The Best Mascaras for Older Women We Tested, Including Clinique, Lancôme, and More

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsExperts Also RecommendWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Experts Also Recommend

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Jessica Juliao

People / Jessica Juliao

With age, our eyes get more sensitive. That means that yourtried-and-true mascaramay now irritate your eyes or flake off. While it’s easy to feel discouraged when our favorite products no longer perform the way we remember, there are many mascaras for older women that will outshine your old favorites.Experts Say“Choosing products that are sensitive eye safe doesnt mean that you cant have the cosmetic look you want! You can find mascaras that promise length and volume while also being eye safe, especially for older eyes.”—Dr. Ashley Brissette, ophthalmologistWe interviewed an ophthalmologist and a makeup artist to find out what makes the best mascaras for mature eyes. Plus, we tested each and every one ourselves.These are the best mascaras for older women.Our Top PicksBest Mascara for Older Women:ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara at Amazon$29Jump to ReviewBest Waterproof:Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Tubing:Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara at Sephora$15Jump to ReviewBest for Sensitive Eyes:Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara at Amazon$26Jump to ReviewExperts Also Recommend:Yves Saint Laurent Extreme Volume Mascara at Nordstrom$33Jump to ReviewExperts Also Recommend:SALEMilani Highly Rated Tubing Mascara at Amazon$13$10Jump to ReviewExperts Also Recommend:Jones Road The Mascara at Jonesroadbeauty.comJump to ReviewExperts Also Recommend:Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara at Thrivecausemetics.comJump to Review

With age, our eyes get more sensitive. That means that yourtried-and-true mascaramay now irritate your eyes or flake off. While it’s easy to feel discouraged when our favorite products no longer perform the way we remember, there are many mascaras for older women that will outshine your old favorites.

Experts Say“Choosing products that are sensitive eye safe doesnt mean that you cant have the cosmetic look you want! You can find mascaras that promise length and volume while also being eye safe, especially for older eyes.”—Dr. Ashley Brissette, ophthalmologist

Experts Say

“Choosing products that are sensitive eye safe doesnt mean that you cant have the cosmetic look you want! You can find mascaras that promise length and volume while also being eye safe, especially for older eyes.”—Dr. Ashley Brissette, ophthalmologist

We interviewed an ophthalmologist and a makeup artist to find out what makes the best mascaras for mature eyes. Plus, we tested each and every one ourselves.

These are the best mascaras for older women.

Our Top PicksBest Mascara for Older Women:ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara at Amazon$29Jump to ReviewBest Waterproof:Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Tubing:Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara at Sephora$15Jump to ReviewBest for Sensitive Eyes:Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara at Amazon$26Jump to ReviewExperts Also Recommend:Yves Saint Laurent Extreme Volume Mascara at Nordstrom$33Jump to ReviewExperts Also Recommend:SALEMilani Highly Rated Tubing Mascara at Amazon$13$10Jump to ReviewExperts Also Recommend:Jones Road The Mascara at Jonesroadbeauty.comJump to ReviewExperts Also Recommend:Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara at Thrivecausemetics.comJump to Review

Best Mascara for Older Women:ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara at Amazon$29Jump to ReviewBest Waterproof:Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Tubing:Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara at Sephora$15Jump to ReviewBest for Sensitive Eyes:Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara at Amazon$26Jump to ReviewExperts Also Recommend:Yves Saint Laurent Extreme Volume Mascara at Nordstrom$33Jump to ReviewExperts Also Recommend:SALEMilani Highly Rated Tubing Mascara at Amazon$13$10Jump to ReviewExperts Also Recommend:Jones Road The Mascara at Jonesroadbeauty.comJump to ReviewExperts Also Recommend:Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara at Thrivecausemetics.comJump to Review

Best Mascara for Older Women:ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara at Amazon$29Jump to Review

Best Mascara for Older Women:ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara at Amazon$29

Best Mascara for Older Women:

Best Waterproof:Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara at Amazon$30Jump to Review

