Liquid Eyeliner vs. Gel: Why Gel Liners are Better for Older Women

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

Do you find liquid eyeliner hard to use? I do! It often goes on too thick, smears during application, and dries too quickly, so I can’t fix mistakes. If you struggle with this, you're not alone. Many women with mature skin find it difficult to get liquid eyeliner right, especially as our eyelids become more wrinkled and delicate.

In comparison, gel eyeliner for mature skin has been a total game-changer for me. It gives me much more control, flexibility, and a softer, more natural look, which is perfect for aging eyes. Here’s why gel eyeliners work so much better than liquid eyeliners for older women.

Liquid Eyeliner: The struggles

Liquid eyeliners often come with quick-drying formulas that make them hard to work with, especially for those of us with mature skin or delicate eyes. Here’s what makes liquid eyeliners challenging:

• Can Emphasize Wrinkles: Liquid liners are less forgiving on crepey or textured lids. They might settle into fine lines or accentuate sagging skin if the application isn’t super precise. 
•  Requires a Steady Hand: One little slip and you’re redoing your entire eye. Liquid liner can be tricky to apply, especially if you don’t have a super-steady hand or if your lids are a bit hooded and get in the way. 
•  Less Room for Error: Unlike pencil or gel, liquid doesn’t smudge well—in fact, that’s kind of the point. But that also means you can’t easily soften it or blend out mistakes. It’s a high-commitment product. 
•  Can Flake or Smudge: Some formulas flake off or smudge throughout the day—especially on oily lids or if you skip primer. Waterproof versions can help, but they may feel dry or tight. 
•  Might Be Drying: Some liquid formulas feel tight or dry after they set. That can be uncomfortable if you already have sensitive or dry skin around the eyes. 
•  Harder to Clean Up: It usually takes a proper makeup remover (oil-based works best), and even then it can leave a little residue or staining if it’s highly pigmented.

Gel Eyeliner: The solution for mature eyes

Now let’s talk about gel eyeliner—which is hands-down my favorite! Compared to liquid eyeliner, gel liners are much more forgiving, easier to apply, and great for creating subtle or bold looks without the harshness.

Here’s why I love gel eyeliners, especially for mature skin:

• More Time to Fix: Gel liners give you a longer application window (about 30 seconds), which allows you to correct mistakes or adjust the line before it sets. This makes it much easier to get a perfect line.
• Smoother application: The thicker consistency of gel eyeliner makes it easier to apply without smudging or dragging, which is crucial for delicate, aging eyelids or shakey hands.
• Gentler on Mature Skin: Gel eyeliner is perfect for wrinkled or delicate eyelids. It doesn’t require you to stretch the skin, and the formula is gentle and comfortable.
• Versatility: You can create thin, natural lines or bold winged looks—all with the same product. It’s that easy!

Why gel liners are better for tightlining

Gel eyeliners are ideal for tightlining, the technique of applying eyeliner along the waterline for a thicker, fuller lash line. Unlike liquid eyeliners, which can be difficult to control on the waterline, gel eyeliners provide the precision and comfort we need.

They’re great for creating the illusion of thicker lashes, especially when applied in between the lashes.

Gel vs Liquid Eyeliner: Bottom line

Liquid eyeliners can be hard to control, smudge easily, and tend to look too heavy on older eyes, often emphasizing wrinkles or making eyes appear smaller.

On the other hand, gel eyeliners are smooth, easy to control, and offer the perfect balance between a soft, natural application and bold definition. They don't dry too quickly, allowing you to perfect your line without the stress of it setting before you're ready.

Waterproof gel eyeliners are especially perfect for mature skin for these reasons:

• Long-Lasting & Smudge-Proof: Unlike regular eyeliners that can smudge or fade throughout the day, waterproof gel eyeliners stay put, making them ideal for mature eyes that may have fine lines or creases that trap makeup.
• Resistant to Tears & Humidity: Waterproof formulas hold up even in humid conditions, or during tearful moments, without leaving you with smudged makeup.
• Perfect for Sensitive Eyes: Waterproof gel eyeliner is often gentler on the eyes and can be worn by those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers without irritation.

Why I love gel eyeliners

This is just my personal opinion, but I thought it's important to share with you. I’ve tried so many gel liners over the years, and Stay Put Waterproof Gel Eyeliner by Mommy Makeup is by far my favorite.

Here's why:

• Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive eyes, making it perfect for those with delicate skin around the eyes or for contact lens wearers—a major bonus for me!
• It’s waterproof, but it doesn’t dry right away, so it goes on smoothly, giving me about 30 seconds to fix any mistakes.
• The pointed eyeliner brush makes application super easy and precise—no more smudging or frustration with thick lines.
• Long-lasting & smudge-proof: Unlike regular eyeliners that can smudge or fade throughout the day, waterproof gel eyeliners stay put, making them ideal for mature eyes that may have fine lines or creases that tend to trap makeup.
• Resistant to Tears & Humidity: Waterproof formulas hold up even in humid conditions, or during tearful moments, without leaving you with smudged makeup.
• Perfect for Sensitive Eyes: Waterproof gel eyeliner is often gentler on the eyes and can be worn by those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers without irritation.

Want to see how the Stay Put Waterproof Gel Eyeliner applies? Watch this step-by-step video tutorial to see just how easy it is to use and how I apply it for a smooth, flawless finish.

Final Takeaway:

Why I Choose Gel Over Liquid Eyeliner

For mature skin, gel eyeliner is the way to go. It gives me the control I need to create the perfect look, whether I want a soft everyday line or something bolder for a night out. Plus, it’s gentle on my sensitive eyes and stays put all day without smudging.

If you’re tired of dealing with liquid eyeliner that dries too fast, smudges, or looks harsh, give gel eyeliner a try. It might just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for!

Before you go ....

Please tap on the💙in the bottom right corner if you found this page helpful. Also, Let’s CONNECT! Click the buttons below to follow me on social media.

Thanks so much!

FREE! Download this Cheek Shaper Video to help lift and firm your cheeks, giving you a more youthful, refreshed look! 💖