Quick answer: The technique is to use a soft, creamy, waterproof eyeliner as a blendable eyeshadow base instead of powder shadow. You prime the lid, scribble the liner on, blend it into a soft wash with your finger or a small smudge brush, then define with a second liner, curl your lashes, and finish with brown mascara. Placement and light cream textures lift and define mature eyes without the harsh, creasing look that heavy powder and black liner can create.
Key takeaways
- Cream over powder: a creamy waterproof liner blends into a soft wash that is less likely to cake or settle into the crease.
- Prime first: eye primer neutralizes lid pigmentation so color goes on true and stays put.
- Scribble, then blend: apply the liner imperfectly and diffuse it with a finger or small smudge brush — no artistry required.
- Soft brown finish: diffused liner and dark-brown mascara define the eye without harsh black.
- Work fast: waterproof liner sets quickly, so blend before it locks in place.
Hey ladies! In this tutorial Nikol shares a creative, low-effort way to wear color on mature eyes — turning her soft, creamy waterproof eyeliners into a blendable eyeshadow base. It is made for women in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond who feel their eyeshadow is aging them, or who are simply bored and want to try something new.
What is the eye technique that doesn't age mature eyes?
Instead of packing on powder eyeshadow, Nikol uses a soft, creamy, waterproof eyeliner as a wash of color across the lid. She primes the eye, scribbles the liner on, and blends it out into a diffused, modern wash, then defines with a second liner and finishes with brown mascara. The result lifts and defines with technique and light cream textures rather than dense shadow that can settle into the crease and drag the eye down.
Why does creamy eyeliner work better than powder on mature eyes?
Nikol formulated her eyeliners to be very soft and waterproof so they glide and can be moved around the lid, not just drawn in a straight line. Because the finish is a sheer, blended wash rather than a heavy layer of powder, it is less likely to catch in creases or emphasize texture. She notes you have a short working window before the waterproof formula sets, so blend quickly and build the color up only if you want more intensity.
How do you do the soft eyeliner-as-shadow technique, step by step?
Here is the order Nikol follows in the video. She keeps it forgiving on purpose: scribble it on, work it in, and remember there is no right or wrong.
- Hydrate the lids first (Nikol uses a third-party eyelid serum — just a single drop, no more, so it does not run into the eyes).
- Prime the lid with eye primer from the base of the lash up to the brow bone to neutralize pigmentation and brighten.
- Take a creamy waterproof eyeliner (she reaches for a deep green) and scribble it onto the middle of the lid, then spread it into the inner corner and crease for a soft wash. Blend it out with your finger or a small smudge brush.
- Curl your lashes to open up the eye.
- Line the upper lash line about three-quarters of the way with a second liner (dark chocolate), bring it slightly up and out, then diffuse it with a short smudge brush so nothing looks harsh.
- Coat your lashes with brown mascara, wiggling at the base and pulling up.
- Optional: pop a light, sheeny shade on the brow bone to lift.
- Finish the complexion softly — color-correct and conceal the under-eye, apply a light base, add cream blush, and set gently — so the eyes stay the focal point.
Which products does Nikol use for this look?
The eye look is built on Nikol Beauty's soft, creamy waterproof eyeliners (she uses the deep green and dark chocolate shades), her eye primer, and her brown mascara for a softer-than-black finish. She also reaches for her essential makeup brush kit (especially the short smudge brush that erases mistakes), a color corrector, BB cream, a creamy concealer, a brightening setting powder, cream blush and bronzer, and waterproof lip liner with a gold gloss topper. A few third-party items — an eyelid serum, a Chanel highlighting fluid, and a Kérastase styling cream — also appear; those are linked in the video description on YouTube and are not sold by Nikol Beauty.
The bottom line
You do not need a pile of shadows or a steady hand — you need soft, creamy formulas and a little practice. Scribble, blend, and define, and you get a lifted, modern eye that flatters rather than ages. Ready to try it? Explore Nikol's eyeliners, eye makeup, and mascara to build your own signature look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this eye technique hard to do?
No. Nikol designed it to be forgiving, so you scribble the creamy liner onto the lid and blend it out with a finger or a small smudge brush rather than drawing anything precise. If you go too high or uneven, a short smudge brush softens and erases the mistake. It is a simple placement-and-blend approach meant for everyday wear.
Why does Nikol use brown mascara instead of black?
On mature eyes, a rich brown mascara defines lashes without the harsh contrast black can create, so it reads softer and more natural. She pairs it with her diffused, earthy eyeliner wash to keep the whole look soft and lifted rather than heavy. You can still build it up if you want a bit more drama.
Can I use any eyeliner as eyeshadow this way?
Nikol stresses that not every eyeliner works. She formulated hers to be very soft, creamy and waterproof so they glide and can be blended across the lid before setting. A firm or dry pencil will not move the same way. Whatever you use, work quickly, because waterproof formulas set and stop blending after a short window.
Do I need to prime my eyelids first?
Priming is optional but helpful. Nikol uses eye primer to neutralize lid pigmentation and brighten the area so color goes on truer and wears longer. If you do not have much discoloration you can skip it, but primer also helps cream products and liner last through the day without slipping or creasing.
How do I remove this waterproof eye look?
Because the liner and mascara are waterproof, Nikol suggests a cleansing oil or balm plus an eye-makeup remover made for waterproof makeup. Be gentle around the eye area rather than rubbing. As with any new product, patch-test first and check the ingredients if you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses.
Is this technique good for hooded or very mature eyes?
Yes. The tutorial is aimed at women in their 50s through 90s. Because the color is a soft, blended wash instead of heavy powder, it is less likely to settle into folds or creases. Keep the application light, lift the color up and out, and build slowly only if you want more intensity.
