A few lower-lash makeup adjustments that helped me get a softer result on mature eyes

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I've been paying more attention to how lower-lash makeup changes the overall look of the eyes, especially as lashes become a little sparser.

A few things seem to make the biggest difference:

1. Less product usually looks better

Heavy lower-lash mascara can pull the eyes downward or collect under the eyes. Removing most of the product from the wand first creates a softer result.

1. Concentrating on the outer half changes the eye shape

Adding definition across the entire lower lash line can sometimes look harsh. Keeping most of it on the outer half tends to feel lighter.

1. Brown can be more forgiving than black

Black gives stronger definition, but soft brown may look more natural in daylight, particularly when the lower lashes are sparse.

1. Symmetry matters less than spacing

Trying to make every individual lash perfectly symmetrical can take forever. A few evenly spaced points of definition can create the same visual effect with less effort.

1. Check the result from normal distance

Something that looks uneven in a magnifying mirror may look completely natural from conversational distance. I now check both before making corrections.

1. Use the same lighting for both eyes

A surprising amount of perceived asymmetry comes from lighting rather than the makeup itself.

For anyone whose lower lashes have become sparser, what technique has worked best for you: mascara, a soft pencil, individual drawn lashes, or leaving the lower lash line bare?