And when it comes to technique, celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose tells Bazaar that he recommends keeping eyeliner slightly blurred, and not overly sharp or too defined, as this can make it look harsh and even more aging. He often softens the line and lifts the outer corners for clients with droopy lids. Barose also recommends long-wearing gel formulas that glide smoothly and resist smudging.
Beauty expert Felicia Walker, 50, gravitates toward smoky tones like cocoa, navy, and maroon that bring soft definition without overpowering her features, and uses hers as a tool for expression and vibrancy. At the moment, she considers herself a super fan of Danessa Myricks Beauty’s Colorfix Stix. “It lines, shades, sculpts, and brings ‘Little Miss Main Character’ energy to my eyes,” she explains.
Here, discover our short list of the best eyeliners for aging eyes worth adding to your routine. These coveted options are handpicked by makeup experts, eye doctors, and makeup lovers in the know to elevate your go-to look.
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Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
If you’re looking for intense color, this pencil truly delivers. I’ve personally been using this liner since my early 20s, and it’s the one I can always count on for rich color and minimal irritation. It’s been a steady favorite, even as my sometimes-sensitive eyes follow me into my late 30s.
- Number of shades: 10
- Formula type: Gel pencil
Customer review: “I was having a tough time finding eyeliner that stayed on and even showed up on my waterline. This liner did the trick! Love the built-in sharpener too.” —Azucks
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Under $15
Cons
- Requires a sharpener
This drugstore steal offers the intensity of a gel pot liner with the convenience of a pencil. It glides easily and sets down to a 36-hour wear that resists water, humidity, and transfer — ideal for hooded or watery eyes.
- Number of shades: 11
- Formula type: Gel pencil
Customer review: “I’m in my 50s and this eyeliner doesn’t budge. I use daily on upper waterline and lower lashline. Best eyeliner I’ve ever used.” —Erika
FAQs
Meet the Experts:
- Nick Barose is a highly acclaimed celebrity makeup artist who often works with actresses Amy Madigan, Lupita Nyong’o, and Kim Cattrall.
- Ashley Brissette, MD, MSc, FRCSC, is a sought-after ophthalmologist at Kelly Vision in New York City.
- Felicia Walker is a longtime beauty expert and skin educator.
What Are Tips for Preventing Eyeliner from Smudging on Mature Skin?
Barose recommends applying a light dusting of powder to your eyelids before application to keep it from smudging. He also suggests investing in a sealer, such as Inglot’s Duraline. He explains, “It’s a clear liquid that you paint over the liner to seal it in to last all day.”
Are There Eyeliner Ingredients Those with Mature Eyes Should Avoid?
As eyelid skin becomes thinner, eyes naturally become drier with age. Brissette advises avoiding fragrance, essential oils, harsh preservatives like benzalkonium chloride, and very waterproof formulas, which can be irritating and harder to remove. She also recommends keeping eyeliner off the waterline when possible to avoid clogging oil glands.
How Can I Get a Lifted Look Without Creating Harsh Lines?
Barose recommends keeping the liner soft and slightly blurred rather than razor-sharp. “Black can be quite jarring and harsh,” he notes. He prefers deeper shades like brown, bronze, grey, plum, or navy and suggests thickening the line only at the outer corners to create a subtle lift. Using a brush to smudge gel liner can also add definition without emphasizing texture.
How Often Should I Replace My Eyeliner?
Brissette suggests replacing eyeliner every three to six months and ensuring pencils stay clean to reduce the risk of irritation or infection. “Never share eye makeup, always wash hands before applying it, and make sure all liner is fully removed each night, as residue along the lash line is a common cause of irritation and styes in mature eyes,” she says.
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