While aging is a privilege, it brings changes to the skin, especially around the eyes. Collagen and elastin production slows, making eyelid skin thinner and more sensitive. If your go-to eye products no longer work, we've compiled expert-recommended options from dermatologists and makeup artists, plus top-rated picks from shoppers in their 40s to 70s.
Eye Primers
Viral Primer for Eyeshadow Staying Power
This lightweight formula evens out eyelid texture and tone, creating a smooth canvas. A pea-sized amount helps eyeshadow go on softer and prevents creasing or fading. Review: "It made an immediate and visible difference. Blended invisibly but erased my dark circles, visible veins, and fine lines." – Holly Scott Jones. $15 at Amazon.
Brightening Eye Sticks
Thrive Causemetics Brightening Eye Stick
Available in 28 shades, this waterproof, cream-to-powder formula lifts and awakens eyes. Infused with macadamia and meadowfoam seed oils to prevent drying. Review: "Goes on smoothly, lasts all day, no smudging or creasing. I'm 67 and they look great." – Melinda K. $26 at Thrive Causemetics.
Eyeliners
Brown Eye Pencil with Shimmer
Makeup artist Brett Freedman recommends switching from black to brown eyeliner for a fresher look. Mac Cosmetics' Eye Kohl in Teddy is a deep brown with shimmer. For lower lash line, try Powersurge. $24 at Nordstrom.
Drugstore Eyeliner That Took 40 Years to Find
This creamy, cruelty-free retractable pencil glides on smoothly. Available in black, brown, and metallics. Review: "Best ever in 40 years. Doesn't pull or tear at aging skin. Lasts all day." – Vanessa L. Knight. $8 at Amazon.
Smudge-Proof Easy-Glide Eyeliner
Silky formula glides without tugging. Waterproof and gentle for sensitive eyes. Review: "I'm 55 and black eyeliner used to be harsh, but this goes on smoothly and lasts all day." – Texas mom. $16 at Amazon.
Lash Curlers
Highly-Rated Lash Curler
Freedman says curling lashes opens eyes. Squeeze and hold for 10 seconds, don't pump. This stainless steel curler has elongated silicone pads to avoid pinching. Review: "Doesn't pinch like others over 50 years. I'm 70 and love it." – Vicki DiPaolo. $10 at Amazon.
Mascaras
Clean Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
Merit's tubing formula encases lashes with smudge-proof, conditioning ingredients like olive oil esters and vitamin B5. Review: "Very sensitive eyes, but this mascara is amazing. No clumps, no flakes, stays all day." – Mary. $28 at Merit.
Brow Products
Brow Pencil and Spoolie Combo
Gel-consistency pencil creates natural-looking brow hairs. Review: "Game changer! Easy to apply without dragging, great staying power. Perfect for 50+ skin." – Mary B. $24 at Merit.
Gentle Pomade for Fuller Brows
Precise brush applies conditioning pigment to individual hairs. Review: "Perfect for 50+ skin. Easy to use with great staying power." – daphne l. $24 at Merit.
Cream-to-Powder Brow Pencil
Anastasia Beverly Hills pencil in Cool Taupe for white hair. Velvety texture lasts all day. $26 at Sephora.
Concealers
Lightweight Brightening Concealer
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind with goji berry extract. Flexible, hydrating, and crease-proof. Review: "Doesn't cake into mature skin. Great for covering eye bags." – ReviewHappy. $9 at Amazon.
Buildable Crease-Proof Concealer
Thrive Causemetics formula with coconut emollients and snow mushroom extract. Waterproof. Review: "Does not make wrinkles look worse. Light and buildable." – judi m. $29 at Thrive Causemetics.
Eyeshadows
Versatile Eyeshadow Stick
IT Cosmetics Superhero stick with priming formula and collagen. Silky no-tug texture. Review: "Only eyeshadow I use on older eyelids. Never creases or looks dry." – MzTech. $25 at Amazon.
