How should a 60 year old wear eyeliner? A Guide to Flattering Mature Eyes

As skin loses elasticity and thins with age, eyeliner application requires a more gentle touch and a different approach for the most flattering results. Here’s an authoritative guide on how should a 60 year old wear eyeliner to enhance their natural beauty with confidence.

Quick Summary

For mature eyes, opt for softer pencil or creamy gel formulas in brown, navy, or charcoal to avoid a harsh look. Use short, feathery strokes along the top lash line, focusing on subtle definition and a gentle upward flick for lift, while avoiding heavy liquid wings and the bottom waterline to prevent a droopy appearance.

Key Points

• Embrace softer colors: Avoid harsh black eyeliner, opting for softer browns, charcoals, or navies to create definition without overpowering mature eyes.

• Choose creamy formulas: Select a soft pencil or gel eyeliner that glides smoothly without pulling or tugging at the delicate skin around the eyes.

• Use short, feathery strokes: Apply liner in small, controlled strokes along the lash line instead of one long line to ensure an even, gentle application.

• Focus on the top lash line: Lining the top lash line and tightlining provides definition and makes lashes appear fuller, while avoiding dark liner on the bottom waterline prevents a droopy look.

• Lift with a subtle flick: Create a gentle, uplifting flick at the outer corner of the eye to give a lifted and more open appearance, rather than a heavy, geometric wing.

• Always use an eye primer: Prep your lids with a primer to ensure your eyeliner stays put all day without smudging or settling into fine lines.

Understanding Eyeliner for Mature Skin

With age, the skin around the eyes becomes more delicate, and eyelids can become slightly hooded or crepey. The key to wearing eyeliner well at 60 and beyond is to work with these changes, not against them. Instead of aiming for a perfectly sharp, straight line, which can look harsh or uneven on less firm skin, focus on creating soft definition that enhances the eye's shape and makes lashes appear fuller.

Choosing the Right Eyeliner Formula

The type of eyeliner you use can make a significant difference. Hard pencils can pull and tug at the skin, exacerbating wrinkles and causing irritation, while some liquid liners can look too severe. The ideal products for mature eyes are forgiving, easy to apply, and won't dry out the delicate eye area.

Best Options:

• Soft Pencil Eyeliners: A creamy pencil glides on smoothly without tugging and is great for achieving a soft, smudged line. These are easier to control and more forgiving than liquids.
• Gel Eyeliners: Gel liners, especially waterproof formulas, provide a smooth, long-lasting line that resists smudging. Applying with a fine, angled brush gives excellent control over line thickness and placement.
• Eyeshadow as Liner: For the softest, most diffused effect, use a matte powder eyeshadow and an angled brush. Dampening the brush slightly before picking up the shadow will create a more intense color.

Mastering the Best Techniques

Application is a gentle art when dealing with mature skin. Avoid pulling the skin tightly, as this distorts the line and can increase the appearance of wrinkles when you let go. Instead, use a light hand and build the line in small, controlled steps.

Step-by-Step Application:

1. Prep and Prime: Start with a good eye primer to create a smooth base and prevent your liner from smudging or creasing throughout the day. A primer is especially important for hooded or oily lids.
2. Use Short Strokes: Instead of trying to draw one continuous line, use small, feathery strokes to build up the desired thickness. Start at the outer corner and work your way inwards, staying as close to the lash line as possible to fill in any gaps.
3. Lift with a Flick: A small, soft upward flick at the outer corner can create a lifting effect. Keep the wing subtle and in line with your natural eye shape to avoid a heavy, downward-pulling look.
4. Tightline Strategically: Tightlining, or applying eyeliner to the upper waterline, can create the illusion of thicker, fuller lashes without a visible line on the lid. Use a waterproof pencil and apply carefully to define the eye from the base of the lashes.

Choosing the Right Colors

While black eyeliner is a classic, it can appear harsh on mature skin, especially those with fairer complexions. Softer colors provide beautiful definition without overwhelming the eye.

