For the over 70 crowd of women here......to use mascara or not to use mascara???

[a kennedy]

I have worn my midnight blue Maybelline mascara for ever………my lashes now, are getting sooooooo fine and not many of them. It actually takes me 15 - 20 minutes to do them. Have never been out without them……..but now………ugh, kinda dread doing them, but will feel naked without them done. I don’t wear any other makeup, just mascara. Whadaya think??

[no_hypocrisy]

1. No mascara, no makeup.

I’m 65 and can do what I want.

[enough]

27. I'm 78 and me too.

[Irish_Dem]

2. I stopped the mascara and just use eye liner. It is easier.

But I hardly ever wear much make up any more.

When I am out of the house, I am wearing a mask.
Why bother with make up.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

47. Exactly

[csziggy]

54. My sister got her eye lids tatooed with eye liner years and years ago

I have no idea if this is a regular thing, but it means she doesn't have to apply it every day.

I can't see good enough without my glasses to put eye liner on. If I wanted that look, I'd see about doing what my sister did.

[Irish_Dem]

55. Tattoos on my eye lids would freak me out.

I’m a baby.

[csziggy]

56. I know - I can't even imagine getting it done

But she's saved a fortune in make up over the years. She doesn't use mascara since the eyeliner defines her eyes enough for her needs.

Frankly, I can't imagine getting a tattoo at all!

[Irish_Dem]

57. Right any tattoo would freak me out.

But I do see some pretty ones.

[in2herbs]

3. No mascara and no make up since my mid-40s. It's incredibly liberating. nt

[Ocelot II]

4. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable.

Maybe try a different brand that goes on more easily. I still use a little makeup so I don't look so washed out, but the older I get the less I wear - too much on an old lady just looks sad, but a little helps you look less dead. I wear just enough to persuade others that I'm still alive.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

48. Lol

[Faux pas]

5. I

gave up make-up when I retired. Oh, the money I've saved!!!

[cilla4progress]

6. I found mascara ran, after a certain age.

Couldn't contain it. Maybe hot flashes? Or droops. 😆

I also had to change my blush to a cream. Go figure.

So, yes, powder eyeliner that I apply with a damp brush.

What about an eyelash curler?

I probably look ridiculous. Who knows - or cares?

😀👍

[CrispyQ]

7. Extremely myopic here, so my eyes disappear behind my thick lenses.

I used to wear the whole shebang, eye liner, shadow, mascara. Now I just do eyeliner. A big bold line to help my eyes stand out. The new felt tip eyeliner pens are great! I'll bet you can find a blue one.


https://amazon.com/waterproof-pencil，Waterproof-long-lasting-Waterproof-ultra-fine/dp/B098QC2Y8J/ref=sr_1_9

[a kennedy]

11. You're a goddess.....thank you......is this the type you wear??

Gonna have to practice with drawing a line……not as steady as I once was and have never worn eyeliner either.

[CrispyQ]

17. I use a Revlon pen but it only comes in black.

The blue one has good reviews, though & the price is right. If they had a green one, I'd try it. Tip: make sure your eyelids are very dry when applying. You'll get the hang of it!

[LizBeth]

19. I am happy to see many of us have dropped the routine to what you are saying. I do a powder liner

but have been considering what you are talking. I am going to give it a try. Does it smudge thru day. That is why I dropped the mascera.

[CrispyQ]

25. I probably checked out 6 different brands before settling on this one.

https://amazon.com/gp/product/B01LPRPSMG/

A lot claim they are waterproof but really aren't. Some smudge after a few hours. Some "bleed" when you apply them, even if your eyelids are extremely dry. And some formulas irritate my eyes. This one worked for me & I like the long pointed tip.

My new routine is lipstick & eyeliner, done in a few minutes.

[LizBeth]

31. Yup, and thanks.

[viva la]

8. Mascara made my eyes water...

Kind of defeated the purpose. I had to quit contacts too... sensitive to the plastic.

[vanlassie]

9. No way.

[Joinfortmill]

10. Nope. Glaucoma & AMD. Eyesight too precious.

[cornball 24]

12. Just turned 80 and mascara has been my signature thingy forever! I love Clinique

High Impact mascara. Since I got off that age bus at 17, I'll be wearing it as long as my wrinkled old arm can reach up and I am am able to apply it 😀. IMHO, you should do whatever makes YOU happy.

