This tubing formula stays exactly where you put it, designed with mature eyes in mind, so it won’t migrate into fine lines or midday smudge for women in their 50’s+. It’s enriched with shea butter to condition, ensuring lashes look lush and healthy rather than brittle. Celebrity makeup artist Jenn Streicher considers it her recent gold standard saying, “It doesn’t run, smear, or smudge, yet it removes easily with warm water.” Her pro tip for an instant eye-lift is to apply it to the lower lashes to “finish” the look and make the eyes appear consistently larger.
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when shopping for mascara for older women?
“You definitely want to find one that doesn’t cause raccoon eyes or smudge on the skin, as that can darken the area above and below the lids, which isn’t flattering for mature women,” says Dr. Hilal-Campo. She advises avoiding waterproof formulas, which can be difficult to remove and irritating, and suggests prioritizing nourishing, paraben-free options that are safe for sensitive eyes.
Should older women use mascara on their bottom lashes?
Nina Soriano emphasizes the importance of the lower lash line in completing the face’s frame. Soriano notes, “A little swipe on your bottom lashes can really widen the eye. You can also build this look or just add a layer for dimension. Either way, there’s no age barrier to wearing mascara on bottom lashes.” This technique not only adds a youthful openness to the eyes but also allows for versatility, whether a woman is going for a subtle everyday definition or a more dramatic finish.
Can you wear mascara with blepharitis?
Managing eye makeup while dealing with blepharitis requires a balance between aesthetics and ocular health. Since the condition involves chronic eyelid inflammation, the products you apply can easily exacerbate the irritation. Ophthalmologist Julie Chung explains, “There are two types of blepharitis — anterior, which involves crusting and debris on the lashes, and posterior, which is about clogged, inflamed meibomian glands. Mascara can make both worse, particularly when it’s not properly removed. And honestly, most people don’t remove it thoroughly enough. I’m realistic with my patients — I’m not going to say never wear mascara.” Dr. Chung recommends picking a formula that comes off easily and being diligent about removing it completely every night while treating your blepharitis.
What are some tips for thickening lashes?
Keep them healthy and hydrated, Dr. Hilal-Campo suggests. “That means maintaining good hygiene—gently using cleansers like hypochlorous acid to keep bacteria away—and using natural oils to hydrate the lashes,” she explains. She recommends argan oil, noting that it’s rich in alpha-linolenic acid and helps hydrate lash shafts to make them look fuller. “You can also apply a primer before mascara to help lashes appear thicker,” she finishes.
How do you apply mascara on mature eyes?
Hilal-Campo suggests starting with an eyelash curler to lift the lashes. Then, deposit the product, sweeping it up to the tips. Work from the inside out, and when you get to the outer corners, turn the wand vertically and use just the tip to coat those lashes.
If you want to coat your lower lashes, Dr. Hilal-Campo recommends applying mascara sparingly. Use the wand vertically and focus on just the tips, especially at the outer corners. Be sure to clean up smudges with a cotton swab lightly dipped in makeup remover.
How do you gently remove mascara for older women?
Dr. Hilal-Campo recommends a preservative-free micellar remover applied to a microfiber cloth and held against the eye for 30 seconds before gently wiping. (Her pick: Optase Life Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover. It’s a preservative-free micellar water that uses tiny oil molecules to effectively remove makeup.) “The key is to be gentle, so you don’t pull out or break lashes, and to protect the delicate skin around the eyes from becoming more wrinkled,” she says.
What mascara ingredients do ophthalmologists recommend?
Dr. Chung recommends looking for mascaras that tout the following buzzwords Fragrance-free, oil free, ophthalmologist-tested, and hypoallergenic.
- Diane Hilal-Campo, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Twenty/Twenty Beauty
- Janelle Davison, MD, an optometrist
- Rivkah Yisrael: NYC-based 70-year-old tester
- Nina Soriano, editorial and celebrity makeup artist
- Jenn Streicher, celebrity makeup artist & owner of Duchess
- Joel Vasquez, celebrity makeup artist
- Allison Coombs, DO, Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon
- Julie Chung, MD, ophthalmologist and eye surgeon specializing in glaucoma and cataract surgery, cofounder of T3, a prestige hair tools company
