How to Apply Eyeliner Over 40: Step-by-Step Pictures and Tutorial Videos

Q: Q: How should a 60-year-old woman wear eyeliner?

A: First, it's best to use one with a tiny, thin applicator - like a thin brush. Pencils are difficult because you have to sharpen all the time and sometimes those sharp points can hurt and tug on soft, loose skin. Second, a water-proof gel liner like the one mentioned above with a very tiny, thin, talon brush would work great for your situation. It's smooth and will glide on easily without tugging on your eyelid skin.

Best Eyeliner Tips for Older Women

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

Are you struggling with eyeliner because of wrinkles, fine lines or hooded lids? I get it—it’s not as easy as it used to be!

But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

How to apply eyeliner. Step by step eyeliner makeup hacks. A woman applying eyeliner gel to the lower eyelid called tightlining.

How to Apply Eyeliner Step by Step with Pictures

In this guide, I’ll share simple tips to help you apply eyeliner smoothly, avoid common mistakes, and make your eyes look bigger and brighter.

Whether you have wrinkles, wear contacts, or just want a more natural look, you’ll find easy solutions here.

Plus, I’ve included step-by-step pictures and videos from renowned makeup artist Debra Rubin-Roberts to make things even easier.

Let’s get that eyeliner looking fabulous again!

When it comes to eyeliner for mature eyes, waterproof gel-based and waxy pencils are your best bet.

They provide more control, won't smudge or skip over lose eyelid skin, or sink into fine lines, giving you a smoother application.

Look for gels that don’t dry too fast so you can fix any mistakes. More on that below...

🎥 Eyeliner perfection starts with this

Woman applying concealer on eyelid to create a smooth base for eyeliner application and longer-lasting results.

Why Use Eyelid Concealer Before Eyeliner?

Smooths fine lines – Creates an even surface, preventing eyeliner from settling into creases.
Evens out skin tone – Neutralizes redness and darkness for a cleaner, brighter look.
Improves eyeliner longevity – Helps liner grip better and prevents smudging or fading.
Enhances color payoff – Makes eyeliner appear richer and more defined.
Prevents transfer – Controls oil, keeping liner in place on hooded or crepey lids.

ABZ TIP: For the best results, use a concealer not makeup foundation. See why it works better ...

🎥 Watch: Why Use Concealer Not Foundation

🎥 Gel eyeliner: Tips & mistakes to avoid

Applying gel eyeliner can be tricky, but the right technique makes all the difference, especially for mature eyes.

In the video below, makeup expert Debra Rubin-Roberts walks you through a step-by-step tutorial to help you achieve a smooth, flattering look.

🎥 Watch: How to Apply Gel Liner

Applying eyeliner the right way:

Note: Applying eyeliner correctly can minimize fine lines and create a smoother finish. For specific under-eye issues like criss-cross lines, check out our guide for tailored tips and tricks.

Gel vs. pencil: Which is better?

Gel liners are perfect for beginners or anyone with unsteady hands, wrinkles, or loose skin around the eyes. Waterproof gel liners offer long-lasting, smudge-free results, especially for contact lens wearers.

ABZ TIP: Choose gels that don’t dry too quickly, allowing time for adjustments.

Best waterproof gel liners for mature eyes

Just my opinion, but gel liners are ideal for anyone over 40. The gel formula, paired with a super thin, pointy brush is best for wrinkled eyelids.

Why? Because it won’t skip over wrinkles like a pencil might. Instead, it glides smoothly, filling in the lines for a more even application.

Plus, these gel liners have staying power, don’t smudge, or irritate the eyes, which can get more sensitive with age.

Click on the gel liner and liner brush below to learn more...

Showing soft gel liner and thin brush. This is the best eyeliner for mature eyes.

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how to apply gel eyeliner using a gel brush

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Best eyeliner colors for mature skin

No matter your eye color—green, blue, hazel, or brown—shades like dark brown, taupe, and warm rusty tones work beautifully with all of them.

