13 Best Eyeliners For Women Over 50 For A Smudge-Free Summer – 2024
Get flawless eye makeup with easy-to-draw liners that work wonders on mature skin.
Mary AjakaMakeup Artist 
Mary Ajaka is a celebrity makeup artist with 15 years of experience in TV/media, editorial, and bridal makeup. She has a keen eye for detail and understands that each face is unique, which is why she uses different makeup techniques tailore... more
srijita deMA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
srijani roy chowdhuryMA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
madhumati chowdhuryMA (English Literature) Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through... more
Image: Shutterstock
Your eyes become sensitive as you age and it is not always recommended to experiment with eye makeup, especially if you have eye issues. Mary Ajaka, Makeup Artist, says, “Using the wrong eyeliners that are too dry or tough to remove can continuously pull at the skin and aggravate the problem.” However, this does not mean you should miss out on the fun! Some of the best eyeliners for older women do not irritate the sensitive skin around the eyes but help make them pop whichever way you choose to wear them to suit your personal style. She adds, “You need eyeliners that glide smoothly, can last throughout the day, do not crease and smudge, and contain eye-friendly and nourishing ingredients. Moreover, they should not be tough to remove.” Here, we have prepared a list of the 13 best eyeliners for women over 50. Scroll down to take your pick.
In This Article
13 Best Eyeliners For Women Over 50
1. Best Fragrance-Free:Clinique Quickliner For Eyes
The Clinique Quickliner For Eyes is a waterproof, gel-based pencil eyeliner. The long-lasting formula offers a soft, creamy, and transfer-resistant application that glides smoothly on your eyelids for a clean and intense look. This allergy-tested drugstore eyeliner smudges to a smooth blur of color with the convenient smudge tool on the opposite end.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Allergy-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- Contains sulfates
- Might cause irritation to sensitive skin
"This Clinique eyeliner applies creamily and stays put without causing styes. It is long-lasting and does not irritate my eyes. I use a gentle cleansing balm to remove it and the product gets removed with ease. I use it daily for casual makeup in the morning. It does not budge the entire day."
Pro Tip2. Best Color Payoff:Lancôme Paris Artliner Liquid Eyeliner – Black
As you age, the crow’s feet at the corner of your eyes become prominent. This means that achieving the winged eyeliner look could be tricky. But not to worry! We present to you Lancôme Paris Artliner, which is an amazing eyeliner for older women and is ideal for creating winged or cat-eye look. It is richly pigmented and features a unique double film-forming set of polymers that deliver an intense color payoff that is long-lasting. Furthermore, this liquid formula provides precision and ease of application and glides effortlessly; thanks to the felt-tip applicator which makes it the favorite eyeliner for many.
Pros
- Long-lasting wear
- Does not scratch or tug
- Offers ultimate precision
- Defines eyes
- Provides intense color payoff
- Available in other colors
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 507 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
3. Best Smudge-Proof:Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner – Intense Black
This waterproof, intense black liquid eyeliner lives up to its name! It stays put until you are ready to remove it and glides smoothly, like butter, along your upper lash line. This crease-resistant, long-wearing eyeliner includes a micro-tip that offers ultra-precise and effortless application. Additionally, the fine tip is tiny enough to fill in between lashes to give you fuller-looking lashes. Moreover, this is a fast-drying formula that does not smudge or flake.
Pros
- Glides on easily
- Makes lashes look fuller
- Waterproof and buildable formula
- Anti-transfer
- Anti-creasing
- Long-wearing
- Easy removal
- The ultra-thin tip provides precise application.
Cons
- Some people may not be comfortable using the short tip.
Pro TipClinique Quickliner For Eyes Best Fragrance-Free | Lancôme Paris Artliner Liquid Eyeliner - Black Best Color Payoff | Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - Intense Black Best Smudge-Proof | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Really Black | Noir | Intense Black |
| Dimensions | 0.4 x 0.4 x 7 inches | 0.95 x 1.06 x 4.85 inches | 0.94 x 0.5 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 0.4 Ounces | 0.5 Ounces | 0.03 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 507 | 24,745 |
| Price | $16.75 | $40.9 | $23.0 |
4. Best Ophthalmologist-Tested:Almay Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil – Black Pearl
What’s not to love about this mechanical eyeliner pencil that is specially formulated to stay put for long hours and goes on easily on your upper eyelids? Rest assured that you won’t have to worry about this retractable pencil pulling or tugging on your skin. It features a smooth, pointed tip that helps you create precise lines while the built-in sharpener integrated into the cap ensures the pencil stays forever sharp. As the color suggests, it creates a beautiful pearlescent finish that makes any eye color pop! This dermatologist-tested eyeliner pencil is enriched with vitamin E that nourishes and protects your skin.
