by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist
Your eyes are still your best feature—let’s help them stand out.
Your eyes don’t stop being your best feature just because you’ve passed 40. In fact, with the right eyeliner makeup choices, they can look brighter, more lifted, and more defined than ever.
Here are some smart ways to adjustment your current eyeliner style, color, and technique so it works with your mature skin, not against it.
A lot of women my age wonder if eyeliner still works after 40, 50, or 60—or ask if black eyeliner is too aging. The truth: it’s not about strict rules, it’s about tweaking your approach, so liner enhances instead of overwhelms.
I used to think liner on the upper lid made my eyes look smaller. Turns out, it was the way I applied it.
What I’ve learned:
👉 Want more step-by-step application? I keep that on my How to Apply Eyeliner Over 40 guide.
Lining the full lower lash line can sometimes exaggerate wrinkles or dark circles—but that doesn’t mean skipping liner completely.
Here’s what helps mature eyes:
Not every day calls for liner. When I want a softer look, I use gel shadow or cream shadow as an alternative.
One of my favorites is Mommy Makeup’s Any Wear Cream in Golden Caramel. It doubles as an eyeshadow, brow highlighter, and cheek shimmer. On days I want eyeliner definition without the sharpness, I apply this along the lash line.
It’s a quick way to brighten without worrying about smudging or tugging.
Another common search is “what color eyeliner should an older woman wear?” Here are some simple makeup-artist-approved ways to make eyes look whiter and more awake:
Award-winning makeup artist Debra Rubin-Roberts told me: “Choosing the right eyeliner color can make all the difference—hunter green, for example, makes the whites of the eyes really pop.”
Note: Got crinkly or crisscross lines under your eyes? Check out this review of the top 7 under eye puffy serums. You'd be surprised which ones are the worst!
So what’s the best eyeliner for women over 40, 50, or 60? The truth is, there’s no single winner—it depends on your lids and lifestyle:
Eyeliner makeup for mature eyes is all about balance—softer shades, lighter strokes, and smarter placement make your eyes stand out without harsh lines.
Want product recommendations that match these needs? Check out my tested roundup of the best eyeliners for aging eyes.
You don’t need to give up eyeliner after 40, 50, or even 60. In fact, with the right tweaks, it can be one of the easiest ways to make your eyes look more defined and vibrant.
Remember:
If you’re curious to go deeper or just want more ideas to play with, these extra tips and tutorials can help.
Related pages you may like:
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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