What To Look For In Mascaras For Older Women

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There's no denying that skin changes as you get older, which means the beauty routine you stuck to in your younger years won't always work. It's no secret mature skin is better suited to a moisturizing, dewy foundation, while a thinner, hydrating under-eye concealer can minimize fine lines and wrinkles. But it's not just face makeup that needs a switch in our later years — your mascara needs an update, too. "You're never too old for makeup — it's all about what works for you," Jade Griffin, pro makeup artist and licensed esthetician, exclusively tells Women.com

According to Griffin, ditching super dramatic mascara is the first point of call as an older woman. "It's important to choose formulas that enhance without overwhelming," she explained. This is particularly true is you're experiencing sparse lashes. In the same way our hair changes as we age, unfortunately, hormonal changes, particularly around menopause, can cause us to naturally lose more lashes. That can cause the lash line to appear thinner. If that sounds familiar, Griffin recommended, "Go with lengthening or volumizing types that won't clump," as less clumps will make your lashes appear fuller. 

There are also a few ingredients to look out for. Older lashes may need extra hydration, which can be achieved through products containing vitamin E, vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or argon oil. These can include Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara or Almay's Thickening Mascara, while PrimeLash's Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara is specifically designed for older woman. 

Choosing the right mascara formula is just the first step in creating a flattering look on older lashes. How you apply your mascara is also key. Coating on multiple, thick, wet layers is unlikely to lead to flattering results.

Instead, Jade Griffin tells us, "Apply mascara in thin layers, letting each coat dry slightly before adding more." This will stop your eyelashes clumping or looking to heavy, which can be aging. "Wiggling the wand at the base of your lashes helps define and lift them without clumping," she added. While there's no reason older women can't still experiment with colored mascaras (after all, the right one can really compliment your eyes), Griffin recommends sticking with brown or brown/black products for your everyday look. Brown shades can be more forgiving and natural-looking than black, which can be more complementary for older eyes. If you find it tough to break up with your trusty black mascara though, transition into something more subtle by applying black to the top lashes and brown to the bottom until you feel comfortable.

No matter what age you are, though, how you remove your makeup is just as important as how you put it on. Check out our expert-approved mascara removal trick to make sure you're doing it the right way.