What Experts Want You to Know About Mascara for Older Women (2024)

Ilia has a cult following for a reason, and this mascara is at the top of fans’ lists. “It builds and separates lashes with a dual-sided brush (one creates volume and one side is a comb),” explains AharonTransfe. “It doesn’t transfer easily or flake and I love that the formula is clean.”

What reviewers say: “This is by far the best mascara I’ve found! I have sensitive eyes, and most other brands irritate my eyes and make them puffy. This mascara washes off clean and doesn’t leave any residue under my eyelids. It lifts, separates, and lengthens my eyelashes!”

From Bobbi Brown’s latest venture, Jones Road Beauty, this mascara is worth the hype. Research Director Sonya Maynard recommends the mascara. “I love that it doesn’t clump or run down my face when I exercise. And it’s so easy to wash off at the end of the day!” she says. “it makes my lashes super-thick without looking fake.”

Brown previously told Prevention of the mascara: “It doesn’t flake, it doesn’t smear, and honestly it’s easy to take off at night. It is literally my favorite mascara ever and it is back!”

What reviewers say: “Wow!! Love this mascara so much! Made my lashes look so thick!”

“This really lengthens the lashes and has a rich black color,” says Aharon. “The brush deposits the right amount of product and doesn’t clump on the top or lower lashes.” And with over 100,000 ratings on Amazon and nearly five stars, shoppers love the affordable pick.

What reviewers say: “The blue on this mascara is beautiful! I get compliments every time I wear it. I have green eyes and it makes them pop! I am 60 years old and was at an event and this 28-year-old kid complimented me on how awesome it looked on me. It also does a good job of lengthening my lashes. It does take two to three coats though. Will be repurchasing.”

Aharon recommends this pick for those who like to swipe on more than one coat of mascara. “It makes the lashes fluffy and you can really build it up. It also washes off easily,” she says.

What reviewers say: “I think I’ve bought every mascara at the drug store trying to find one that doesn’t leave me with raccoon eyes by lunchtime. This is IT! Stays put, looks beautiful, comes right off with makeup remover. Please don’t ever stop making it.”

A classic for a reason, this mascara comes recommended by Stephanie Dolgoff, director, Health News Room. “I love that this mascara doesn't clump, washes off easily, and looks like my real eyelashes, but better. The one thing I will say is that you need to be careful when purchasing as the waterproof and not waterproof packaging looks identical—especially if you’re not wearing your reading glasses.”

Plus it boasts over 44k ratings and nearly five stars on Amazon.

What reviewers say: “Love this mascara. I have used it for years. It’s a great value for money, great color, and coverage, and does not run or clump. Happy customer!”

“This is my absolute favorite fragrance-free mascara for sensitive eyes (especially my own!),” says Aharon. “The mineral formula doesn’t bother contact lens wearers. It’s long wearing and leaves the lashes feeling soft and nourished after removal.”

What reviewers say: “After trying many different natural mascara brands, this is one of my favorites. It goes on well without clumping or flaking off. It lasts quite a long time as well before it starts to dry out. I have bought many tubes and will continue. It adds volume and lift.”

Aharon says watery eyes call for tubing mascara, which is known not to smudge. “The tubing mascara doesn’t deposit much but I love it for a gentle sweep of color that won’t move all day. I especially love using it on lower lashes as it won’t transfer.”

What reviewers say: “This is my go-to daily mascara. I have fine, short lashes but lots of them. Just gives my lashes some definition and I can layer it for a bit more pop.”

Aharon says this mascara has a “rich, shiny finish.” She says it’s “great for both volume and length. And it has refillable packaging!”

What reviewers say: ‘‘This is amazing! I wanted to try a waterproof mascara since it’s the summer and super hot, this mascara does not bleed down your eyes when you get sweaty!”

Our experts say to consider the following when choosing the best mascara for mature eyes:

Transfer. This is the number one issue since as we get older our lids tend to drop and touch the lashes more, explains Aharon. “Opt for a long-wearing formula.”

Nourishing formula. “Hair also starts to dull as we age so a formula that leaves the lashes nourished with shine is a great option,” Aharon says. While waterproof mascaras may sound great for those with watery eyes, they can actually be harder to remove, says Dr. Wachler. “Consider using a waterproof mascara only occasionally for special occasions,” he says.

Avoid irritants. “Look for mascaras labeled ‘hypoallergenic’ or ‘fragrance-free’ if you have sensitive eyes. Avoid ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and formaldehyde, which can be irritating,” says Dr. Wachler.

Dr. Wachler says to use the right product when taking off mascara. For waterproof options, he says oil-based removers are best. “These break down tough formulas. Look for cleansing balms or oil specifically formulated for eyes.” Micellar water is a gentler option, and in general “skip soap, regular cleansers, or makeup wipes designed for the face, as they can irritate the delicate eye area,” he says.

Dr. Wachler says to use the following steps to remove mascara:

• Soak it off. Soak a cotton pad in your chosen remover. Hold it gently over your closed eyelid for 30 seconds to loosen the mascara.
• Swipe, don’t rub. Gently swipe the cotton pad from the base of your lashes outwards toward your temple. Avoid harsh rubbing back and forth.
• Repeat if needed. If mascara remains, use a fresh cotton pad with more remover. Be patient and avoid excessive swiping.