10 Top Eye Makeup Tips and Techniques for Older Women (2025)

Eye makeup can be a little hit or miss for women over 50. Many tend to either pile on mascara or skip eye makeup entirely, relying solely on lipstick. But that is a mistake. With a few simple techniques using shadows, liners, and mascara, you can enhance your peepers, especially if they have become a bit crepey or hooded with age. Here are some tips to help your eyes stand out with just a little cosmetic know-how.

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1. Check the mirror — not social media — for inspiration

The eyes you have now may very well not be the ones you had a few years ago, but don’t let that get in the way of makeup. Celebrate their twinkle and experienced gaze rather than surgical procedures or Botox. But do two things first. Start your reboot with an eye check by an optometrist or ophthalmologist — especially if you’re experiencing redness or irritation. This will rule out potential medical issues, the wrong contact lenses or incorrect lens solution. Then, check your current eye makeup stash. Toss any past their expiration dates — especially mascara, which should be renewed every three months — and any that smell funky or look discolored, chalky or off-color. Treat yourself to updatesbecause eye makeup is your BFF. It will always make you feel more polished and confident, sexy and fresh — even on a bad hair day.

(From left) Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Eyeshadow + Primer in Warm Taupe; Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base; Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Weightless Eyeshadow Primer- Always An Optimist Collection

AARP (CVS; Sephora, 2)

2. Always prime your lids

Primer is a must. It will prevent your eye makeup from creasing, feathering, smearing and looking like an unmade bed. But be sure you buy the right kind for your lids. Mature lids can be warm and moist, so makeup smears, looks mushy or disappears; or they can be cool and dry, so shadows don’t blend, and liner skips or is tough to apply. Those who have watery eyes or warm, moist lids can tryNeutrogena Sensitive Skin Eyeshadow + Primer in Soft Pearl or Warm Taupe($12,cvs.com), a sheer, oil-absorbing formula that is resistant to sweat and hot-flash-proof. You can also use it under the eyes. Those with cool, dry lids can try creamy moisturizing formulas likeRare Beauty by Selena Gomez Weightless Eyeshadow Primer- Always An Optimist Collection ($21,sephora.com), or a lightweight version likeNars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base ($26,sephora.com). Here’s the real secret to using all eye primers: Use the tiniest amount and blend it over the lids from lash line to crease. Then, let it set for a minute before applying makeup.

(From top) Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner in Dark Brown 30; Almay All-Day Intense Gel Eyeliner in Rich Black; Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner in Bourbon

AARP (Target, 2; Kohl’s)

3. Use a high-pigment eye pencil in black or dark brown

Liner is what really restores definition and shape to your eyes. The pencil should glide on and look opaque — not sheer — but it also shouldn’t be too slippery or too dry. Once again, choosing the right pencil texture for your lids matters. If you have watery eyes or moist, warm lids, choose a waterproof formula like theNeutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner in Dark Brown 30 or Jet Black10($10,target.com) orAlmay All-Day Intense Gel Eyeliner in Rich Black or Deep Chestnut($8,target.com). Those with dry lids can try a soft but intensely pigmented pencil, such as theUrban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner in Tootsie, Bourbon or Demolition($23,kohls.com).