Eyeliner can do magic at any age, but over the years the rules shift. What looked perfect in your twenties may now emphasize imperfections and make your eyes look tired. With age, the skin of the eyelids becomes thinner and more mobile, fine lines appear, and the outer corners slightly droop. This means eyeliner should be applied with these changes in mind. At Joy-pup, we explain how to avoid common eye makeup mistakes when using eyeliner.
1. Prepare your eyelids before applying eyeliner
Before using eyeliner, apply an eyelid primer first. When you put eyeliner directly on the skin, it smudges faster and settles into creases. A thin layer of primer creates an even surface, slightly smooths fine lines, and helps the eyeliner last longer. A small drop is enough: spread it over the upper and lower eyelid and let it dry. A prepared eyelid is half the success of your eye makeup.
2. Avoid using dark pencil on the lower eyelid
A rich dark shade on the lower eyelid weighs down the look, highlights wrinkles, and visually drags the face downward. It’s better to leave dark shades only for the upper eyelid, and choose softer tones for the lower one—brown, taupe, or graphite. If you want a very delicate effect, you can lightly go over the lower lash line with eyeshadow using a soft angled brush.
3. Avoid thick eyeliner wings
As we age, the outer corner of the eyelid slightly lowers, and thick wings appear uneven and emphasize this anatomical feature. A thin, soft, slightly lifted wing works much better—it visually lifts the outer corner and makes the eyes look fresher. It’s easiest to draw the little flick with your eyes open, then connect it with the line along the upper eyelid and gently soften it with blending.
4. Choose waterproof eyeliner
If eyeliner smudges throughout the day, transfers, or settles into folds, it instantly adds years. On mature skin, long-lasting or waterproof formulas work best—they don’t react to humidity, tears, or light touches. Gel textures and soft long-wear pencils are especially effective: they set well and stay crisp until the evening.
5. Do not line the lower waterline
Dark eyeliner on the lower waterline visually makes the eyes smaller and the look heavier. Instead, softly define the upper lash line: place tiny dots between the lashes and gently smudge them—this creates a natural thickening of the lash line and a more expressive yet soft look. And if you want to “open up” the eyes, apply a light beige pencil to the lower waterline—it noticeably freshens the gaze.
Read also: 4 eyebrow makeup mistakes that make you look older
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