When I shop for eyeliner these days, I feel like I’m going into a restaurant with a list of dietary restrictions. I have always had hooded eyes, but at 46, the hooding is more pronounced. I have sensitive eyes, too, and fine lines starting to set in. In short, I’m looking for an eyeliner to play up my gaze while downplaying any discomfort or signs of aging. It’s a balancing act, to be sure, but it’s one that the best eyeliners for older women can accomplish with finesse—and if it becomes tempting to skip eyeliner altogether, consider this advice from a pro: “Eyeliner actually becomes more important as we age,” says makeup artist Stevi Christine. “Lashes tend to thin over time, and a liner at the roots helps bring back that youthful fullness.”
Vogue’s Favorite Eyeliners for Older Women:
Since I’ve found a few formulas that I swear by—including the Laura Mercier pencil that’s on this list—I see what Christine means. On days when I do wear eyeliner, I look more awake, chipper, and polished than on days when I don’t. The trick? Finding formulas that are not only flattering, but gentle on the eyes. Formulas for older women should also be easy to apply and remove without tugging at the lids. Ahead, find the eyeliners that check every box.
Best Overall: Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Satin Kajal Liner
Why We Love It: “Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal Liner is one of my favorite liners, especially on mature lids,” Christine says. She notes that the pencil’s creamy texture lends itself to an effortless glide, which makes the product particularly user-friendly. “The built-in smudger also lets you diffuse the line into a soft shadow, which helps soften the eyeliner look,” she notes. The formula is available in 20 shades, which range from sea green to gold and basic black. “For women over 50, I gravitate toward shades like Cocoa, Bordeaux, Olive, or Ash, which define the eyes without the starkness of jet black,” Christine says. The formula gets a second endorsement from pro makeup artist Dani Wagener. “This pencil has quickly become my all-time favorite because it effortlessly creates the most stunning, smudged effect along the top lash line,” she says. “The rich range of colors available is truly exceptional.” Makeup artist Marcia Williams adds to the chorus of praise. “The Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner is super versatile,” she says. “It glides on smoothly, which allows it to be used as a liner or as an eyeshadow.” Williams’ hue of choice? The Sea Grey, which gives mature eyes a “pretty, silvery shimmer.”
Editor’s Experience: I like this pencil for a bit of subtle smoulder—which it delivers, even in a seemingly innocent shade like brown. Glide is big for more mature eyes; at 46, I appreciate the silky, non-tugging application. It also stays put nicely, and the formula feels gentle on my eyes. The verdict: It’s perhaps a bit more nighttime than Teams-call ready, so it’s a staple I’ll be keeping in my clutch for the holiday-party season.” —Jenny Berg, contributor