Pros
- Long-wearing and water-resistant formula
- Does not smudge
- Fade-resistant
- Ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested
Suitable for sensitive eyes
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty and fragrance-free
- Affordable
Cons
- The pencil tends to be a bit fragile.
5. Best For Smokey Eye Makeup:Julep When Pencil Met Gel Long-Lasting Eyeliner – Blackest Black
The Julep eyeliner pencil is waterproof, long-wearing, ultra-creamy, and does not drag your skin, making it one of the best eyeliners for crepey eyelids. This blackest black eyeliner delivers a rich and saturated color payoff in just a couple of swipes, making it the perfect eyeliner for all you smokey-eye lovers out there. With the combination of gel and pencil, this eyeliner glides smoothly along the lash line while also helping you achieve thin or thick eyeliner lines based on how much pressure you apply. This eyeliner’s waterproof quality ensures that the formula sets in 30 seconds and lasts for more than 10 hours.
Pros
- Contains extra-finely milled pigments
- Delivers intense finish
- Glides smoothly
- Waterproof formula
- 10-hour wear
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Paraben and sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Made without formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin, and camphor.
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive eyes
6. Best Water-Resistant Formula:Jane Iredale Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner – Onyx
Do you prefer powder eyeliners to liquid or gel liners? And you’re afraid to use it on your mature skin as powdered eyeliners tend to crease into your fine lines and wrinkles? Then consider this powder-cream formula by Jane Iredale. This eyeliner is formulated with coco glycerides that give it a creamy consistency, helping you create a smooth and even finish. Many reviewers have deemed this eyeliner ideal for creating bold smudged eye looks or sensuous smokey eyes. The shade is also suitable for a wide range of skin tones. Additionally, this is a water-resistant formula that stays put all day long.
Pros
- Includes a built-in, soft-textured brush
- Powder-cream formula
- Ease of application
- Helps you create the dramatic, smokey-eye look
- Water-resistant
- All-day staying power
Cons
- May be a little difficult to use
Pro Tip7. Best For Anti-Aging Benefits:IT Cosmetics No-tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner – Highlight
Thanks to its innovative no-tug technology, IT Cosmetics Gel Eyeliner allows you to create any eyeliner look you want with ease. It features a soft pencil tip that glides smoothly across your delicate eyelids and delivers an intense, saturated finish. This automatic no-tug eyeliner is formulated using anti-aging technology. It contains ingredients like hydrolyzed silk, collagen, vitamins, and antioxidants that moisturize your skin and make it firm. This waterproof formula is easy to use, offers intense pigmentation, and is clinically proven to last for 12 hours.
Pros
- Long-wearing and no-tugging formula
- High-pigment eyeliner
- Features anti-aging technology
- Keeps skin moisturized
- Waterproof
- Paraben and sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Tends to clump
- Thick consistency
8. Best For Sensitive Eyes:Physicians Formula Eye BOOSTER – Ultra Black
You can trust Physicians Formula’s 2-in-1 eyeliner + serum that has all the qualities of a good liquid eyeliner to be included in your beauty routine. It has the ability to enhance your lash line. Hailed as one of the best eyeliners for sensitive eyes, as it prevents sensitive eyelids from drying. This sleek eye-defining liquid liner pen helps define and accentuate your eyes with its intensely pigmented shade. Plus, it includes a precise brush-tip applicator that enables you to create crisp lines every time, delivering exceptional results. It also conditions and nourishes your lashes. This eyeliner is long-lasting and water-resistant.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- 24-hour wear
- Water-resistant and smudge-proof
- Accentuates your eyes
- The serum enhances the appearance of lashes
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for sensitive skin and eyes
- Includes ultra-precise brush-tip applicator
Cons
- The eyeliner may be a bit dry.
