Eye Makeup Tips: How to Make Older Eyes Look Less Tired and More Youthful.

Sometimes the simplest eye makeup tips can be the most effective. One area of the face that really shows our age is the eyes, which can make us look older or more tired than we feel.

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

Not to worry, as women, we have lots of cosmetic options like eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, and concealers which can help us look refreshed and more awake.

So, let's get started and try some of these easy tips!

Eyeliner tips for older women

How to define your eyes

Without any eye makeup, many women over a certain age can look washed out or tired. I think most women can benefit from some type of eyeliner makeup, a little color around the eyes, to help define them and make them stand out.

Here are a few tips and tricks you can try to define your eyes without overwhelming them with too much eye makeup.

1. Soft, Smudged Eyeliner in Outer Corners:

Instead of harsh lines, try a softer, smudged eyeliner look. Apply eyeliner close to the lash line in OUTER corners only. And blend it outward for a smoky effect that makes eyes look larger and more awake.

The trick is to go lightly, don't use too much on the lower lids, and only line the outer corners in a < shape. Try lining the outer corner of the upper lid first and see how you like it. Then, try adding a little to the outer corner of the lower lid.

2. Monochromatic Eyeshadows:

If you're not confident using eyeliner pencils or gels, try using a bit of dark eyeshadow. Using eyeshadows that match your skin tone can create a seamless, natural look that enhances your eyes without drawing attention to fine lines.

3. Tightlining:

Struggling with eyeliner? Don’t miss this step-by-step How-To tutorial with easy tips and videos to help you master the perfect look—even if your hands aren’t as steady as they used to be.

For a more defined effect, try tightlining your upper lash line. This subtle technique can make your lashes appear thicker and your eyes more open—without drawing attention to drooping lids.

ABZ Tip: Still not getting the results you want? You might be using the wrong formula. Explore different types of eyeliners that work better on wrinkled or mature eyelids.

Eye makeup hacks for brighter-wider look

As we age, the skin around the eyes can lose its natural brightness, making the eyes look smaller or more tired. The right makeup tricks can help refresh your look instantly—no surgery or filters needed.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Use White Eyeliner:

For an instant eye-opening effect, apply white eyeliner to the inner corners of your eyes or along the lower waterline. An off-white shade works best for most people, as it brightens without looking too harsh. I personally prefer a creamy off-white pencil over a bright white for a more natural look.

2. Define Lashes for a Wider, More Awake Look

Heavy mascara—especially on the lower lashes—can drag the eyes down and emphasize dark circles or puffiness. Instead, focus your mascara on the upper lashes to help lift and open the eyes.

Tip: Use a lengthening mascara that defines and separates the lashes without clumping. This gives your eyes a subtle, youthful lift without looking overdone.

Check out the Best Mascara for Older Women for my top product recommendations.

3. Boost Lash Volume

Want more impact without going heavy? Before applying mascara, dust a bit of translucent powder on your lashes or use a white lash primer. It helps mascara grip better and creates the look of fuller lashes—with less product.

You can also support naturally longer lashes over time with a good lash serum. I’ve tested several over the years (including pricey ones), and this affordable healing serum worked best for me. It lasts forever—I’m still on my first tube after 5 months!

Get more tips for naturally longer lashes.

4. Try Soft Colored Eyeliner

I LOVE this tip because it really makes a difference. Special colored eyeliners, like certain green shades, can make the whites of your eyes appear brighter. These shades contrast with the eye’s natural color, giving the illusion of larger, whiter eyes.

Check out my eyeliner makeup video to see how the right eyeliner can whiten your eyes instantly!

4.  Dot White Concealer:

A very simple way to enhance older eyes, try adding a tiny dot of bright concealer to the inner corner of your lash line and just above the iris on your upper eyelid.

This helps to widen and brighten the eyes, giving them a more awake and refreshed look.

Cover up dark circles

Dark circles are usually caused by puffiness under the eyes, not just discoloration. A lot of women make the mistake of applying concealer all across the under-eye area, but this can actually make the puffiness more noticeable.

Instead, try applying your concealer in an upside-down triangle shape. This helps brighten the area, draw attention upward, and blends with your natural face shape. It hides the dark circles and lifts the whole eye area, giving you a fresher, more awake look.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Prep Under Eye Area:

Make sure to prep your skin with hydrating under eye cream or primer to smooth the area, reduce eye wrinkles and make makeup go on more evenly.

2. Apply Creamy Concealer:

Apply a creamy highlighter in an upside-down triangle shape 🔻under the eyes, not across the entire puffy area. As shown in the photo above.

3. Nose Highlight Trick for Brighter Eyes:

For eye makeup tips to brighten the eye area and lighten dark circles, try drawing a straight line down the center of your nose with a highlighter or concealer.

This technique creates a contrast that brings light to your face and draws attention away from dark circles. Be sure to use a shade a few tones lighter than your skin tone for the best result.

Hide puffy eyes

Puffiness is a problem for all ages, but tends to be worse as we get older. In the tip above, using concealer under the eye area and down the center of the nose can help reduce the appearance of puffiness. 

But another option is to try a lifting serum. YES! Many of under eye serums are terrible, but I found a few that work. I have tried over 7 different puffy eye serums (from Preparation-H to Plexaderm) over the years.

Check out my top under eye serum reviews to see which one is the best!

Define your eyebrows

Your eyebrows play a bigger role in how fresh and lifted your face looks—especially as we age. Defined brows help frame the eyes and give the whole face a more awake appearance.

Over time, they tend to fade and thin out, which can leave you looking washed out or tired.

Instead of heavy lines, use a fine-tipped brow pencil to fill in sparse areas with soft, hair-like strokes. Choose a shade just a few tones darker than your current hair color for the most natural effect.

Want to know why this small step makes such a big difference? See why eyebrows are so important as we age.

Final Takeaway:

For a more youthful, awake look, these eye makeup tips can make all the difference.

Soft eyeliner, brightening techniques like white eyeliner, and well-defined brows instantly refresh your face. Don’t forget your lashes—primer and a little powder go a long way to make them look fuller and more voluminous.

For even better results, check out these eyeliner tips for different eye shapes to help you choose the best eyeliner for your unique features.

These tips will help you achieve a flawless, youthful look every time!

ABZ Tip: Unsure about your eye shape? Here’s how to determine your eye shape for perfect eyeliner every time.

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