Aging is a natural process that we cannot control.  However, using the right makeup techniques can help you make your mature eyes pop no matter if you’re in your 50s or 60s.

In this post, I share some makeup techniques to make mature eyes look bigger or smaller. If your eyes are uneven, I’ve also included a tutorial for fixing the symmetry of your mature eyes.

If you don’t want to use makeup, I’ve included some tips to make mature eyes more attractive without makeup

How To Make Mature Hooded Eyes Look Bigger

The easiest way to make mature hooded eyes look bigger is to use a combination of dark and light eyeshadow palettes as well as eyeliners to create color contrasts between your upper lids, outer corners, and the bottom of your eyes.

Here’s What You Need To Do:

1. Before applying any makeup, start by applying an eyeshadow primer to create a lasting illusion of larger eyes.
2. Apply a thin line of eyeliner to your upper lids with an ultra-fine marker liner, keep the wing short, and don’t stray from your natural lash line.
3. Starting with the brightest color in your eyeshadow palette, blend the colors upward and at an outward angle, avoiding the outer “V” shape of your eyelid.
4. Using the lightest color, highlight the inner eye and base of the eyelid.
5. Use the darker shades to highlight the top outer corners but not too high on the hood of your eyelids.
6. Under your eye, apply some dark shadow a third of the way in. Use a bright color to fill in the rest.
7. Use a very fine white eyeliner to line the bottom of your eyelid, staying close to the lash line.
8. Use a setting spray or powder to keep your makeup in place.
9. If needed, shape your eyebrows into a nice arch using tweezers.
10. Use a bright-colored eyebrow pencil to emphasize the area beneath your brow bone with light brushstrokes.
11. Lengthen your eyes by contouring your cheekbones with a multipurpose highlighter.

Pro Tip: Use blush around your cheeks to make your eyes stand out even more. Check out my step-by-step guide to learn how to apply blush on older skin.

How to Make Mature Eyes Symmetrical Without Surgery

To make mature eyes symmetrical without surgery, the simplest method is to apply an eyeshadow higher on your smaller eye’s eyelid then apply eyeshadow at the same height on your bigger eye’s eyelid. Use light-colored eyeshadows at the inner corners of your eyes to make them both look bigger than they are.

Here’s What You Need To Do:

1. Choose a light eyeshadow such as champagne gold or pink to brighten and fill out your eyes.
2. For the smaller-looking eye, apply your eyeshadow higher on your eyelid than on the other eye to even out your eyes.
3. Apply a couple of dabs of light-colored eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes to make them appear bigger than they are.
4. Line your eyelids with eyeliner. Use a thick-tipped eyeliner on the eye that is lower and a thin-tipped liner further down on the opposite eyelid.
5. Fill in any gaps over your lash line to even your eyes out.
6. Use a lengthening mascara to make the top lashes over your smaller eye appear higher than it is.
7. Curl your lashes upward with a heated mascara wand.

You can also use eyelid tape to tighten your upper eyelids. Eyelid tape is discreet and can do wonders for your look. To apply, peel off a thin adhesive strip and apply to clean, dry eyelids for maximum adhesion.

For a quick and easy fix, you can also wear glasses equipped with a ptosis crutch. They have little bars that discreetly hold up your eyelids while you wear them.

How to Make Mature Eyes Attractive Without Makeup

The best ways to make mature eyes attractive without makeup is to keep your eyelashes curled and to use your hair color to accentuate your eyes. Also, try to wear colors that can complement your eyes and adopt a good beauty care routine.

Here are 7 tips to make mature eyes attractive without makeup:

1. With an eyelash curler, curl your lashes along the base of your lash line for 10 seconds.
2. Repeat, but this time curl the lashes along the middle and ends of your lash line.
3. Wear colors that compliment your eyes. Different shades of blue and black compliment blue eyes best, while orange and red hues compliment brown eyes. Purple, green, deep browns, navy, and soft yellows all look great with green eyes. Stick to wearing navy, black, orange, lavender, burgundy, and dark neutrals if you have hazel eyes.
4. Groom your eyebrows to get a nice arch. The look you are going for is thick-not unkempt. Use tweezers to pluck stray hairs, and use an eyebrow pencil to fill in any gaps.
5. Use your hair color to accentuate your eyes. Dark hair tends to make light-colored eyes stand out, while green eyes look best with copper hues and reds. Wearing clothes in complementary colors is another great way to bring out the brightness of your eyes.
6. Have a good beauty care routine and use an eye cream to moisturize the delicate skin around your eyes every day.
7. Get a good night’s rest to prevent puffy skin and dark circles around your eyes.

How to Make Mature Eyes Appear Smaller

To make mature eyes appear smaller, use a dark waterproof eyeliner to make your eyelashes appear longer. Apply dark eyeshadows to the outer corner of your eyes to make them appear longer then use an eyeliner to create wings a the end of your eyes.

Here’s What You Need To Do:

1. Use a dark waterproof eyeliner to trace along the water lines around your eyes to make your eyelashes appear longer.
2. Press some dark eyeshadow onto the outer corner of your eyelids with an eyeshadow brush. Use a light purple or brown for the daytime and a darker color such as black, charcoal, or navy for the evening. You can also use a shimmery, matte eyeshadow to add some extra depth and dimension to your eyes.
3. Using a liquid eyeliner, create wings on the outer corners of your eye. Begin at your tear ducts and trace along the outer edge of your lower lash line. Fill in any gaps, and don’t go any further than a quarter-inch past the ends of your eyelids.
4. Starting at the root of your lashes, apply mascara by brushing the wand upwards through your lashes. Apply a couple of coats to add thickness.