5 Eyeliner Techniques To Avoid If You Have Older Eyes

Eyeliner can do wonders for your eyes at any age, which is why we have about 50 different pencils in our makeup collection. From giving our eyes a lift to making them appear wider and more awake, we simply cannot live without our liners. If you're like us, you probably started experimenting with them in your teens or 20s, but a lot has changed since then — namely, your age. We can't stop time, but what we can do is prevent our eyeliner from making us look older. And as a makeup artist with over a decade of experience, I'm here to point out which eyeliner mistakes you should avoid at all costs.

Avoiding these mistakes is important because what worked in the past may not necessarily fit your aesthetic now, especially when you're dealing with fine lines, wrinkles, and looser skin now. That's why it's necessary to switch up your makeup repertoire and adjust the way you apply your eyeliner if you're worried about accentuated these signs of aging. Not to worry — you're not looking at major changes, just some tweaks to ensure that you'll look your best no matter your age.

Before you reach for your liner, you'll want to prep the canvas with eye primer. You never want to skip this step after moisturizing, especially if you have older eyes. Using primer before eyeliner is the trick to make your liner last, as it creates a smooth base and blurs out any fine lines you may have, as well as giving your liner staying power. It also prevents your eye makeup from smudging if you have hooded lids. For those who have oily skin, look for a mattifying primer like Elizabeth Mott's Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer, which has an oil-controlling formula that'll help your liner last longer. If your skin is on the drier side, try a creamier version like the e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer.

Be sure not to overload your eye area with primer — a pea-sized dot will do. Gently pat it over your eyelids and under your eyes, and then wait a few seconds for the formula to dry. Your eyeliner should now glide on beautifully and remain put until it's time to take it off.

Lining your top and bottom lids creates balance in your face and can do a lot to open up your eyes (as long as you're not encircling them entirely). However, using a too-dark color on your lower lids can make you look older and drag your features down. It can also draw attention to fine lines and wrinkles when the makeup settles into creases. While it's perfectly fine to use dark liner on the top lids, if you have older eyes, try using a lighter shade on the bottom. Instead of black, which can look harsh, try a brown, taupe, or gray pencil instead.

You can also use eyeshadow in lieu of a pencil if you want a softer look. Simply take a small, soft angled brush to pick up the color, and gently swipe it along your lower lash line. Be sure to avoid the waterline, as you don't want to get eyeshadow particles inside your eyes. Repeat until your eyes are defined sufficiently, but remember not to use a heavy hand, as you don't want the color to be too dark.

Winged eyeliner always looks good no matter how old you are, but when you've reached a mature age, a heavy cat eye doesn't work as well. As we age, the outer parts of our eyelids start to droop, creating a bit of an overhang. If you draw a thick wing, it can look distorted and wonky when you open your eyes. Sure, there are tips for nailing a winged liner on hooded eyes, but those who are older should aim for a slight, uplifting flick, rather than a strong geometrical shape.

For a winged look, try a powdery eyeliner pencil instead of a liquid liner. These tend to look softer and are more forgiving on older eyes. If you have hooded lids, I suggest drawing the ends first. While your eyes are open and looking straight into the mirror, create a slight line at an upward angle. When you're happy with the result, finish lining the rest of your upper lids. To create a sharp wing, clean up the outer edges with a bit of concealer, but keep the top part slightly smudged so that you end up with a beautiful gradient effect.

Eye makeup smudging throughout the day happens at any age, but those with older eyes want to prevent it as much as possible. Smudged eyeliner not only looks messy but also causes your eyes to appear droopy. You also don't want your makeup to settle into fine lines and wrinkles around the area, which will only age you more. To prevent this, ditch your regular eyeliners for waterproof versions. If your eyes tear or you accidentally rub them, your liner will still stay put.

When it comes to waterproof eyeliners, the world is your oyster these days. For instance, gel liners that come in a pot are so versatile and easy to use. One example is the Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel, which comes in a variety of colors to suit your every whim. If you're a pencil type of babe, try the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil, which just so happened to win the 2024 Glam Beauty Awards' best eyeliner category. With so many options, there's absolutely no reason you should have to suffer from smudged liner at any time.

Tightlining your eyes with a black pencil is one of the oldest tricks of the makeup trade. It subtly defines your eyes without making it seem like you're obviously wearing eyeliner. Many also like to line their bottom waterline, but if you're at a mature age, you may want to quit this habit. Many think that lining the waterline makes their eyes appear larger, but it actually has the opposite effect.

To define your upper lids without making a harsh line, take a dark brown or black waterproof pencil with a sharp tip and carefully place dots along the lash line. Blend the liner with a small, angled brush to fill in any gaps. This will give your eyes definition while also making your lashes appear thicker. Repeat this on the bottom lid, being careful not to let the color bleed into your waterline. If you must tightline your eyes, use a light cream or beige color on your lower lids — this is an exception to the rule and actually perks up your eyes instead of making them look smaller.