When it comes to finding the perfect mascara as an older woman, it can be difficult. It is no secret that as we grow older, our needs change.
This is because our skin changes over time. What makeup or skincare we used to use in our 20s, 30s – even our 40s – isn’t suitable for our skin anymore.

Our lashes may not be as long as they were ten years ago, and they may seem more brittle. A heavy black color can sometimes look too heavy, and the formula can be drying.
When looking for a mascara, you will want to find something that is hydrating and light. It needs to add length without overpowering the whole eye. Whilst this might seem like a daunting task, it actually isn’t.
We have put together a list of the mascaras we think are perfect older women.
So, if you are currently looking for a mascara that will emphasize those eyelashes again, then look no further. We’ve got you covered!
BOOM! Bright Pro Age Mascara By Cindy Joseph
If you would like a mascara to gently coat the lashes for a natural look, then the BOOM! Mascara is a great option. Whilst it won’t thicken the lashes completely, it does lengthen and provide color.
Speaking of color, there is only one available and that is black. So if you would like a softer brown, then you will not find it here. It is waterproof, however, and the wand is long enough to coat lashes really easily. Plus, the ingredients are hypoallergenic and moisturizing, with no added harsh toxins such as parabens.
It does have a light floral fragrance which might not suit everyone. Once you have finished with the mascara, you can then recycle the tube because it is made from regenerative sugarcane polymer!
Pros
Recyclable tube made from regenerative sugarcane polymer
Cruelty Free
Waterproof
A softer everyday look
Cons
Lightly fragranced
One color choice
Maybelline New York Green Edition Mousse Mascara
If you would like an eco-friendly mascara that promises to add length and depth to your lashes, then the Maybelline Mousse mascara is a great option.
Not only is it made from clean ingredients, has a vegan formula and is recyclable, but 70% of it is made from natural origin ingredients. The tube is green too, just to remind you!
It can be used as an everyday lightweight mascara, but it is also buildable meaning you can take it from day to night for extra color and length.
Unfortunately, it isn’t waterproof. This could be down to them using natural ingredients, however.
It is very hydrating though, and includes moisturizing shea butter. It can also be used alongside contact lenses, and has 3 different shades available.
Pros
Buildable coverage from day to night
Has 3 shades available
Eco-friendly and vegan
Cons
Not waterproof
HONEST Beauty Extreme Length + Lash Primer
For a little extra effort, you can have wonderful looking lashes. The HONEST Beauty Extreme Length includes a primer to make sure the mascara stays put all day long.
It also helps to smoothen the lashes ready for the mascara to have a great base to be applied on. It means the overall application will look even with no clumps – and you can build up the coverage for a day-to-night look.
There is also absolutely no parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrances or paraffins too, making it a great choice for those who like to avoid these kinds of ingredients.
It is hydrating too due to jojoba esters which is a natural ingredient rather than synthetic.
Pros
Will not smudge and is waterproof with the primer
Buildable coverage
Clean ingredients
Easy to remove
Cons
More effort with the two wands
The wand is quite small
Only available in black
L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Lash Magnifying Mascara
Made specifically for older women, this hydrating mascara is perfect for those who have short eyelashes they want to lengthen.
It uses jojoba oil and a conditioning serum to super hydrate the lashes for a comfortable feel all day. That means it will not dry out your eyes come the afternoon.
The wand has been specifically made for the mature woman who may have sensitive eyes. Just like the rest of this skincare and makeup line, each product has been made with the older woman in mind.
Whilst there isn’t any buildable coverage, the effects are instant so it isn’t needed.
However, if you are looking for something that has a lighter color and more natural effect, then this mascara may not be what you are looking for.
That’s not to say this mascara looks too heavy – it doesn’t – but you can tell you are wearing something on the lashes.
The only downside is that it isn’t waterproof, so it will make you look like a panda if you suffer with mascara running.
Pros
Made for older women in mind
Hydrating
Instant effect
Cons
Not waterproof
Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara
Sometimes all you need is a basic mascara that packs a punch. The Covergirl range is great for those who are on a budget. It is also a good option for those who want to give mascara a try without spending too much money.
The Lash Blast mascara is all about giving the short lashes a boost and some color. Instantly the lashes are draped in volume, but without clumps.
Whilst that might sound a little scary, it isn’t too heavy on the eye. It is also cruelty free and really easy to apply with its good sized wand.
Also, you will be happy to know that it is waterproof, so you can wear it all day without any worry of it running down your cheeks. The only downside is that it isn’t as moisturizing as the others in the list.
If you suffer with dry eyes or have to wear contacts, then this mascara may not be ideal. However, it’s such a bargain that it might be worth trying out.
Pros
Waterproof
Inexpensive for those on a budget
Has various colors to choose from
Cons
Not hydrating
Buyer’s Guide
Now you have taken a look at the list above, we have put together a simple buyer’s guide to help you when deciding what mascara to buy.
Smudge Proof
Not everyone struggles with wearing mascara that isn’t waterproof, but the majority of us do! This is because the natural oils in our skin play havoc with the mascara, causing it to run down the cheek.
If you don’t want the panda effect, then waterproof is the way to go. It should also be smudge free too, because no doubt there have been times you’ve worn mascara and rubbed your eye.
If you do plan to wear mascara all day, then it will be worth investing in one that is waterproof just to make sure that it stays put.
If you don’t go with a waterproof version and are worried about it running, then a lash primer (which you put on before the mascara) will do a good job at making the makeup waterproof.
Color
When it comes to mature skin, the safest option is to stick with brown and black. That isn’t to say you can’t be bold and choose blue – or even yellow!
A softer, more natural color, will look better, especially if you plan to wear mascara on a daily basis. If you are just starting out on your makeup journey as an older woman, then you might find a brown color a better option.
Specialized
There are specialized mascara available, just like the ones in the list above. A specialized mascara could be formulated for the older woman, for example.
This is because they are focussed on bringing out the best of a mature woman’s lashes, and know what issues to look at.
For example, shorter lashes, or less lashes. These mascaras have been specifically created to make sure an older woman feels confident wearing mascara.
Moisturizing
As we get older, our eyes may suffer from dryness. Some mascaras might exacerbate this issue, so it is always best to look for something that is ultra-hydrating.
Luckily, there are lots of moisturizing mascaras that include natural ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil to help coat the lashes with hydration.
This might also be beneficial to those who wear contact lenses. Do always make sure that the mascara is suitable, however.
Ingredients
Some mascaras include natural ingredients, whilst others may have a less natural formula. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it just all depends on what you are looking for.
There are many who prefer wearing clean ingredients that are cruelty free, whereas there are others who don’t take notice of what’s in the mascara. There are plenty of options available so make sure you buy something that is suited to your skin.
Build Up
You may hear the term ‘buildup’ when referring to mascara. This means that you can wear a few layers of the mascara to achieve a different effect.
For example, one coat might produce a natural look, whilst another two coats might produce a heavier look.
This kind of mascara is perfect for if you want to use the same one for a day to night look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should Older Women Put Mascara On The Lower Lashes?
Putting mascara on the lower lashes opens the eye and defines them. However, as an older woman, putting mascara on lower lashes can make them look droopy instead.
Does Brown Mascara Give A More Natural Look?
Adding brown mascara instead of black gives lashes a natural looking fullness.
Is Brown Better For Those Over 50?
Absolutely not. Brown or black mascara works for any age, it just depends on how you apply it and the overall thickness.