3. Use a high-pigment eye pencil in black or dark brown. Liner is what really restores definition and shape to your eyes. The pencil should glide on and look opaque — not sheer — but it also shouldn't be too slippery or too dry.
50s and beyond
Don't shy away from color — just keep it more subdued. Consider navy or dark plum which create a softer look than basic black. Many makeup artists like to layer a colored liner over a typical black or brown liner and blend it with a brush. Combining a neutral with a color will make the look less harsh.
Many mature women find that while they may have loved a bold black liner in the past, it doesn't suit them the same as it once did, and prefer to opt for softer shades like brown or charcoal. (You can find these shades from Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel and Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eye Pencil.)
It adds a beautiful structure to the face and can frame your eyes as the standout features they are. A pencil eyeliner is good for aging eyes because it softens the lash line and makes your fringe look fuller. Just avoid applying it to the bottom of your eyes.
“Swap your black eyeliner (especially for day) for brown, navy or plum. Sometimes black eyeliner can be very harsh on mature eyes and draw attention to dark circles and lines around the eye. Experiment with colour for a softer look that compliments your eye or hair colour.”
An easy solution to this problem is to switch your back eyeliner with a brown one for a softer and more youthful appearance. Additionally, a thin flick of a lightly smudged brown liner helps open up your eyes and adds more depth to the eyes, making you look younger.
White or silver eyeliner can be used on the lower eyelid to open up the eyes. It can also be used on the upper eyelid, just inside the upper eyelid, for a subtle and sophisticated effect. White or silver eyeliner can instantly make your eyes look brighter and younger.
To make your brown eyes appear brighter, go for colored eyeliner in contrasting shades. For instance, think shades of midnight blue and teal, shades of olive and emerald green, shades of vivid purple and soft purple for a regal look, and even grey and charcoal to bring out any gold flecks in your brown peepers.
To be certain exactly which colors contrast each other, the use of a color wheel is recommended. Simply locate your natural eye color on the wheel and look for the color on the opposite side. That color will be the eyeliner shade to enhance the natural beauty of your eyes!
“Black can start to look harsh when skin gets into the 40s and beyond,” says Patinkin. “Tight lining under the upper lash line with a gel liner and a brush is a more forgiving way to use black as it will make the lash line look thicker and more defined without creating any severe lines or angles.”
The Age Perfect by L'Oréal Paris Cosmetics line is perfectly designed for mature women. The Satin Glide Eyeliner is made from a gentle, waterproof formula that provides even application and comfortable wear. It is created with Mineral Pigments that is suitable for sensitive eyes and offers a non-drying sensation.
Draw a Thin Line on the Upper Eyelid
Instead, try doing a very thin line, starting from the outer half of your lid. Only trace your lash line with the eyeliner, and don't make it thicker. Finish off with a small winger line that goes upwards for a subtle look that lifts the eye.
The best types of eyeliners to use on mature eyes
Pencil eyeliners continue to be popular among all age groups and they're particularly great for mature eyes as they are super easy to apply. Be sure to choose a liner that glides on easily or it'll tug too much on your lids and skip.
"Keep the liner to the top lid for a more lifted, youthful effect." If you really, really want to go after your bottom lash line, Stiles recommends using a lighter color there than you're using on the top. "This will still give you definition, but feels softer and more flattering," she adds.
DON'T wear mascara on your lower lashes. Playing up your lower lashes can make your eyes look droopy and draw attention to dark circles. It makes the eyes look older and accentuates the under eye wrinkles.
"I recommend lining the bottom lash line for anyone that wants a bit more definition or wants to create a more dramatic effect." While easy in theory (you're just applying product along the lower lash line, after all) how to apply eyeliner to your lower lid requires the right products and a few key tips.
Using gold, bronze, copper and glittery eye shadows is definitely in for the wedding season. Such shades help you look glamorous and also help you look younger than your age.
As an older woman, you know it's important to stand out and feel beautiful without looking too done up. Applying eyeliner can create a beautiful look that draws attention to your eyes without feeling heavy or overdone.
Tip #1: Use A Brown Or Colored Eyeliner
Black might be your go-to color when it comes to eyeliner, but using a brown or colored eyeliner can also help make your eyes appear bigger and brighter. For enlarging the appearance of your eyes, choose a colored liner that mimics the natural color of your eyes.
Try a copper shade eyeliner to make your blue eyes appear even bluer, or you can go darker and try brown liners to accentuate the blue even further.