Eyeliner is one of the most frustrating beauty products to apply, no matter how old you are. First, there are so many different types of eyeliners to choose from: pencil, smudge-free, liquid, gel, waterproof — you name it.
Then, you have to think of which type is going to work best for your needs. If you want something that’s going to last all night long, you might want to consider a long-wear or waterproof option — but if you want your look to be casual and relaxed, something that easily smudges will give you the undone look you’re going for.
However, applying eyeliner to changing skin texture and mature skin can throw another wrench in your application process. But just because the skin around your eyes might be changing doesn’t mean that you have to forgo one of your favorite makeup products.
We tapped makeup artists and experts to share some of their best tips and favorite products for applying eyeliner to mature eyes. Here’s what they had to say.
Expert-approved gel eyeliner$undefined$36.00
What to look for
“As we age, collagen loss leads to more fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes,” explains celebrity makeup artist Markphong Tram. “Additionally, mature eyes often develop a hooded shape, which can make eyeliner application a little bit more difficult.”
Even so, there’s not a one-size-fits all option for eyeliner for mature eyes. The best choice, says Tram, will still depend on your eye shape, preferences and style you’re going for.
“Investing in a high quality waterproof gel liner is so important, as it provides better longevity and is less likely to smudge. Gel liners also glide on smoothly, making application easier.”
However, if liquid is your style, you shouldn’t shy away from using those as your eyes mature. “If you have deep-set eyes, liquid eyeliner can work well since most formulas are water-based, making them easy to apply and quick to dry,” says Tram.
Best eyeliners for mature skin, according to experts
Flexible tip: Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen Eyeliner
- Under $10
- Flexible tip
- Not available in bright colors
Shades available: 2 | Type: Liquid
Although she recommends gel liners first, James says this is one of the best liquid liners for mature eyes. “For those who prefer liquid liners, this pen has a flexible tip and a smooth formula that minimizes skipping and is easy to apply even on textured lids,” she says.
Extra pigmented: Sephora Collection 12-Hour Contour Pencil Eyeliner
- Very pigmented
- Lasts all day
- Some say it's dry
- May be hard to sharpen
Shades available: 21 | Type: Pencil
Billie Gene, a bi-coastal beauty expert who's also a celebrity makeup artist, previously told Shop TODAY that he recommends this long-lasting, highly pigmented contour pencil by Sephora Collection. This affordable eyeliner is available in three different finishes (matte, glittery and shimmery) and, as its name says, can last up to 12 hours.
Eye paint: About Face Matte Fluid Eyeliner
- Multi-use
- Can be painted on as eyeliner
- Dries quickly
- Doesn't come with a brush
Shades available: 31 | Type: Eye paint
This formula will stay put wherever you apply it, but you will need to work fast since it dries quickly. (Perfectionists beware!) Tram keeps black and brown shades in his makeup kit for clients and loves that it’s a vegan formula.
Ideal for intentional smudging: Charlotte Tilbury The Classic Black Eyeliner Pencil
- Has skincare ingredients
- Not available in bright colors
Shades available: 3 | Type: Pencil
James recommends this Charlotte Tilbury to her clients for its ability to stay in place all day. “This creamy, easy-to-blend pencil glides on without tugging and has excellent staying power,” she explains.
“It’s ideal for creating both precise lines and soft, smudged effects.” It’s even enriched with allantoin, which helps soften the skin its applied to.
Travel-size option: Tarte Double Take Eyeliner
- Available in travel size
- Non-waterproof formula
Shades available: 2 | Type: Pencil and liquid
“This dual-ended liner offers the best of both worlds — a soft pencil on one side and a precise liquid liner on the other, great for versatility on mature eyes,” says James.
You can layer the two on top of each other or alternate based on your mood. It’s also available in a smaller, travel size for on-the-go touch ups.
If you prefer gel: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Smudge-Proof Gel Eyeliner
- Glides on easily
- Highly pigmented
- Some say it dries out quickly
Shades available: 5 | Type:Gel
Celebrity makeup artist Ash K. Holm previously spoke with Shop TODAY and recommended this Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner. She called it "perfect for subtle definition without smudging."
Luxury splurge eyeliner: Valentino Twin Liner Gel and Liquid Eyeliner
- Two-in-one option
- Lasts long
- Higher price point
Shades available: 3 | Type: Gel and liquid
Tram says it can be helpful for older clients to draw on their liner with a gel liner and seal it in with a liquid on top. He says that this will also “enhance the intensity of the look.” Both the gel and liquid liners in this applicator are made with a long-wearing formula that should last up to 16 hours.
Shop TODAY Beauty Award-winning eyeliners, tested by editors
Best gel eyeliner: Maybelline TattooStudio Sharpenable Eyeliner Pencil
- Waterproof
- Sharpener not included
Award: Best gel eyeliner | Shades available: 20 | Type: Pencil
Not only is this makeup product a Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner for best gel eyeliner, it is also loved by experts. Tram says he discovered this eyeliner by accident on a day he was in need of a brown liner for a client. “I was hesitant to try any drugstore eyeliner because, most of the time, they smudge so easily and don’t last. [But I] decided to give it a try and since then, it has become a staple in my kit.” Since this gel eyeliner is waterproof, it will stay in place all day.
