Should Women Over 60 Wear Eyeliner?

As women age and transition out of the workforce, they'll also likely abandon some makeup must-haves. No one wants to draw attention to herself if she perceives anything to be less than perfect. Ironically, a bare face can actually age a woman. And no one wants that. Just a touch of eyeliner in soft, new, unexpected colors can add sparkle without making a woman look like a silent film star.

The right eyeliner makes women of any age beautiful. (Image: Wavebreakmedia Ltd/Wavebreak Media/Getty Images)

A Change in Attitude

Many women would never leave their homes without makeup, especially during their working and active social years. But as women age, there's a common misconception that the need for makeup diminishes. On the contrary, wearing makeup in your later years not only boosts your physical appearance, it buoys your emotional and mental well-being as well. It's all in the attitude.

The Face of Time

Colors and formulations that a woman wore in her younger years likely won't enhance her features in the same way when she's 60-plus. Whether you're a "fashionista" who wants to add a bit of color to your face or a "natural woman" who rarely wears makeup, eyeliner is a quick, easy way to enhance your eyes. Age is just a number. Don't let a bare face drag you down and age you prematurely.

Conditions of Aging Skin

As women age, the skin texture, thickness and tone change. The skin becomes thinner and sometimes crepe-like, and some experience blotchiness and hyperpigmentation (also known as age spots and irregular discolorations), along with moles, wrinkles and skin laxity. Because of these conditions, eyeliner -- as well as other makeup applied with a light touch -- brightens the face and brings that spark of youth back to older skin.

A Light Touch

Women of a certain age should not use black eyeliner. Black is harsh against the skin -- whether it's fair, olive or dark. It ages the wearer and makes the eyes appear smaller than they actually are. Using softer colors -- such as moss green, soft brown or lavender -- does wonders to enhance any eye color. These shades brighten the eyes and provide definition. And women of any age can benefit from that.