How to wear eyeliner when you're older? The complete guide

As we age, our skin changes, including the delicate skin around our eyes, which can sometimes make old makeup techniques less effective. Learning how to wear eyeliner when you're older involves adapting your approach to celebrate your eyes' natural beauty and give them a refreshed, lifted look. This guide will walk you through the key adjustments to make your eyeliner application flawless at any age.

Quick Summary

Wearing eyeliner as you get older can be effortlessly flattering with the right techniques and products, focusing on creating subtle definition that opens and lifts the eyes rather than harsh lines that can settle into fine lines. Using softer colors like browns or grays, choosing a creamy pencil or gel formula, and avoiding the lower waterline can achieve a more youthful and elegant effect.

Key Points

• Embrace Softer Formulas: Opt for creamy pencils, gel pots, or matte eyeshadows over harsh liquid liners for a softer, more forgiving application that won't tug delicate skin.

• Choose Flattering Colors: Replace stark black with softer, more natural tones like brown, gray, or navy to enhance and define your eyes without a harsh contrast.

• Prep Your Eyelids: Always use an eyeshadow primer to create a smooth, even base that fills fine lines and prevents eyeliner from smudging or creasing throughout the day.

• Master the Tightline Technique: For subtle definition, apply a waterproof pencil to the underside of the upper lash line to make lashes appear thicker without a heavy line on the eyelid.

• Avoid the Lower Waterline: Refrain from lining the inner lower waterline with dark colors, as this can make eyes look smaller. Use a nude pencil instead to brighten and open them up.

• Use a Gentle Touch: Avoid pulling your eyelids taut during application, as this can lead to uneven lines. Instead, use a steady hand with small, controlled strokes.

Adapting Your Eyeliner Routine for Mature Eyes

As we mature, the skin on our eyelids may become thinner, less elastic, and sometimes crepey, and fine lines can become more prominent. These natural changes mean the heavy-handed, dramatic eyeliner styles of our youth may no longer be the most flattering. The goal shifts from bold, harsh lines to creating soft, lifted, and defined eyes. By adjusting your tools and techniques, you can master a look that enhances your features beautifully.

Choosing the Right Products

Your choice of eyeliner can make a world of difference. For mature skin, the right formula can glide on smoothly without tugging and is less likely to settle into fine lines. Waterproof and smudge-proof formulas are particularly beneficial for preventing migrating makeup throughout the day.

Eyeliner Product Comparison Table

Feature	Best for Mature Skin	Avoid for Mature Skin
Formula	Soft gel pots, creamy pencils	Harsh liquid liners, khôl pencils that require dragging
Color	Soft browns, grays, navies	Stark blacks (can appear harsh)
Application	Angled brush, sponge tip, soft pencil	Felt-tip pens, thick liners
Finish	Matte or satin	Shimmery, glittery (can accentuate wrinkles)
Longevity	Waterproof, long-wearing	Non-waterproof, easily smudged

Preparing Your Eyelids

Proper preparation is key to a long-lasting, smooth application. Before you even touch your eyeliner, create a clean, even base.

1. Start with clean, dry eyelids. Any oils or residue will cause your liner to smudge or fade quickly.
2. Apply an eyeshadow primer. A good primer will create a smooth canvas, fill in any fine lines, and ensure your eyeliner stays put all day without creasing.
3. For very oily lids, a light dusting of translucent powder over the primer can offer an extra layer of protection.

Step-by-Step Application for Flattering Results

Instead of a single, thick line, mature eyes benefit from a gentler, more strategic approach. Think of building up definition in thin, controlled layers.

Technique 1: The Soft Definition

• Use an angled brush and eyeshadow: Dip a small, firm angled brush into a dark brown or gray matte eyeshadow. Press the color into the upper lash line using a 'stamping' motion. This creates a softer, more diffused line than a pencil or liquid.
• Avoid stretching the skin: While it's tempting to pull your lid taut, doing so can result in a wonky, uneven line when you let go. Instead, work with the natural contours of your eye.
• Smudge for softness: For an even softer look, use a small smudge brush or a cotton bud to gently diffuse the liner just after applying. This blurs any harsh edges.

