What Color Mascara for Over 60s? A Guide to Flattering Hues

According to makeup artists specializing in mature looks, softer shades often appear more flattering on aging eyes than stark black. So, what color mascara for over 60s is the ideal choice? The answer often lies in choosing hues that define your eyes subtly while avoiding a harsh or aging effect.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the best mascara color choices for women over 60, focusing on softer, more flattering alternatives to black mascara. It details the benefits of shades like brown, brown-black, and navy, explains how to choose based on eye color and hair color, and provides essential application techniques for mature lashes. The article also compares different color options to help you decide.

Key Points

• Brown Mascara for Soft Definition: A rich brown or brown-black mascara provides a softer, more natural-looking definition than black, which can appear harsh on mature eyes.

• Navy Mascara for Brighter Eyes: A deep navy mascara can make the whites of your eyes appear clearer and brighter, giving a more rested and youthful impression.

• Thinner Coats Prevent Clumping: For aging lashes, which can be sparser, apply mascara in thin layers to avoid a heavy, clumpy, and potentially aging look.

• Look for Conditioning Formulas: Formulas containing nourishing ingredients like vitamin E or peptides are beneficial for mature lashes, which can be more brittle and thin.

• Tubing Mascaras are a Gentle Option: Tubing mascaras create a smudge-proof, easy-to-remove finish with warm water, preventing the need for harsh rubbing on delicate eye skin.

• Consider Your Hair Color: Match your mascara intensity to your hair and skin tone. Lighter complexions and silver hair often look best with brown or gray mascara, while brunettes can often still wear black.

• Apply Gently for a Lifted Look: Use a wiggling motion at the base of the lashes to build volume and focus on the upper lashes for a more open and lifted appearance.

As we age, our eyelashes and the delicate skin around our eyes change, which can impact how certain makeup colors appear. For women over 60, lashes may become sparser and thinner, and the overall complexion and hair color can soften. Because of these shifts, the jet-black mascara that worked in your youth might now appear too severe, creating a harsh contrast that can emphasize fine lines and hooded lids rather than lifting the eyes.

Why Softer Mascara Colors Work for Mature Eyes

The goal for mature eye makeup is often to define and brighten without being overwhelming. Softer mascara shades offer several advantages that contribute to this more flattering effect:

• Less Harshness: Unlike jet black, softer shades like brown or navy don't create a stark line of contrast, which can be less forgiving on the delicate skin around the eyes.
• Brighter Eyes: Navy mascara, in particular, can make the whites of your eyes appear whiter and brighter, giving a more youthful, well-rested look.
• Subtle Definition: Brown-based shades offer definition that looks natural and sophisticated, perfect for everyday wear.
• Enhanced Eye Color: Certain colors, like purple or brown, can make specific eye colors pop by using complementary hues from the color wheel.

The Best Mascara Colors for Mature Lashes

When searching for what color mascara for over 60s, consider these popular and flattering options:

• Brown or Soft Brown-Black: This is a universal favorite for mature lashes. It provides definition that is softer and more natural-looking than black. It's especially recommended for those with fairer hair, silver hair, or lighter complexions, as it avoids creating a harsh, “made up” look. Many cosmetic experts suggest brown or black-brown as a primary alternative to black for a less severe finish.

• Navy: Don't underestimate the power of navy mascara. Instead of looking dated, a deep navy or midnight blue can counteract any redness in the whites of the eyes, making them appear clearer and brighter. It’s a great option for a subtle but brightening effect, and pairs beautifully with blue, hazel, and green eyes.

• Plum: For those with green or hazel eyes, a rich plum mascara can be incredibly flattering. Because purple is opposite green on the color wheel, it can make green eyes stand out dramatically. It adds a touch of color without being over-the-top.

• Charcoal or Gray: For women with gray or silver hair, charcoal or soft gray mascara can be a sophisticated choice. It harmonizes with your hair color and provides definition that is even softer than brown, for a polished, understated finish.

