No more eyeliner after 50—this YSL makeup artist’s “5-4-3 method” lifts drooping eyelids in just a few seconds
After age 50, your eyes may appear more closed, your eyelids heavier, and your eyelashes less curled. However, simply applying mascara—using the 5-4-3 method—is enough to transform your facial expression without using eyeliner.
Why Eyeliner Isn’t the Best Choice After Age 50
Over time, the eyelids tend to sag. As a result, your features may look more tired, even when your complexion is fresh and radiant.
Eyeliner, once a must-have, can now make your features look harsh. What’s more, it may accentuate the drooping of the upper eyelid instead of correcting it.
On the other hand, the right mascara defines the eyes without making them look heavy. Lengthening and volumizing formulas lift the lashes upward and open up the eyes for an instant lifting effect.
Lifting mascara: a true anti-aging treatment
These next-generation formulas are designed for mature lashes, which are often finer, shorter, and less curled. As a result, they add both volume and structure without weighing down the eyelid.
Using a lengthening and volumizing mascara thus becomes a beauty routine in its own right. The lifting effect is visible from the very first application.
Yves Saint Laurent’s Lash Latex Mascara: Performance and Care
Yves Saint Laurent’s Lash Latex Mascara, priced at €47, promises a lifted look that lasts 24 hours. It’s designed to coat every lash, even the shortest ones.
Its uniquely designed sculpting brush features a high density of 496 micro-bristles. This allows it to style the hair from root to tip with extreme precision, without causing clumps.
In terms of performance, lashes are up to 1.6 times longer, according to an instrumental test. The fine brush delivers XXL volume while maintaining precise definition.
“This mascara does more than just create a spectacular makeup look. It also offers essential skincare benefits, especially for women over 50.”
Active ingredients at the heart of the formula
The formula combines Iris Florentina root extract from the YSL Community Gardens in Ourika withhyaluronic acid. These two active ingredients deeply hydrate the eyelashes.
This keeps your lashes supple, manageable, and beautifully curled, even after several coats. You’ll enjoy comfort and long-lasting wear all day long.
The 5-4-3 Method: Makeup Artist Sam Visser’s Technique for Lifting the Eyes
To maximize the lifting effect of mascara, YSL Beauté’s global makeup artist Sam Visser has developed the 5-4-3 method. This simple technique consists of three precise steps designed to lengthen, lift, and set the curl of the lashes.
The 5-4-3 method helps open up the eyes without eyeliner, focusing solely on the lashes. It is particularly well-suited for mature lashes, which need both structure and softness.
- 5 zigzag strokes: Place the brush at the base of your lashes and move upward toward the tips in a zigzag motion to distribute the product and enhance length.
- 4 sculpting strokes: Apply four precise strokes of the brush at the roots to lift the lashes and define their height.
- Hold for 3 seconds: Place the brush at the base of your lashes and hold it still for three seconds to set the curl.
- This technique focuses solely on the eyelashes, without using eyeliner or any other products.
- The result: a more open, fresher, and visibly rejuvenated look from the very first use.
The first step of the 5-4-3 method involves five zigzag strokes to coat each lash from root to tip. This technique distributes the product evenly and visibly lengthens the lashes.
The second step involves four precise brush strokes, focusing on the roots. As a result, the lashes lift, become more defined, and add height to the entire eye area.
The third step—holding the curl for three seconds—sets the curl. This ensures that the lifting effect lasts all day, without the need for touch-ups.
Why This Technique Is Ideal for People Over 50
Mature eyelashes need a treatment that is both gentle and strengthening. The 5-4-3 method addresses this dual need through its three progressive steps.
By combining a high-performance mascara like Lash Latex with this three-step technique, your eyes appear more open and visibly rejuvenated. The 5-4-3 method fits easily into your daily beauty routine without adding extra time to your makeup routine.
