11 Best Mascaras For Older Women (2025) – As Per A Makeup Artist
Highlight your lashes and style them flawlessly to create an oh-so-youthful look.
Lorrie Pearson is a professional makeup artist who has been creating her signature natural makeup looks for 20+ years. She began her career working behind the cosmetics counter that helped her strengthen her skills in application.
Read full bio of Lorrie Pearson
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 certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
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 English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
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If you are here looking for the best mascara for older women, I have your back. Aging gracefully is an art. Not only do your style, attire, and how you carry yourself define that, but your makeup also plays an important role. With age, just like your diet preferences for a healthy body, your makeup preferences should also change to suit the subtle changes in your face. Especially when it comes to eyes, makeup can make you look younger or older depending on what kind of products you opt for. Good mascaras for mature eyes add definition and volume to your lashes. They are formulated with nourishing ingredients that strengthen brittle lashes to keep them looking full and lush. To help you select the right one, I consulted Lorrie Pearson, a professional makeup artist, and shortlisted the 11 best mascara options for older women in this article. Keep reading to check them out.
In This Article
11 Best Mascaras For Older Women In 2025 + Reviews & Buying Guide
1. Best Overall: Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Washable Mascara – Very Black
With age, your eyelashes need extra care during application of mascara as well as while removing it. The Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Washable Mascara does just that! When applied on your lashes, this drugstore mascara nourishes and softens them, and when removing the mascara with makeup remover, it makes sure your eyelashes are not pulled out in the process. In addition to this, the mascara lends fullness and can be used to enhance your natural beauty from the daytime to a glamorous look for a night out in town! Blogger Ksuan writes, “Does it build full lashes without feeling heavy? Absolutely. All I needed were two gently applied coats for this mascara to work its magic. The result was full, dark, soft, fluttery-light lashes. No tarantula effect, no brittleness – just a gorgeous, feminine definition. If you’re into the false-eyelash look, give this mascara a miss – but if you want a mascara that will add depth to your eyes in a My Lashes, But More Captivating way, this is the mascara for you (i).”
Key Features
- It is infused with a Quick Dissolve System that prevents lash loss in mature women.
- The soft bristles of the wand do not tug against the weak lashes and clump them.
Pros
- Nourished with vitamin E
- Extremely long-lasting
- Suitable for women who wear contact lenses.
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- The mascara may become clumpy if the tube is not stored properly.
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 9,056 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
2. Best Dermatologist-Tested: Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer
The fact that this water-resistant professional mascara gives you two products in one is a blessing for women over 50. With age, the number of responsibilities and free time you have is inversely proportional. The primer nourishes and prepares your lashes for the rich texture of the mascara. It gives you full lashes that look better than lash extensions. Makeup vlogger Desiree says, “The product has the mascara side and the primer side, which helps build the lashes well. The mascara has been my go-to every single day since I first used it. It gives a decent volume to your lashes.” This volumizing mascara for older women is also dermatologists and ophthalmologist tested, making it safe for skin that becomes sensitive with age and is very easy to remove even after a long day. The mascara is also not tested on animals, making it an ideal option for ethical beauty consumers.
Key Features
- The formula is infused with jojoba esters that nourish the mature lashes and promote their growth.
- The flexible wand features molded bristles that evenly coat the fine lashes, while lifting and lengthening them.
Pros
- Free from paraben and paraffin
- Free from silicones and mineral oil
- Free from synthetic fragrances
Cons
- The mascara may not be suitable for those with extremely strong skin allergy issues.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 2,771 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
3. Best Eco-Conscious: BOOM! Bright Pro Age Mascara
The BOOM! Bright Pro Age Mascara defines the finest lashes for a fuller appearance. This water-based formula of this conditioning mascara for mature lashes moisturizes and separates your lashes for a naturally-lifted look and fresh eyes. The tapered, precise-application wand makes it easier to coat the thinnest lashes with equal amounts of pigments, while the soft black color compliments the silver or white hair beautifully. The buildable formula of this lash-defining mascara for older women imparts a naturally wide look to the eyes. Additionally, the product is favored by ethically conscious consumers because it has not been tested on animals.
Key Features
- It is enriched with nourishing ingredients like jojoba seed oil, aloe leaf juice, hyaluronic acid, and Damascena flower oil that strengthen and condition the weak mature lashes
- The formula is pH-neutral and does not react to mature skin or cause irritation.