Best Waterproof:Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara at Amazon$30

Best Waterproof:

Best Tubing:Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara at Sephora$15Jump to Review

Best Tubing:Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara at Sephora$15

Best Tubing:

Best for Sensitive Eyes:Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara at Amazon$26Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Eyes:Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara at Amazon$26

Best for Sensitive Eyes:

Experts Also Recommend:Yves Saint Laurent Extreme Volume Mascara at Nordstrom$33Jump to Review

Experts Also Recommend:Yves Saint Laurent Extreme Volume Mascara at Nordstrom$33

Experts Also Recommend:

Experts Also Recommend:SALEMilani Highly Rated Tubing Mascara at Amazon$13$10Jump to Review

Experts Also Recommend:SALEMilani Highly Rated Tubing Mascara at Amazon$13$10

SALE

Experts Also Recommend:Jones Road The Mascara at Jonesroadbeauty.comJump to Review

Experts Also Recommend:Jones Road The Mascara at Jonesroadbeauty.com

Experts Also Recommend:Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara at Thrivecausemetics.comJump to Review

Experts Also Recommend:Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara at Thrivecausemetics.com

Best Mascara for Older WomenILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean MascaraPHOTO: Sephora$29 at Amazon$16 at Nordstrom$29$16 at SephoraStar QualitiesFormulated with conditioning ingredients, like keratin, shea butter, and beeswaxEasy to remove, so you can be gentle on the eye areaVolumized, curled, and lengthened without flaking or clumpingRed FlagsWe couldn’t find any!Mascaras should contain ingredients that take care of your eyelashes, not destroy them. This is especially important when it comes to mature eyes. This Ilia mascara contains keratin, shea butter, and beeswax, which nourish brittle eyelashes.We also found this mascara easy to remove, so you won’t have to tug at the thin skin around your eyes before bedtime. We loved the effect this mascara gave us thanks to the double-sided brush. One side of the applicator curled and volumized, while the opposite side lengthened and separated.Formula type:Clean |Size:0.27 ounces |Ophthalmologist tested:Yes |Shades:1PHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoExperts Say“I recommend looking for moisturizing ingredients in the mascara which can help to nourish the lashes.”—Dr. Ashley Brissette, ophthalmologist

Best Mascara for Older WomenILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean MascaraPHOTO: Sephora$29 at Amazon$16 at Nordstrom$29$16 at Sephora

Best Mascara for Older WomenILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara

Best Mascara for Older Women

ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara

PHOTO: Sephora

$29 at Amazon$16 at Nordstrom$29$16 at Sephora

Star QualitiesFormulated with conditioning ingredients, like keratin, shea butter, and beeswaxEasy to remove, so you can be gentle on the eye areaVolumized, curled, and lengthened without flaking or clumpingRed FlagsWe couldn’t find any!

Star QualitiesFormulated with conditioning ingredients, like keratin, shea butter, and beeswaxEasy to remove, so you can be gentle on the eye areaVolumized, curled, and lengthened without flaking or clumping

Formulated with conditioning ingredients, like keratin, shea butter, and beeswax

Easy to remove, so you can be gentle on the eye area

Volumized, curled, and lengthened without flaking or clumping

Red FlagsWe couldn’t find any!

We couldn’t find any!

Mascaras should contain ingredients that take care of your eyelashes, not destroy them. This is especially important when it comes to mature eyes. This Ilia mascara contains keratin, shea butter, and beeswax, which nourish brittle eyelashes.

We also found this mascara easy to remove, so you won’t have to tug at the thin skin around your eyes before bedtime. We loved the effect this mascara gave us thanks to the double-sided brush. One side of the applicator curled and volumized, while the opposite side lengthened and separated.

