10 Top Eyeliner Tips for Aging Eyes

Simple, practical tricks to help mature eyes look brighter, more defined, and naturally lifted.

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

Want to boost your confidence and make your eyes pop? These 10 eyeliner tips are designed especially for aging eyes—helping you define your eyes in a soft, flattering way.

This isn’t a step-by-step tutorial or a buying guide—just a set of tested tricks that work beautifully on older lids. If your eyes have changed with age (like mine), these tips can really help. I’ve tested them all!

I also added a couple quick extras—like concealer and mascara tricks—to help your eyeliner work even better.

Want a full eyeliner tutorial? Watch this step-by-step tutorial for applying eyeliner on mature eyes, with video tips from a pro.

A mature woman applying eyeliner with a smooth, pigmented pencil for defined, youthful eyes.

Smart eyeliner tips for a youthful look

Aging eyes can still look lifted, bright, and beautifully defined with the right eyeliner techniques. These quick tips are designed to enhance your eyes gently—without tugging, smudging, or drawing attention to wrinkles or puffiness.

Let’s take a closer look at the techniques that really make a difference—starting with one of the most (in my opinion) overlooked steps...

1. Apply a concealer over upper lids

A mature woman applying concealer on upper eyelids to cover discoloration and create a smooth base for long-lasting eye makeup. Ideal for aging eyes and wrinkle-free makeup application

Don’t skip this anti-aging tip! Concealer is key for mature eyes—it helps cover discoloration and redness, and it also prevents eyeliner from smudging or settling into fine lines throughout the day.

I always start with a hydrating eye cream to help it glide on smoothly. Then I use a beige shade concealer (never white) that matches my skin tone to create a crease-free base.

Skip the foundation—it tends to settle into creases. Concealer is a better choice for mature skin. Here’s why you should skip foundation on your lids.

☀️ Summer Tip: Oily lids and humidity can make eyeliner melt fast. A lightweight concealer acts like a primer, helping your eyeliner stay put—even on hot, sweaty days. A light dusting of translucent powder over your concealer can lock it in without adding weight.

2. Use a well pigmented eye pencil

The purpose of eyeliner is to define and shape your eyes, so choose a liner with a rich color—dark enough to create definition without looking harsh. Look for an opaque formula that provides full coverage, but avoid overly pigmented liners that can come off as too intense

If you're not sure, here is a test to check opacity:

  • Swipe the liner on your hand. An opaque liner shows solid, rich color with no gaps. If it's patchy or see-through, it might not be opaque enough.

There are a lot of pencil/gels on the market. If it's any help, I found these two on Amazon and just love how easy they are to apply!

These are a great example of liners that aren’t overly pigmented. Even the blackest shade goes on smooth and subtle, which is exactly what you want for defining your eyes without it looking too harsh or garish.

Here are the two I use:

  • The Rich Muted Brown: I use on upper and lower eyelids for definition.
  • The Pink Rose Shimmer: I apply a small dot on my upper eyelid (in line with my iris) and add a touch to the inner corners to brighten them up.

Julep When Pencil Met Gel Eyeliner

Julep Pencil Gel Eyeliner

3. Avoid eyeliners that are too creamy or too dry

As we age, our skin loses moisture and elasticity, making makeup application more challenging. A liner that’s too creamy can settle into fine lines, while one that’s too dry can skip, leaving an uneven look.

The gel/pencil by Julep shown above (which I use) has a very smooth application, but if you prefer a thinner liner, it might not be the best fit.

For the best results, a waterproof gel eyeliner is ideal. It offers a creamy, smooth texture that glides on easily, but with just the right firmness to prevent smudging and bunching.

This balance gives you a soft, even application that enhances your eyes without the drawbacks of overly creamy or hard formulas.

Mommy Makeup makes a super thin gel brush and smooth waterproof gel-liner that's perfect if you want razor thin line.

The eyeliners come in 11 beautiful shades designed for mature skin. The soft muted colors flatter all tones and blend well with blond, silver or grey hair. I like that it defines without harsh lines, creating a natural look that enhances aging skin and hair.

mommy makeup gel liner picture with description.
Pointed eyeliner brush for applying gel liner.

In this post, I'm wearing a gorgeous Champagne Golden Brown shade—See how it looks on me!

4. Apply liner to upper lid (tightlining)

Tightlining is one of the best eyeliner techniques for aging eyes because it enhances lash fullness without emphasizing wrinkles!

I always line the upper waterline, just under the lashes, to make them look fuller and more defined—without a visible line on the lid. This trick subtly lifts the eyes, making them appear larger and more awake.

For tightlining, I love using Julep’s eyeliner because its creamy formula glides on smoothly and stays put all day without smudging. Tightlining is one of the best eyeliner techniques for aging eyes because it subtly enhances lash without emphasizing wrinkles.

Want even thicker, healthier lashes? Try these expert tips for longer lashes.

ABZ Tip: If your eyes are small, avoid a thick line above the lashes—it can make them look even smaller. Instead, keep the liner close to the lash roots for a softer, more youthful look.

See how I use Julep eyeliner to line my upper lids for a polished, natural finish. It’s truly one of the best eyeliners for tightlining, delivering precision and longevity.

5. Invisible eye lift tip

Applying subtle upward eyeliner flick for a natural eye lift on mature eyes.

I Love this tip! It creates the illusion of lifted eyes with subtitle eyeliner flick. Pin it to try later!