Pros
- Clump-resistant
- Non-drying
- Pleasant fragrance
- Easy to remove
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
"This mascara separates my lashes and makes them appear fuller. It is a creamy formula that coats my lashes nicely and locks in their moisture. The formula does not irritate my eyelids or sting my eyes. It also never turns my lashes brittle or causes them to fall out."
Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Washable Mascara - Very Black Best Overall | Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer Best Dermatologist-Tested | BOOM! Bright Pro Age Mascara Best Eco-Conscious | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Washable very black | Black | Black |
| Dimensions | 0.69 x 2.75 x 5.69 inches | 0.8 x 0.8 x 5.6 inches | 5.14 x 0.78 x 0.95 inches |
| Weight | 0.32 Ounces | 0.25 Ounces | 0.64 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 9,056 | 2,771 | - |
| Price | $6.98 | $19.99 | $27 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Long-Lasting: DHC Mascara Perfect Pro Double Protection – Black
This extremely long lasting mascara comes with a defining mascara brush that makes your lash from root to tip very lush. Thinning of lashes is a common problem among women over 50, and this mascara takes care of that with élan. The DHC mascara for mature women with fine lashes offers double features that make your lashes thick as well as lengthen them effortlessly. The Japanese tube technology delivers silky and smooth eyelashes that do not smudge, flake, or clump. Suitable for oily skin, this lengthening mascara for mature lashes will not give you raccoon eyes after removing makeup. This perfect mascara’s transfer-proof, all-day definition has made it a favorite among reviewers. A blogger says, “The DHC website says that the formula “encapsulates lashes in polymer tubes that wear all day and night long”. This is actually true: this mascara wears like a dream. It doesn’t smudge even after 13h a day (I’ve been having a lot of those lately). The lashes look great but at the same time, they are flexible and not stiff like with many other types of mascara. The product lengthens your lashes and defines them giving you a very natural full lash effect (ii).”
Key Feature
- The fine-bristled wand coats the tiny lashes on the outer edges with precision, offering droopy eyes a bright appearance.
Pros
- Smudge and flake-free
- Suitable for all-day wear
- Water-resistant
Cons
- It may be hard to take off with regular makeup remover.
Pro Tip5. Best Eye-Opening Effects: Lancome Monsieur Big Volume Mascara – No.01 Big Is The New Black
Eye makeup for women over 50 requires a different approach than that for younger women. The countless years of lack of sleep, overworking, and stress result in wrinkles around the eyes that make their eyes appear smaller. To fight this issue,Lancome Monsieur Big Volume Mascara makes your eyes appear larger, wider, and fresher, and in the process, you look like a gorgeous and younger version of yourself. Makeup vlogger Adriana Marquez says, “The mascara does not smudge or flake. It gives me length and volume with the first coat itself.” The mascara texture is ultra creamy as a result of which, the brush holds a generous quantity in a single dip. This anti-aging mascara makes application smooth and quick and makes it a great mascara option for senior ladies. Watch this video of a reviewer’s experience with the celebrity-endorsed product for more information.
Key Feature
- The round brush applies the mascara evenly to the mature lashes while its wavy fiber bristles build quick volume.
Pros
- Buildable texture
- Anti-aging and anti-wrinkle
- Lasts for up to 24 hours
- Infused with polymers and wax to bring out volume
Cons
- It may not be adequately waterproof.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 2,493 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
6. Best For Sensitive Skin: Benefit They’re Real! Mascara – Beyond Black
Benefit products are made using ingredients that are skin-friendly. This means everyone can use them, including women over 50. The tapered brush of this innovative mascara for older women with sensitive skin makes sure no lash is left behind, which in turn, results in undeniable volume. Final result? Every time someone asks if you are wearing fake lashes you get to tell them, “They’re Real!’ (see what we did there?). Makeup vlogger Ebony Jane on YouTube says, “The mascara stays put all day. It does not flake off and my lashes do not lose their curl.” This affordable mascara is definitely worth a try by mature women.
Key Feature
- It has a customized domed-tip brush that lifts the corner lashes instantly, lending mature eyes a fresh look.
Pros
- Clump-free
- Comes off easily with eye makeup remover
- Suitable for sensitive skin and eyes
Cons
- The mascara may not be suitable for quick makeup as it may take a little extra time to dry.
