18 Best Mascaras for Older Women to Brighten Up Tired-looking Eyes

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Apr 04, 2024
Best Mascaras for Older Women That Make a Difference
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As we age, our skin changes and the very first aging signs that can be spotted are around our eyes. Thus, we need special eye makeup products after a certain time to accentuate our natural beauty, and that's where these best mascaras for older women come in! One of the most important products in any woman's beauty arsenal is undoubtedly the mascara. Unfortunately, many older women find that their regular mascaras just don't cut it anymore and this is the reason we can't stress enough the importance of finding an age-appropriate mascara that can help you look your best, no matter your age. As American actress Carmen Electra once said, "It's always great to have a great mascara that makes your lashes look thick and full. That's a definite must have."

When it comes to finding the right mascara for older women, the choices can seem overwhelming. To help make the process of finding your perfect match a little easier, we've put together a guide of the best mascaras for over 60 that we determined through our tests. From smudge-proof to waterproof, these mascaras are designed to keep you looking your best all day long. So, whether you're looking for a volumizing formula or a lengthening one, you're sure to find the perfect product for your needs.

18 Best Mascaras for Older Women

At Rare Beauty, the experts believe that the process of aging should not take a toll upon the intrinsic beauty of an individual. Hence, after immense heated discussions and innumerable attempts, the brand has curated the perfect strokes mascara ideal for mature skin. The product comes with an ergonomically engineered soft bristle brush that helps to volumize and uplift fine lashes without making them look clumpy. Moreover, the product has a commendable water, sweat, smudge, and transfer-resistant formulation which makes it one of the unanimous choices in the category of the best mascaras for regular use. 

Pros
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Non-itchy
  • Buildable volume
  • Non-flakey
Cons
  • Brush is too thick
  • Best for All Ages

    Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara

    Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara
  • Very true to its name, this mascara for aging skin by Yves Saint Laurent lends extreme volume to limp lashes, thereby providing them with a youthful appearance. Moreover, the product provides an instant long-lasting definition and makes lash follicles less prone to external irritants. The best part? The mascara does not accumulate any residue or get clumpy during the day. Also, it is ideal for dry skin because it is richly infused with generous amounts of vitamin E which prevents the excessive loss of nutrients from the keratinous cells due to excessive evaporation(1).

    Pros
    • Non-smudge
    • Transfer-proof
    • Intensely pigmented
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Hard to remove
  • Best Overall

    L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise

    L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise
  • L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise mascara is a volumizing and lengthening mascara that can give you the appearance of fuller, longer, and sparse lashes. The mascara has a buildable formula that can be used for a natural or more dramatic look. It is ophthalmologist-tested and allergy-tested, and thus is suitable for sensitive eyes. It features a special brush that helps to separate and coat each lash. To achieve lush and beautifully fanned-out lashes, this mascara is an incredible choice.

    Pros
    • Extremely pigmented
    • Doesn’t clump
    • Long-lasting
    • Fuller lashes
    • Dramatic look
    • Suits sensitive eyes
    Cons
    • Hard to remove
  • Best Cruelty-free

    Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer

    Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer
  • This thickening mascara for older women is designed to give a boost to your lashes by making them appear longer and fuller. The lash primer acts as a base coat for the mascara, helping it adhere better to your lashes providing a foundation to build upon. It is recommended by dermatologists and ophthalmologists as it is free from synthetic fragrances, silicones, and mineral oil. If you're looking for a way to achieve longer, fuller lashes like raccoon eyes, then this is the product for you. It's perfect for older women who want to create a youthful look.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Defines and lengthens
    • Safe for the eyes
    Cons
    • Not waterproof
  • Best Long-lasting Formula

    COVERGIRL - Clump Crusher

    COVERGIRL - Clump Crusher
  • COVERGIRL Clump Crusher is one of the best drugstore mascaras for mature eyes that comes with an option for having voluminous, long lashes without clumping. This mascara has a curved brush that hugs your lashes and coats them evenly with the lightweight formula. It also has a built-in primer that helps to separate and lengthen your lashes. Its cruelty-free gentle formula is made without parabens and harsh chemicals, making it safe for your eyes. Plus point? Its eye-catchy packaging that will keep you hooked!

