The Best Mascara for Older Women Over 50+

In this article, I’m taking a deep dive into all the mascara and sharing the best mascaras for older women over 50+ with thinning eyelashes.

It’s no secret finding a good mascara when you get older can be daunting!

As we age, lashes can become thinner and more delicate, making it challenging to find the perfect mascara that not only enhances the beauty of our lashes but also nourishes and protects them. 

From waterproof formulas to buildable formulas and everything in between, this comprehensive guide will cover the best mascaras for older women over 50 on the market and provide tips from professional makeup artists on achieving beautiful lashes!

Let’s jump in

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A Guide to Choosing the Best Mascara for Older Women

If you are a midlife woman over 50 and have thinning eyelashes as I do, you are probably looking for some of the same things I do when shopping for the perfect mascara for older women. 

Thinning Eyelashes

You’re not alone if you’ve noticed that your lashes are thinning. Thinning lashes are a common concern for many women, and there are several reasons why it may happen to you.

Related article: The Best Treatments for Thinning Eyelashes

Aging

One of the most common reasons for thinning lashes is the natural aging process.

As we age, the hair follicles on our lashes can shrink, resulting in thinner, weaker lashes.

Additionally, hormonal changes, such as menopause, a common problem for women over 50, significantly affect lash growth and cause thinning.

I wrote an article about menopause and hair-loss. including thinning eyelashes and brows and how you can treat it if you are interested in learning more. 🙂

Medical Conditions

Another possible cause of thinning lashes is certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or alopecia. These conditions can affect the health of our hair, including our lashes, and cause them to become thin and brittle.

External Factors

Frequent use of mascara, especially waterproof formulas that are harder to remove, can weaken and break lashes over time. 

Not correctly removing makeup or rubbing our eyes too harshly can also damage our lashes.

Fortunately, there are ways to help prevent further thinning of lashes and promote healthy lash growth.

This includes using gentle eye makeup removers, avoiding harsh rubbing of the eyes, and using lash serums or nourishing mascaras that contain ingredients such as biotin and keratin to promote lash health. 

The Different Mascara Formulations

What to Look for in a Mascara for Older Women

Before diving into the top mascaras, it’s essential to understand what to look for to find the right mascara for your needs. 

Definition, Volume, Length, and Condition

Good mascara for older women with thin eyelashes should offer definition, add volume and lengthen lashes without clumping, flaking, or irritating eyes.  

The Best Mascara for older woman=  A mascara that can define, volumize and lengthen while offering strengthening ingredients gets bonus points!

Here are some things to consider when shopping for the best mascara:

Ingredients

Ingredients are crucial, especially if you have sensitive eyes. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals, such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. 

Natural ingredients such as beeswax, jojoba oil, and vitamin E are gentler and more nourishing for your lashes.

If you have dry lashes, it’s essential to choose a mascara that’s hydrating and nourishing. Castor oil and jojoba oil are two great natural ingredients to look for in your mascara.

Castor oil

Castor oil is a natural ingredient rich in fatty acids and vitamin E and can help promote growth and prevent breakage.

 It can help to promote growth and prevent breakage, leaving your lashes looking long, healthy, and supple.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is another excellent ingredient for dry lashes. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals and can help hydrate and soften your lashes while preventing them from becoming brittle.

Keratin

Keratin is a protein naturally found in hair and nails, and it’s a fantastic ingredient to look for in mascara.

When applied to your lashes, keratin can help to strengthen and fortify them, preventing breakage and promoting growth.

It can also help to enhance the thickness and volume of your lashes, leaving them looking fuller and more luscious.

The Different Mascara Formulations

The best mascaras over 50 come in several different formulations, from volumizing and lengthening to conditioning formulas.

Volumizing mascara (Best for thin lashes)

Volumizing mascara is for those who like a little more drama or those with thinning eyelashes.

A Volumizing formula helps thicken your lashes for a more luxurious look, an excellent choice for thinning eyelashes. 

Lengthening mascara (for creating Long lashes)

Lengthening mascara temporarily adds length to lashes with small rayon or nylon fibers.

These fibers cling to eyelashes, building length. When brushed on eyelashes, these fibers attach to the lashes, making your lashes look longer.   

Buildable Formula Mascara (most versatile) 

A buildable mascara is a type of mascara that allows you to layer and build up the product to achieve a more dramatic lash look.

It’s perfect for those with mature eyes who want to create different volume and length levels without switching to a new mascara.

One of the benefits of a buildable mascara is that it allows you to customize your lash look to suit your preferences.

You can apply one coat for a natural, everyday look or layer on multiple coats for a more dramatic look.

Conditioning Serum Mascara

Condition mascara is a win-win for older women who may have thinning eyelashes.

Mascara-containing conditioning serum is a type of mascara that enhances the look of your lashes and nourishes them with a serum infused with conditioning ingredients. 

A conditioning mascara formula is designed to promote lash health and help prevent breakage and damage while providing a voluminous and lengthening effect.

The conditioning serum in these mascaras can contain various nourishing ingredients, such as vitamins, oils, and peptides.

