No matter who you are, makeup should be about having fun and feeling your best. But as we age, we may feel that the products we once used and the techniques we once relied upon no longer suit our skin. Case in point: eyeliner. The skin on the eyelids is known to be thin and more fragile, and it can also change as we get older. But with a little know-how and some brilliant new eye pencils, it's actually very easy to wear liner at any age.
How does the skin on your eyelids change?
As we age, so too does our skin. We naturally lose levels of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for keeping skin looking bouncy, youthful and smooth. On the eyelids specifically, we often see signs of ageing quite clearly, and because the skin here is so thin and fragile, it's difficult to maintain it as we do the rest of our face.
"Skin becomes thinner and less elastic, leading to creasing or sagging," explains Drita Paljevic, Head Makeup Artist at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty. "Dryness and sensitivity also increase," she adds, which can have a knock-on effect on eyeliner use: "Tugging or harsh formulas can irritate the eye skin. Fine lines may also cause eyeliner to skip, feather, or transfer."
How should your eyeliner habits change as you get older?
Because the skin around the eyes can sag and become looser, some mature women may believe their days of wearing eyeliner are behind them – but they'd be wrong! If you want to wear the eyeliner... wear the eyeliner! Makeup is supposed to be fun, after all. Tips from a makeup artist (and the right product, which we'll get onto next!) can just make the experience more effective and impactful.
For one, the quantity you use can be adjusted to better suit your skin, says Paljevic: "Use less product," she recommends, adding that adjusting your technique can also make all the difference: "Focus on soft definition, not harsh lines. Avoid drawing thick wings or wearing heavy lower liner, as they can drag the eye down."
Instead, she suggests trying 'tightlining' (on the upper waterline) and smudging any excess that has gone onto the upper lid. "Choose creamy pencils or gel formulas that glide easily and don’t tug," she concludes – the below are great options.
Best eyeliners for mature skin
My favourite pencil eyeliner, this is beloved in the industry for being super soft and easy to smudge, making it perfect for mature skin. It'll never drag on the skin or waterline, and the colour selection is second-to-none. The bronze, brown and burgundy shades are just as lovely as this shimmering khaki.
Makeup artist and founder Bobbi Brown coined her Jones Road kohl eyeliner the 'perfect' formula, and it's hard to disagree. This is soft yet has great colour pay-off, making it capable of creating impactful lines. There are six gorgeous colours to choose from, all rich and deep in hue.
The very fine tip of this pencil is appealing for waterline application, and means you can be concise and clear. For Paljevic, it's her go-to: "This gel liner is easy to use due to its thin application. The brush on the other side of the pencil allows you to drag and diffuse out the liner before it dries, ensuring you won’t have any harsh edges. Once it dries, the liner will not budge." It comes in black and brown.
Charlotte Tilbury's iconic Pillow Talk range features a soft, smudgy pencil that comes in a flattering burgundy with brown undertones. It's the perfect complement to soft brown eyeshadow or even a gold for the party season.
Beauty Pie's liner has a gel formula, meaning it glides beautifully and will never feel dry or scratchy. It sharpens well, is easy to apply and is even waterproof, meaning it'll last all day (and night!) long.
Another product with an ultra-fine tip yet impressive pigment, Hourglass' eyeliner is ideal for those who are a little out of practise. It comes in five colours including a gorgeous bronze and pretty blue.
