Preparing Your Eyes for Eyeliner Application
Before you even pick up your eyeliner, proper preparation is key to a smooth and long-lasting look, especially on mature skin. Skin hydration is essential, as the skin around the eyes can become thinner and drier with age. Begin by applying a gentle, hydrating eye cream, and allow it to fully absorb into your skin.
Primer: Your Secret Weapon
Using an eyeshadow primer creates a smooth, even canvas and prevents your eyeliner from smudging or settling into fine lines. This is a non-negotiable step for anyone, but especially important for mature eyelids that might have more texture or hooding. A good primer will help your makeup stay in place all day.
Choosing the Right Eyeliner
The type of eyeliner you use can make all the difference. While liquid liners offer a sharp, dramatic line, they can be difficult to manage for beginners and may accentuate wrinkles. Soft, creamy pencils or gel liners are far more forgiving and easier to control.
Best Eyeliner Options for Mature Skin:
- Creamy Pencils: Look for pencils with a smooth, gel-like texture that glide on without tugging at the delicate skin. Brown or gray shades often look softer and more natural than harsh black.
- Gel Liners: Applied with an angled brush, gel liners offer a controlled application and rich color. They tend to be long-wearing and smudge-proof once set.
- Shadow as Liner: For the softest, most natural effect, use a matte or satin eyeshadow in a dark shade, applied with a damp, angled brush. This technique is incredibly forgiving and perfect for creating a diffused look.
Step-by-Step Eyeliner Application Guide
Here is a simple, step-by-step method to help you master eyeliner with ease.
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Find a Stable Position: Rest your elbow on a table or counter to steady your hand. For extra stability, brace your pinky finger against your cheek. This technique, known as "brush bracing," is a game-changer for shaky hands.
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Use Short, Feathery Strokes: Instead of trying to draw one long, perfect line, which can look shaky, use a series of short, connected dashes along your lash line. This is more forgiving and easier to correct.
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Lift the Lid Gently: To get a clean line close to the lashes, gently lift your eyelid taut with your non-dominant hand. This smooths out any fine lines and gives you a clear path to follow.
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Focus on the Outer Two-Thirds: For hooded or mature eyes, applying a thick line across the entire lid can make eyes appear smaller. Instead, concentrate the liner on the outer two-thirds of your upper lash line to create a subtle lift.
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Tightlining for Definition: For the most natural definition, try tightlining. This involves applying liner to the upper waterline, just under the lashes, to create the illusion of fuller lashes without visible eyeliner. Use a waterproof pencil for this technique to prevent transfer.
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Create a Subtle Lift: If you want a small wing, draw it with your eyes open while looking straight ahead. This ensures the wing is visible and doesn't get lost in the eyelid's crease. A soft, smudged wing is more flattering than a harsh, graphic one.
Techniques for Different Eye Shapes Over 60
As we age, eye shapes can change, with hooded lids becoming more common. Here's how to adapt your technique.
Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes
- Small Wing with Eyes Open: When creating a winged liner, keep your eye open and look straight into the mirror. Draw a small, diagonal line extending from your lower lash line upward. This is often called the "bat wing" method and prevents the wing from being distorted by the hooded skin.
- Thin Line at the Lashline: Don't draw a thick line across the entire lid, as it can disappear when your eyes are open. Instead, stick to a very thin line right at the lash line to define the eye without taking up valuable lid space.
Eyeliner for Downturned Eyes
- Uplifted Wing: A wing that angles slightly upward at the outer corner can create a lifted, more youthful appearance. Don't follow the natural downward curve of your eye.
- Focus on the Outer Corner: Concentrating your eyeliner and a bit of a smudged wing on the outer corner will draw attention outward and upward, counteracting any droopiness.
Product Comparison: Pencil vs. Gel Eyeliner
| Feature | Creamy Pencil Eyeliner | Gel Eyeliner | Shadow as Eyeliner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use for Beginners | Very easy and forgiving, great for shaky hands. | Requires a steady hand and a brush, but offers more control. | Extremely easy to blend and soften, minimal precision needed. |
| Best for Mature Skin | Gentle, no-tug application that doesn't skip over fine lines. | Smooth, consistent application that lasts all day without creasing. | Creates the softest, most natural definition without harsh lines. |
| Longevity | Good, but can smudge without a primer or setting powder. | Excellent; often waterproof and very long-lasting. | Varies by shadow formula; benefits from setting spray or primer. |
| Versatility | Best for a softer, smudged line. | Great for sharp wings or smudged looks. | Ideal for a soft, smoky, and diffused effect. |
Conclusion
Applying eyeliner beautifully after 60 is entirely achievable with the right techniques and products. By focusing on gentle application, choosing creamy or soft formulas, and using techniques like tightlining and short strokes, you can define and enhance your eyes without accentuating fine lines. Remember that practice makes perfect, and makeup is about self-expression. Don't be afraid to experiment to find what makes you feel most confident and beautiful. For more tips on makeup techniques for mature skin, a useful resource is the L'Oréal Paris Beauty Magazine, which offers insights into choosing suitable formulas and colors.
Aftercare and Removal
After a long day, it's important to remove your eye makeup properly to protect your delicate skin. Choose a gentle, sensitive-eye makeup remover to avoid harsh rubbing. Soak a cotton pad and press it gently over your closed eyelid for a few seconds before wiping away the makeup. Follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to keep the skin nourished.