Best for precision: Cle Cosmetics Fluid Touch Liquid Eyeliner
- Easy to use
- Good for sensitive skin
- Some users say cap may break
Award: Best for precision liquid eyeliner | Shades available: 2 | Type: Liquid
Our team of editors tested this Cle Cosmetics liquid eyeliner and were super impressed with its precision. Available in both black and dark brown, this easy-to-use eyeliner is formulated with althaea rosea flower extract and glycine soja seed extract. It is also safe for sensitive skin and eyes. Although this pick wasn't specifically tested for mature skin, its liquid formula makes it a valid option.
Best smudge-proof eyeliner: Pat McGrath Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Award: Best smudge-proof eyeliner | Shades available: 2 | Type: Liquid
Another liquid-formula Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner, this smudge-proof eyeliner comes in two shades and provides opaque coverage. If you're looking for a travel-friendly option, this eyeliner is perfect for the beach or pool since it's waterproof.
Nivea Skin Firming and Toning Gel Cream
This cream promises to improve firmness in as little as two weeks.
$13.98
Amazon
Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil Serum
Our editors love this oil for hydration without a greasy feel.
$21.54
$23.49
Amazon
Nail-Aid Keratin 3 Day Growth Nail Treatment & Strengthener
This treatment can be used as both a base and top coat.
$4.48
Amazon
Essence Lash Princess Mascara
We love this affordable formula that doesn’t compromise lift.
$4.99
Amazon
$4.99
Ulta
$4.99
Target
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
One editor has been wearing this classic shade for over 20 years.
$18.75
$25.00
Amazon
$25.00
QVC
$25.00
Nordstrom
Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream
Define curls and tame frizz with this nourishing cream.
$15.39
$21.99
Amazon
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
This affordable find is an easy introduction to retinol.
$18.68
$21.99
Amazon
$21.99
Ulta
$18.68
$23.73
Walmart
Laura Geller Color Correcting Powder Foundation
This foundation builds effortlessly to achieve a chic makeup look.
$17.99
$37.00
Amazon
$14.40
$36.00
Laura Geller
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist
This spray promises to lock in makeup for up to 36 hours.
$10.98
$13.99
Amazon
$10.99
Target
Mielle Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
Experts say that rosemary oil can help with hair growth.
$9.97
Walmart
$7.69
$10.99
Ulta
$9.57
Amazon
How to apply eyeliner to mature skin
Mature skin care and beauty expert Kat James says you should never begin an eye-makeup look on mature eyes without prepping the area. “Start with a lightweight eye primer to smooth out the surface and prevent eyeliner from settling into fine lines,” she explains.
From there, gently lift the brow or stretch out the eye area without pulling or tugging too hard, as the skin in this area will be extra sensitive.
“Instead of drawing a continuous line, apply the liner in short, feathered strokes close to the lash line for better control,” says James. Then, you can smudge it out as you see fit, which will also correct any mistakes and make the line look more cohesive.
How we chose
Before choosing the best eyeliners for mature skin, Shop TODAY interviewed two celebrity makeup artists, including one professional who specializes in mature skin care. They told us what to look for while shopping for the best eyeliners for mature skin and recommended their go-to picks.
Meet the experts
- Markphong Tram is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City.
- Kat Jamesis a mature skin care and makeup expert and makeup artist based in California.
- Billie Geneis a celebrity makeup artist and bi-coastal beauty expert.
- Ash K. Holm is the co-founder of Dripology, a Los Angeles-based med spa. She's also a celebrity makeup artist.
NatureLab Perfect Clean Scalp Balancing Sake Rinse
Winner: Best overall scalp treatment
$21.00
Ulta
$21.00
NatureLab
$21.00
Amazon
Shark HT202 SmoothStyle Heated Comb + Blow Dryer Brush
Winner: Most innovative blowdry brush
$99.00
Amazon
$99.99
Ulta
$99.00
Sephora
Nakery Beauty Lift-Tox Multi-Power Firming Rich Cream
TODAY readers can save 35% off this product with code TODAY, on the brand's site.
$40.88
$44.00
Amazon
$44.00
Nakery Beauty
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Oil
Winner: Best overall body oil
$38.00
Amazon
$38.00
Sephora
$38.00
Sol de Janeiro
E.l.f. Glow Reviver Tinted Lip Oil
Winner: Best overall lip oil
$8.00
Target
$8.00
Amazon
$8.00
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel
Winner: Best tinted eyebrow gel
$27.00
Sephora
$27.00
Benefit Cosmetics
$27.00
Ulta
Medix 5.5 Retinol + Ferulic Acid Age Rewind Body Cream
Winner: Best for crepey skin
$19.99
$24.99
Amazon
$25.70
Walmart
Marc Anthony Grow Long Biotin Leave In Conditioner Spray
Winner: Best budget leave-in conditioner
$7.67
Amazon
$9.49
Target
$8.99
Walgreens
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez All of the Above Eyeshadow Stick
Winner: Best overall eyeshadow stick
$22.00
Sephora
$22.00
Kohl's
$22.00
Rare Beauty
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Winner: Best budget lengthening mascara
$8.32
$12.99
Amazon
$12.69
Target
$12.99
Ulta
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush Kit
Winner: Best overall makeup brush set
$18.57
$19.99
Amazon
$19.99
Ulta
$19.99
Target