Technique 2: The Tightline

• Line from underneath: For a subtle yet impactful look, try tightlining. Gently lift your upper lashes and apply your waterproof eyeliner pencil directly to the underside of your upper lash line. This makes your lashes appear fuller without a visible line on your eyelid.
• Choose the right product: A soft, creamy pencil is best for this delicate area. Ensure it's waterproof to prevent transfer to your lower lash line.

Technique 3: The Mini-Wing Lift

• Create an upward flick: For a lifted effect, draw a small dot or short line upwards and outwards from the outer corner of your eye. Use a smudger or angled brush to blend and soften the line. The goal is a subtle lift, not a dramatic wing.
• Connect the line: Gently connect this flick back into the lash line, only going as far as the outer third of the eye. Avoid bringing the line all the way into the inner corner, which can weigh down the eye.

Common Eyeliner Mistakes to Avoid

Many traditional eyeliner techniques can inadvertently make mature eyes look smaller or more tired. Being mindful of these pitfalls can help you achieve a more youthful and vibrant appearance.

• Thick, harsh lines: Heavy lines can close off the eye and appear aging. A thin, subtle line that enhances the lash line is much more flattering.
• Lining the inner waterline: Applying dark eyeliner to the lower waterline can make eyes appear smaller and can clog the meibomian glands, which are crucial for eye health. For a brighter look, opt for a light nude or white pencil on the lower waterline.
• Ignoring the primer: Skipping primer can lead to smudging, especially if you have oily or hooded lids. This is one of the most important steps to ensure longevity.
• Stretching the eyelid: As mentioned, this can lead to an uneven and unflattering application. Practice a steady hand instead.

The Power of Practice and Patience

Mastering eyeliner for mature eyes takes practice. Start with simple, subtle looks and gradually experiment with different techniques. Remember that your goal is to enhance your natural beauty, not to cover up or fight the changes that come with age. Just like skincare and health, adapting your beauty routine is a form of self-care.

For more detailed tutorials and product recommendations, consider exploring resources like the beauty sections of AARP, which offers valuable tips for mature makeup wearers. They provide expert advice tailored specifically for the needs of older skin, helping you navigate the world of cosmetics with confidence and grace.

Conclusion: A New Perspective on Eyeliner

Wearing eyeliner as you get older is not about adhering to strict rules but about understanding how to work with your changing features. By choosing the right products, preparing your lids properly, and using a light, strategic hand, you can create looks that are both modern and timeless. Embrace softer formulas and techniques that lift and define, and don't be afraid to experiment with color. Ultimately, the best makeup is the kind that makes you feel confident and beautiful in your own skin, at every stage of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best type of eyeliner for older, crepey eyelids?

For crepey eyelids, a soft gel pot applied with a firm, angled brush or a creamy pencil that glides on without dragging is best. The soft formula won't accentuate texture and is easier to apply in short, controlled strokes.

Should older women avoid winged eyeliner?

You don't have to avoid winged eyeliner! The trick is to create a small, soft, and slightly upward flick rather than a long, dramatic wing. Using a soft eyeshadow and angled brush to create a blended wing can be very flattering and lifted.

Does black eyeliner make mature eyes look harsh?

Black eyeliner can sometimes appear harsh on mature eyes, especially on fairer skin tones. Consider switching to softer colors like dark brown, charcoal gray, or navy. If you love black, use a thinner line and smudge it for a less severe look.

How can I prevent my eyeliner from smudging or transferring throughout the day?

The best way to prevent smudging is to use an eye primer before application and opt for a waterproof or long-wearing formula. You can also lightly set your eyeliner with a matching matte eyeshadow using a small brush.

Is it better to use liquid, gel, or pencil eyeliner when you're older?

Pencil or gel eyeliners are generally more forgiving and easier to control for mature eyes. Liquid liners require a very steady hand, and the formula can crack or look severe on textured skin. Creamy pencil and gel formulas are often the safest and most flattering bet.

Can I still wear eyeliner with hooded eyelids?

Yes, you can. The tightline technique is especially effective for hooded eyes, as it defines the lash line without creating a thick line that disappears into the hood. Another option is a subtle, upward flick that is drawn when your eye is open to ensure the line is visible.

How do I make my eyes look bigger with eyeliner?

To make your eyes look bigger, focus on defining the upper lash line. Use a dark, but soft, color on the outer two-thirds of the top lid. You can also use a light-colored (nude or white) pencil on your lower waterline to open them up. A slight upward flick can also create a lifting effect.