Eyeliner is one of the most frustrating beauty products to apply, no matter how old you are. First, there are so many different types of eyeliners to choose from: pencil, smudge-free, liquid, gel, waterproof — you name it.
Then, you have to think of which type is going to work best for your needs. If you want something that’s going to last all night long, you might want to consider a long-wear or waterproof option — but if you want your look to be casual and relaxed, something that easily smudges will give you the undone look you’re going for.
However, applying eyeliner to changing skin texture and mature skin can throw another wrench in your application process. But just because the skin around your eyes might be changing doesn’t mean that you have to forgo one of your favorite makeup products.
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.
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Long-lasting expert pick$undefined$13.00
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What to look for in an eyeliner
“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 not a 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 eyeliners for mature skin, 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.”
Our team of editors tested this Cle Cosmetics liquid eyeliner and were super impressed with its precision. Available in both black and dark brown, this easy-to-use eyeliner is formulated with althaea rosea flower extract and glycine soja seed extract. It is also safe for sensitive skin and eyes. Although this pick wasn't specifically tested for mature skin, its liquid formula makes it a valid option.
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.
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
- 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.
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