[a kennedy]

30. ♥️

[blm]

13. Always had short, sparse eyelashes, so I get them tinted

for the last 30yrs. Added my brows, as well for the last 20. The black tinting darkens the lighter tips of the lashes and looks completely natural. Lasts about 4-6 weeks. I gave up on makeup - my eyesight just doesn’t help anymore with that particular job.

Not 70, but, will be in a few years.

Forgot to mention, it’s a safe vegetable dye.

[3catwoman3]

65. Do you do this yourself...

...or at a salon?

I had it done once, years ago, and it was really nice.

My current salon won't do it because they say it's not FDA approved.

[blm]

66. Med spa place currently.

But usually a good skin spa place will offer it.

[tblue37]

14. Except for lipstick, I wear no makeup at all.

[LizBeth]

20. Somewhere along the way I stopped the lipstick also, lol. Just carmex or another gloss.

I went looking for a tube the other day, and did not have a single one, lol. I am going on a trip in a couple days so a reminder I want to pick that up. With masks, no way.

[tblue37]

21. I only wear it if I am tutoring.

[CrispyQ]

28. Lipstick makes your eyes stand out, even with no makeup on your eyes.

Back in the 60s it was popular to wear white lipstick, but women realized their eyes "disappeared." So they added lots of heavy eyeliner to make their eyes stand out.

[LizBeth]

32. Ah, interesting. I remember the days I would never leave the house without lipstick, lol

[hlthe2b]

15. Minimal lash-conditioning mascara (Neutrogena) & lash conditioner (the cheap kind) at night

It does help prevent breakage. I NEVER did use heavy eye makeup and would NEVER wear those currently fashionable, yet ridiculously excessive false lashes. Some of those women can barely open their eyes and I am humiliated FOR THEM.

But, if you are comfortable without, go without. You still might check out the nightly lash conditioners (just the ones that keep them from breaking, at about $10 a tube (not the supposed $150 lash regrowth miracle idiocy). Just having a little less sparse natural lashes might make you feel better about going without mascara.

I'm not close to nearing 70, but I've felt this way since I was in my 20s. In my 30s, my lashes started to get a little more sparse and I started trying to care for them a bit more. NEVER LEAVE MASCARA ON overnight! Boy, did I learn that lesson.

[Lars39]

22. I'm interested in the brand of lash conditioner

you use.
I’m looking on Amazon, but don’t have a clue. I tried makeup the other day…yikes. Seemed to emphasize every wrinkle I have. I settled for eyeliner and a bit of blush. Didn’t have the nerve to try the mascara because of sparse lashes.

[hlthe2b]

26. re:

https://www.lorealparisusa.com/makeup/eye/mascara/lash-serum-solution-eyelash-serum-with-lash-caring-complex

Looks like the prices are bouncing around a lot now, but I've gotten it for $10-$11 online when I shopped around. You just use a small amount and can probably get at least six weeks out of a tube if you use it a bit sparingly.

I have my mother's increasingly sparse eyelashes, but they are dark, so that helps.I use powdered brown/black shadow very lightly under my lower lashes as eyeliner using a much treasured very fine moistened eyeliner brush I've had for years (followed by the lightest sweep of matching face powder underneath using a q-tip to avoid "migrating" and then just the smallest amount of Neutrogena healthy volume mascara on upper lashes. If you use an eyelash curler, take great care.

[Lars39]

29. Thanks!

I don’t think I’m allergic to any of the ingredients, so I may give that a try.

[LizBeth]

16. 60 and needs the mascara BUT, with old and the sagging and bagging for whatever reason

it has changed and the stuff ends up under eyes. I only do the top when I do it. And then I do not do it that often, only when I do a more fuller face of make up but for the most part I know longer use it. Again, need it and a meh. It does wonders when no longer presenting self to outside world. I am just not willing to lose the time, or deal with the mess of it. I do outline eyes with a powder color to give something there and that mostly works for me. Takes seconds.