"I love how lifted my lashes look after just one coat of this mascara. It also enhances the shape of my eyes. The wand separates my lashes and applies the mascara evenly to them. It thickens my lashes and makes them stand out. The mascara stays put without smudging. It also comes off easily with my makeup cleanser."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 4,998 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
7. Best Vegan-Friendly: Grande Cosmetics GrandeDRAMA Intense Thickening Mascara
Filled with the goodness of castor oil, this Grande Cosmetics mascara makes lashes dense and lush. Castor oil is a home remedy to make eyelashes thick, and this high quality mascara takes care of makeup and skin care at the same time. Makeup vlogger Nicole on Instagram says, “The buildable formula instantly lifts, lengthens, and adds volume like never before.” The special hourglass-shaped brush helps separate each eyelash so that no clumping takes place Melinda Joy, a beauty and fashion vlogger on YouTube is quite impressed with the product. She says, “It looks like I have wispy lashes on the top. They look very full and fanned out.”
Key Features
- The rich matte black color of the mascara conceals the silver and white lashes, lending them a natural finish.
- The hourglass mascara wand separates each lash and thickens them for a more defined look.
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Flake-free
- Vegan and cruelty free
Cons
- It may require multiple coats if you want a dramatic look.
"This mascara nourishes my lashes and makes them appear thicker. It never flakes or smears. It is packed with castor oil that strengthens my lashes and promotes their growth. The formula is lightweight, and it never clumps my lashes."
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,796 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
8. Best For Contact Lens Wearers: Bobbi Brown Smokey eye Mascara – No. 1 Black
This Bobbi Brown mascara makes your eyelashes long, silky, and smooth. The applicator ensures each lash is brushed with mascara individually so they don’t look clustered together. While the product doesn’t say it is water-resistant, it can definitely survive a few drops of light rain. Multiple reviewers attest that a single coat of the mascara shows instant results and you can build it up to how dramatic you want it to be. The final result? Smooth lashes with even more spectacular coverage and volume. Makeup reviewer, Lauren Curtis, on Instagram says, “I’m super picky about mascaras but this never clumps. It lengthens my lashes really nicely!”
Key Features
- The Kohl-pigmented formula lends the silver lashes a smooth, dark look.
- The wand has a tapered tip that grabs small lashes at the edges and lifts them evenly.
Pros
- Ideal for daily-wear and for contact lens wearers.
- Flake-free and no clumping
- Suitable for people with an eye allergy
- High-wear intensity
Cons
- It may not be suitable to be worn in the rain or at the pool.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 541 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
9. Best For Daily Wear: Prime Prometics PrimeLash
Get 10x instant lash length and twice the lift with the Prime Prometics PrimeLash. The serum-based formula reverses lash damage and promotes lash growth. This hypoallergenic mascara is perfect for women over 50. The precise-application brush offers smooth application and separates the lashes to prevent clumping. The vitamin-rich formula of this smudge-proof mascara for older women offers 20x lengthening in two clean coats, while the bioactive nutrients and herb oils promote thick lashes. This non-flaking, magnifying mascara gives it an instant boost and is suitable for sensitive eyes.
Key Feature
- It is available in three beautiful shades — black for a dramatic allure, brown for a natural lift, and navy for a unique touch.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Gentle
- pH-balanced formula
- Non-drying
- Smudge-proof
- Smear-proof
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
"I always use this mascara when I am getting ready for parties. It has a flexible wand that coats my tiny lashes and separates them. The pH-balanced formula does not irritate my lash lines. It also never breaks my lashes. Instead, it promotes lash growth."
10. Best Tug-Free: Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara – Black
As the name suggests, this high-impact mascara from Clinique curls your lashes from the first coat onwards. This means you can skip the step of curling your lashes beforehand, which is a great blessing especially if you are in a time crunch. The application brush is shaped in such a way that no matter how your natural lashes are, the curl will definitely be visible.
Key Feature
- The multi-dimensional brush coats every fine lash from root to tip, giving them a fanned-out look.
Pros
- Can be worn in pools and at the beach
- Easy to remove with soap and water
- Makes lashes look longer and bolder
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
- It may not be ideal to wear all day, as it starts flaking after a few hours.
