Fall 2026 Makeup Trend Over 50

London and black eyeliner go hand-in-hand like platform shoes and ankle socks. Have you visited London? I was lucky enough to attend college and live there for 4 years in my 20s. I sported bright red spikey hair, black eyeliner, and once mistakenly used my aerosol deodorant as hairspray before a wedding. (Yes, I was a bridesmaid and had to walk down the isle like that.) That embarrassing moment has made me paranoid every time I reach for hairspray… but I digress.

Black eyeliner is being replaced this fall with lovely jewel tones. I know, it’s hard to move away from browns and blacks, so I decided to create a tutorial with my friend AJ, showing how easy it is to swap it out for a brighter, more colorful look.

I see many skin care and makeup habits and trends that no longer serve us hanging on because we simply haven’t found an alternative. Black eyeliner, specifically, can inadvertently create harsh shadows, accentuate texture or creping on delicate lids, and make eyes look smaller and heavier.

This Fall, give yourself an instant optical eye lift with a subtle, pro-age technique: swapping out, or selectively using, black liner for a hot 2026 beauty trend; rich, light-reflecting jewel tones.

The Science of Jewel Tones on Mature Eyes

Why do jewel tones work so effortlessly on women over 60? It all comes down to color theory and light reflection.

Black absorbs light. When applied to thinning or textured eyelid skin, it creates a flat, heavy contrast that drags the eye downward. Jewel tones, such as luminous emerald greens, deep sapphires, and rich berries, contain undertones that capture and bounce light. They bring out the natural flecks of color in gray, brown, green, and hazel irises while softening the appearance of hooded or drooping lids. You get rich definition without the aging severity.

The 3-Step Jewel-Tone Eye Lift

To achieve a youthful, lifted look, look for formulas specially designed for mature lids. Formulas infused with hydrating, skin-loving ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Avocado Oil, glide effortlessly over dry skin without a single tug.

Step 1: Neutral Tones as Base, Emerald as the Star

On AJ I used a toffee shade as a cream eyeshadow base all over her lid and under her eye. Then, using circular motions, I blended it seamlessly together, adding slightly more in the crease area. Then I added an Espresso shade on the outer edge to lift her hooded lid. Please note I am sticking with shades that are 1-2 shades darker than her skin, and in alignment with the autumn color range.

After that I grabbed a stunning Emerald green color, and applied it next to the top eyeline, making the outer edge the thickest part. With a woosh of a soft brush, I blended it outward and up for a beautiful flick.

The trick here is to keep the line from hitting your crease so that you don’t look overdone. Emerald has a wonderful ability to bring out brown and hazel eyes like no other color. Once blended, it is a deliciously autumn shade that goes with nearly any wardrobe.

Pro Tip: Don’t over-complicate blending! Cream formulas are forgiving. Use your ring finger or a dense, soft blending brush to gently pat and diffuse the edges upward toward the brow bone.

Step 2: Define and Lift with a Flattering Eye Liner

Next, take a cream-gel water resistant eye liner. I chose an Emerald that is a bit darker and more dense than the cream shadow in order to pop AJ’s eye shape.

Instead of drawing a thick, continuous line across the lid, apply micro-dots right into the root of your upper lash line. When you reach the outer third of the eye, stop following the downward curve of your lash line. Instead, flick the liner slightly upward toward the tail of your eyebrow.

Because pro-age formulas remain blendable for about 60 seconds before setting budge-proof, take an angled brush to smudge that outer flick upward. This subtle angle creates an instant visual lift to hooded outer corners.

Step 3: Tightline for Maximum Impact

To make your lash line look denser without sacrificing precious eyelid space, gently lift your upper lid and apply a flattering shade in the waterline. I added a water repellant black for more glamour and I also put a little on the outer top eyeline as well.

On the lower lid, less is more. Avoid lining the full lower waterline, which closes the eye and accentuates dark circles. Simply dust a whisper of your leftover cream shadow onto the outer third of the lower lash line for soft balance.

Modern Beauty Over 60

For giggles, we added false lashes to AJ’s eyes and then used mascara to blend the false and real lashes. She’s headed to the theatre so it felt right! AJ loved her finished look, and honestly any of you can do this. The fall is a spectacular time to use these colors and add some much needed drama after a long hot summer. There is nothing better than trying new colors and feeling how beautiful you are. Because you are! Just remember to check your hairspray to be sure it’s not deodorant…

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What do you think about color eyeliner? Would you use one? Which color would you choose? What skincare and makeup habits have you adopted after 60?