Tips For Choosing The Right Mascara If You Have Mature Eyes

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As we age, it gets harder to apply eye makeup, especially if you have hooded lids. Even the simple act of swiping on mascara can be more arduous, which is why it's important to choose the right one. While many often pick regular mascara for everyday use, when you have mature eyes, it's easier for it to smudge onto your lower lids, as eyes tend to get droopier with age. The answer to that is waterproof mascara, especially if you have mature eyes. Having been a makeup artist for more than 15 years, I have my favorites, and believe it or not, many of the best waterproof mascaras can be found at the drugstore. I personally love Maybelline's The Falsies and The Colossal, which are just a handful of dollars while providing great results. Basically, you don't have to spend a pretty penny on luxury brands, although they're nice if you want to treat yourself. 

If you don't want to go full-on waterproof, try tubing mascara, which is different than regular mascara. Instead of just laying product onto your lashes, tubing mascara, such as L'Oréal's Double Extend Mascara, coats each piece of hair with polymer, making it water-resistant and smudge-proof. They're also great for creating volume and length, as the ingredients literally form tubes around your lashes. When it comes to taking it off, you simply wash your face with warm water, and the product slides off easily. The only caveat is that many of them don't allow your lashes to hold a curl, so if yours are stick-straight, tubing mascaras aren't for you. Still, there are plenty of other types that do, and aside from them being waterproof, you'll want one that beefs up your lashes.

Celebrating another year around the sun is always momentous, but the downside to that is experiencing hair loss or thinning. That can also happen with your eyelashes, so you'll want to use a mascara that adds volume and length. Much of that is due to the formula, but also pay attention to the brush. I like the ones that have full bristles that deposit as much product as possible without clumping. Some brands either only lengthen or volumize, but you can double up. Apply a lengthening formula like the L'Oréal Telescopic Mascara first to elongate your lashes as much as possible. You can achieve this by wiggling the wand back and forth, paying special attention to the tips of your eyelashes. Then, after it's dried and you've removed any clumps with a fine comb, add a second coat with your volumizing mascara. I suggest trying CoverGirl's Clump Crusher. 

Don't forget to curl your lashes beforehand, as applying mascara on straight lashes is a makeup mistake that makes you look older. You'll want as much lift as possible to give your eyes an elevated look. If your lashes are stubborn, try using a heated curler like the SEGMINISMART Heated Eyelash Curler or a wand like the Persil Heated Eyelash Curler, and apply your mascara right away. When it comes time to take off your eye makeup, you'll need an oil-based remover if you're using waterproof mascara. Be careful not to tug your lashes or press too firmly, as your eye area is very delicate, especially as you get older. Once the product is safely removed, wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser to keep your mature eyes healthy and refreshed.

When recommending products, I always make sure they're either ones I've tried myself as a makeup artist or that they come with good reviews. I have personally used all of the mascaras mentioned above and can attest to their longevity and deliverability. The brands I suggested are also well-known, budget-friendly, and easily accessible in stores and online. While I have yet to try the heated curler or wand, the reviews were favorable, and the products have safety measures, such as temperature control, to ensure that the curlers don't overheat. Having strong, beautiful lashes is always the end goal, and with my product recommendations and application tips, I'm sure you'll be looking your very best in no time.