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Even the most tried-and-true makeup routines often require a refresh as we age, particularly when it comes to the best eyeliner for older women. Subtle shifts in eyelid texture, firmness, and moisture levels can change how liner sits on the skin. What once created crisp definition may now appear harsher, migrate throughout the day, or feel less comfortable on increasingly delicate lids.
New York City ophthalmologist Ashley Brissette explains, “The eyelid skin becomes thinner, and the tear film naturally becomes drier, which makes the eyes more sensitive to certain eyeliner formulas.” The expert advises avoiding waterproof liners, strong preservatives, fragrances, and pencils that can drag across the lid. Creamy, ophthalmologist-tested options tend to be gentler and more dependable for mature eyes.
And when it comes to technique, celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose tells Bazaar that he recommends keeping eyeliner slightly blurred, and not overly sharp or too defined, as this can make it look harsh and even more aging. He often softens the line and lifts the outer corners for clients with droopy lids. Barose also recommends long-wearing gel formulas that glide smoothly and resist smudging.
Beauty expert Felicia Walker, 50, gravitates toward smoky tones like cocoa, navy, and maroon that bring soft definition without overpowering her features, and uses hers as a tool for expression and vibrancy. At the moment, she considers herself a super fan of Danessa Myricks Beauty’s Colorfix Stix. “It lines, shades, sculpts, and brings ‘Little Miss Main Character’ energy to my eyes,” she explains.
Here, discover our short list of the best eyeliners for aging eyes worth adding to your routine. These coveted options are handpicked by makeup experts, eye doctors, and makeup lovers in the know to elevate your go-to look.
Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Creamy, blendable, and formulated to perform beautifully on both lash line and waterline, this pencil is a standout for bold definition. Once set, it resists smudging and fading while remaining comfortable on sensitive eyes.
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Formula type: Creamy pencil
Customer review: “Love this eyeliner! Does not crease into my upper lid that I always have issues with other eyeliners.” — Shaelala
Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner
If you’re looking for intense color, this pencil truly delivers. I’ve personally been using this liner since my early 20s, and it’s the one I can always count on for rich color and minimal irritation. It’s been a steady favorite, even as my sometimes-sensitive eyes follow me into my late 30s.
Customer review: “I was having a tough time finding eyeliner that stayed on and even showed up on my waterline. This liner did the trick! Love the built-in sharpener too.” —Azucks
Superhero No-Tug Retractable Eyeliner in Black
This mechanical pencil is a low-maintenance staple for those who prefer to skip sharpening. The “no-tug” formula glides seamlessly, delivering rich pigment in a single stroke—a major perk for mature eyes. It creates a crisp line that resists smudging throughout the day.
Customer review: “Goes on smooth and easy. Last all day and washes off easily.” —Dee
Tattoo Studio Sharpenable Gel Pencil Eyeliner
This drugstore steal offers the intensity of a gel pot liner with the convenience of a pencil. It glides easily and sets down to a 36-hour wear that resists water, humidity, and transfer — ideal for hooded or watery eyes.
Customer review: “I’m in my 50s and this eyeliner doesn’t budge. I use daily on upper waterline and lower lashline. Best eyeliner I’ve ever used.” —Erika
Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner
This refined pencil has a soft, comfortable texture and a truly budge-proof finish. The retractable tip and detachable sharpener deliver precision, while the waterproof formula resists tears and oil—two common concerns as eyelids become more delicate.
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Formula type: Khol pencil
Customer review: “I bought the bleu metal. Love the shade. And, I have serious allergies so most eyeliner begins to run after an hour or so. This did not run – ever! I’ve worn it all day and evening and it stays put. Easy to apply. It’s the most I’ve ever spent for eyeliner, but I’m won over.” — Kay
Kajal Longwear Eyeliner
This creamy kohl pencil is ideal for anyone whose eyes feel a bit drier or more fatigued throughout the day. The formula glides on without skipping—crucial for mature lids—and is infused with vitamin E to condition and caffeine to help visibly de-puff. The payoff is rich enough for definition but soft enough to smudge into a flattering, lived-in look.
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Formula type: Kajal kohl pencil
Customer review: “Love this eyeliner! Goes on so smoothly and blends beautifully. Hope they never stop making it.” —Linda
Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner
The super-fine pen tip makes ease and control a breeze—especially if you’d like to spice things up with a hot winged liner. “This award-winning liquid liner pen is so easy to use and creates the perfect flicks for extra lifts,” says Barose.
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Type: Liquid felt-tip pen
Customer review: “That thinnest point is the only one that lets me do a proper flick with my hooded eyes.” —Himali U.
Liberty London
Quickliner For Eyes Eyeliner
“For mature or sensitive eyes, soft gel pencils and creamy pencils tend to be the most comfortable and safest,” says Brissette. “They glide on easily without tugging delicate lids, don’t flake into the eyes, and are less likely to migrate into the tear film compared with loose powders or stiff pencils.” She loves Clinique’s Quickliner For Eyes, noting it’s “eye safety promise.”