These ingredients work together to help strengthen, hydrate, and protect your lashes, leaving them looking longer, fuller, and healthier.

Clean or Organic Mascara

Natural or “clean” mascaras are in traditional formulas, free of many chemicals and preservatives.  

Most clean mascaras are free of heavy metals, parabens, phthalates, silicones, synthetic dyes, and fragrances. 

Clean mascara is the best choice for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Waterproof Mascaras

Waterproof mascara or water-resistant mascara is just what the name implies. Waterproof mascara is a form that doesn’t get washed off with water easily.  

Waterproof mascara is an excellent choice for those with oily eyelashes. 

Waterproof formulations are also the perfect choice for a day at the beach or when there may be tears. 

Because waterproof mascara is designed to last, removing it can cause more damage to the lash than regular mascara.

Related article:  Eyelash Treatments for Thinning Eyelashes

Mascara for Sensitive Eyes

If you have sensitive eyes, finding a mascara that gives the best results while being gentle and won’t irritate the eyes can be challenging.

Things to look for when choosing a mascara that’s gentle on sensitive eyes:

Hypoallergenic formula

Look for a mascara labeled hypoallergenic, meaning it’s less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Fragrance-free

Fragrances can irritate sensitive eyes, so opt for a mascara free of synthetic fragrances.

Natural ingredients

Some synthetic ingredients can be harsh on sensitive eyes, so choose a mascara with natural ingredients like plant oils and waxes.

Gentle formula

Look for a mascara formulated to be gentle on the eyes, with no harsh chemicals or preservatives.

Ophthalmologist-tested

If mascara is ophthalmologist-tested, it means it’s been approved by eye doctors as safe for use on the eyes.

Water-based

Oil-based mascaras can be more likely to irritate sensitive eyes, so choose a water-based formula instead.

Color Mascara

While black mascara is the most popular choice for most women, colored mascaras can be a fun way to add color to your lash look. 

Popular colors of mascara and which eye colors or looks they work best for:

Black Mascara

Black mascara is the most popular and widely used mascara color.

It’s a classic color that provides a bold and dramatic look, making it an excellent option for older women who want to enhance the beauty of their lashes and make their eyes stand out.

Black mascara is a great option for all eye colors, as it helps to define and accentuate the lashes.

It’s especially great for those with lighter eye colors, as it provides a striking contrast that helps to make the eyes pop.

Brown Mascara 

Brown mascara is an excellent option for those with fair complexion and light-colored hair. Brown mascara provides a more natural look than black mascara.

It’s also an excellent choice for everyday wear, as it’s more subtle than black mascara.

Blue Mascara

Blue mascara is a great choice for those with brown eyes, as it helps to create a striking contrast that makes the eyes stand out

It’s also a great choice for those who want to experiment with a more colorful lash look.

Green mascara is a fun and playful option for those who want to experiment with colored mascara. Green mascara is a good color for those with brown or hazel eyes, as it helps to enhance the warmth and richness of these eye colors.

Clear Mascara

Clear mascara is another great option for older women who want to enhance the look of their natural lashes without adding color. 

This type of mascara is designed to provide a natural, polished look while also helping to separate and define your lashes.

It’s perfect for those who want to achieve a natural, no-makeup look or for those who wish to enhance the beauty of their lashes without adding color.

Clear mascara works by coating your lashes with a clear gel that helps to separate and define each lash. It also helps to hold your lashes in place, preventing them from smudging or flaking throughout the day.

The Best Mascaras for Mature Women over 50:

What I like most about ILIA Limitless mascara:

• I love that it’s clean!
• Conditions lashes with ingredients like Arginine (Keratin) and beeswax
• I love the brush and how it separates my lashes
• It doesn’t clump or flake!

Shop this mascara online: Sephora, Nordstrom and Amazon

What I like most about Lash Princess False Lash mascara:

• The price! I mean, you cannot beat it.
• Volumizes with no clumps!
• Available in several different formulations.

Shop this mascara online: Ulta, Amazon, and Walmart.com

What I like most about this mascara

• How it defines my lashes. No clumping.
• I like the natural-looking volume
• Great for my sensitive eyes
• Also available in a waterproof formula.

Shop this mascara online: Ulta, Sephora, and Walmart.com

What I like about voluminous mascara

• It adds volume like nobody’s business without clumping.
• I like the curved brush a lot.
• You can’t beat the price!
• It is available in Drugstores (Target, Walmart, CVS, Etc.)

Shop this mascara online: Ulta, Target and Walmart.com

What I like most about this mascara for older women:

• Tons of volume with just one coat!
• The brush is fantastic!  
• No flaking!

Shop this mascara online: Ulta, Sephora, and Nordstrom

More Noteworthy Mascaras for Older Women:

ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara A clean, volumizing mascara that wraps each lash in weightless, buildable volume without flaking, smudging, or irritating even the most sensitive eyes.

Honest Beauty Extreme Length and Lash Primer Award-winning, bestselling double-sided mascara plus a lash primer for ultimate length and volume!

Primelash Mascara Primelash eyelash mascara lengthens, volumizes, and separates the shorter, sparse eyelashes that mature women often experience after 50+.