    Pros
    • Doesn’t clump
    • Long-lasting formula
    • Easy to remove
    Cons
    • Hard bristles
  • Best Budget-friendly Pick

    Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

    Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
  • Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara is an award-winning drugstore mascara for seniors that delivers long, luscious lashes. The patent-pending curved brush applicator hugs your lashes from root to tip, delivering an even coat of formula for a full-fan effect. The unique honeycomb pattern of the bristles catch and coat each lash for a volumized look. The waterproof formula is ideal for those with sensitive eyes or who live in humid climates. It resists flaking, clumping, and smudging and holds up well through tears, sweat, and rain. Apply two coats of this award-winning mascara for best results.

    Pros
    • Doesn’t smudge
    • Affordable
    • Safe for sensitive eyes
    Cons
    • Can get clumpy
  • Best For Fine Lashes

    Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara

    Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara
  • Estee Lauder has always had a special place in people's hearts because of its exclusive range of makeup products since 1946. Another superstar product which is an ode to the brand's seven-decade-old legacy is this volume-multiplying mascara for mature skin. The product delivers remarkable volume, is robustly pigmented, and provides an alluring curve to limp lashes, thereby enhancing their overall shape. Furthermore, the carefully curated applicator brush has flexible and sturdy bristles that provide maximum coverage and segregate each lash effortlessly. To note more, the mascara when paired with the Estee Lauder eyelash curler can help anyone flaunt those dramatic eyelashes with minimal effort. 

    Pros
    • Lengthens short lashes
    • Conditions fragile lashes
    • No fallout
    • Robust packaging
    Cons
    • Tends to get smudgey in harsh weather
  • Ideal for Sensitive Eyes

    Max Factor 2000 Calorie Dramatic Volume Mascara

    Max Factor 2000 Calorie Dramatic Volume Mascara
  • Max Factor's 2000 Calorie Dramatic Volume Mascara is a mascara for older women that promises to give you dramatic results. The brush is designed to evenly distribute the product on your lashes, and the formula is said to be buildable so you can achieve your desired level of volume. This affordable mascara is also waterproof and smudge-proof, making it a good option for those with sensitive eyes or who need long-wearing mascara.

    Pros
    • Fast drying
    • Smudge-resistant
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Gets flaky
  • Best Skin-friendly Formula

    Benefit They're Real! Mascara

    Benefit They're Real! Mascara
  • Benefit They're Real! Mascara is a volumizing magnifying mascara that lengthens and defines lashes for a dramatic look. The long-wearing, water-resistant formula won't smudge or flake, and the innovative brush with staggered bristles grabs lashes at the root to lift, separate, and curl. This award-winning best mascara for women over 50 gives you both in just one coat. It is also made from natural Ingredients that are guaranteed to keep your eyes comfortable and safe!

    Pros
    • Thickening
    • Skin-friendly
    • Jet black
    Cons
    • Can get clumpy with time
  • Most Smudge-resistant

    Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara

    Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara
  • Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara is a special mascara formula that is designed to strengthen and lengthen your lashes. It contains olive oil, vitamin E, and rice protein to help keep your lashes healthy and strong. On the outside, the soft-bristle brush combs through every lash from root to tip, smoothly applying the rich black color with outstanding definition and intensity.

    This mascara is also clump, smudge, and flake-free, so you can keep your lashes looking their best all day long.

    Pros
    • Nourishing formula
    • Skin-safe
    • Easy to remove
    Cons
    • Dries out quickly
  • L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Densifying Mascara

    L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Densifying Mascara
  • L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Densifying Mascara is a volumizing mascara that is specifically designed for older women. The formula contains pro-keratins and ceramides, which help to strengthen and condition the lashes, while the brush is designed to volumize and lift the lashes. This mascara is ideal for thin or mature lashes as it adds volume and lift, making them look flawless and fanned out!

    Pros
    • Volumizing
    • Strengthening
    • Safe for the eyes
    Cons
    • Can feel cakey
  • Monsieur Big Mascara

    Monsieur Big Mascara
  • Monsieur Big Mascara is specifically designed for older women who want to achieve fuller, thicker lashes. Mature lashes are thinner and more brittle, making it difficult to achieve the best results. The old lady mascara’s unique brush applicator ensures that each lash is evenly coated with the product, while the long-wearing formula prevents smudging and flaking throughout the day. If you're looking for a mascara that can give you the full, thick lashes of your youth, Monsieur Big is the one for you.

