This clean, budget-friendly formula defines and separates lashes without clumps. Dr. Davison likes that the mascara is affordable, contains no parabens, and packs nourishing argan oil. It’s no wonder it has more than 6,000 perfect ratings at Ulta and more than 12,000 at Amazon, with reviewers calling it a “holy grail” product that leaves lashes looking “full and clump-free.” One fan called it the “best mascara for older women,” confirming that it separates, lengthens, and doesn’t clump. It’s also free of potentially irritating ingredients like sulfates, talc, and mineral oil.
Best Water-Resistant: Tower 28 Make Waves Mascara
- Pros: Easy to remove; doesn’t irritate or flake; buildable
- Cons: Doesn’t hold a curl well
Recommended by Dr. Davison, this vegan, water-resistant mascara stays put without behaving like a stubborn waterproof formula. The double-sided, curved wand separates lashes, adds length, and reaches the shortest of lashes. It’s free of fragrance, fibers, alcohol, and silicone, making it a strong option for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when shopping for mascara for older women?
“You definitely want to find one that doesn’t cause raccoon eyes or smudge on the skin, as that can darken the area above and below the lids, which isn’t flattering for mature women,” says Dr. Hilal-Campo. She advises avoiding waterproof formulas, which can be difficult to remove and irritating, and suggests prioritizing nourishing, paraben-free options that are safe for sensitive eyes.
What are some tips for thickening lashes?
Keep them healthy and hydrated, suggests Dr. Hilal-Campo. “That means maintaining good hygiene—gently using cleansers like hypochlorous acid to keep bacteria away — and using natural oils to hydrate the lashes,” she explains. She recommends argan oil, noting that it’s rich in alpha-linolenic acid and helps hydrate lash shafts to make them look fuller. “You can also apply a primer before mascara to help lashes appear thicker,” she finishes.
How do you apply mascara on mature eyes?
Hilal-Campo suggests starting with an eyelash curler to lift the lashes. Then, deposit the product, sweeping it up to the tips. Work from the inside out, and when you get to the outer corners, turn the wand vertically and use just the tip to coat those lashes.
If you want to coat your lower lashes, Dr. Hilal-Campo says to apply mascara sparingly. Use the wand vertically and focus on just the tips, especially at the outer corners. Be sure to clean up smudges with a cotton swab lightly dipped in makeup remover.
How do you gently remove mascara for older women?
Dr. Hilal-Campo recommends a preservative-free micellar remover applied to a microfiber cloth and held against the eye for 30 seconds before gently wiping. (Her pick: Optase Life Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover. It’s a preservative-free micellar water that uses tiny oil molecules to effectively remove makeup.) “The key is to be gentle, so you don’t pull out or break lashes, and to protect the delicate skin around the eyes from becoming more wrinkled,” she says.
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