Eyeliner can be one of the most frustrating makeup products to apply at any age. With so many options to choose from: pencil, liquid, gel, waterproof, smudge-proof — it’s hard to know where to start.
On top of that, the right formula depends on the look you’re going for. Long-wear or waterproof liners are great if you need your makeup to last all night, while softer, smudgier formulas create a more effortless, undone vibe.
Changes in skin texture, especially around the eyes, can make application feel even trickier, but that doesn’t mean eyeliner has to be off the table. With the right products and techniques, it’s still possible to achieve a flattering, confidence-boosting look at any stage, especially for those with mature skin.
We tapped makeup artists and experts to share some of their best tips and favorite products for applying eyeliner to mature eyes. Here’s what they had to say.
Award-winning gel liner$undefined$11.99
Long-lasting expert pick$undefined$13.00
Expert-approved gel eyeliner$undefined$37.00
What to look for in an eyeliner for mature skin
“As we age, collagen loss leads to more fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes,” explains celebrity makeup artist Markphong Tram. “Additionally, mature eyes often develop a hooded shape, which can make eyeliner application a little bit more difficult.”
Even so, there’s no one-size-fits-all option for eyeliner for mature eyes. The best choice, says Tram, will still depend on your eye shape, preferences and the style you’re going for.
“Investing in a high-quality waterproof gel liner is so important, as it provides better longevity and is less likely to smudge. Gel liners also glide on smoothly, making application easier.”
However, if liquid is your style, you shouldn’t shy away from using those as your eyes mature. “If you have deep-set eyes, liquid eyeliner can work well since most formulas are water-based, making them easy to apply and quick to dry,” says Tram.
Best smudge-proof eyeliners according to experts
Although she recommends gel liners first, James says this is one of the best liquid liners for mature eyes. “For those who prefer liquid liners, this pen has a flexible tip and a smooth formula that minimizes skipping and is easy to apply even on textured lids,” she says.
Billie Gene, a bi-coastal beauty expert who’s also a celebrity makeup artist, previously told Shop TODAY that he recommends this long-lasting, highly pigmented contour pencil by Sephora Collection. This affordable eyeliner is available in three different finishes (matte, glittery and shimmery) and, as its name says, can last up to 12 hours.
This formula will stay put wherever you apply it, but you will need to work fast since it dries quickly. (Perfectionists beware!) Tram keeps black and brown shades in his makeup kit for clients and loves that it’s a vegan formula.
“This dual-ended liner offers the best of both worlds — a soft pencil on one side and a precise liquid liner on the other, great for versatility on mature eyes,” says James.
You can layer the two on top of each other or alternate based on your mood. It’s also available in a smaller, travel size for on-the-go touch ups.
Celebrity makeup artist Ash K. Holm previously spoke with Shop TODAY and recommended this Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner. She called it “perfect for subtle definition without smudging.”
Tram says it can be helpful for older clients to draw on their liner with a gel liner and seal it in with a liquid on top. He says that this will also “enhance the intensity of the look.” Both the gel and liquid liners in this applicator are made with a long-wearing formula that should last up to 16 hours.
Shop TODAY Beauty Award-winning eyeliners, tested by editors
Not only is this makeup product a Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner for best gel eyeliner in 2024, it is also loved by experts. Tram says he discovered this eyeliner by accident on a day he was in need of a brown liner for a client. “I was hesitant to try any drugstore eyeliner because, most of the time, they smudge so easily and don’t last. [But I] decided to give it a try and since then, it has become a staple in my kit.” Since this gel eyeliner is waterproof, it will stay in place all day.
This recent winner from our 2025 Beauty Awards won for best value eyeliner by our team for its seamless glide and blend. “[The] application is smooth and there is no transfer when you eat or drink [when used as a lip liner],” mentioned former Shop TODAY page Melanie Faz. “It’s very lightweight and matte with no sticky finishes.”
Another liquid-formula Shop TODAY 2024 Beauty Awards winner, this smudge-proof eyeliner comes in two shades and provides opaque coverage. If you’re looking for a travel-friendly option, this eyeliner is perfect for the beach or pool since it’s waterproof.
