Best Mascaras for Women Over 50 + Mascara Tips
If I had to leave the house on a moment’s notice and only had time to choose one makeup item, I think I would pick mascara! It helps define your eyes, especially for blondes like myself, while making them look brighter and more alert. Today, I wanted to chat about some of the best mascaras for women over 50, as well as some of my favorite mascara tips for helping your lashes look their very best.
There are hundreds of brands of mascara available, and the best mascara is the one that works the best for your eyes and eyelashes. If you have found a mascara that you love, stick with it (and share it with us in the comments below). If you are shopping for a new smudge-proof, clump-free mascara to lift and lengthen your lashes, keep reading for a list of my favorites.
Best Mascaras for Women Over 50
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Mascara
Is it any surprise that L’Oreal is on the list? They are a great brand and make a great mascara. I am constantly, and I mean constantly, trying new mascaras. I switch back and forth between drugstore and department store brands. Some cost up to $50 a tube, and others are under $5. L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Mascara is what I’ve been using for the last couple of months, and I am impressed with it. It doesn’t flake, stays on all day, and doesn’t smudge under my eyes.
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Original Volume Building Waterproof Mascara
Here is another one by L’Oreal. It has had 106,000 people have reviewed this mascara, and it has a 4.4 star rating! I’m showing a waterproof version here, but there are others at the link. One of the things I like best is that this doesn’t clump like so many I’ve tried in the past. Plus, it stays on for hours.
Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift
Maybe you’re born with long lashes, or maybe it’s Maybelline! Who cares, as long as the lashes look great! The key to this mascara is that it is infused with fibers to deliver dramatic volume and length. Basically, the fibers cling to your actual lashes to make them look longer. Genius!
Vivienne Sabó Paris
Ooh, La La! This mascara’s claim to fame is defined, voluminous lashes with just a single coat. The lightweight, clump-free formula ensures a natural look that won’t smudge or flake. Plus, it’s cruelty-free, which is always a nice bonus. This is a tiny bit pricier at around $12, but not exorbitantly. Plus, how gorgeous is that case?
Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara
Lancôme’s innovative mascara features a curved wand designed to lift and fan out lashes for up to 24 hours. Its unique gel formula, enriched with 360 micro-bristles, captures every lash from root to tip for a lengthened look without any clumps. Users adore it—95% reported an instant lash lift and 94% noticed a significant v,olume increase. Best of all, it’s made without fragrance, oil, parabens, or silicones!
Essence Lash Princess
I was skeptical when I ordered this mascara the first time since it was 4.99! I was paying waaaay more for “designer brands,” and I had never heard of this one. But I saw the number of reviews and decided to give it a try. I’m now a believer, and I’ve used this ever since. For everyday use, the Essence Lash Princess is what I prefer. But I hate raccoon eyes at the pool, so I would wear the waterproof version if swimming.
Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
One coat of mascara is all I ever use, and this mascara covered great and really made my eyelashes look fabulous. It’s a great and affordable makeup find at under $8!
Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara
If you are a little more conscientious about what products and ingredients you use on your face and skin, you should try Honest Beauty Co. This cruelty-free mascara is made with natural ingredients and comes with a primer!
Ilia Limitless Lash
Here is another clean mascara to deliver fluffy, full lashes. Its nontoxic ingredients and ease of removal make it ideal for those with sensitive eyes or who wear contacts. You can see me applying this mascara in this post!
Maybelline Sky High Lash Sensational
If you’re looking for great mascara on a budget, this drugstore mascara is under $10. I have a friend who uses this, and she raves that it doesn’t flake and makes her lashes look so full and long. I love it when I get suggestions from friends.
Too Faced Better Than Sex
Have you ever used anything from the Too Faced brand? I’ve used several things from their company over the years and am never disappointed. This mascara has a funny name, but the reviews say the name is accurate (LOL!). I remember snickering at the name the first time I bought it.