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara This mascara defines and curls even the tiniest lashes leaving a clump-free silky finish. Also comes in a waterproof version.

COVERGIRL Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara This clean Covergirl mascara adds much volume without clumpy lashes.

The Best Waterproof Mascaras for Older Women

Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara This is an excellent waterproof mascara for thinning lashes and gives the perfect combo of volume and lengthening.

Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara – This mascara is known for its volumizing and lengthening effect, and its waterproof formula ensures that it lasts all day without smudging or flaking.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara – This waterproof mascara has a unique brush design that helps separate and coat each lash evenly, providing a voluminous, lengthening effect perfect for mature eyes.

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara – This mascara is a cult favorite for its ability to provide a bold, dramatic lash look.

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara – This mascara is known for its volumizing effect, making it a great option for older women who want to enhance the fullness and length of their lashes.

Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara – This is a great option for those with sensitive eyes, as it’s allergy-tested and 100% fragrance-free.

Tips and Tricks for Gorgeous Lashes

Here are some professional makeup artist mascara tips that can help you achieve the perfect lash look:

Use an eyelash curler

Before applying mascara, use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes upwards. This helps open your eyes and make your lashes look longer and more voluminous.

Apply a Mascara Primer

Mascara primers are used before applying mascara to enhance your mascara’s performance.

It’s a base coat applied to your lashes before your mascara to help improve your lashes volume, length, and overall look. 

The primer works by coating each lash with a nourishing and conditioning formula that helps to strengthen and protect the lashes.

It also helps create a smooth and even base for your mascara to adhere to, making your lashes appear more voluminous. 

Wiggle the wand

When applying mascara, wiggle the wand back and forth at the base of the lashes, then sweep the wand upwards towards the tips of your lashes.

This helps to coat every lash evenly, giving you a complete and voluminous look.

Layer multiple coats.

For fuller lashes, apply multiple-layer coats of mascara. Wait a few seconds between each coat to allow the product to dry slightly, then apply another coat.

Use a lash comb.

To prevent clumps, use a lash comb to separate your lashes after applying mascara. This helps remove any excess product and keeps your lashes defined and separated.

Don’t forget the lower lashes.

Use a smaller wand or a lower lash mascara to coat your lower lashes. This helps to balance out the look of your lashes and enhance the overall effect.

Remove excess product.

Before applying mascara, wipe off any excess product from the wand with a tissue. This helps prevent clumps and ensures the product is distributed evenly on your lashes.

FAQs: The Best Mascara for Older Women over 50

Q: Should I apply mascara to the bottom lashes?

There’s no hard and fast rule that older women should only wear mascara on their top lashes. Ultimately, deciding where to apply mascara is a personal preference and depends on the desired look.

However, some makeup artists and beauty experts recommend applying mascara only on the top lashes for older women. 

This is because as we age, our skin can become looser, and the lower lash line can start to sag. Applying mascara to the lower lashes can draw attention to this area and accentuate the appearance of sagging skin.

On the other hand, applying mascara to the top lashes can help to lift and open up the eyes, creating a more youthful and vibrant look.

Bottom line: It’s up to you! 🙂

Q: What are the best mascaras for older women with thinning lashes?

A: The best mascaras for older women with thinning lashes contain nourishing ingredients such as keratin, biotin, and oils. These ingredients can help strengthen and protect lashes while enhancing their appearance.

Q: Are waterproof mascaras bad for lashes?

A: Waterproof mascaras can be harsh on lashes and cause them to break off. The trick is only to wear waterproof when needed and remove it thoroughly with a gentle makeup remover on lashes.

Q: Can wearing mascara make my lashes fall out?

A: Wearing mascara alone will not likely cause lashes to fall out. However, improperly removing mascara or using harsh eye makeup removers can cause lashes to become brittle and break off.

Q: Is it okay to wear mascara every day?

A: It is generally safe to wear mascara daily if you choose a gentle formula and remove it properly.

Consider taking breaks from wearing mascara and giving your lashes time to rest and recover.

Q: How often should I replace my mascara?

Answer: Mascara should be replaced every three to six months to prevent the growth of bacteria and ensure that the formula remains fresh. If your mascara becomes dry or clumpy before this time, it’s time to replace it.

Q: Can I wear mascara with false lashes?

A: Yes, you can wear mascara with false lashes, but it’s essential to choose a gentle formula and apply it carefully to avoid clumping or damaging the false lashes.

The Best Mascara for Older Women Over 50+

Finding the best mascara for older women over 50 is all about choosing a formula that enhances the beauty of your lashes and nourishes and protects them.

 From waterproof formulas to buildable formulas and everything in between, I’ve covered the top-rated mascaras on the market and provided tips from professional makeup artists on achieving the perfect lash look. 

I’ve also discussed the benefits of choosing mascaras with conditioning ingredients and how to choose the right mascara for sensitive eyes.

 So, whether you prefer a bold and dramatic look or a more natural, subtle look, there is a mascara out there that’s perfect for you. 

I hope this guide has been helpful in your search for the perfect mascara! I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. 

XO, Christine