Formula type:Clean |Size:0.27 ounces |Ophthalmologist tested:Yes |Shades:1

PHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Experts Say“I recommend looking for moisturizing ingredients in the mascara which can help to nourish the lashes.”—Dr. Ashley Brissette, ophthalmologist

“I recommend looking for moisturizing ingredients in the mascara which can help to nourish the lashes.”—Dr. Ashley Brissette, ophthalmologist

Best WaterproofLancôme Monsieur Big MascaraPHOTO: Sephora$30 at Amazon$30 at Nordstrom$30 at SephoraStar QualitiesNo bleeding, budging, or flaking with this waterproof formulaBuildable for a natural or voluminous lookLightweight, flexible holdRed FlagsDifficult to remove, so removal may be abrasive on thin, mature skinIf you’re looking for a top notchbeauty product, the Lancôme Big Waterproof Mascara is not only one of our favorites — its a makeup artist favorite, too. Thehigh-quality waterproof formulawon’t ever flake or transfer onto the under-eye area, making it a great pick for those with watery eyes.It’s also buildable for a more voluminous look, so those with thin or sparse eyelashes can get the illusion of a fuller lash. It requires a little extra elbow grease to remove, so if thin skin is a concern, we recommend you opt for a non-waterproof formula.Makeup Artist Recommended“If waterproof is preferred, there is nothing better in the world than a Lancôme waterproof mascara! My favorite is Monsieur Big Waterproof but any of their formulas are top rated!”—Michelle Spieler,makeup artistFormula type:Waterproof |Size:0.33 ounces |Ophthalmologist tested:No |Shades:1PHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Madelaine Jerousek-SmithPHOTO: People / Madelaine Jerousek-SmithPHOTO: People / Madelaine Jerousek-Smith

Best WaterproofLancôme Monsieur Big MascaraPHOTO: Sephora$30 at Amazon$30 at Nordstrom$30 at Sephora

Best WaterproofLancôme Monsieur Big Mascara

Best Waterproof

Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara

$30 at Amazon$30 at Nordstrom$30 at Sephora

Star QualitiesNo bleeding, budging, or flaking with this waterproof formulaBuildable for a natural or voluminous lookLightweight, flexible holdRed FlagsDifficult to remove, so removal may be abrasive on thin, mature skin

Star QualitiesNo bleeding, budging, or flaking with this waterproof formulaBuildable for a natural or voluminous lookLightweight, flexible hold

No bleeding, budging, or flaking with this waterproof formula

Buildable for a natural or voluminous look

Lightweight, flexible hold

Red FlagsDifficult to remove, so removal may be abrasive on thin, mature skin

Difficult to remove, so removal may be abrasive on thin, mature skin

If you’re looking for a top notchbeauty product, the Lancôme Big Waterproof Mascara is not only one of our favorites — its a makeup artist favorite, too. Thehigh-quality waterproof formulawon’t ever flake or transfer onto the under-eye area, making it a great pick for those with watery eyes.

It’s also buildable for a more voluminous look, so those with thin or sparse eyelashes can get the illusion of a fuller lash. It requires a little extra elbow grease to remove, so if thin skin is a concern, we recommend you opt for a non-waterproof formula.

Makeup Artist Recommended“If waterproof is preferred, there is nothing better in the world than a Lancôme waterproof mascara! My favorite is Monsieur Big Waterproof but any of their formulas are top rated!”—Michelle Spieler,makeup artist

Makeup Artist Recommended

“If waterproof is preferred, there is nothing better in the world than a Lancôme waterproof mascara! My favorite is Monsieur Big Waterproof but any of their formulas are top rated!”—Michelle Spieler,makeup artist

Formula type:Waterproof |Size:0.33 ounces |Ophthalmologist tested:No |Shades:1

PHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Madelaine Jerousek-SmithPHOTO: People / Madelaine Jerousek-SmithPHOTO: People / Madelaine Jerousek-Smith

Best TubingTarte Tartelette Tubing MascaraPHOTO: Sephora$15 at Sephora$27 at Target$27 at Ulta