9. Best Cruelty-Free:Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil – Perversion
Urban Decay is popularly known for its highly-pigmented and cruelty-free makeup line, and this eyeliner pencil is all that and more! It has a buttery texture and glides over your upper and lower eyelids smoothly to deliver a luscious, vibrant color that does not budge, come rain or tears. Once applied, it stays soft and creamy, giving you enough time to blend it to create a subtle eye shadow effect. Alternatively, you could use it to create a thin layer for a neutral eyeliner makeup look. This eyeliner pencil is infused with hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, cottonseed oil, and jojoba oil, which moisturize, condition, and soften your skin.
Pros
- Long-lasting formula
- Waterproof
- Has a creamy, blendable texture
- Enriched with skin-hydrating ingredients
- Glides on smoothly
- Intense color payoff
- 100% cruelty-free
Cons
- It may not be suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
10. Best Creamy Texture:Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Eye Pencil – Onyx
Looking for an eyeliner that is easy to use, provides smooth application, and lends a rich color payoff? Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Eye Pencil is the one for you. It is a water-resistant and non-smudging velvety formula from the celebrity-endorsed brand that manages to stay put all day. It glides on smoothly without causing friction on thin, delicate skin. While this quick-drying eye pencil lends a clean and well-defined line, it can also create a smudged look; thanks to the built-in smudger on the other end of the pencil. Many reviewers have confirmed that this double-wear formula sets in seconds and lasts for 24 hours straight.
Pros
- Double-ended pencil
- Long-wearing for 24 hours
- Dries quickly
- Lightweight and creamy
- Waterproof and smudge-proof
- Fragrance-free
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
- May be difficult to sharpen
"This Estée Lauder gel pencil offers smooth application. It lasts throughout the day without irritating my eyes. It helps me draw precise lines without any extra effort. The color is vibrant and does not budge throughout the day. I don’t need touch-ups when I’m wearing this gel pencil."
11. Best For Contact Lens Wearers:Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner
The Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner is formulated with olive oil and rainforest shea butter. It glides smoothly on your eyelids without smudging or fading for long hours. The subtle light diffusers help make the whites of the eyes appear whiter. The dermatologist-approved and ophthalmologist-tested formula is gentle on the lashes and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. This eye pencil includes a built-in sharpener for precise application and you can create various styles like flash cat eyeliner. And the contoured smudger helps achieve a soft, blended, smoky eye look.
Pros
- Anti-fading
- Anti-smudging
- Built-in sharpener
- Dermatologically tested
- Ophthalmologically tested
Cons
- Contains silicone
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 3,575 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
12. Best Long-Lasting:Maybelline New York TattooStudio Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
Besides her songs, Lady Gaga is known for her distinct hairstyles and over-the-top makeup, especially her graphic eyeliner looks. So if you have always wanted your eyes to look as killer as hers, try this black gel eyeliner and watch it become your favorite eyeliner. The Maybelline New York TattooStudio Waterproof Gel Eyeliner delivers smooth and intense color for a sharp look. The smudge-proof formula from a celebrity-endorsed brand stays on your lids for more than 36 hours. This pencil eyeliner offers highly pigmented color for precise definition. It is free of allergens and safe for all skin types.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Coconut-free
- Paraben-free
- Preservative-free
- Nickel-free
- Long-lasting
- Allergen-free
- Safe for all skin types
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 28,093 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
13. Best Moisture-Locking Formula:RevitaLash Cosmetics Defining Liner – Black
Draw precise lines in a single stroke like makeup artists with the RevitaLash Cosmetics Defining Liner. It is a silky, creamy formula that gently glides over your upper eyelids without scratching, dragging and skipping your skin. Referred to as satin glide eyeliner, it lives up to its name. With its richly pigmented shade and stay-true color, you can expect an excellent payoff. This eyeliner formula provides long-lasting and smudge-proof wear. It is clinically tested and reviewed by dermatologists and ophthalmologists to ensure it is non-irritating. What’s more? It also includes a built-in sharpener and contoured smudge tool that enables you to create any eyeliner makeup look.
Pros
- Moisture-locking formula
- Creamy texture
- Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Chemical and fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
Cons
- The pencil may be too soft and fragile
"This RevitaLash liner glides smoothly and is ideal for drawing softer lines. It has a dramatic wingtip that is also ideal for thick lines and creative eye makeup. It is durable and does not irritate my eyes. It's a solid choice, especially for people with mature skin."
