Eyeliner Colors That Best Flatter Women In Their 40s And Beyond

As a longtime pro makeup artist, one of my favorite things in my kit is a good eyeliner, as that small, thin piece of product has the immense power to dramatically change your features. Just a single swipe can take you from soft doe eyes to a bold graphic liner look, and with all the varieties out there, there are endless possibilities for serving a fierce face. Some love applying liquid liner like a pro, while others prefer a more forgiving pencil. And, when it comes to colors, almost everyone reaches for black, but if you're over 40, you may want to rethink your choice. 

While those who have super inky hair can get away with black eyeliner, the dark shade is a bit harsh for older faces. Browns are much more flattering and provide just the right amount of depth without being overbearing. Just make sure that there's not too much warmth so that it doesn't read orange. A nice ashy tone is perfect for all skin types, but if you want to go cooler, shades of gray, green, and blue instantly wake up your features while also taking the focus away from fine lines and wrinkles. The reason Princess Diana wore blue eyeliner was actually genius, and pics prove just how gorgeous her peepers looked. Deep plums are also especially striking with green and brown eyes, but don't be afraid to mix warm and cool colors, because a sweep of shimmery gold shadow or liner will enhance any aqua shade. 

Warm champagne and bronze shadows are my go-to picks for making anyone's lids pop, and I love contrasting them with a cool liner, particularly on 40+ women. Blue eyeshadow can be a bit overwhelming, but a cerulean swatch against gold lids? Simply perfection. Gold and blue are at opposite ends of the color wheel, which means they make each other pop, so pairing them together creates a harmonious effect. 

If your lids are a bit crepey, I would stay away from liquid eyeliner, as it can skip. A soft, waterproof pencil is more forgiving, and you can blur the edges for a smoky look. And, to further brighten up your eyes, a tan liner on your bottom waterline will erase any redness you may have. While there's no hard and fast makeup rules for folks over 40, your best bet is to stay away from colors like black that will drag your features down. If bright colors aren't your thing, don't be afraid to experiment with navy or forest green, as even just a touch of color will always perk up your face, no matter what your age.