If you're concerned about dark circles or wrinkles around your eyes, opting for softer shades can be a more flattering choice.

I highly suggest you try shimmery caramel brown AnyWhere Cream. It works well with most skin tones and can also be used as an eyeshadow and cheek highlighter!

Me using shimmering golden brown eyeshadow as an eyeliner for a softer look.

I'm wearing Champagne Brown AnyWhere Cream as an eyeliner, eyeshadow, and highlighter. It so looks soft and natural.

This color is gorgeous! And it seems to work with everyone's skin tone. It a can also be used as a highlighter. I even applied it above my eyebrows too!

I am wearing Mommy makeup eye cream in champagne golden brown.

See this GOLDEN CARMEL BROWN ANYWHERE EYE CREAM

Brighten your eyes instantly with this trick

Want brighter, whiter eyes? Certain eyeliner colors can help. CLICK HERE to learn watch the video

Certain eyeliner colors can enhance the whiteness of your eyes. While white pencils can sometimes look harsh, shades like dark green can brighten your eye area.

Here Debra shows how to apply eyeliner for brighter looking eyes.

Pencil eyeliner step-by-step (the right way!)

Don't want to use a gel? That's ok, a pencil is just as good for mature skin and simple to use. Just stay away from soft crayon types, they smear easily. Waxy ones last longer.

See how I apply it below...

How to apply pencil on lower lid:

How to use Maybelline gel pencil liner on the lower eyelid.

This is perfect for making tired eyes stand out. Apply lightly and avoid depositing too much color.

Apply a thin line on the outer third of the lower waterline for definition.
Avoid drawing a full line to keep the look soft.

How to apply pencil on upper lid:

This is great for hooded or droopyeyelids. It also makes eyelashes look thicker.

Top eyeliner tutorial pencil. How to apply eyeliner step by step with pictures to the upper waterline.

Here, I'm applying Maybelline gel pencil liner in black to the inside of my upper eyelid. Then add mascara over eyeliner for more definition.

Warm up your pencil by running across the inside of your wrist a few times.
Draw short lines in dashes. Do not draw a continuous line.
Start from the outer corner and work your way in.
Line the outer 1/3 of the eye only.

Eyeliner trick instantly lifts aging eyes

Here is a simple trick for a quick lift.

After you've finished applying your liner, just give the corner a little flick upwards. Simply draw one line straight up from the end of your eyelash line.

This helps lift the corners of the eyes. Perfect for women over 50!

How to apply eyeliner with pictures. How can I make my eyes lift?

Simple, easy way to apply winged liner over 50. This little, tiny tip will make your eyes look more lifted.

Avoid drawing the line out like a cat-eye, as it can emphasize sagging eyelids. Instead, draw a small line straight up to compensate.

Once you apply mascara you won't notice the winged line at all! Be sure to choose a mascara specifically designed for brittle or dry lashes to keep them looking their best.

ABZ Tip: Don't Forget About Your Eyebrows! You'll be amazed how important well-defined eyebrows are in accentuating your eyes and framing your face.😲

Best eyeliner pencils that stay put

For a casual daytime look, a hard waxy pencil is ideal because it offers control for color deposit and stays on all day.

ABZ Tip: Maybelline Pencil Wood Liner for its quality and affordability. It's hard to find in drugstores, so I often get in on Amazon.

This is my two pack of Maybelline Black Eyeliner pencil.

My other top 3 picks

As an older woman, I look for eyeliners that are smooth, glide on easily, won't crease and have staying power. BUT, most important, ones that won't irritate, as my eyes have become more sensitive with age.

Here are my top 3 picks for eyeliners:

URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil. Lasts forever!
Almay All-Day Intense Gel Eyeliner, Longlasting, Waterproof. This one sharpens easily to a nice rounded point.
Pat Mcgrath Labs Permagel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil. This eye pencil has a shimmery finish. So I don't use it inside the waterline.

Avoid this eyeliner mistake for waterline

Avoid this type of eyeliner for contact lenses

Try to avoid soft eye makeup pencils, like Kohl pencils, or thick crayon-type liners on the waterline as they can leave residue on contact lenses and smudge or fade quickly.