11. Best For Gift:Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara Dramatic Volume For Women – Black Brown
With the ability to stay all day long, this Max Factor mascara is easy to apply and gives a bold look in a single coat. This magnifying mascara makes your lashes look thicker, giving them an instant boost without making them look too dark or fake, which is a boon for women over 50 years. It is important to look elegant and graceful irrespective of your age, and this mascara for seniors is perfect and gives you just that!
Key Feature
- The fast-drying formula prevents smudging and leaves mature eyes looking neat and bright.
Pros
- Smudge-proof
- Clump-free
- Adds thickness to lashes that have thinned with old age
Cons
- The brown shade of the mascara may be a darker brown, as opposed to light brown.
"This mascara lifts my lashes and makes them appear fluttery. The wand coats my lashes nicely without clumping them. The formula stays put without smearing. It never stiffens my lashes or leaves them brittle."
“Mascara enhances your lashes and brings the focus to your eyes. Older women tend to have delicate lashes, so it’s important that the mascara you choose can be easily applied. I also suggest you choose a mascara that has conditioning properties too,” says Lorrie Pearson, a makeup artist. What more does a good mascara give you? The section below will educate you about a few things you need to know before you splurge on mascara!
Here are a few things you need to know before you purchase mascara for older women. These considerations will ensure you have the right formula in hand to meet your eye-look expectations. Read on.
Choosing The Best Mascara For Older Women- A Buying Guide
Here are a few things to consider while purchasing the best mascara for older women:
- Hypoallergenic
As you grow older, your mature skin becomes more sensitive, especially around your eyes. The eyes too start getting sensitive and react to any new product that is applied near them, so you should opt for hypoallergenic mascara for older women. Women over 50 have to be very careful about buying makeup that is suitable for sensitive skin and eyes, especially mascara that brightens up their eyes and gets rid of any traces of tiredness. Choose mascaras that are ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested.
- Smudge-free
With sensitive eyes, come allergies that can get your eyes to react within seconds. When you apply a mascara on your lashes, and they do not suit you, your eyes can start watering which is a nightmare because the mascara, if not smudge-free, can end up making you look like a raccoon. A perfect mascara for women over 50 is one that dries up quickly after application and is smudge-proof.
- Thickening mascara
Old age doesn’t only thin the hair on your head, but also your lashes, which even without mature age are sensitive and easy to fall out. When purchasing a mascara after your 50s, it’s best to get mascara for thinning eyelashes, especially those that can nourish the lashes with a primer.
- Other considerations
Choose a mascara based on the look you want.
- If you want a bolder or a dramatic look, go for a tubing or volumizing mascara that enhances the thickness and length of the lashes. Ensure the wand has curved bristles for lash definition. Stick to jet-black or deep-brown pigments.
- If you want a natural look, choose a lightweight, lengthening mascara with a straight wand. It will keep the lashes looking long and feathery. Pick light brown or soft black pigments.
Below, check out the benefits of wearing the right mascaras for mature eyes. Keep reading.
Benefits Of Mascara For Mature Eyes
The top mascaras for mature women offer exceptional results. Scroll down to find the benefits.
- They open up the eyes and make them look bright and youthful.
- They make the thin eyelashes appear thick, dark, and voluminous.
- They also conceal the signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles on the eyelids.
As you have read, mascaras for older women offer multiple benefits. But, they can only enhance your mature eyes, if you apply them correctly. In the next section, we have delved into application techniques, tailored specifically for older women. Continue reading.
Mascara Application Tips For Mature Women
In older age, eyelashes tend to become thin and fragile. Applying mascara the regular way causes clumping and smudging. That is not what you want. You want a defined lash effect that makes your eyes appear bright and youthful. Below, we have highlighted some mascara application tricks for mature women to help you achieve the desired look. Check them out.
- Curl your lashes but not with a lash curler as it can break the lashes. Instead, use a metal spoon and press its concave side against your eyelids just above your lashes. Gently press and hold the convex side of the spoon with your finger for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Apply a thin coat of lash primer to your lashes to prep them.
- Hold the mascara wand with a light grip to avoid pushing the lashes much.
- Wiggle the wand at the base of the lashes to separate the lashes and sweep upwards for even coverage.
- Focus on the outer lashes and apply the mascara using slight flicks. This will enhance the shape of your eyes, lifting their appearance instantly.
- Coat your lashes with two thin layers of mascara instead of one thick layer.
