As we age, finding the right mascara becomes more challenging. Thinning lashes, increased sensitivity, and irritation make many products a disappointment. With so many options claiming to work wonders, it’s hard to know which ones actually deliver.
To make things easier, we teamed up with beauty experts and enthusiasts to test some of the most popular mascaras. We wanted one that not only adds volume and length but also treats lashes gently. While some performed well, others fell short—causing clumps, smudges, or irritation.
But one mascara truly stood out. It exceeded our expectations, working especially well for those with aging lashes. Read on to see our top picks and find the perfect mascara for you.
RUMI VolumeCare+ Mascara
As we explored different mascaras, VolumeCare+ quickly stood out. Designed for mature women with thinning lashes, it delivers noticeable volume and length from the first application. With nourishing peptides and biotin, it also helps promote stronger, healthier lashes over time.
One of its best features is the clump-free, buildable formula that glides on smoothly—even over the shortest lashes. The brush adds lift and definition, and the hypoallergenic formula is gentle enough for sensitive eyes without causing irritation.
We were especially impressed with how well it held up during the day. Whether facing tears, sweat, or rain, it stayed put without smudging and washed off easily with warm water. A reliable, everyday mascara that keeps up with life.
Westman Atelier’s Eye Want You Mascara catches the eye with its clean beauty claims and sleek packaging. It’s made with plant-based ingredients and is gentle on sensitive eyes—great in theory, especially as we become more mindful of what goes on our skin.
But while it defines and lengthens nicely, it falls short on volume. Even with a few coats, it lacked the boldness we hoped for. And at $45, we expected better wear—no smudging or flaking throughout the day.
If you value clean ingredients and have sensitive eyes, it’s an option. But for the price, there are other mascaras that offer more impact and staying power.
PrimeLash Mascara is a go-to for women over 50, designed to lengthen, define, and add volume to thinning lashes. It's hypoallergenic, great for sensitive eyes, and water-resistant—lasting all day without smudging or flaking.
That said, the formula can feel a bit heavy, and some testers found it slow to dry, which led to minor smudging. While it claims to nourish lashes over time, we didn’t see much improvement during testing.
Available in soft black and a few other shades, it’s a solid pick for a more natural, less harsh look. But if you want bold volume or dramatic length, this might not be the best fit.
After trying Boom Bright, we found it delivers on being gentle and age-appropriate. The soft black shade flatters silver hair and adds natural-looking definition. Its lightweight, buildable formula works well for both subtle and more defined looks, and the silicone brush ensures smooth, even coverage without clumps.
While its moisturizing feel is a plus, Boom Bright doesn’t offer the dramatic volume some may want. The scent could be too much for fragrance-sensitive users, and since it’s not waterproof, it may not hold up well in humidity or teary moments.
After trying this tubing mascara, we liked how it coats each lash with a flexible, water-resistant formula that defines without clumping. It's super easy to remove—just warm water and a gentle swipe, no harsh rubbing needed.
It did a great job lengthening and defining, especially on tiny lashes. But some testers felt it lacked volume. If you want bold, dramatic lashes, this may fall a bit short.
While it resists smudging and flaking, the formula may not suit those who prefer a classic mascara feel. It can also dry out faster if not used regularly.
After trying CanGro’s Long Lashes Lengthening Mascara, we were intrigued by its waterproof, plant-based formula with peptides and vitamins to support lash health. It promises longer, fuller lashes—something especially appealing as lashes become thinner with age.
While it offered some length and definition, the results weren’t as bold as we hoped. The 4D fibers often clumped, making smooth application tricky, and the waterproof claim didn’t fully hold up—there was smudging by day’s end, especially in humidity.
The formula is gentle, but we didn’t see noticeable lash growth during testing. At $49, it’s a pricey option for a product that delivered only moderate impact.
Victoria Beckham’s Future Lash Mascara promises a luxe, clean-ingredient formula that lifts, lengthens, and conditions lashes without smudging or flaking—and comes with a high price tag. It applies smoothly, and the micro-bristle brush does a solid job catching most lashes.
After trying it, we found it delivers on definition and long-lasting wear, but falls short for those wanting major volume or drama. Some testers also noted it didn’t hold up well in humid conditions, making the price harder to justify for everyday use.
Urban Decay’s Perversion Mascara is a bold choice for those wanting dramatic lashes. Its ultra-creamy formula delivers rich black color and buildable volume without clumping. The brush separates and defines well, creating soft, fanned-out lashes that stay flexible throughout the day.
Urban Decay’s Perversion Mascara is a bold choice for those wanting dramatic lashes. Its ultra-creamy formula delivers rich black color and buildable volume without clumping. The brush separates and defines well, creating soft, fanned-out lashes that stay flexible throughout the day.
Revant Cosmetics’ Length & Volume Mascara is marketed as an affordable option for mature women. It aims to lengthen and volumize without clumping or smudging, using a tapered wand and natural ingredients like beeswax and plant extracts to support lash health.
While it lifted and defined lashes reasonably well, we found it fell short on volume and staying power—especially in humid conditions, where smudging became an issue. It’s budget-friendly, but the performance doesn’t quite stack up to higher-end mascaras.
The Always There Waterproof Mascara from Laura Geller is marketed towards those who need all-day wear in any condition. It features an ultra-creamy, smudge- and flake-proof formula that builds and lengthens lashes, with a brush designed to separate and define.
In testing, it held up well against humidity and wet conditions. The brush made application easy, even on tiny lashes. However, it felt a bit heavy after a few coats, and removal took extra effort—something to note if you prefer a lightweight or easy-off mascara.
As we age, our beauty routines naturally evolve to meet the changing needs of our skin, hair, and, of course, our eyelashes. What worked for us in our 20s and 30s might not deliver the same results in our 40s and beyond. The key to feeling confident and beautiful at any age lies in embracing these changes and choosing products that enhance our natural beauty, rather than trying to fight against time.
For mature women, finding the right mascara is more about selecting a formula that respects the delicate nature of aging lashes than just finding one that adds volume or length. Thinning lashes need nourishment, and sensitive eyes require gentle, non-irritating ingredients. A great mascara should enhance what you have, without causing breakage, irritation, or discomfort.
Eyelashes are often overlooked in the broader conversation about aging, but they can make a significant difference in how we feel about our appearance. The right mascara can lift not only your lashes but also your spirits, giving you that little extra boost of confidence. It’s important to prioritize products that work in harmony with your body’s natural changes, providing both immediate beauty benefits and long-term care.
In our journey to find the best mascaras for mature women, we've discovered that the right product can help you feel more like yourself, only better. And while there are many options out there, finding that perfect fit—like the VolumeCare+ Mascara for us—can make all the difference in your daily routine. Beauty in your 40s and beyond isn’t about masking who you are; it’s about enhancing the features that make you uniquely you.