  • To create the lift, keep your eyes open and look straight ahead.
  • Start at the outer corner of your eye and draw a small, thin line going upward—not sideways. It should angle toward the end of your eyebrow, like a tiny lift.
  • The line disappears when your eyes are open, and mascara enhances the lifted effect.

6. Apply color to lower lash line (optional)

a 50+ woman applying eyeliner to the lower outer third of her eyelid for a subtle, eye-brightening effect.

If you like the look of liner on your lower lid, this is a great tip to subtly make your eyes pop! Apply pencil on the outer 1/3 of your lower lash line with a very light touch.

This brightens the eyes and makes them stand out. Be careful not to apply too much, as it can make your eyes look smaller and more aged.

For a softer look, apply lightly and blend with a brush or your finger. Stick to lighter shades, as dark colors can accentuate fine lines and make your eyes appear smaller.

Learn my step-by-step technique to perfectly line your lower eyelids—ideal for a brighter, youthful look.

☀️ Summer Edition Tip:
In hot weather, smudging along the lower lash line is super common—especially if your eyeliner is too creamy. For sweatier days, choose waterproof or gel-based liners — these are a few I’ve tested that don’t smudge in the heat.

You can also use a tiny brush to press eyeshadow (in a natural shade like taupe or bronze) into the lash line—it gives a softer effect that won’t melt in the heat.

7. Use White eyeliner on inner corners (optional)

A woman using a white eyeliner pencil on the inner corners of her eyes to enhance brightness and create a wide-eyed look. Perfect for brightening aging eyes and making them appear more awake.

A white or beige eyeliner on the inner corners can make your eyes look wider and more awake. This anti-aging trick works wonders for small, close-set eyes, or when your eyes are puffy or tired.

Just make sure to smudge or blend the line well. I use a white or beige pencil to draw the > shape, then soften it with a thin brush. I love this tip—even on days I’m not wearing makeup!

8. Choose eyeliners that enhance, not overwhelm

Deep blacks, harsh colors, and metallics can make eyes look smaller and more tired. Instead, opt for natural colors in rich tones, such as brown, charcoal, eggplant, or navy. 

These are the best eyeliner colors for mature eyes, as they provide definition without being harsh.

Mommy Makeup makes the most Gorgeous soft, yet defined gel liner colors that I've ever seen. The micro pigments make the colors pop without being harsh. Check them out!

9. Make eyes look bigger with Contouring shadow

A woman applying eyeshadow in the upper eyelid crease.

Contouring the eye crease means adding a darker shade of eyeshadow to the natural fold or hollow of your eyelid.

This creates a shadow that gives the illusion of depth, making your eyes appear more defined and sometimes larger. It's a way to enhance the shape of your eyes and give them more dimension.

Use a medium toned shadow that matches your skin tone. Brush it into the entire crease of the upper eyelid.

10. Curl lashes and apply mascara

Complete your look by curling your lashes and applying mascara. This step opens up the eyes and adds a polished finish. For added lift, focus on applying mascara to the roots of your lashes and lightly coat the tips.

For the most eye-opening effect, apply mascara only to your upper lashes. Adding mascara to your lower lashes might emphasize dark shadows, so experiment to see what works best for you



Makeup artist applying eyeliner.

Quick Recap: Eyeliner Tricks That Really Work

Do This Here’s Why
1. Use Concealer on Upper Lids Helps liner stay put & evens out skin tone.
2. Use Pigmented Pencil Rich color defines eyes without harsh lines.
3. Pick Balanced Liner Glides without tugging or smudging.
4. Tightline Makes lashes look full.
5. Invisible Eye Lift Trick An outer flick lifts corners.
6. Line Lower Lashes Outer third only—fresh and lifted.
7. Brighten Inner Corners Wakes up tired eyes.
8. Use Rich Natural Colors Brown, plum & navy.
9. Contour Crease with Shadow Adds depth & eyes look more open.
10. Curl Lashes + Mascara Opens eyes.

Takeaway: Eyeliner tips for aging eyes

Incorporating these techniques into your routine can enhance your natural beauty and make a noticeable difference in how eyeliner looks on mature eyes. The key is to define your eyes without emphasizing fine lines or puffiness. Try out these tips and see what works best for you!

ABZ Tip: Want smoother under-eyes for an even better eyeliner application? See my before-and-after photos and find out which eye serums work for puffy eyes!

☀️ Summer Smudge-Proof Tip:

During hot, humid days, eyeliner can be tricky—especially for mature eyes. If you’ve noticed your liner fading, creasing, or smudging, try these summer-proof tricks:

  • Use a lightweight concealer or primer on your lids
  • Choose waterproof or gel-based liners
  • Stick to soft, natural shades like brown or plum
  • Set your look with a touch of translucent powder These quick tweaks help your eyeliner hold up beautifully—even on hot, sweaty days.


FAQs

Question: Is liquid or pencil eyeliner better for mature eyes?

Answer: For mature eyes, pencil eyeliner is often better because it’s easier to apply and blend, giving a softer look. Liquid eyeliner can be harsher and may emphasize fine lines.

Question: What color eyeliner makes eyes look bigger?

Answer: To make your eyes look bigger, go for lighter shades like beige, white, or soft pastels on the waterline. Darker shades, like deep brown or navy, can define the eyes without closing them off. If you want more definition, consider using a special green eyeliner; it brightens the eyes and helps create the illusion of larger, more vibrant eyes.

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About the Author:
Linda Robison is a Facial Fitness Specialist and the founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone. She shares expert insights on skincare, facial rejuvenation, and beauty treatments—blending traditional wisdom, personal experience, and science-backed research for both at-home and in-office solutions.

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