MASCARA is essential to complete any make-up, but what are the best mascaras for more mature women whose eyelashes have become sparse and wispy?
Not all mascaras were created equal. So when it comes to the look you want, your mascara depends on what you need — lengthening, curl, separation or volume. Whatever your choice, look for a product — without filaments — that defines and darkens the eyelashes while leaving them soft and pliable to the touch rather than hard and spiky.
But because more mature women often find that their lashes aren’t as long as they once were, the aim is to give your eyelashes as much length as possible. Generally speaking, a lengthening mascara is much better than a volumising one, which can make short, stubby lashes look even stubbier.
However, the real secret to “opening up” your eyes and getting longer-looking lashes is to use an eyelash curler. Love them or hate them, an eyelash curler will make a huge difference.
WANT TO APPEAR MORE YOUTHFUL?
Unfortunately, I wasn’t born with gorgeous curly lashes — longish, yes, but not curly — so I start every day with my Shu Uemura eyelash curler.
Before you apply mascara, open the curler, place above and below your top lash and avoiding your eyelid. Gently squeeze (close) the curler down on your lashes, being careful not to pinch your eyelid skin. Now with small squeezing motions, gently “walk up” along the lash from the root to the tips to create a soft curve, not a crimp.
For best results, warm up the lash curler with a blow dryer for a few seconds and then curl your lashes. But don’t heat it for too long, because the metal on the curler will heat up and potentially burn your eyelids!
Once your lashes are curled, sweep mascara from the roots to the tips in a zig-zag motion. Apply second and third coats, if needed, while the lashes are still wet with mascara.
Alternatively, get a “lash lift” or a Keratin Lash Elevate, the beauty treatment gives an instant curl and lift for natural lashes so you will appear more youthful around the eyes. Little silicon moulds are placed on your lashes and a coating of keratin helps to seal and nourish the natural lashes. Lashes curl upwards (the same as using an eyelash curler) and promise to last for about eight weeks. Even incredibly short or stubbornly straight lashes can be lifted.
STILL NEED HELP?
If your lashes aren’t as long and lush as they used to be, try a lash primer. Apart from making your mascara last all day, a lash primer separates the lashes, and thickens and lengthens short lashes. You’ll be amazed at how they work.
Or you could dust translucent powder on your lashes. After applying mascara, dust translucent powder in between coats. The powder thickens each follicle, creating a fuller lash. Apply another coat of mascara. But a word of advice: Too many coats and you’ll end up with clumpy lashes that may flake off by midday.
Got a special occasion? Why not invest in lash extensions so you don’t need to apply mascara. They can look incredibly natural and will last for several weeks. Alternatively, play around with false eyelashes for a special occasion. However, it’s best to apply individual lashes for a more natural look.
But if you’re time poor and hate having to apply and remove mascara every day, consider getting your lashes — and eyebrows — tinted. Perfect before heading off on your next vacation!
Here are some of my favourite mascaras for more mature women:
- Chanel Le Volume Mascara
- Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes Mascara
- Christian Dior Diorshow Black Out Mascara
- Inglot Long & Curly Mascara
- Mecca Max Eye Max Power Couple Mascara
- Genie Million Dollar Lash Kit
- Lancome Grandiose Wide Angle Fan Effect Mascara
- Napoleon Mesmer-Eyes Mascara
- Look Fabulous Forever Fabulous Lash Mascara
- Smith & Cult Lash Dance Mascara
Related: How to look fabulous at 50 — and beyond
Related: How to age gracefully
TOP TIPS FOR LUSTROUS LASHES
1. Mascaras for more mature women don’t have to be black. If you’re fair-skinned with blonde or grey hair, a brown or black/brown shade can look more natural look.
2. Don’t pump the wand in and out of the tube to get more mascara. This will dry out your mascara. Instead, twirl the wand inside the tube. If your mascara has dried up, add a couple of drops of distilled water or eye drops to moisten the mascara. (This only applies to water-soluble mascaras.)
3. Always start as close to the roots as possible. Zig-zag the wand back and forth at the root to get as much mascara at the base of your lashes as possible. Then apply through to the tips of your lashes, zig-zagging along the way.
4. It’s not important to coat your bottom lashes. In fact, some makeup artists recommend you don’t because the results can look unnatural on more mature women.
5. Smudges? Wait for it to dry, then moisten a cotton bud or Q-tip with some eye make-up remover, eye drops or a little warm water (as I do), and gently wipe away. Alternatively, dab a little foundation on a small brush (or a cotton bud) and cover the mascara.
If you missed the earlier posts of this series, read the others here.
1: The best primers for women over 50
2: The best foundations and concealers for a more mature face
3: To powder or not to powder? That is the question for women over 50
4: The 11 best blushes for a more youthful flush
5: The secret to beautiful brows
NEXT: The best lipsticks for more mature lips
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All products mentioned are available from department stores, selected pharmacies and drug stores, and specialist make-up stores (such as Mecca Cosmetica and Sephora)
— except where I have made direct links. Other online beauty sites include
StrawberryNet, Beautylish, Adore Beauty, Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, PM Studio, and Cosme-De.com.
For tutorials on how to apply your make-up, go here.
Do you have a product that you can’t live without? Got a favourite make-up for mature skin? A go-to product? Care to share? Would love to hear from you. Ever stylishly yours …
Hi, I am also a member of the ProBlogger Community! I have always been afraid to use an eyelash curler but maybe I should try again. And I love Charlotte Tilbury’s Full Fat Lashes!
Thanks for dropping by Carol.
Take the plunge with an eyelash curler. They take a couple of goes to get comfortable, but trust me, you’ll be glad you tried.
Anne-Maree