Mascara Tips and Tools for the Best-Looking Lashes
Eyelash Curler
Prep your lashes with this best-selling eyelash curler before adding your mascara to make sure they are lifted and curled. Honestly, I rarely use an eyelash curler because my lashes naturally curl. However, my granddaughter uses one, and the difference it makes is amazing!
Eyelash Comb
I hate the look of clumpy eyelashes! I like to keep a handy eyelash comb like this in my makeup bag to make sure my lashes are separated. This little tool is much easier to use than a safety pin I used to use. (No, joke. How crazy was that???)
Essence Volume Booster Lash Primer
Have you ever tried an eyelash primer? It creates an even base for your mascara while nourishing and conditioning your lashes. I never used a primer before because I didn’t see a difference in my lashes. My daughter taught me that I had to apply primer and let it set before applying the mascara. I usually apply it and move on to another part of my hair or makeup routine while waiting for the primer to dry.
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I too have tried many mascaras and I always return to Lancome Idole. It is the best! I also use Lance’s primer. Might want to try one of the less expensive brands you have mentioned. Thanks!!
I use the Maybelline pink tube. it was my first mascara. I have tried every kind of mascara, but I always go back to my old faithful. my daughter kids me about it. I can’t remember the name, but everyone knows what I’m talking about.
I didn’t realize that there are so many brands of mascara. Thanks for all the info.
If I have only to choice two out the door quick makeup’s one would be mascara and the other a nude lip gloss. I use to not even go to the mall box at the end of my driveway with out a full face of makeup. But now that I live in a rural town my go to is mascara and lipgloss. Funny how your makeup changes from living in a big city to a small rural town with five stop lights
I’m with you. Mascara is a must. I also always use an eye lash curler. thanks for the suggestions .
Nikol Beauty mascara is wonderful. I have been using it for about six months and I love it.
The only mascara I use that doesn’t clump is CoverGirl lash blast clean mascara. (this one is not water proof) Every mascara I’ve tried even expensive ones will clump on me after using it by the second or third time. My granddaughter told me this one won’t ever clump and it doesn’t for both of us.
Tania, I have been using L’Oreal Voluminous mascara for years!!!! I absolutely love it and have tried others and always go back! Great post!
My favorite is Lancôme Monsieur Big. Actually I like all the Lancôme mascaras I’ve tried – Monsieur Big, Hypnôse and Définicils. I like their Cils Booster primer as well. My eyes are sensitive – I’ve tried drugstore brands and my eyes end up burning like mad. I also cannot use a mascara with any fibers in it or my eyes itch. And, like you, Tania, I never leave home without at least a swipe of mascara. Ok, that and some eyeliner. 🙂
Fun to try different mascara – thanks for all the options. I’ve been using Lacura Brilliant with an unusual brush but it works great!
I love the Essence mascara. It’s my go-to every time I use makeup.
A while back you talked about a lash serum or treatment that you use. What was that product? Thanks. BTW, I use Maybelline Sky High mascara most often, but like you, I do try new ones from time to time. Thank you.
Yes, I’ve used Lash Boost since it came out in 2016. Here is my link for it if you are interested. Lash Boost
As I have aged, my lashes too have become thinner. I love Rimmel Lash Accelerator mascara. It contains a lash growth serum & it has really helped improve the look of my lashes. Also, after I curl my lashes, they don’t become straight with this mascara. It does not smudge or flake but removes easily with soap and water. I buy it on Amazon or at Walgreens. I have tried other mascaras but keep going back to this one.
Ah Ha! No wonder using a primer made no difference! I’ve been using one and have not been letting it set….Thanks for the tip!
Good post! I will keep these mascaras on my list to try! I am using Better Than Sex and like it a lot! I just ordered Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez. It was recommended my Wire cutter, New York Times.
What a great post. I’m always trying new mascaras. I’m a fan of Thrive tubing mascara but I recently discovered Tarte Tartlette XL tubing mascara. It makes your lashes so long. Someone asked me if I had on false lashes. It stays on all day with no racoon eyes and comes off with just water. I have the 5 dollar essence Lash princess and loved it at first but gave me racoon eyes by mid day. I should try the waterproof version . I also use to use a safety pin. I learned that from my mother and aunt🙄
Nicole, I tried Thrive, but it flaked on me, and I had little dots under my eyes. We are all different, that’s why it is a good idea to try different things.