[kimbutgar]

23. I only wear makeup when I'm working or going out socially

Otherwise no makeup. So now I wear makeup maybe 3 days a week. It really have saved my eyelashes at 66.

[LakeArenal]

24. Free to do what you want before we have to burka up

[Laffy Kat]

34. Ain't that the truth.

[Laffy Kat]

33. Do what makes you feel good!

I like mascara because it really makes a difference and for me, it's not much work. I'm gonna throw this out there: have you considered having fake eyelashes applied? I've never done it but a few of my co-workers have them. They look good as long as, 1) They're not too long or too thick, and 2) they keep them up (which can be $$). My lashes are thinning out as well, but I'm not at the point of having them augmented.

Ultimately, though, just do what makes you feel happy and remember, even though you feel naked w/o mascara, other people may not notice at all.

[sinkingfeeling]

35. I haven't worn any makeup since 1991. I'll be 74 in 6 weeks. Wish they made a gray eyebrow pencil

though.

[LakeArenal]

36. Same here. No make up and just grew out my dyed hair a year ago.

I really don’t like it but just can’t afford to keep up all the processes and the sun in Costa Rica is brutal on hair color.

[sarge43]

45. Amazon has a good selection. n/t

[Talitha]

58. For a subtle look, try some eye shadow applied to your eyebrows with a thin sable art brush.

Every time I'd use an eyebrow pencil the results were too extreme. To get a softer look, I experimented with eye shadow. Application with a Q-tip turned out to be messy and wasteful, so I took a thin sable brush from my art box - it did the trick.

[zeusdogmom]

37. Mascara every day over lash conditioner

Lash conditioner is either from L’oréal Or Lancôme depending on sales. I also use neuLash, a lash enhancing serum, once a day at night to encourage my short sparse lashes to grow a little thicker - basically the lashes don’t fall out as fast so lashes appear thicker. Yes I have seen a marked improvement in length and thickness. Paired with the lash conditioner and Lancôme Idole mascara (The. Best. Mascara. Ever.), a little brown powder liner brushed into lash line, and soft non-matte eyeshadow, my 74 year old eyes look pretty good. Basically the undertaker will have to pry my mascara along with blush, lipstick, etc. out of my cold, dead hands. 🤣. This old lady goes no where without a touch of makeup. No where. It was VERY difficult to go without eye makeup after cataract surgery. Hated it! Yes I am vain. And this is a first world problem. But if you feel better with a little color applied for your face, go for it! And if that isn’t your thing - good for you, too. You are saving yourself a lot of time and money. Shelf space in the bathroom, too.

[a kennedy]

44. Thanks for this info......like the conditioner idea.......wonder if my lashes are to far gone already.....

I use two types of my mascara, one tube is thicker, normal like, the 2nd one is a tad thinner as I add a couple drops of eye drops to make it a tad thinner then use both one Kate’s lashes thicker, the thinner one makes them a tad longer.

[markie]

38. no help from me

I say just stop... life is too short to wear any makeup... I have never worn makeup a day in my life, and I don't think my existence has suffered

(disclaimer, sort of... thinking about a lower rhytidectomy just for fun)

[Fla Dem]

39. Dye my eyebrows. Still have a lot of natural brown brows, but gray sprinkled in.

Would rather cover the gray than pluck what brows I have left. Several of my friends have them tattooed. Don't like that at all.
Hair is completely silver gray. Started turning gray in my late 20's, so dyed for about 30-35 years. Then stopped when no longer working. Like the gray so much better.

Lipstick sometimes, mascara sometimes, depends on the event. If I'm dressing up, I'll probably do some makeup.

Whatever makes you comfortable.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

49. Been SO curious about eyebrow tattoos. Evidently it is

a rage. Somewhere along the way, it got to be fashion to have brows that were big & perfect. Soon enough tiktok videos appeared to let people know that you needed to have stencil forms that are applied and then dabbed with brown powder? My first thought-ok at night but what about broad daylight? Maybe it's also "in" to only go out after 5? Lol

Then I read yesterday that instead of that, get a tattoo? Scary... permanent. I have known a woman for many years who got eye liner tattoos. Actually she looks great. And loves it

[Raven]

40. When I retired, I threw away my makup, my bras and my heels. Never looked back. n/t

[jmowreader]

41. This is kind of an investment...

...but have you considered permanent eyeliner? Everyone I know who has it loves it.

