As we age, the skin of the eyelids becomes thinner, and the graphic eyeliner looks we once loved can start working against us—visually making the eyes look smaller and adding years. To restore openness to the gaze, there’s no need to give up makeup altogether; it’s enough to change your approach. At Joy-pup, we share the key rules for using eyeliner that help create a rejuvenating look.

Act delicately
To refresh makeup after 40, apply eyeliner as delicately as possible, avoiding thick lines and full “around-the-eye” lining, which can weigh the look down. It’s better to limit yourself to a thin stroke on the upper lid, especially at the outer corner. This kind of accent makes the face look more rested, while heavy liner on the lower lid can visually pull the eyes downward and emphasize hooding.
Choose creamy textures
As the skin around the eyes becomes thinner over time, it’s best to avoid dry pencils and stiff liquid liners in favor of creamy and gel textures. They glide on smoothly without stretching the skin and allow you to create a soft, smoky effect that helps disguise uneven texture. For added comfort, many liners contain moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin E.

Create a lifting effect
The shape of the line is just as important as the eyeliner itself. To achieve a visual lift, draw the line slightly above the lash line and gently blend it inward toward the lashes. Avoid thick lines at the inner corners of the eyes—they can create a drooping effect. Instead, place the emphasis on the outer third of the upper lid. The main rule of makeup for mature eyes is to direct the line upward. A small, delicate flick at the outer corner creates a soft lifting effect without weighing down the look.
Soften the palette
Black is a classic, but after a certain age it’s better to move away from it. Its harshness can draw unnecessary attention to hooded lids or crow’s feet. The same goes for bright colors and shiny metallics, which act like a spotlight on fine lines. Opt for refined neutral shades instead: smoky brown, chocolate, deep navy, olive. For the lower lid and waterline, lighter or nude tones work best—they visually “open up” the eyes and refresh the face.

Blending
Sharp, graphic lines are best replaced with soft blending, which smooths the skin’s texture and looks more modern and natural. A light haze doesn’t require perfect symmetry, making makeup application easier. It creates a rejuvenating effect, leaving the gaze soft, harmonious, and open.
Read also: why foundation can make you look older — the main makeup mistakes
Only registered users can leave comments