Finding the right eyeliner after 50 can be tricky. Skin around the eyes gets thinner, drier, and sometimes less firm, which means the same black liquid liner that looked sharp in your 30s might now feel harsh or skip across the lid. Choosing the right product can bring definition back and make eyes look more open, bright, and lifted.
A soft, smudged line along the lashes helps replace the fullness lost as lashes thin, and modern formulas are gentler and easier to blend. Here, we’ll look at some of the best eyeliners for mature eyes and a few simple tricks to keep your eyeliner flattering.
The best eyeliners after 60
Not every eyeliner works well on mature skin. The best ones glide on without tugging, resist smudging on watery eyes, and create definition without looking harsh. Here are five expert-approved picks.
- Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner ($29): This gel-based liner is ideal for a no-makeup makeup look. Press it gently between the lashes to make them appear thicker and fuller. The texture is creamy enough to blend without pulling, and its hyaluronic acid keeps the delicate eye area comfortable.
- Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner ($34): Loved by professionals for its silky glide and rich pigment, this creamy pencil blends effortlessly for soft definition. The built-in smudger makes it easy to create a subtle, lifted look. Shades like Cocoa or Bordeaux flatter mature eyes more naturally than stark black.
- Clinique Quickliner for Eyes ($28): This retractable pencil is gentle and ophthalmologist-tested, perfect for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers. It’s smooth enough to apply without dragging, with a finish that stays put throughout the day. Try softer tones like Smoky Brown.
- Charlotte Tilbury Rock N’ Kohl Eyeliner ($32): Designed for easy glide on delicate skin, this creamy kohl pencil combines bold color with a forgiving texture. Use the smudger tip to blend the line for a smoky finish that looks soft, not severe. A shade like Smokey Bronze adds warmth without overwhelming the eyes.
- Laura Geller Kajal Longwear Kohl Eyeliner ($24): Formulated with vitamin E and caffeine, this longwear liner goes on smoothly and helps reduce puffiness. It’s a good pick for watery or sensitive eyes since it resists creasing and smudging.
How to make your eyeliner look more youthful
Even the best eyeliner can look dated if applied the wrong way. These easy tweaks can make your eyes appear brighter, lifted, and more awake.
- Skip harsh black. Deep browns, soft grays, or muted plums define without dragging the eye down.
- Tightline instead of outlining. Apply eyeliner between your lashes rather than above them. It makes them look thicker and gives a lifted effect.
- Blend, don’t draw. Smudge your liner with a brush or fingertip to soften the edge. A blurred line looks fresher and more natural.
- Focus on the upper lash line. Avoid heavy liner on the bottom, which can accentuate shadows and make eyes appear smaller.
- Add a bit of shimmer strategically. A touch of champagne or taupe shadow on the inner corners balances out the liner and opens up the gaze.
A well-chosen eyeliner can refresh your look and add youthful energy to your face. With softer colors, creamier textures, and smarter techniques, it’s possible to bring definition back to your eyes.