Quick answer: The eyeliner trick is a "sneaky" one Nikol uses in this Fierce Aging tutorial with her 71-year-old guest Joe. Instead of drawing a heavy line on top of the lashes, she gently colors in the skin underneath the lower lash line with a waterproof plum eyeliner. That fills the gaps between the lashes so the lash line instantly looks thicker and more defined, adding drama without piling on makeup that can settle into mature skin.
Key takeaways
- The "ultimate" trick is coloring the skin under the lower lash line with a waterproof eyeliner so the lash line reads fuller and more defined.
- Nikol uses a soft plum shade rather than black — it gives definition without looking harsh on mature eyes.
- Because it sits underneath the eye, it adds drama without adding weight or extra product on the lid.
- It is best for occasional or evening wear, and Nikol only does it on Joe after confirming she has no dry-eye issues.
- The rest of the look leans on soft, buildable products so it never feels like a mask.
Hey ladies! In this episode of my Fierce Aging Series I sat down with Joe, who was turning 72, to create a soft, pretty look that celebrates mature skin instead of hiding it. Along the way I shared one of my favorite little secrets — the sneaky eyeliner trick — that makes lashes look fuller and eyes look more awake, no matter your age. Here is exactly how it works and how you can recreate it at home.
What is the eyeliner trick for women over 70?
The trick is simple: instead of a bold line across the top lid, you softly color in the strip of skin underneath your lower lash line. I take a waterproof eyeliner in a soft plum and fill in that area right at the base of the lashes. It makes the lash line look nice and thick and gives the eye more definition, but because it is tucked underneath the eye it feels light — you get that extra drama without a ton of weight or a ton of makeup. I love a plum shade here because it defines mature eyes beautifully without the harshness that solid black can bring.
A quick honest note: this is not an everyday must-do. It is a fun, slightly dressier option. I only did it on Joe after checking that she has no dry-eye or sensitivity issues, so please pick and choose what is right for your own eyes.
How do you apply the sneaky eyeliner trick step by step?
- Prep and prime the lid first. I always start with my eye primer to neutralize the lid and give the eyeshadow something to grip so it lasts all day.
- Wash on your eyeshadow. I used soft, talc-free shades from my Naughty Nancy palette (and later mixed in Sweet Carol) for a buildable, approachable look.
- Define the upper lash line. Run the waterproof plum eyeliner along the base of the top lashes, then soften it with a smudge brush so it is diffused rather than a hard line.
- Do the sneaky part. Have the wearer look down, then gently color in the skin directly under the lower lash line with the same waterproof eyeliner so the gaps between lashes disappear.
- Coat the lashes. Finish with a volumizing mascara, working from the base of the lashes and combing up to lengthen and separate.
What products complete the rest of the look?
After the eyes, I structured Joe's brows with a skinny brow pencil in dark blonde and set them with a blonde brow mascara. For skin, I neutralized her redness with my No Redness green color corrector and brightened under the eyes with a peachy corrector, then evened everything out with my BB cream (a custom mix of Fair and Light) and creamy concealer. A rose lip balm, Cameo lip liner and a fresh Coco 13 gloss finished the lips. To warm everything up, I added blush in In Full Bloom and swirled on my Creme Brulee bronzer for a soft, healthy glow.
The bottom line
You are never too old for a little drama around the eyes — the secret is where you place it. Coloring under the lower lash line with a soft waterproof eyeliner gives women over 70 a fuller, more defined lash look without heavy makeup. Ready to recreate it? Explore our best sellers, browse the full makeup collection, and for mature skin that loves a soft flush, take a look at our cream blush.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ultimate eyeliner trick for women over 70?
It is coloring in the skin underneath your lower lash line with a waterproof eyeliner instead of drawing a heavy line on top. This fills the gaps between the lashes so the lash line looks noticeably thicker and more defined, giving mature eyes extra drama and definition without adding heavy makeup that can settle into fine lines.
Why use a plum eyeliner instead of black?
A soft plum shade defines mature eyes beautifully while staying flattering and approachable. Solid black can read harsh on older skin and around thinner lash lines. Plum still adds richness and depth at the base of the lashes, but it keeps the overall look soft, warm and natural rather than stark, which is exactly what Nikol wanted for Joe.
Is coloring under the lash line safe for everyone?
Not necessarily. Nikol only did this on Joe after confirming she has no dry-eye or sensitivity issues, and she treats it as an occasional or evening look rather than an everyday step. If you have sensitive or dry eyes, apply just below the lashes rather than on the wet waterline, use a clean applicator, and skip it if it causes any irritation.
Should I use a waterproof eyeliner for this?
Yes. A waterproof formula holds its place along the delicate lower lash line, where oils, moisture and blinking can otherwise cause smudging or transfer throughout the day. Nikol uses her waterproof eyeliner precisely because it gives lasting definition right at the base of the lashes and keeps the trick looking crisp, especially for a longer-wear evening look.
How do I make thin or light lashes look fuller over 70?
Layer two techniques. First, color under the lower lash line with a waterproof eyeliner to darken the base and close the gaps between lashes. Then apply a volumizing mascara, working from the roots and combing upward to build and lengthen. Together they make sparse or blonde lashes look denser and more defined without the need for false lashes.
Can I recreate this whole look at home?
Absolutely — Joe said she felt confident recreating it herself. Start with an eye primer, wash on soft eyeshadow, then do the eyeliner trick and mascara. Finish with brows, a color corrector for any redness, BB cream, concealer, a soft lip and a touch of bronzer and blush. Build slowly and blend as you go so nothing feels heavy.