However, this is a really nice pencil that works well on upper lids and makes a great eyeshadow. It's hard to find this at the local drugstore, but can you find it on Amazon.

Eyeliner tips for all shapes (even hooded!)

A chart showing how eyeliner can be applied on different eye shapes.

Eyeliner Styles for 9 Different Eye Shapes: A Visual Guide

Anti-Aging Beauty Zone provides a visual guide on applying eyeliner for different eye shapes. Done right, eyeliner can make you look more awake, brighter, and more defined.

Not sure what type of eyes you have? Check out this simple guide on how to find your eye shape for a more customized makeup routine.

Final tips and takeaway:

Smooth, effortless eyeliner starts with hydrated skin—apply a lightweight, non-greasy eye cream and follow with primer or concealer for a flawless base.

Struggling with eyeliner over 40? Whether it’s fine lines, hooded lids, or sensitive eyes, the right products and techniques make all the difference.

Gel liners offer a smooth, long-lasting finish, while waxy pencils provide control and precision. Try tightlining for a natural look or a subtle wing to lift the eyes.

💡 Want more tips? Check out my 10 Aging Eyeliner Tips for perfect results every time!

Eyeliner should be fun, not frustrating! Learn to love applying and wearing eyeliner again. For even more expert advice, visit my Eye Makeup Tips for Older Women page to keep your eyes looking vibrant and defined at any age. 😊

FAQs: How to apply eyeliner

Have questions about how to apply eyeliner? See below…

Share your go-to techniques, favorite products, or even a photo of your best eyeliner look. Come on, join the conversation!

Q: Should liner go on top or bottom?

A: That's a personal preference. You should try it both ways and see which looks better on you. If your eyes are very small, or you have dark under eye circles, it's better just keeping it on the upper eyelids.

Q: How do you draw straight lines?

A: You really don't draw a straight line when applying eyeliner. It's much easier and looks more natural to draw tiny dashes (- - - ) across the eyelid. Celebrity makeup artist Debra Rubin shows you how to easily do this in this step-by-step tutorial.

Q: Can you wear eyeliner if you wear contacts, and which is best?

A: The most important feature of eye makeup for contact lens wearers is to make sure it's not sticky or too soft, because the eyeliner residue can stick to your lenses. A waterproof gel liner or a hard waxy type pencil seems to be easy for most women.

Liquid liners work too, but many women find them hard to apply because they deposit too much color too fast.

Q: How should a 60-year-old woman wear eyeliner?

A: First, it's best to use one with a tiny, thin applicator - like a thin brush. Pencils are difficult because you have to sharpen all the time and sometimes those sharp points can hurt and tug on soft, loose skin.

Second, a water-proof gel liner like the one mentioned above with a very tiny, thin, talon brush would work great for your situation. It's smooth and will glide on easily without tugging on your eyelid skin.

Q: Can you use liquid on waterline

A: I don't like to use liquid liners. But, everyone is different. You can try it and see how it works for you.

Q: What waterline color makes brown eyes pop?

A: For brown eyes, I would try earthy tones like rich browns, deep plums, and dark greens can make them pop. These colors create a contrast that enhances the natural warmth of brown eyes. Experiment with different shades to find what works best for you.

Q: Is waterline eyeliner safe?

A: Some doctors feel that applying eyeliner to the top or bottom waterline may not be safe. They say that the waterline, (that's the inner part of your eyelid) has tiny glands that make tears to keep your eyes comfy.

Is it bad to put eyeliner on your waterline?

Applying to your waterline (tightlining) isn't "bad," but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Some find it may irritate. Especially if they have sensitive eyes.
It may cause your eyes to appear smaller.
Test a small area first, even with ophthalmologist-tested pencils. They can still cause issues, as I've experienced.
Keep pencils and eyeliner brushes clean.

The only two I can use on the waterline are Maybelline pencils and Mommy Makeup waterproof gel liners.