[a kennedy]

42. I have never worn eyeliner.......so might give that a try first.....and the tattoo liner?? Hmmmmm

Now that you mention that, I’ll have to ask one of my friends how she likes it……thanks.

[TexasBushwhacker]

46. I've done it. Eyebrows too

It's been a few years though. It's time for me to do it again. I have green eyes and got an eggplant colored liner. It was really pretty.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

50. So it fades away??? Not like a real tattoo they never fade away right?

[jmowreader]

52. All tattoos fade eventually

The issue with permanent makeup is it’s always in sunlight, which is what screws up a tattoo.

However, your mileage may vary. One of my company’s mailroom supervisors has had her eyeliner 20 years and it still looks good. Our advertising manager has had it 10 years and has had it touched up once.

[TexasBushwhacker]

61. Yeah, I was told by a makeup artist that permanent makeup

I'd - tattoo - lasts longer than microblading. Microblading looks cool if it's done well, but I've seen some hideous work. I'll stick with the tattooing.

[jmowreader]

63. It has no choice but to last longer

Microblading goes into the epidermis. Tattoo goes into the dermis.

The biggest problem with microblading is that it's gotten so popular, a lot of people who shouldn't be anywhere near a needle are doing it.

[cksmithy]

43. I am over 70,

I stopped wearing mascara in my 50's due to thyroid disease. But I have always worn a light foundation, blush, and a little bit of eye shadow to make my green eyes pop. I remember the first time I went without mascara, I almost felt naked, but I had to because of eye irritation. Now, because of adequate thyroid replacement, if I want to wear mascara, I can, and I use Clinique mascara. I have fair skin and as a mature woman, I have a lot of age spots/freckles. I use a sun screen and and a tint, but my age spots and wrinkles still show. I hardly have eyebrows, again because of under treated thyroid condition. After correct medication, they grew back some what but the damage was done. I try fill in my eyebrows, but I'm not sure it even matters. I also wear my prescription glasses that magnify my eyes. So if anyone looks me in the eye they see everything. (Wrinkles and bags.) If you can or want to, wear mascara, if it makes you happy do it. I don't think most people even notice. I know that now at my age, I wouldn't notice.

[yardwork]

51. I've never been able to use mascara because of my contacts.

Now that I'm over 60 and mostly working remotely, I wear moisturizer, lightly tinted blush and lip gloss, and when I'm really getting dressed up, a little foundation in the middle of my face to even out skin tone. That's it.

[csziggy]

53. I'm not quite over 70 - will be in July

I haven't worn make up regularly ever. Last time was for my parents' 40th wedding anniversary in 1986. I threw it all out and swore never again.

My eyelashes are still pretty long but they have always been colorless. Mascara really does help my eyes look better, but I can't stand the way it feels so it's just not worth it to me.

[Niagara]

59. I'm not over 70.

Sometimes I give my eyelashes a break by applying vaseline to my eyelashes by using my thumb. It moisturizes my eyelashes and it looks like I'm wearing mascara. Obviously, not everyone can use vaseline, so YMMV.

[Talitha]

60. The only make-up I use is a bit of eyebrow enhancement.

The outer edges of my brows have thinned out, so I fill them in a bit to even things out - like they used to be. Haven't been able to use full eye make-up since menopause but was glad to be rid of it.

[GenThePerservering]

62. If I'm not masking up

I wear tinted moisturizer, a bit of blush and lipstick. I quit wearing mascara because I ride a bike, run and go to the gym, and between sweating and our damp climate, I looked like Alice Cooper. When I tried wearing mascara again I felt dumb and kind of tryhard, so I just haven't. I might look into something light, though - just for a bit of enhancement - my lashes are fine with no problem. I'm older (68) day glo white person.

[niyad]

67. Rarely wore makeup (kind of hard over necessary SPF70) anyway, but the last time I did,

some 40 years ago, had a severe allergic reaction. No makeup of any kind since.