More editor-approved eyeliners
If you're looking for something budget-friendly and that won't crease your eyes, this one is a winner. Writer Danielle Murphy recommends this eyeliner and says, "Whenever I see 'smudge-proof' on an eyeliner, I tend to take the claim with a grain of salt. Then I found this Wonderskin pencil, which takes waterproof and transfer-proof promises to a new level. The formula truly won’t budge."
Deputy managing editor Jess Bender says, "I never thought I'd be able to find the perfect eyeliner, but then I discovered this one. No matter how poor my hand-eye coordination is (I've had to take classes to improve on it, that's how bad it is), I somehow manage to apply my eyeliner in a seamless straight line across my upper lids every single time."
She mentions the eyeliner is resistant to saunas, spin classes, pool activities and even humid environments. "Lancôme can never discontinue this formulation, it's perfect!"
How to apply eyeliner to mature skin
Mature skin care and beauty expert Kat James says you should never begin an eye-makeup look on mature eyes without prepping the area. “Start with a lightweight eye primer to smooth out the surface and prevent eyeliner from settling into fine lines,” she explains.
From there, gently lift the brow or stretch out the eye area without pulling or tugging too hard, as the skin in this area will be extra sensitive.
“Instead of drawing a continuous line, apply the liner in short, feathered strokes close to the lash line for better control,” says James. Then, you can smudge it out as you see fit, which will also correct any mistakes and make the line look more cohesive.
Frequently asked questions
James says that the lower lash line should be avoided when working with mature eyes, as adding color on the bottom line gives the eyes the appearance of being weighed down.
“Focus on defining the upper lash line to lift the eyes,” she says. “If [you are going to line] the lower lash line, stick to a soft pencil or eyeshadow and apply it sparingly.”
“I recommend using a gel pencil in dark brown or black, depending on your hair color and skin tone,” says Tram.
Experts previously told Shop TODAY that other "softer" and "flattering" eyeliner colors include soft black, dark brown, plum and navy.
How we chose
Before choosing the best eyeliners for mature skin, Shop TODAY interviewed two celebrity makeup artists, including one professional who specializes in mature skin care. They told us what to look for while shopping for the best eyeliners for mature skin and recommended their go-to picks.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Markphong Tram is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City.
- Kat James is a mature skin care and makeup expert and makeup artist based in California.
- Billie Gene is a celebrity makeup artist and bi-coastal beauty expert.
- Ash K. Holm is the co-founder of Dripology, a Los Angeles-based med spa. She’s also a celebrity makeup artist.
Shark Beauty CryoGlow Cooling + LED Face Mask
Winner: Most innovative skin tool
$349.00
Sephora
$349.99
Shark
$349.99
Ulta
E.l.f. Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum
Winner: Best antioxidant serum
$16.97
Amazon
$17.00
Ulta
$17.00
Target
Tula Skin Care Barrier Balance Ceramide Body Moisturizer
Winner: Most immediate results
$32.00
Tula
$25.60
$32.00
Amazon
$32.00
Ulta
Essie To The Rescue UV Gel Damage Repair
Winner: Best repair treatment
$7.55
$12.00
Amazon
$12.00
Essie
$11.99
Target
Versed Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Winner: Best 2-in-1 tinted moisturizer
$19.99
Versed
$19.99
Target
$19.99
Ulta
Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Toner Pads
Winner: Best value exfoliator pads
$28.00
Amazon
$28.00
Sephora
$28.00
Innisfree
Good Molecules 5% Niacinamide Serum with Ectoin
Winner: Best value serum
$8.00
Amazon
$8.00
Ulta
$8.00
Good Molecules
Almay Thickening & Tint Hypoallergenic Volume Mascara
Winner: Best value mascara
$10.38
Amazon
$10.38
Walmart
$10.49
Target
Beekman 1802 Micellar Milk Froth Cleansing Gel
Winner: Best 2-in-1 makeup remover
$29.00
Amazon
$29.00
Target
$29.00
Beekman 1802
The Mane Choice The Alpha Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner
Winner: Best leave-in conditioner for instant results
$12.97
$14.99
Amazon
$14.99
The Mane Choice
$13.97
Walmart
Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules
Winner: Best overall retinol
$84.15
$99.00
Amazon
$99.00
Elizabeth Arden
