For many, there’s no other makeup product quite as transforming as a good mascara. Just a simple slick of the stuff can make a world of difference. In fact, sometimes a good coat of mascara and a touch of lip balm is all you need to create the perfect makeup look. But when it comes to finding the best mascara for women over 50, there are a couple things to keep in mind.
As we get older, we have to wave goodbye to the days of purchasing makeup products on a whim, especially mascara. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration after a certain age. Droopier eyelids mean that a quick drying mascara is a must, so it doesn’t smudge onto the eyelid. In addition, eyes tend to get more sensitive with time, so a mascara for sensitive eyes, and even a waterproof one to protect against runny eyes, is often best. Others find their eyelashes are now more sparse than before, but a good thickening mascara — paired with a lash serum — can make them look full and luscious.
What is the best mascara for women over 50?
A good mascara can take you from drab to fab in a matter of seconds. Whatever your needs, whether length and volume or affordability and a clump-free formulation, we’ve rounded nine of the best mascaras on the market today for you to choose from. Keep scrolling for Woman’s World’s picks for the best mascaras for women over 50.
We write about products we think our readers will like. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the supplier.
1. Best Cheap Mascara – NYX Worth The Hype Mascara
The NYX Professional Makeup “Worth The Hype” volumizing and lengthening mascara is a great little inexpensive mascara that actually does give you longer, and fuller lashes. It’s perfect for thin lashes because, thanks to its buildable formula, you can build thickness with every new layer you add and it never gets cakey.
It’s one of the best rated mascaras on Walmart with over 2800 reviews, and one of them reads, “Although it's not waterproof, it does stay put through tears, sweating, etc. Removes like a dream with soap and water, and removes cleanly. No more panda eyes in the morning when I wake up. I like the product so much I gave my daughter one!”
We love this Cover Girl clump crusher mascara for a number of reasons. First, you can build volume, clump-free, by adding layers. Second, its curved brush wand makes it so that you can get all your lashes in just one stroke, while giving them a bit of a curl, too. Last but not least, you can’t really beat the price.
With its unique lash lengthening formula comprising of vitamin E, and olive oil, the Neutrogena Healthy Lengths mascara helps lengthen and strengthen the lashes from the root to the tip. It’s ophthalmologist-tested so it’s great for those with sensitive eyes and/or those who wear contact lens.
One of the many positive reviews reads: “My regular mascara had started irritating my eyes causing burning and redness, even purchased a new mascara, still irritating, so I decided to try healthy lengths mascara, the best decision ever, my eyes don't hurt anymore, and the mascara itself is great, I have thin, blond lashes and this makes them full and lovely.”
This Amazon’s Choice mascara will give you silky soft, long lashes that are thick and voluminous without being stiff. It’s infused with vitamin E to nourish the lashes, and it washes off easily to prevent eyelash loss. The great thing about Maybelline products is that you don’t need to search high and low for them; you can find them at your local drugstore.
One review titled “Really nice mascara for older ladies,” reads, “I've used this for years and love how it doesn't run, thickens lashes, is non-irritating and is easy to remove with lotion. I'm at that stage in life (68) where I use no makeup except mascara. As one gets older, lashes tend to look nonexistent. It is nice to give my lashes a little subtle color when I go out without looking garish.”
Keeping mascara from smudging if you have even slightly droopy eyelids can be a right pain. So as we age, a good non-smudge mascara is a must. Tested by ophthalmologists, this thickening mascara in black/brown from Almay doesn’t flake or smudge, and won't irritate your eyes. Aloe and vitamin B5 condition the lashes, and it’s easy to remove with makeup wipes or remover. It’s only available online, and if you buy one, Ulta will give you a second at 50 percent off.
The Voluminous Feline Noir waterproof mascara by L’Oreal is perfect for sensitive eyes that tend to get a bit watery, as you won’t ever have to worry about it running down your face. It will give you full, thick lashes without irritating your eyes.
In case you’re still wondering whether this mascara really stays put, read this review from one happy buyer in Houston. “I have tried every single mascara available and [to] my surprise, this is a really waterproof mascara. You can take a shower, swim at the pool and it will not disappoint you. First time I found something that really works.”
For a more natural way to get thick, gorgeous lashes, try the Honest Beauty Extreme Length and Lash Primer. This 2-in-1 dual-ended primer and mascara, which has been tested by ophthalmologists and dermatologists, is cruelty-free and perfect for sensitive eyes because it doesn’t contain any parabens, paraffins, silicones, mineral oil, or synthetic fragrances.
An excerpt of a review with the heading, “Lashes like Garbo,” reads, “I have the teeniest tiniest lashes ever, they are straight and stick out from my eyelids and without mascara I look like I have no lashes so it’s a struggle finding mascaras that make my lashes look lush… As soon as I put [the primer] on, my lashes grew over twice in length… I have experienced zero flaking after wearing for long periods of time, it hasn’t smudged or melted when I’m dancing up a storm or getting my workout on and the length of my lashes is practically miraculous.”
If you’re looking for a long-lasting mascara that you can put on in the morning and won’t need to reapply in the evening, the Clinique Lash Power has got your lashes covered for up to 24 hours. This lengthening mascara will stay put all day and makes even short lashes look long.
“Best mascara ever!” says one of 2000+ reviews. “It doesn't come off unless you use warm water and it looks super natural. You can rub your eyes, go to the beach and swim, sleep overnight etc., and it still holds up unless you use warm water. You won't regret this purchase. I've used it for about three years now and I won't use any other product.”
We couldn’t possibly leave the Definicils Lengthening and Defining Mascara by Lancôme off the list of best mascaras. Every mascara aficionado has one of these cult beauty classics in their makeup bag. Launched in 1991, and still going strong, it has become a beauty staple, with its fanbase still growing steadily every year.
“I always get asked if I am wearing false lashes!” says one of the many rave reviews. “I have worn this mascara for 20 years. It is hands down the best there is on the market. I have tried every mascara from drug store brands to the most expensive and Definicils is the best. This mascara does not flake or smear in humidity. The pigment is rich and coats my mostly blonde lashes with one application. Great if you’re in a hurry. If I want a more dramatic look this mascara is buildable... The formula is smooth and creamy allowing you to put a second or even third coat.”
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