This will help your mascara stay on for a longer period of time. Now, when it’s time to remove it, you again need to do so carefully ensuring no harm comes to the lashes. Let’s explore how. Scroll down.
How Can One Remove Mascara Safely?
The most important item to help remove mascara safely is a soft substance. Coupled with an oil-based eye makeup remover, a soft makeup removing pad or cotton ball should be held on your eyes while they are shut for about half a minute. About 30 seconds is enough for the makeup remover to start working and absorb the mascara off your lashes. Rub the pad softly around your eyes and use Q-tips to remove any mascara left in the corners. This method will ensure none or very few eyelashes come off of your eyes, and your skin will be protected as well.
Infographic: What To Consider While Finding The Right Mascara For Older Women
When you get older, your eyes get more sensitive, and you must pay close attention to the kind of eye makeup products you use. They should not only have gentle ingredients but should also be able to draw attention away from wrinkles and fine lines around your eyes. In the infographic below, you will find a list of factors you can consider while buying mascara for mature eyes that will enhance your eyes’ beauty without compromising their health. Check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Aging gracefully does not mean you cannot enhance your beauty with suitable makeup products specially designed for your age group. Makeup can make you look younger or older depending on the kind of products you use. The best mascara for older women adds volume and strengthens the brittle and fragile lashes to keep them looking full and luscious and help you achieve a statement-making look. You can try the Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Washable Mascara for deep nourishment to the lashes, the Lancome Monsieur Big Volume Mascara for quick and smooth application, or the Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara for bolder and dramatic lashes. These are also smudge-proof, waterproof, and extremely long-lasting. So, do not shy away from flaunting those long, curled lashes the next time you step out, and let no haters shame you for looking and feeling good.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make your eyes look younger?
The easiest way to make your eyes look younger is by applying two coats of mascaras in different shades. A coat of brown mascara topped with a coat of black mascara can add deep illusion to the eyes and make the lashes appear to be thicker than they are.
How do you apply mascara to older women?
Older women should avoid wearing mascara on their lower lashes. Instead they must pay attention to their upper lashes and apply volumising mascara to open up their eyes.
What mascara is easiest to apply for mature women with limited sight?
Lightly pigmented mascaras that offer buildable, medium, or full coverage are perfect for older women with limited sight. These mascaras ensure there is minimal smudging around the eyes.
Is it recommended for older women to apply mascara on the lower lash?
No, it is not recommended for older women to apply mascara on the lower lash. They must use a kohl pencil instead.
What kind of mascara is good for those having short and sparse lashes?
Lengthening mascaras that add to volume at the same time work best for older women with thinning lashes that are short in length. Plus, mascaras for mature women with sparse lashes will give their eye shape a fuller look.
Will applying mascara on a regular basis help in growing the lashes naturally?
Mascaras that have vitamin E enhance the natural growth of eye lashes and can contribute to their length in the long run.
What ingredients should be avoided in mascara?
Apart from harmful chemicals, ingredients that you are allergic to, or those that do not suit your skin and eyes should be avoided. Parabens, coal tar dye and glycerin are some of the most common ingredients that should be avoided by all.
What color eyeliner should an older woman wear?
An older woman should opt for grey or brown eyeliner so that her dark circles are not accentuated and the eyes don’t look darker than they already are.
What is the best mascara to make eyelashes long and thick?
The best mascara to make eyelashes long and thick are those enhanced with natural ingredients and minerals. Mascaras with brushes that have multiple bristles very close to each other can also make your eyelashes appear longer and thicker than they are.
Does mascara make your eyelashes shorter?
When mascara is used only during special occasions, it may not affect the quality of your eyelashes. However, if you use mascara on a daily basis, the quality and quantity of your lashes will come down, making them shorter and thinner way before their time.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Srijani Roy Chowdhury, has a deep interest in makeup and loves trying out new products, especially the ones meant for the eyes. She searched through many online user forums, browsing through umpteen reviews and feedback to curate this list of the best mascaras for older women. She chose this list of products based on factors like the absence of harsh chemicals or fragrances, good-quality smudge-proof consistency, and long-lasting quality.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Belle de Moisellehttps://belledemoiselle.wordpress.com/2011/06/03/review-maybelline-full-n-soft-mascara-washable-and-waterproof-formulas/
ii. Young For Good
https://youngforgood.wordpress.com/2013/06/01/dhc-mascara-review-and-comparison-you-have-to-try-it/
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