Mascara Color Comparison for Mature Eyes

Feature	Black Mascara	Brown Mascara	Navy Mascara
Best For	Those who want maximum drama and contrast, especially brunettes.	Everyday, natural-looking definition. Softens features for a less harsh look.	Brightening the whites of the eyes and complementing blue and hazel eyes.
Effect	Bold, dramatic, and high-contrast. Can appear harsh on lighter complexions or aging eyes.	Subtle enhancement and natural lift. More forgiving on fine lines.	Eye-opening and clarifying. Creates the illusion of brighter, more youthful eyes.
Who Should Consider	Those comfortable with a more dramatic look. Can be combined with brown on lower lashes for a softer effect.	Most mature women, especially those with fairer hair or silver hair.	Anyone wanting to counteract eye redness and add a subtle color pop.

Essential Application Tips for Mature Lashes

Beyond color, the way you apply mascara can make a huge difference for mature eyes:

• Prep with a Lash Primer: Primers can help build volume on thinning lashes and create a smoother base for your mascara, preventing clumping and flaking.

• Wiggle at the Base: Instead of a straight swipe, wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes and then pull through to the tips. This technique adds volume and definition at the root, making lashes appear fuller.

• Apply Thinner Layers: Multiple thin coats are better than one thick, heavy layer. Thicker coats can clump lashes together and create a spidery effect, which can look heavy and unflattering. Wait for each layer to dry slightly before adding the next.

• Use a Tubing Formula: Consider using a tubing mascara. These formulas encase each lash in polymer tubes, which are very long-wearing, resistant to smudging, and easy to remove with warm water, eliminating the need for harsh rubbing.

• Gentle Removal: The skin around the eyes is more delicate with age. Use a gentle makeup remover, like cleansing oil, to avoid tugging and pulling on your lashes and the fragile skin.

• Consider Skipping Lower Lashes: For some, applying mascara to the lower lashes can draw attention to under-eye wrinkles or smudging. For a fresh, lifted look, focus on the upper lashes. If you prefer to coat the lower lashes, use a brown or navy mascara for a softer touch.

Conclusion

When deciding what color mascara for over 60s, the key is often to move away from intense, harsh black and embrace more forgiving, natural-looking shades. While black is a timeless classic, brown offers a softer, more subtle definition for daytime, while navy can brighten tired eyes and add a youthful sparkle. Pairing the right color with mindful application techniques and nourishing formulas designed for mature lashes ensures a flattering, eye-opening finish that enhances your natural beauty. The best choice ultimately depends on your personal style and desired effect, but exploring softer hues is a fantastic way to update your look for the better.

One Last Tip

For more expert advice on makeup for mature skin, check out this YouTube guide from a specialist in mature makeup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is brown mascara better than black for older women?

Brown mascara is often considered a more flattering option for mature eyes because it provides a softer, more natural-looking definition than stark black. The less intense color is less likely to look harsh and can complement a softening complexion and hair color.

Does navy blue mascara make eyes look brighter?

Yes, a deep navy blue mascara can make the whites of your eyes appear brighter and clearer by neutralizing any redness. This creates the illusion of more vibrant and youthful-looking eyes.

What kind of mascara formula is best for thinning lashes over 60?

For thinning mature lashes, consider a lengthening or tubing formula. Tubing mascaras encapsulate each lash, providing separation and volume without clumping, and are easily removable with warm water, which is gentle on delicate lashes.

How can I prevent mascara from smudging on my lower lashes?

To prevent smudging, consider using a tubing mascara, which is designed to be very long-wearing and resistant to transfer. Alternatively, use a brown or navy mascara on your lower lashes for a softer look that is less noticeable if it smudges.

Should older women avoid black mascara entirely?

No, black mascara does not need to be avoided completely. The choice is a matter of personal preference and desired effect. For those who love the drama of black, it can be used on the upper lashes while opting for a softer brown or navy on the bottom lashes for a balanced look.

What mascara color is best for gray hair?

For women with gray or silver hair, a brown, gray, or charcoal mascara is an excellent choice. It provides subtle definition that complements the natural softness of gray hair without the harsh contrast of black.

How should I apply mascara for a more lifted look?

To achieve a lifted look, focus your application on the upper lashes. Use a wiggling motion at the base of the lashes and apply multiple thin coats to build volume and definition at the root, making your eyes appear more open and awake.