• Dark Brown or Charcoal: These shades offer a softer alternative to black, creating a natural-looking definition that is universally flattering.
• Navy or Plum: These colors can make the whites of the eyes appear brighter and clearer. Navy is particularly effective for enhancing blue or green eyes.
• White or Nude on the Waterline: Applying a light-colored liner to the bottom waterline can make eyes look bigger and brighter, a great technique to counteract redness.

Comparison of Eyeliner Types for Mature Eyes

Feature	Soft Pencil Liner	Creamy Gel Liner	Eyeshadow as Liner
Ease of Application	Very easy, beginner-friendly.	Requires a brush, but offers high control.	Can be messier, but great for a soft look.
Best For	Soft, subtle definition and smudging.	Long-lasting, smudge-proof, and precise lines.	Very soft, smokey definition.
Tugging on Skin	Minimal, especially with creamy formulas.	None, applied with a brush.	None, applied with a brush.
Finish	Can be smudged for a soft focus.	Can be very sharp or blended.	Diffused, smokey finish.
Longevity	Varies, can crease without primer.	Excellent, especially waterproof versions.	Good, can be set with a setting spray.

What to Avoid

To achieve the most flattering look, it's just as important to know what techniques to skip. Heavy, thick lines, especially on the lower lid, can make eyes look smaller and accentuate fine lines and dark circles. Heavy cat eyes can look distorted on hooded lids, so a softer flick is often more flattering.

For more detailed advice on eye health and anti-aging, the National Institute on Aging is a great resource. You can find out more about healthy aging practices and skin health National Institute on Aging: What Do We Know About Healthy Aging?.

A New Perspective on Eyeliner

Ultimately, the goal is to enhance your eyes with grace and confidence. Forget rigid rules and perfect lines; instead, embrace the subtle, defined look that works best for your changing features. Experiment with different colors and formulas to find what makes you feel your most beautiful self.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best eyeliner type for crepey eyelids?

For crepey eyelids, a creamy gel or soft pencil eyeliner is best. These formulas glide on smoothly without snagging or dragging on the skin. You can also use a matte eyeshadow with a damp angled brush for a very soft, diffused line that is less likely to emphasize texture.

Should a 60 year old wear eyeliner on the lower lash line?

Most experts recommend avoiding dark eyeliner on the lower lash line, as it can make eyes appear smaller and draw attention to fine lines and dark circles. For a brighter, more awake look, you can use a white or nude pencil on the lower waterline instead.

How can a 60 year old get a lifted eyeliner look?

To get a lifted look, apply liner with a gentle upward flick at the outer corner of the eye. Start with a thin line along the top lash line and use a fine brush to create a subtle wing that follows the natural upward curve of your eye. Avoid heavy, downward-angled wings.

What colors are best for mature eyes?

Softer colors are generally more flattering for mature eyes. Instead of harsh black, opt for dark brown, charcoal, or navy. These shades provide definition that looks softer and more natural. For a brighter look, consider plum or even subtle bronze.

Is it okay to pull my eyelid taut to apply eyeliner?

It is best to avoid pulling your eyelid taut when applying eyeliner. This can distort the skin and cause the line to look uneven or wobbly once you release it. Resting your elbow on a table and using a lighter touch with short strokes is a better approach.

How do I prevent my eyeliner from smudging?

Using a waterproof or long-wear eyeliner formula is the most effective way to prevent smudging. Starting with an eye primer creates a smooth, long-lasting base. For extra staying power, you can lightly set your liner with a matching eyeshadow powder applied with a small brush.

Can I use eyeshadow as eyeliner?

Yes, eyeshadow is an excellent option for mature eyes. Using a damp, angled brush and a matte eyeshadow creates a soft, diffused, and very forgiving line. This technique is perfect for subtle definition and avoids the harshness of a liquid liner.