9 Best Mascara Products for People Over 50         

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I’m 56 years old and have been looking for the best mascara products for people over 50 for years.

My preference is waterproof mascara because I tend to have watery eyes. Regular mascara ends up running down my cheeks and giving me raccoon eyes!

Unfortunately, waterproof mascara isn’t always the answer either because it tends to flake. Who knew getting long lashes would be so hard over 50? 

I’ve considered lash extensions, but I can’t justify the cost on a retirement income.

On most days, I go mascara-free, but there are times when I like to put my face on. You know what I mean? A full face of makeup just isn’t complete without some kind of mascara!

In this post, I’ll explore the best mascaras for mature women, with a focus on options that deliver long-lasting wear and a natural look.

Sometimes it takes a little trial and error to find a mascara that meets your personal preference. 

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My Favorite Mascara May Surprise You

I was going to save this until the end of the post, but I couldn’t wait.

For me, the best-of-the-best is tubing mascara. It works using advanced polymer technology to create tiny tubes around each lash.

Get your beauty tips from the pros and read: 65 Successful Beauty Bloggers Over 50.

Instead of traditional pigment-based mascara, tubing offers a long-lasting wear without a lot of smudging or flaking.

Pros of Tubing Mascara

• Smudge-proof and flake-free
• Easy removal with warm water
• Provides length and definition
• Is gentle on lashes
• Ideal for sensitive eyes
• Good for contact wearers
• Beneficial for mature women
• No raccoon eyes

Cons of Tubing Mascara

• Will lose its tubing effect after 3 to 6 months
• Tubing mascaras can dry out over time
• As mascara ages, the consistency can change, becoming either too thick or too thin
• It’s water-resistant, not waterproof

Maintenance Tips for Tubing Mascara

Tubing mascara sometimes costs a little more than even the best drugstore mascara. For that reason, you’ll want to take care of it to get the most from the product. 

To keep your mascara working effectively for as long as possible, follow these simple rules:

• Avoid pumping the wand
• Keep the wand clean by not putting it down on your counter 
• Replace the mascara every 3 to 6 months

My Top Mascara For People Over 50 Recommendation 

I have been using Thrive Mascara for years and I’ve never been disappointed! Yes, it’s more expensive than other mascaras, but it’s worth every penny. 

I also love the mascara because I love the company because the give back. As of 2024, they have donated over $142 million in funds and products to support great causes including:

• Empowering people living with cancer
• Helping survivors of domestic abuse
• Lifting spirits and hope for homelessness and poverty
• Support veterans
• Empower communities through education
• Aid in dismantling racial and social injustice
• Help under-resourced youth
• Celebrate LGBTQ+

If that’s not enough, their mascara actually works! This best-selling mascara comes in 6 different colors (I use Brynn – Rich Black). 

For those with sensitive eyes, tubing mascaras like this are game-changers. These mascaras wrap each lash in a tube, preventing smudging and flaking. 

They can be easily removed with warm water at the end of the day, making them gentle on the eyes and perfect for older women. Look for tubing mascaras with natural ingredients like shea butter and castor oil, which nourish and condition delicate lashes.

How to Choose the Best Mascara for Over 50 Folks

As I mentioned above, finding the perfect mascara isn’t easy. There are plenty of products on the market, but a lot of them don’t have the same effect as they did when I was younger. 

There’s a reason for that! 

Our eyelashes change as we get older. As our hair growth cycle slows down, our eyelashes become thinner and more sparse. I used to have long, thick black eyelashes when I was younger, but not anymore.

There could be many reasons for this, including hormonal changes, reduced hair growth rates, and the natural aging process.

Fun, right?

Even our eyes can become more sensitive as we age. I recently tried a drugstore mascara that I used to wear when I was a younger woman. The formula had a strong chemical smell and made my eyes water. I definitely don’t remember that happening when I was younger.

The following are some things to consider when shopping for the best mascara for you. 

Watch Those Sensitive Eyes!

You may not even realize your eyes are that sensitive until you try a new mascara.

Some mascaras have harsh formulas that may make your eyes burn or water. I tend to look for mascaras that specifically say they are “hypoallergenic” or are formulated for sensitive eyes.

Sparse Lashes: Buildable and Lengthening Formulas

Mature lashes can often be sparse and fine. 

A buildable formula is key to achieving the desired volume and length without clumping. Lengthening mascaras with a curved wand or brush can help reach every lash, ensuring maximum length and a fuller appearance. 

Consider mascaras that contain ingredients like copernicia cerifera (carnauba wax) for added length and definition. It’s also considered non-toxic and safe for the skin.

 A few mascara products that contain carnauba wax include the following:

• Primelash Mascara for Older Women
• INIKA Organic Bold Lash Mascara
• Heimish Dailism Smudge Stop Mascara

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant

While waterproof mascaras offer excellent staying power, they can be difficult to remove and may require a strong eye makeup remover, which isn’t ideal for sensitive eyes. 

The other issue is actually finding a good waterproof mascara on the market. 

Waterproof mascara used to be easy to find.

With an increasing demand for natural and organic beauty products, waterproof mascara has taken a back seat.

In fact, certain ingredients that were once common in waterproof mascaras might not be restricted or banned.

Water-resistant mascaras are a great option for those looking for long-lasting wear without the harsh removal process.

They hold up well throughout the day and can be gently removed with a cotton pad soaked in warm water.

Natural Look: Softer Shades and Natural Beauty

As we age, our skin tone and hair color can change, so opting for softer mascara shades can enhance a natural look.

Softer shades of brown or black can provide definition without being too harsh.

Embracing a natural beauty routine with a focus on enhancing your features rather than masking them can be incredibly flattering for mature women.

Contact Lens Wearers: Gentle and Hypoallergenic Options

If you wear contact lenses, it’s crucial to choose a mascara that is hypoallergenic and designed for sensitive eyes.

Look for mascaras free from harsh chemicals like acrylates copolymer and stearic acid, which can irritate the eyes. 

Primelash mascara and other new mascaras designed specifically for contact lens wearers can be great options.

Makeup Routine: Incorporating Mascara for Special Occasions

There was a time in my twenties when I wore a full face of makeup everyday. Those days are gone.

I find I have other things to do and the amount of makeup on my face, at this point in my life, is insignificant.

However, I do love to apply makeup for special occasions! 

Adding a great mascara to your makeup bag can elevate your overall look, especially for special occasions.

Whether you’re attending a family holiday, a celebration, or simply enjoying a night out, a mascara that provides long-lasting wear and enhances your lashes can make a significant difference. 

Consider using a lash primer to prepare your lashes and ensure even application and maximum length.

9 Best Mascara Products For People Over 50

The following are the top 9 mascara products that I have either personally used, or would definitely try. I’ve based my selections on a few things including:

• Is it top quality? 
• Is the mascara good for sensitive eyes?
• Is the mascara hypoallergenic?
• Does the mascara have good reviews?
• Will the mascara enhance the look of lashes on an older woman like me?

Summary

I hope you were able to find something of interest to you in this blog post. My favorite one is Thrive, which I’m currently running out of. I’ve waited too long and should have purchased a new tube months ago!

Let me know which one you liked the best in the comments!

Remember, not every mascara type is good for everyone. The best mascara for over 50 people is the one that stays on your lashes, doesn’t irritate your eyes, and delivers on the promises the company gives.

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