Thrive and Benefit. My favs. But I have to admit-I have at least 5 tubes at all times of different brands.
A good eyelash curler is a must. Great information today. I have never used a primer either, I will give it a try.
My sister is a pro make up artist-( Palm Royale, Wanda Vision, Marvel..) and I try to get product advice from her, but she is always too busy!
She brought me some Westmorland leg cover make up for my son’s summer wedding. My legs need it for sure!
Thanks again!
Lancôme Idole is my new favorite. The curved brush work really well to lift and make your lashes appear miles long. It comes off with soap and water, so no need for oil or waterproof cleanser.
Great reviews… thank you! I’m using L’Oréal’s Voluminous right now and I love it! I’ve tried almost all the one’s you’ve mentioned. Thanks again.
I’ve been using Lash Paradise for quite a while, but I’ve put the Sky High in my cart to try. Fingers crossed. I’ve never had long eyelashes and want them so badly!
I love the L’Oreal. The first two you mentioned are my favorites. I use a primer from Cover Girl also. I want to try that Maybelline too. 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I have been looking for a new mascara.
I’ve been using and trying all kinds of waterprood mascaras over the years, but lately have been using Covergirl Exhibitionist Waterproof mascara in Very Black. I find that if I don’t use a waterproof mascara that my eyelashes don’t stay curled even when I curl them. Plus I get length that I want when I use waterproof mascara. I’ve been trying all different kinds of eye make-up removal and have found Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water to be the most gentle non abrasive removal for my mascara. As always Tania I love your reviews and agree with you about leaving the house with one make-up item on, it would definitely be mascara! I’m going to purchase a few mascaras that I haven’t tried yet. Thanks!
Thanks, Geege. I might have to try the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, that sounds awesome.
I use the L’Oréal mascara and love it. I recently started using a primer and it really makes a difference.
I have used Loreal for years –
Tania, as I have aged my beautiful long lashes has become sparse and short. Is there anything out there that can help make them grow and get fuller?
Tonya, that is what I struggled with too. I use Lash Boost, and mine grew longer, but not fuller, but I’ve seen others that got both results. In my opinion (only mine), I think once a hair follicle is dead, it can’t be revived. However, if there are still viable follicles, it helps.
I’m always looking for a good mascara to try! Thanks
I recently bought the Ilia and Panorama and Like the both but I think I get the most separation from the Ilia. Neither one lasts the whole day on me and has to be reapplied if Im going anywhere.
Hmmm, I usually have to blast mine off each night.
The lash separater is a great asset to your makeup bag. It works great. I have been using E.L.F. mascara-it works good for me and is a great price.
I have very sensitive eyes so unfortunately when I find a mascara that works I don’t change. I like Lash Blast by Cover Girl but not the waterproof or it pulls my lashes out or IT Cosmetics Superhero. I can’t believe you used a safety pin that close to your eye 😳
I rarely use waterproof mascara for the same reason.
Thank you for all the great information on mascaras.
I have used the essence mascara. It works great and great price.
Great information! Finding the perfect mascara is right up there with finding the right purse. I use primer and it makes a big difference for me.
I had to laugh about using the safety pin to separate your eyelashes! I still do that…I’m ordering the eyelash comb today! 😊
Lol! I think the separator is much safer.
Very informative thank you so much! I have enjoyed getting your emails and ordering fun clothes for my trips., etc. thank you and I love the verses of the day and Sundays.
The essence mascara can’t be beat for the price –
I have used better than sex mascara for years. I love it. I also use rodan and fields lash boost ( through your daughter Ashley). I get tons of compliments on my long lashes.
I use Lash Boost too, and I get lots of comments about them. Most people think it is the mascara, but they are long because of the lash serum.
I have used lash princes for ever it’s the best and the primer really helps too and you just can’t beat the price.