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Formula type: Dual-ended cream pencil
Customer review: “The best liner! Easy application and stays put. Love the black/brown shade for a less harsh alternative to black.” —KMarie2012
Sephora
Colorfix Stix
While this highly-rated stick isn’t strictly an eyeliner, it makes for a pretty amazing one. “This dual-ended, use-it-everywhere, pearlized pigment stick is permanently attached to my right hand because it gives my eyes everything I need in one product,” says Walker. It lines, shades, sculpts, and brings ‘Little Miss Main Character’ energy to my eyes, especially when I’m wearing glasses.”
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Formula type: Dual-ended pearl pigment stick
Customer review: “Absolutely incredible. This duo is so bright, beautiful, and insanely pigmented. Both shades glide on smoothly, blend like a dream, and truly stay put all day without creasing or fading. I love that I can use it on eyes, cheeks, and lips — it actually meets every claim. The shimmer is gorgeous without being chunky, and the color payoff is unreal. I’m obsessed.” —Smallchump
ColorStay Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Black
This drugstore staple glides on seamlessly and delivers dependable long-wear. It’s versatile enough for both subtle definition and smoky looks, and its built-in sharpener and smudger make it especially easy to use daily.
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Formula type: Cream pencil
Customer review: “Perfect for every day use AND special occasions! I feel like the color is bold but wearable, and worked perfectly for my needs!” — Geri
Satin Kajal Liner in Bordeaux
This creamy, smudge-free pick has quickly become a fan favorite for many who love how beautifully and smoothly it applies. “Victoria Beckham Kajal is my jam,” explains Walker. “It frames and softens the gaze gorgeously.” The expert’s go-to shades? Cocoa and Bordeaux.
Customer review: “It’s no wonder they’re selling like crazy – one every 30 seconds, I think I heard Lady Beckham say!! The best liners I’ve used as they’re so easy to work with and blendable. Couldn’t resist adding the cinnamon one to my growing VB collection.” —Elainey
Nordstrom
Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Liner
This gel-meets-pencil hybrid is ophthalmologist-tested and designed to stay comfortable on even the most easily irritated eyes. It offers saturated color, smooth application, and a 36-hour wear that stays put even on watery lids.
Customer review: “I mistakenly purchased a similar product that didn’t work half as well as this one. Love the color saturation of this product.” —Kelly
MAC Fluidline
Barose highly recommends this long-wearing eyeliner for mature eyes, saying, “It’s perfect to smudge on with a brush so you get that slightly blurry, smoky line look.”
Customer review: “I’ve been wearing this for 20 years and it’s my all-time favorite. I used to wear the black and I think because I’m older I prefer the dark brown. The dark brown is gorgeous with green eyes. I sometimes bust out the black for Halloween.” — H-bomb
Ulta
FAQs
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Meet the Experts:
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Nick Barose is a highly acclaimed celebrity makeup artist who often works with actresses Amy Madigan, Lupita Nyong’o, and Kim Cattrall.
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Ashley Brissette, MD, MSc, FRCSC, is a sought-after ophthalmologist at Kelly Vision in New York City.
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Felicia Walker is a longtime beauty expert and skin educator.
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What Are Tips for Preventing Eyeliner from Smudging on Mature Skin?
Barose recommends applying a light dusting of powder to your eyelids before application to keep it from smudging. He also suggests investing in a sealer, such as Inglot’s Duraline. He explains, “It’s a clear liquid that you paint over the liner to seal it in to last all day.”
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Are There Eyeliner Ingredients Those with Mature Eyes Should Avoid?
As eyelid skin becomes thinner, eyes naturally become drier with age. Brissette advises avoiding fragrance, essential oils, harsh preservatives like benzalkonium chloride, and very waterproof formulas, which can be irritating and harder to remove. She also recommends keeping eyeliner off the waterline when possible to avoid clogging oil glands.
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How Can I Get a Lifted Look Without Creating Harsh Lines?
Barose recommends keeping the liner soft and slightly blurred rather than razor-sharp. “Black can be quite jarring and harsh,” he notes. He prefers deeper shades like brown, bronze, grey, plum, or navy and suggests thickening the line only at the outer corners to create a subtle lift. Using a brush to smudge gel liner can also add definition without emphasizing texture.
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How Often Should I Replace My Eyeliner?
Brissette suggests replacing eyeliner every three to six months and ensuring pencils stay clean to reduce the risk of irritation or infection. “Never share eye makeup, always wash hands before applying it, and make sure all liner is fully removed each night, as residue along the lash line is a common cause of irritation and styes in mature eyes,” she says.
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Looking for More Makeup Favorites for Mature Skin?
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Why Trust Harper’s Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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