It’s natural to evolve your makeup selection and application techniques as your complexion matures, especially in the delicate eye area. The skin is a little thinner and prone to crepiness. “For mature eyes, it’s not just about adding definition,” says Alyson Hoag, CEO & Founder of Authentic Beauty Makeup Salon & Brow Studio, “it’s about balance and enhancing the natural beauty of the eyes without overwhelming them,” Hoag recommends tightlining along the upper lash line to create the impression of thicker lashes. Sweeping an eyeliner flick upwards with some artful blending can also produce a lifted effect for the eye, but you’ll want to make sure the formula dries and sets promptly to avoid smudging.
To determine which eyeliner formulas are best for mature eyes, we put dozens to the test in our lab and at home, evaluating them on ease of application, formula, pigmentation, effectiveness, and longevity. We also spoke with two professional makeup artists and combined their recommendations with tester insights before crowning these the best eyeliners for older women.
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Formula: Gel pencil | Shades: 14 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This gel pencil liner from MAC checks all the right boxes. It glides gently onto mature eyelids with no skipping, delivering a precise line and impressive color payoff that’s great for creating bold liner looks. The formula comes in 14 color options, from soft brown to bright teal, but our tester noted she did have to layer it on to reach full vibrancy and opacity, so take a more-is-more approach with this one. It’s also a waterproof formula, so you can relax knowing your liner will stay put for up to 24 hours with no smudges. Just don’t rub your eyes, or our tester says it will start to fade.
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Karla, tester: “I love the vibrant color payoff and the thin tip that allows for precise lines, whether thin or bold.”
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What We Like
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Soft pencil formula is great for tightlining
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Can be smudged for a smokey effect
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Creates crisp, fine lines
Formula: Pencil | Shades: 6 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Fans of classic eyeliner pencils will love this option from Jones Road, which lives up to the promise of its name. Inspired by the dense formulas of 1970s pencils, it glides on nicely and is buildable for a strong color payoff. Our tester loved how versatile this liner is, noting that it’s capable of creating “crisp, graphic shapes” as well as smoky eye effects—especially when layered over a shadow. The liner comes in six shades, including monochromatic shimmer options for more dramatic or creative looks.
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Ashley, tester: “My favorite feature of this eyeliner pencil is how soft it is upon application, which makes it easier to apply in between the eyelashes for a tightline look.”
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Formula: Liquid | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Getting a precise line becomes more challenging when the skin on your eyelids is less firm than it used to be. That’s when a fine-tipped liquid liner like this one comes into play. It applies easily without skipping or tugging, and you can choose how thick and dark the formula appears—apply light pressure for sharp, fine lines or add more pressure for a thicker, bolder look. Our tester appreciated that the liner remains moist and “workable” for some time, making it easier to fix mistakes or build up to your desired intensity. Once it’s dry, the brand says the waterproof formula should remain smudge-proof and long-lasting, but our tester did experience some transfer on a particularly hot day.
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Taylore, tester (not pictured): “This pen created precise lines and went on smooth without skipping or tugging.”
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What We Like
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Gel consistency glides on smoothly
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Makes precision application easy
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Creamy, blendable formula
Formula: Gel pencil | Shades: 7 | Cruelty-Free: No
The consistency of the Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil is Smooth, creamy, and “luxurious” according to our tester—perfect for mature eyes. It glides on beautifully, creating precise lines with no tugging whatsoever. Our tester also appreciated how easy it was to blend—you can even diffuse it to create an eyeshadow effect if desired. She found the first swipe slightly subtle for her tastes, but created a more dramatic effect by layering the formula. The longevity of this liner was impressive, too—it lasted all day without smudging, and she experienced just the tiniest amount of fading.
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Karla, tester: “This eyeliner feels luxurious, and the application is effortless. It glides on, and I truly appreciate that.”
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What We Like
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Waterproof formula stays put
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Luxurious, creamy texture
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Sponge tip for diffusing
Formula: Pencil | Shades: 19 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
When you’ve put effort into perfecting an eyeliner, you want it to stay pristine all day, and with this waterproof formula from Victoria Beckham, it really will. Our tester was amazed by its staying power—humidity, sweat, and even eye-rubbing were no match for this formula. It comes in 19 unique shades, including shimmer and glitter liner options that lend themselves to creative looks, and the sponge-tip end allows you to blend and diffuse effortlessly. According to our tester, the creamy texture makes the application feel like “gliding silk across your skin.” Using this liner is a luxurious experience from start to finish.
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Karla, tester: “I wore it to an outdoor event, and it stayed put all day. The color remained vibrant without smudging, even if I accidentally rubbed my eyes. It’s genuinely impressive how well it holds up against humidity and sweat.”
What to Look for When Buying Eyeliner for Mature Eyes
- Formula Type: While the formula you choose comes down to preference at the end of the day, certain types are more helpful when dealing with crepey lids. Hoag prefers a fine-tipped, quick-drying liquid for tightlining, while celebrity makeup artist Tonya Riner recommends a gel pencil that’s easy to blend out. You might also want to consider picking a waterproof formula that’s long-lasting and smudge-proof, even on wrinkled skin.
- Color: For mature eyes, Riner recommends sticking with softer colors like gray, navy, and warm browns rather than stark black shades. “They subtly define the eyes while enhancing their natural shape and color,” she explains.
- Ingredients: Eyes can become more sensitive as we age. Pick a formula containing hydrating ingredients like shea or cocoa butter to help soothe and moisturize the delicate skin around the eye without irritating it.
How We Tested Eyeliners for Mature Eyes
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To determine the best eyeliners for older women, our editorial team spent hours digging through several of our eyeliner tests and speaking with experts for their advice. After making several selections, we evaluated each formula on application, formula, pigmentation, effectiveness, and longevity. Finally, armed with our insights and expert recommendations, we landed on our top picks for this list.
Meet Our Experts
To narrow down our list and find out what to consider when purchasing eyeliner for older women, we spoke to experts, including:
- Alyson Hoag is the CEO & Founder of the award-winning Authentic Beauty Makeup Salon & Brow Studio in Atlanta.
- Tonya Riner is a celebrity beauty expert and makeup artist with thirty years of experience in the industry.
Why Trust Byrdie
Esme Benjamin is a writer, editor, and podcaster based in Brooklyn, New York. Esme joined Byrdie as a writer and editor in 2023, covering the best tried and tested products in the beauty space.