11 Best Mascaras For Older Women In 2023- Reviews & Buying Guide
Highlight your lashes and style them flawlessly to create an oh-so-youthful look.

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If you are here looking for the best mascara for older women, we got your back. Aging gracefully is 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 mascara for mature eyes not only adds definition and volume but is also formulated with nourishing ingredients that strengthen the brittle lashes to keep them looking full and lush. To help you select the right one, we have shortlisted the 11 best mascaras for older women in this article. Keep reading to check them out.
Top Picks
- 1
Best Overall Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Washable Mascara - Very Black Maybelline $6.98 ON AMAZON Read More › $6.98 ON AMAZON - 2
Best Dermatologist-Tested Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer Honest $17.99 ON AMAZON Read More › $17.99 ON AMAZON - 3
Best Eco-Conscious BOOM! Bright Pro Age Mascara Boom! By Cindy Joseph $27 ON AMAZON Read More › $27 ON AMAZON - 4
Best Long-Lasting DHC Mascara Perfect Pro Double Protection - Black Dhc $19.0 ON AMAZON Read More › $19.0 ON AMAZON - 5
Best Eye-Opening Effects Lancome Monsieur Big Volume Mascara - No.01 Big Is The New Black Lancome Monsieur $22 ON AMAZON Read More › $22 ON AMAZON - 6
Best For Sensitive Skin Benefit They’re Real! Mascara - Beyond Black Benefit $25.34 ON AMAZON Read More › $25.34 ON AMAZON - 7
Best Vegan-Friendly Grande Cosmetics GrandeDRAMA Intense Thickening Mascara $25 ON AMAZON Read More › $25 ON AMAZON
- 8
Best For Contact Lens Wearers Bobbi Brown Smokey eye Mascara - No. 1 Black $20.37 ON AMAZON Read More › $20.37 ON AMAZON
- 9
Best For Daily Wear Prime Prometics PrimeLash Prime Prometics $28 ON AMAZON Read More › $28 ON AMAZON - 10
Best Tug-Free Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara - Black Clinique $16.99 ON AMAZON Read More › $16.99 ON AMAZON
Top 11 Best Mascaras For Older Women (Over 50) That Will Offer Great Looks in 2023
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 for a natural look for the day time to a glamorous look for a night out in town! Check out the detailed review of the product in this video.
- Nourished with vitamin E
- Extremely long-lasting
- Suitable for women who wear contact lenses.
Cons
- The mascara may become clumpy if the tube is not stored properly.

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, giving you full lashes that look better than falsies. This mascara 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.
- 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.

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 moisturizes and separates your lashes for a naturally-lifted look. 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 imparts a naturally wide look to the eyes.
- Clump-resistant
- Non-drying
- Pleasant fragrance
- Easy to remove
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
Best Long-Lasting:DHC Mascara Perfect Pro Double Protection - Black
This extremely long lasting mascara comes with a defining brush that makes your lashes look lush from root to tip. Thinning of lashes is a common problem among women over 50, and this mascara takes care of that with élan. The DHC Mascara offers double features that make your lashes thick as well as lengthens them effortlessly. Suitable for oily skin, this mascara will not give you raccoon eyes after removing makeup.
- Smudge and flake-free
- Suitable for all-day wear
- Water-resistant
Cons
- It may be hard to take off with regular makeup remover.

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. The mascara texture is ultra creamy as a result of which, the brush holds a generous quantity in a single dip. This makes application smooth and quick and makes it a great mascara option for senior ladies. Watch this video of the product for more information.
- 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.
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 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?). This mascara is definitely worth a try by mature women.
- 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.
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 mascara takes care of makeup and skincare at the same time. This mascara also lengthens the lashes while lending shine and gloss to them at the same time. The special hourglass shaped brush helps separate each eyelash so that no clumping takes place.
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Flake-free
- Vegan and cruelty free
Cons
- It may require multiple coats if you want a dramatic look.

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. 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.
Pros
- Ideal for daily-wear and for contact lens wearers.
- Flake-free and no clumping
- Suitable for people with an eye allergy
Cons
- It may not be suitable to be worn in the rain or at the pool.
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 offers 20x lengthening in two clean coats, while the bioactive nutrients and herb oils promote thick lashes. This non-flaking mascara is suitable for sensitive eyes.
- Natural ingredients
- Gentle
- pH-balanced formula
- Non-drying
- Smudge-proof
- Smear-proof
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
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.
- Can be worn in pools and at the beach
- Easy to remove with soap and water
- Makes lashes look longer and bolder
Cons
- It may not be ideal to wear all day, as it starts flaking after a few hours.
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. The mascara makes your lashes look thicker 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 gives you just that!
- 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.
“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 splurge on mascara!
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 skin becomes sensitive, especially around your eyes. The eyes too start getting sensitive and react to any new product that is applied near them. 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.
- 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 good 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.
Benefits Of Mascara For Mature Eyes
More than 50 revolutions around the sun give women knowledge and wisdom but this is accompanied by droopy eyelids and wrinkled skin around the eyes. Mascaras open up mature eyes by making them look bright and youthful. With the loss of lashes that are bound to happen over the years, mascaras conceal this feature and make your eyelash look fuller and darker, hiding plenty of signs of aging.
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
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. A good mascara for older women adds volume and strengthens the brittle lashes to keep them looking full and luscious. 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.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Chaitra Krishnan, 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.
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 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.
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 occasionally, 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.
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