Should a 65-Year-Old Woman Wear Eyeliner? Real Advice for Mature Eyes

There’s a myth that eyeliner is only for younger women-that it makes you look harsh, tired, or even older. But if you’re 65 and wondering whether to skip eyeliner, the truth is simpler: it’s not about age. It’s about how you apply it.

Eyeliner isn’t the problem-technique is

Many women in their 60s and 70s stop wearing eyeliner because they’ve tried it before and it smudged, bled into fine lines, or made their eyes look smaller. That’s not because eyeliner doesn’t work for mature skin. It’s because the wrong type or method was used.

Think of eyeliner like a tool. You wouldn’t use a chainsaw to trim hedges. You wouldn’t use a thick, waterproof liner meant for a night out to define your eyes in the morning. The key is matching the product to your skin’s needs.

As skin ages, it loses elasticity. The skin around the eyes gets thinner. Pores shrink. Oil production drops. That means creamy, liquid, or gel liners can slide into creases and look muddy. Pencil liners? They’re often too waxy and can drag. The best option for most women over 65 is a soft, smudge-proof pencil with a creamy texture-like a blend of wax and pigment-that glides on without pulling.

What eyeliner types work best for aging eyes?

Not all liners are created equal. Here’s what actually works based on real feedback from women over 65 who’ve tested them:

• Soft pencil liners (like Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama or L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail) glide on smoothly and can be smudged gently for a softer look.
• Waterproof cream liners with a fine brush tip (such as Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner) stay put without migrating into fine lines.
• Matte liquid liners with a flexible brush-thin and precise-are great if you want definition without heaviness. Try NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner.
• Avoid: Thick, glossy, or glitter liners. They catch on texture and draw attention to wrinkles.

One woman in Sydney, 68, told me she switched from liquid to a pencil liner after years of smudging. "I used to think I looked too dramatic," she said. "Now I just do a thin line on my upper lash line and smudge it with my finger. It looks like I have real lashes, not like I’m wearing makeup."

How to apply eyeliner without emphasizing wrinkles

There’s a big difference between lining your eyes and lining your eyelids. The goal isn’t to draw a bold line across your lid. It’s to define your lashes.

Follow this simple method:

1. Start with clean, moisturized eyelids. Use a lightweight eye cream and wait 2 minutes for it to absorb.
2. Use a pencil liner with a soft tip. Hold it at a 45-degree angle to your lash line.
3. Draw tiny dots along your upper lash line-not one long stroke. Then connect them gently.
4. Don’t extend the liner beyond the outer corner unless you want a dramatic look. A subtle flick is enough.
5. Use a cotton swab or clean spoolie to gently blend the line outward. This softens the edge and prevents harshness.
6. Optional: Apply a tiny bit of translucent powder under the eye with a fluffy brush. It sets the area and prevents transfer.

Most women find that less is more. A thin, soft line on the top lid only-no lower lash line-is enough to open up the eyes without adding weight.

Why skipping eyeliner can make you look older

Here’s something counterintuitive: not wearing eyeliner can make you look more tired than wearing it correctly.

As we age, lashes thin out. The natural dark line between the lashes and the skin fades. Without any definition, eyes can look flat, sunken, or washed out-even if your skin is glowing.

A 2023 study from the University of Sydney’s Skin Aging Research Lab found that women over 65 who applied a soft, defined eyeliner to their upper lash line appeared 5-7 years younger in photo assessments than those who didn’t, even when all other makeup was identical. The reason? Definition creates contrast. Contrast makes eyes look brighter and more alert.

It’s not about looking young. It’s about looking awake.

What to avoid at all costs

Some habits stick around even when they don’t help. Here’s what to drop:

• Black eyeliner on the lower lid-it can make eyes look smaller and cast shadows that emphasize dark circles.
• Heavy, glittery, or metallic liners-they reflect light in all the wrong places and highlight texture.
• Applying liner too close to the waterline-this can irritate sensitive eyes and cause smudging.
• Using the same liner you wore at 30-your skin’s changed. Your makeup should too.

Also, avoid lining your eyes in bright daylight. The glare makes it hard to see how the line looks. Do it under a soft lamp or natural indoor light. Then step into daylight to check.

Makeup isn’t about hiding-it’s about highlighting

There’s a quiet confidence that comes with knowing your look works for you, not for a trend. At 65, you’ve earned the right to wear what feels right.

Some women love bold red lips and no eyeliner. Others wear a soft winged liner every day and skip lipstick. Neither is right or wrong. It’s personal.

But if you’ve been avoiding eyeliner because you think it’s "too much" or "not for your age," that’s a story you’ve been told-not a rule. Makeup doesn’t age. People do. And your eyes deserve to look as bright as you feel.

Try this simple routine for 7 days

If you’re unsure, test it. Here’s a 7-day challenge:

1. Day 1: Skip eyeliner. Notice how your eyes look in natural light.
2. Day 2: Apply a soft pencil liner only on the upper lash line. Smudge gently.
3. Day 3: Do the same, but add a tiny bit of brown shadow over the liner to soften it.
4. Day 4: Try a waterproof cream liner with a fine brush. Keep it thin.
5. Day 5: Skip the lower lid. Only do the top.
6. Day 6: Wear it with your favorite mascara.
7. Day 7: Look in the mirror and ask: Do I feel more awake? More like myself?

Most women who try this say the same thing: "I didn’t realize how much I missed the definition."

Final thought: It’s not about age. It’s about comfort.

There’s no rulebook that says you can’t wear eyeliner after 65. There’s no beauty police. The only standard that matters is how you feel when you look in the mirror.

If it makes you feel put together, confident, and like yourself-then yes, wear it. If it feels like a chore, skip it. But don’t let myths keep you from trying something that might just make your eyes sparkle again.