    Pros
    • Creates an eye-opening effect
    • Prevents flaking
    • Smudge-free
    Cons
    • Very hard to remove
  • DHC Double Protection Mascara

    DHC Double Protection Mascara
  • DHC Double Protection Mascara is a waterproof, sweat-proof, and smudge-proof mascara that provides long-lasting coverage. It is ideal for older women who want to achieve a natural look without having to worry about their mascara running or smudging. This Mascara is formulated with two types of waxes – hard and soft – that work together to create a long-wearing, durable formula. The hard waxes form a protective barrier on the lashes, while the soft waxes provide flexibility and comfort. This mascara also contains an emollient that conditions and strengthens the lashes, making them less prone to breakage.

    Pros
    • Smearproof
    • Doesn’t flake or clump
    • Water-resistant
    Cons
    • Dries out quickly
  • Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara

    Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara
  • Older women need mascara that can give them both volume and lift without being too heavy or cakey. Clinique's High Impact Curling Mascara is the perfect option for those looking for a natural, everyday look. The lightweight smearproof formula lengthens and defines lashes without clumping or flaking, and the curved brush ensures easy application. Its unique arched wand scoops and lifts up every last lash for a high-curl and easily noticeable effect.

    Pros
    • Easy application
    • Smudge-proof
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • May look spidery with multiple applications
  • primelash lengthening and volumizimg mascara

    primelash lengthening and volumizimg mascara
  • The Primelash mascara comes with some rave reviews online! The brand boasts of providing a hypoallergenic mascara for women that is an excellent solution for contact lens wearers. Enriched with vitamins, the mascara helps in getting 100% elongation and adds drama to your eyes in just two coats. The magic wand further ensures reaching into the smallest corners to get into the tiniest lashes for an even, fanned-out look. Addedly, the product comes with a vegan and cruelty-free formula that causes zero irritation to your eyes.

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Vitamin-enriched
    • Clump-free
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Cruelty-free
    • Smudge-resistant
    Cons
    • Not water-resistant
  • BOOM! Bright Mascara

    BOOM! Bright Mascara
  • BOOM! by Cindy Joseph proudly showcases its bright mascara that is loaded with hypoallergenic ingredients that won't irritate your eyes. The best and unique part about the thickening mascara is the packaging which features an eco-conscious and squeezable tube that makes it way easier for you to apply the product. Addedly, the brand claims the mascara to be specially designed for 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond women to moisturize the lashes while giving the coveted result at the same time.

    Pros
    • Recyclable tube
    • Clump-free
    • Durable packaging
    • Moisturizing formula
    • Long-wearing
    • Hypoallergenic
    Cons
    • Could be thicker
  • fupah Mascara for Older Women

    fupah Mascara for Older Women
  • The brand comes with an effective mascara for over 70 that claims to instantly lengthen the lashes without clumping or smearing them. It is a revolutionary formula that you can include in your regular beauty routines to get the dramatic lashes that you have been yearning for! The best part? It remains intact even if you sweat, tear, and splash water in your eyes. And through our research we found our that the formula contains growth-promoting vitamins to make your lashes thicker, longer, and younger.

    Pros
    • No clump
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Waterproof
    • Quick-drying
    • Best for short lashes
    • Makes lashes longer
    Cons
    • Quickly dries out
  • dootdott Mascara for Older Women

    dootdott Mascara for Older Women
  • Dootdott’s hypoallergenic mascara is a boon for people with sensitive eyes! It comes with a smudgeproof formula that works the best for your mature and droopy eyelids. Addedly, the wide angle silicone brush head reaches every tiny lashes for the coveted look. The ultrasmooth formula glides over the lashes like butter to give you the desired finish. Furthermore, the water-resistant formula provides intense curl and density with each application. Apply 2-3 coats of mascara when you want your lashes to look even more dramatic.

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Silicone brush head
    • Water-resistant
    • Provides density
    • Smudgeproof
    • No clumping
    Cons
    • Flaky

    Now, that you've gone through the products, time to check how you can pick the best one for yourself!

    How to Choose the Best Mascara for Older Women?

    As your lashes get thinner, finding the perfect mascara could be a challenge. You want something that will give you long, voluminous lashes without looking overdone. Luckily, there are plenty of great formulas on the market specifically designed for mature women. Here's how to choose the best mascara for older women:

    • First, consider your lash type. If you have shorter lashes, look for a lengthening formula. If your lashes are on the thinner side, opt for a volumizing mascara.
    • Next, think about the finish you want. If you want a natural look, go for sheer or light-coverage mascara. For a more dramatic look, choose medium or full-coverage mascara.
    • Finally, consider the brush type. If you have sensitive eyes, look for a brush with softer bristles. Choose a brush with shorter bristles if you want more control over your mascara application.