Best TubingTarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara

Best Tubing

Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara

$15 at Sephora$27 at Target$27 at Ulta

Star QualitiesTubing formula is simultaneously easy to remove and long-wearingContains shea butter and castor oil for lash nourishmentFormula never clumped, flaked, or smudgedRed FlagsLengthened lashes, but didn’t add much volume

Star QualitiesTubing formula is simultaneously easy to remove and long-wearingContains shea butter and castor oil for lash nourishmentFormula never clumped, flaked, or smudged

Tubing formula is simultaneously easy to remove and long-wearing

Contains shea butter and castor oil for lash nourishment

Formula never clumped, flaked, or smudged

Red FlagsLengthened lashes, but didn’t add much volume

Lengthened lashes, but didn’t add much volume

We love the natural finish of this mascara, which lengthened each lash with ease. Tubing mascara forms tubes around each lash, creating great separation and length. The formula is easy to remove with warm water, but it’s also long-wearing, so it won’t flake or smudge off throughout the day.

The formula also contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter and castor oil, which will nourish your lashes. The heavy wand is easy to grip, making for even easier application.

Best of all, this mascara comes in a brown shade, which both ophthalmologistDr. Ashley Brissetteand makeup artistMichelle Spielerrecommend for mature eyes.

Formula type:Tubing |Size:0.27 ounces |Ophthalmologist tested:Yes, and dermatologist tested |Shades:2

Best for Sensitive EyesClinique High Impact Waterproof MascaraPHOTO: Ulta$26 at Amazon$26 at Nordstrom$26 at UltaStar QualitiesCreates a full, natural lash in just two coatsWe didn’t experience any clumping, smudging, flaking, or sheddingTruly waterproof, so it’s a good match for watery eyesRed FlagsDifficult to removeWe love this waterproof mascara that never clumps, smudges, flakes, or sheds. During testing, we found it creates a really beautiful natural-looking lash in just a couple of coats, though the formula is buildable if you prefer more drama. It’s offered in three different shades, so you can opt for black, black/brown or black honey depending on your preference.While we’ve tested (and loved) this formula, Brissette recommends a similar Clinique mascara: theHigh Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara. If you prefer a little more volume (and don’t need a waterproof finish), this alternative formula is ophthalmologist tested and safe for sensitive eyes.Formula type:Non-waterproof |Size:0.28 ounces |Ophthalmologist tested:Yes |Shades:3PHOTO: People / Kaitlin GreifPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best for Sensitive EyesClinique High Impact Waterproof MascaraPHOTO: Ulta$26 at Amazon$26 at Nordstrom$26 at Ulta

Best for Sensitive EyesClinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara

Best for Sensitive Eyes

Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara

PHOTO: Ulta

$26 at Amazon$26 at Nordstrom$26 at Ulta

Star QualitiesCreates a full, natural lash in just two coatsWe didn’t experience any clumping, smudging, flaking, or sheddingTruly waterproof, so it’s a good match for watery eyesRed FlagsDifficult to remove

Star QualitiesCreates a full, natural lash in just two coatsWe didn’t experience any clumping, smudging, flaking, or sheddingTruly waterproof, so it’s a good match for watery eyes

Creates a full, natural lash in just two coats

We didn’t experience any clumping, smudging, flaking, or shedding

Truly waterproof, so it’s a good match for watery eyes

Red FlagsDifficult to remove

Difficult to remove

We love this waterproof mascara that never clumps, smudges, flakes, or sheds. During testing, we found it creates a really beautiful natural-looking lash in just a couple of coats, though the formula is buildable if you prefer more drama. It’s offered in three different shades, so you can opt for black, black/brown or black honey depending on your preference.

While we’ve tested (and loved) this formula, Brissette recommends a similar Clinique mascara: theHigh Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara. If you prefer a little more volume (and don’t need a waterproof finish), this alternative formula is ophthalmologist tested and safe for sensitive eyes.

Formula type:Non-waterproof |Size:0.28 ounces |Ophthalmologist tested:Yes |Shades:3

PHOTO: People / Kaitlin GreifPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Spieler is a makeup artist who specializes in mature makeup. She recommends the following formulas, which are her go-tos for mature eyes.

