14 Tips for Applying Mascara to Mature Lashes - NewBeauty (2024)

“Mascara is one of the most powerful makeup tools for adding definition to the eyes, and it’s a step that I never skip,” says professional makeup artist Kate Talbert. However, she notes that she’s always careful when applying mascara to mature eyes. “Over application or the wrong techniques can lead to a messy-looking effect,” she warns. We asked experts to share their best tips for seamless mascara application on mature lashes and which products they think are up for the challenge.

Featured experts

• Kate Talbert is a professional makeup artist
• Erica Taylor is a professional makeup artist
• Sandy Linter is a celebrity makeup artist
• Amanda Hill is a mature makeup expert

Comb your lashes after the shower

You brush your hair after the shower, so why not your lashes too? Talbert says it’s best to comb out the lashes right after showering because “When wet, the lashes can clump together just like the hair on our head, so combing them out can help.”

Try tubing mascara

Tubing mascara has become a huge hit among all ages. It uses “polymers to create tubes around each lash to create volume and length. The biggest benefit is that tubing mascaras don’t smudge or transfer as much as regular mascaras,” explains Talbert. Professional makeup artistErica Taylor likes to begin with a regular mascara and then seal the look with a tubing formula to help prevent flaking, smudging and running.

Find the right formula

“Mature eyes tend to have loose skin or wrinkles around them. The skin is not firm so that mascara can easily smudge,” says celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter, so “make sure the brand you choose can stand up to a warmer skin around the eye,” who refers to this phenomenon as “hot lids.”

Try brown mascara

“Unless you have black hair and lashes, a deep to medium brown mascara will look more youthful for older women,” says mature makeup expertAmanda Hill.Plus, brown lashes are trending right now for all ages.

Opt for a thinner brush

“I think it’s important to realize as we mature, our lashes get thinner. The same mascara brush you once used will no longer perform the same way,” says Taylor. “I recommend starting with a very thin brush applying directly to the base of the lash to ensure you pick up every hair, including baby hair or new growth, then wiggling the brush from root to tip.”

Linter agrees that it’s essential to get a wand that separates the lash hair well and is easy to control. Using a small brush directly in the lash line will help give your eyes a more lined appearance and prevent any gaps in application, explains Taylor. “I would avoid large brushes that tend to miss a lot of small lashes and have a tendency to clump.”

Use a lash primer

We often use a primer on our skin to prep it for foundation, so why not take the same care with our lashes? “If you feel like your lashes are lacking, using a lash primer can be a huge help,” says Talbert.

Skip lower-lash mascara

If you’re experiencing smudging, Linter recommends forgoing applying mascara on the lower lashes altogether.

Go slow

We often find ourselves rushing through our makeup application, but this is ill-advised. “Applying your mascara too fast can cause clumpy lashes,” warns Talbert. “Take your time really combing through the lashes with your mascara.”

Twirl your mascara

This is one of Talbert’s top mascara tips. To ensure that the bristles on your mascara spoolie are evenly coated, Talbert suggests twirling your mascara wand as you pull it out of the tube.

Use a growth serum

Much like our skin “with maturity lashes often become thin and delicate,” says Hill. She recommends trying a growth serum to help lashes fill out.

Don’t double dip

Although it’s tempting, and you think it’ll help, Talbert advises against double dipping your wand between eyes. She says once you pull out the wand the first time, you have enough product for both eyes.

Use a lash curler

Don’t skip the lash curler, especially on mature lashes. “Gently use a lash curler at the base of your lashes for lift,” recommends Hill. “I find the inexpensive e.l.f. Eyelash Curler ($3) to be excellent,” she adds.

Try waterproof mascara

“Waterproof many times is the way to go,” says Linter. She recommends giving waterproof formulas a try as they’re much better now than they were years ago.

Apply mascara root to tip

“Never apply mascara on the tips only,” advises Linter. “Work the mascara from the root of the lash to the tip,” for the best look. Hill recommends slightly wiggling the wand at the base and following the length of your lashes to the tip then letting it set for 30 seconds before repeating if desired.

The best products for mature lashes