Here are a few points to consider while buying an eyeliner for mature eyes.
The Ultimate Guide To Choose The Best Eyeliners For Women Over 50 Years
How To Choose The Best Eyeliner For Older Women
Type: By now, you must have realized that there are different types of eyeliners such as powder, gel, crayon, liquid, and pencil eyeliners. Always look for a type of eyeliner that is easy to use and provides a smooth application.
Formula: Eyeliners for older eyes are meant to be gentle, long-wearing, and smudge-proof. That said, not all eyeliners are suitable for everyone. There are a few factors to look out for when choosing an eyeliner based on the formula. For instance, if you have oily eyelids, you need a formula that stays on for long without running or smudging. And for those with sensitive eyes or dry eyelid skin, look for something that is non-drying and non-irritating to your eyes. You may choose an expert-recommended eyeliner as they are usually safe for all skin types. However, read the reviews to be sure of its quality.
Applicator: Women with fine lines and wrinkles should opt for an eyeliner that comes with a felt or precision-tip applicator with an ergo dynamic grip. Felt-tip brush eyeliners have thin, soft points that help you create defined, clean lines. Some eyeliners also feature a smudge tool to create a dramatic effect.
How To Use Eyeliner For Women Over 50
- When applying the liner on your upper eyelids, always start from the outer corner of your eyes, and gradually move towards the inner corners.
- As for the lower eyelids, begin from the outer corners and stop at the center.
- If you want to create a winged eyeliner look, you can extend the line beyond the outer corners.
- If you prefer a softer look, you can slightly smudge the line with your fingertip, a cotton bud, or a built-in smudge tool.
The Best Eyeliner Tips For Older Women
- Before applying eyeliner, you need to ensure that your eyes are clean.
- For a long-lasting application, you could prime your eyelids with a concealer.
- Liquid eyeliners with felt-tip applicators are considered to be one of the best options as they glide smoothly over crepey eyelids.
- If you have droopy eyelids, a genius eyeliner hack would be to use white eyeliners that can give you brighter-looking and wide-awake eyes.
Infographic: Eyeliners For Mature Eyes: A Quick Guide
Eyeliners are a central part of our eye makeup. The eyeliner formulas, colors, and applicators play a big role in amping up your look. With advancing age, the staple black eyeliners only accentuate the wrinkles and make the eyes look heavy. To avoid this, you must look away from black towards softer colors. Check out this infographic to find out which colors to opt for instead. Scroll down. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Aging is inevitable. But aging like wine is in your hands. Eyeliners enhance your eye’s appearance irrespective of your age. The regular eyeliners may be heavy for mature skin and may cause it to dry out. They are often difficult to remove eyeliner from the skin as well. The eyeliners on our list are expertly crafted especially for women over 50. Try the Clinique Quickliner For Eyes for creating the perfect smokey eye look. The Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is ideal for creating smooth and precise lines on the lids. You can also create delicate lines on the wrinkled lids that last all day long, while the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil offers rich black pigmentation that glides smoothly over your eyelids to deliver a deep and intense color. These eyeliners contain gentle, nourishing ingredients. They give you flawless applications. They are mess-free, smudge-proof, long-lasting, and easy to clean. Some products are also vegan and are free of animal testing. However, some products may not suit sensitive eyes. Read the buying guide and reviews to pick the ideal one that meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you wear eyeliner if you are over 50?
Yes, definitely! As long as you choose an eyeliner that best suits you and you apply it the right way, age should not matter.
What color eyeliner should an older woman wear?
Older women can wear any color they want. While black and brown are generally considered the safest options, particularly for women with darker skin tones, dark eyeliner colors can sometimes make your dark circles prominent. You can always opt for bright or light colors like white, metallic blue, or orange in such cases.
What age should you stop wearing eyeliner?
Women of any age can wear eyeliner. There is no age limit to apply eyeliner.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijita De is our in-house makeup enthusiast and enjoys writing about makeup products to cater to women of each age group. She shared the best eyeliners for older women in this post. Chaitra has curated this list of eyeliners that smoothly glide on the eyes are smudge-free and gentle on the eyes. In addition, she has scoured user feedback on multiple websites before handpicking these eyeliners.
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