Yves Saint Laurent Extreme Volume Mascara$33 at Nordstrom$33 at Sephora$33 at Neiman MarcusMilani Highly Rated Tubing Mascara$13$10 at Amazon$13 at Target$13 at WalmartJones Road The MascaraView on Jonesroadbeauty.comView on Libertylondon.comThrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions MascaraView on Thrivecausemetics.com

Yves Saint Laurent Extreme Volume Mascara$33 at Nordstrom$33 at Sephora$33 at Neiman Marcus

Yves Saint Laurent Extreme Volume Mascara

$33 at Nordstrom$33 at Sephora$33 at Neiman Marcus

Milani Highly Rated Tubing Mascara$13$10 at Amazon$13 at Target$13 at Walmart

Milani Highly Rated Tubing Mascara

$13$10 at Amazon$13 at Target$13 at Walmart

Jones Road The MascaraView on Jonesroadbeauty.comView on Libertylondon.com

Jones Road The Mascara

View on Jonesroadbeauty.comView on Libertylondon.com

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions MascaraView on Thrivecausemetics.com

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

View on Thrivecausemetics.com

What to Know About Mascaras for Older Women

Eye Sensitivity

“The eyes tend to be more sensitive and prone to irritation with age,” Brissette says. “Choosing products that are allergy and/or ophthalmologist tested and safe for sensitive eyes is important.”

This means mature eyes also tend to be more teary, making along-wearing formulaeven more important. “The number one question I’m asked about mature eyes is how to keep eyeliner and mascara on,” Spieler tells PEOPLE. She recommends tubing mascara for smudge-proof, easy-to-remove mascara.

Moisturizing Ingredients

Brissette suggests looking foringredients that nourish the lashes, since our lashline tends to get thinner and sparser with age.

During testing, we loved theIlia Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara, and it’s formulated with keratin, shea butter, and beeswax, which condition the lashes. TheTarte Tartelette Tubing Mascarais another nourishing formula we loved, thanks to the formula’s shea butter and castor oil.

Shade

Both Brissette and Spieler recommend usingbrown mascara, rather than black mascara, on mature eyes. “When I do mature women for special occasions, I always use brown or black/brown mascara,” Spieler says. TheClinique High Impact Waterproof Mascaracomes in two brown shades, while theTarte Tartelette Tubing Mascaracomes in brown as well.

Still, many women prefer to stick with their tried-and-true black shade as they age. Black mascaras provide even more definition and drama. At the end of the day, it all comes down to preference. Those who prefer black mascaras have ample choices, and all the mascaras we recommend are available in black.

We asked our experts how to identify the best mascaras for older women, and we even considered their personal recommendations. Then, we consulted results from two different PEOPLE Tested tests (totalling 54 mascaras) to identify the best waterproof and non-waterproof mascaras for older women, based on the following criteria.

Genevieve Cepedais a shopping writer for PEOPLE, with experience writing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. She has stubborn, straight, fragile eyelashes — so she knows how hard it can be to find a mascara that works for you. In order to identify the best mascaras for older women, she interviewed ophthalmologistDr. Ashley Brissetteand makeup artistMichelle Spieler. She also consulted testing results for 54 different mascaras, using expert insights to identify the mascaras that are truly great.

Our Expert PanelDr. Ashley Brissetteis an assistant professor of ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medicine and the founder of eyecare brand Daily PracticeMichelle Spieleris a professional makeup artist, who specializes in mature makeup. She is also the founder ofMature Makeup Masterclass, a Youtube channel where Michelle shares her beauty expertise.

Our Expert Panel

Dr. Ashley Brissetteis an assistant professor of ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medicine and the founder of eyecare brand Daily PracticeMichelle Spieleris a professional makeup artist, who specializes in mature makeup. She is also the founder ofMature Makeup Masterclass, a Youtube channel where Michelle shares her beauty expertise.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com