5 Red-Carpet Eyeliner Tricks Any Woman Over 50 Can Do at Home (From a Make Up Artist And Dermatologist)
"I see two make up mistakes when it comes to women over 50,"
"There's women who wear next to nothing because they don't know what to do.
Or the opposite – women who think that full-coverage will hide everything, which it doesn't.
It only accentuates what you don't want others to see.
Here's how to avoid both."
— make-up artist Mara Duveen
When you reach a certain age, it feels like all the makeup rules suddenly change.
Take the eye area, for instance: as we age, it tends to become a bit more hooded and drier, and that once-smooth skin starts to look thinner and crepier.
When the pencil stutters across the skin, it's hard not to throw it in the bin.
But according to Mara Duveen – a red-carpet make-up veteran with two decades of experience – it's not your skin.
It's the lazy formulas made by people who don't understand mature beauty.
For Decades, the Makeup Industry Worshipped Youth and Ignored Everyone Who Outgrew It
"According to Harvard studies, our skin undergoes significant changes as we age, 1" explains Dr Kallin.
But she's not only talking about wrinkles, which are fairly obvious.
She points out that aging skin becomes more prone to irritation and infections due to a weakening protective barrier. 2
Yet the industry refuses to evolve. Formulas stay lazy, advice stays outdated, and women over 50 are told to "adjust expectations" instead of demanding innovation.
That's why Beauty Insider teamed up with Duveen and dermatologist Dr. Serena Kallin to break the cycle and share what truly looks and works best for mature skin.
Tip #1: Start with hydration and concealer, just don't overdo it
Beauty tutorials swear by a triple coat of concealer for a flawless finish.
But unless you have baby skin, concealer settles into creases and highlights every bit of texture.
Still, prepping the skin is key.
"Mature eyelids tend to be thinner and less elastic, so eyeliner can skip or smudge easily," says Duveen.
She recommends starting with a good moisturizing eye cream and following up with a lightweight concealer.
"Don't coat too much. Hydrating is the most important, and concealer is just for a little bit of tint.
Tip #2: The Invisible Trick That Makes Eyes Shine
Forget the thick, heavy lines that drag the eye down. Sometimes the most flattering look comes from what you don't see.
"Tightlining is a fantastic technique for mature eyes because it opens up the entire eye area," says Duveen.
Instead of drawing eyeliner above the lashes, it's applied between them, right along the upper waterline.
"Plus, if you feel like you don't like the look of a wing eyeliner on you, this is a great alternative." Dr. Kallin also adds that if your eyes are sensitive, choose a waterline safe and water-resistant formula to avoid irritation.
Tip #3: Don't Use Lazy Formulas That Make Your Eyes Age Faster
Most eyeliners are designed to decorate. To draw a line and call it a day.
But for mature skin, that's not enough.
"I already mentioned that the skin around the eyes loses its natural shield after 50.
Without it, every tug, every trace of a harsh formula, leaves a mark, making your eyes age more," emphasizes Dr. Kallin.
That's why today's best eyeliners go beyond beauty.
They're infused with nourishing ingredients – antioxidants, emollients, or vitamin E – that leave the skin better than they found it.
"I refuse to use eyeliners that don't nourish or protect," says makeup artist Duveen. "At this age, makeup should care as much as it beautifies."
Tip #4: Choose Your Wing Wisely
Winged eyeliner is having a major moment right now, from red carpets to everyday glam.
"I do them constantly for events," says Duveen. "But the secret is knowing which wing works for your eyes."
Because yes, you can absolutely wear a wing after 50, but must tailor it to your natural shape.
The key lies in your canthal tilt – the natural angle between the inner and outer corners of your eyes. I see many women drawing the line up, even if it would look better straight or down.
So if your eyes go downward, try the "puppy eyeliner" or experiment with styles until you find what suits you best.
Tip #5: Cream Eyeliner: The Secret to a Glamorous Look
If your eyeliner tugs or skips, it's time to switch formulas, and cream is what Duveen recommends:
"Cream eyeliners melt into the skin and are much more forgiving on mature lids."
They're easier to blend, don't emphasize texture, and allow for that soft, lifted finish celebrities love on the red carpet.
Dr. Kallin also adds, "Cream-based products are typically less drying and more compatible with sensitive, aging skin, especially if they're free from fragrance and alcohol.
So, in the long run, it's definitely a #1 recommendation from a medical perspective."
We Asked Duveen and Dr. Kallin How to Know Exactly if a Product Is Suitable for Women 50+
"When I'm testing products, I always start with the feel," says Duveen. "If it glides on my hand in one stroke, that's usually a good sign. Mature skin doesn't forgive rough formulas."
Dr. Kallin nods but adds that the feel isn't everything. "Mature skin is more reactive, so I always check for something gentle.
Of course, predicting irritation before trying something is nearly impossible, but both experts agree that gentle, antioxidant-rich formulas are a safe bet.
It's this balance of comfort, care, and science that made both Duveen and Dr. Kallin curious about a new launch: Cellmetics Long-Wear Cream Eyeliner.
"We actually discovered it through a mutual colleague, Melanie, a cosmetic scientist who knows every product before it hits the shelves," laughs Duveen.
The Science Behind Cellmetic's Winning Formula
- Creamy formula: Creates a tug-free texture that glides effortlessly over delicate skin.
- Waterproof, Yet Comfortable: A blend of long-wear waxes locks pigment in place, resisting smudging and fading throughout the day.
- Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate): Provides antioxidant support while conditioning and protecting and nourishing the thin skin around the eyes.
- Gentle by Design: Safe for sensitive and watery eyes, making it a go-to for women who struggle with irritation from traditional liners.
Duveen: "I've Arranged a Special Offer for Beauty Insider Readers, But It's Going Fast."
"Since discovering this formula, I've kept it in my kit and use it constantly on my more mature clients.
I had so many clients asking what I was using that I eventually reached out to the brand and arranged a small discount for them. It went fast; everyone wanted one."
I'm now extending that same offer to Beauty Insider readers.
It's the perfect opportunity to test a pro favorite for a good price.
First-time buyers can unlock an exclusive 30% bundle discount, all orders over $65 ship for free, and purchases of $75 or more come with a complimentary gift.
CHECK AVAILABILITYResults may vary due to personal features
2 sources
- 1. Why your face ages and what you can do
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/why-your-face-ages-and-what-you-can-do - 2. Skin Barrier Function and the Microbiome
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10669244/