    How You Can Choose the Best Mascaras That Are Meant for Older Women?

    As your lashes get thinner, finding the perfect mascara could be a challenge. You want something that will give you long, voluminous lashes without looking overdone. Luckily, there are plenty of great formulas on the market specifically designed for mature women. Here's how to choose the best mascara for older women:

    • First, consider your lash type. If you have shorter lashes, look for a lengthening formula. If your lashes are on the thinner side, opt for a volumizing mascara.
    • Next, think about the finish you want. If you want a natural look, go for sheer or light-coverage mascara. For a more dramatic look, choose medium or full-coverage mascara.
    • If you have sensitive eyes, it is best to go for dermatologically-tested formula or a mascara that is irritation-free. On the other hand, the dry lashes require a moisturizing formula that will keep the lashes hydrated.
    • Finally, consider the brush type. If you have sensitive eyes, look for a brush with softer bristles. Choose a brush with shorter bristles if you want more control over your mascara application.

    How You Can Use the Mascara Meant for Older Women Effectively?

    Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect mascara look:

    • Don't go too heavy on the product. A little bit of mascara goes a long way, so don't overdo it.
    • Use a waterproof formula if you have oily skin or live in a humid climate. This will help prevent your mascara from smudging or running.
    • Curl your lashes before applying mascara. This will give them extra lift and make your eyes look wide open.
    • Wiggle the brush back and forth as you apply mascara to your lashes. This will help coat them evenly and prevent clumping.
    •  Use a lash primer before applying mascara. This will help create a smooth base for the product and make your lashes look even more impressive.
    • On average, mascara lasts for about 3 months. Swapping it out for a new one after that time period will ensure that you get optimal results.

    We hope that our list of the 11 best mascaras for older women has been helpful to you. Mascara is a great way to help accentuate your eyes and give you that extra bit of oomph and confidence. Whether you are looking for a lengthening mascara or one that helps add volume, there is definitely an option on this list that will suit your needs.

    Take a look at how you can do it, here.

    Conclusion

    We hope that our list of the 11 best mascaras for older women has been helpful to you that we have rounded off based on our observations. These mascaras are indeed a great way to help accentuate your eyes and give you that extra bit of oomph and confidence. Whether you are looking for a lengthening mascara or one that helps add volume, there is definitely an option in this list that will suit your needs. So, which one is making its way to the cart? Or all? It is time to decide!

    FAQ's

    Should older women wear lower-lash mascara?
    There are conflicting opinions on whether or not older women should wear lower-lash mascara. Some believe that it can help accentuate the eyes and make them look more youthful, while others believe it can be aging. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to wear lower-lash mascara is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and each woman must decide for herself what works best for her face shape and complexion.
    Does mascara make your eyelashes shorter?
    No, mascara does not make your eyelashes shorter. In fact, mascara can actually help to lengthen and volumize your lashes, giving you a more youthful appearance. There are many different mascara formulas on the market, so it is important to choose one specifically designed for older women. These mascaras will often have lighter formulas and smaller brushes, making them easier to use and less likely to cause clumping or flaking.
    Can I use mascara daily?
    Yes, you can use mascara every day, but you should be careful about the type of mascara you use. Older women tend to have more sensitive eyes, so it's important to choose hypoallergenic or natural mascara. You should also avoid mascaras with harsh chemicals and fragrances. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to remove them before applying mascara.
    Should older women wear black or brown mascara?
    Well, black mascaras look harsher than the brown ones as the former tend to accentuate all the wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes. So, if you are more into the natural look, pick a brown one.
    Does mascara make your eyelashes shorter?
    No way! Mascaras are one of the greatest beauty inventions that came into existence to make the lashes fuller and bigger. They help in making your eyes look brighter and open up anyday!

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    To brighten up tired-looking eyes, our beauty expert, Sayantani will help you pick the best mascaras. She is a makeup enthusiast who loves to keep her arsenal upgraded with the latest trends. Recently, she carried out meticulous research on the best mascaras for older women and penned down their features, pros, and cons. Her personal favorite is L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise that helps one in creating fuller, longer, and sparse lashes. You can also glance through her list of recommendations and pick any of the mascaras to achieve lush and beautifully fanned-out lashes. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More