.
Applying Vaseline® Jelly under eyes is a tried-and-tested way to lock in moisture, keeping skin in the eye area soft and elastic, and rejuvenating skin that looks dry and tired.