Growing older often means changes in our skin, including fine lines and changes in complexion. But that doesn’t mean our makeup game can’t be as strong as ever. One essential tool? The right concealer. It can hide blemishes, brighten under-eye circles, and give your skin a refreshed look. But finding the perfect concealer for mature skin isn't always easy. In this guide, we'll break down the best concealers for those with mature skin, from top brands to budget-friendly options, and share tips on how to apply them for the best results.

In addition, we’ll cover the most commonly asked question about concealer when it comes to mature skin. So, let’s dive in!

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What is the #1 concealer for mature skin?

Many beauty experts love the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, especially for mature skin.

Here's why: It's hydrating, lasts a long time, and has a smooth finish that doesn't get stuck in fine lines. But tastes change, and new products come out all the time. While this concealer is a top pick now, it's always good to keep an eye out for new reviews and see what's new on the market.

What is the best concealer for over 50s?

For individuals over 50, hydration and not settling into lines are key factors. Estée Lauder's Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer has been noted for its long-wearing formula that doesn’t crease or settle.

Here are a few additional top-ranked concealers that are often recommended for mature skin, especially for individuals over 50:

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer: Known for its creamy texture, it effortlessly covers dark circles and smoothens fine lines without appearing cakey.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer: Packed with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamins, this concealer not only covers but also offers skincare benefits. It's waterproof and designed to resist settling into lines.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer: This product has a reputation for its ability to reduce the appearance of imperfections, wrinkles, and dark circles. It has a precision sponge applicator for easy application.
Lancôme Effacernes Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer: It's long-wear and also waterproof, making it great for those looking for a concealer that stays put and doesn't accentuate lines.

What is the best concealer for mature skin from a drugstore? (best drugstore concealer)

Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer has been a top favorite. Its sponge applicator helps with gentle application, and its formula hydrates and brightens.

In addition, here are a few drugstore concealers that have been praised for their performance, especially suitable for mature skin:

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Concealer: This concealer offers a radiant finish and is known for its lightweight, hydrating formula, making it suitable for mature skin.
Revlon PhotoReady Candid Antioxidant Concealer: Infused with antioxidants and anti-pollution ingredients, it not only conceals but also protects the skin. Its formula is creamy and doesn't settle into fine lines.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer: As the name suggests, this product is designed for hydration. It contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to moisturize and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer: A spin-off of their original Camo Concealer, the hydrating version offers full coverage with a satin finish, ensuring it doesn't dry out the skin or settle into creases.

What is the best concealer to cover wrinkles?

When aiming to cover wrinkles, look for concealers labeled as "hydrating" or "creamy". The Tarte Cosmetics Maracuja Creaseless Undereye Concealer is known for its full coverage and creaseless formula that works well on wrinkles.

When targeting wrinkles, it's essential to choose products that don't settle into fine lines and instead provide a smooth, plumping effect. Here's an expanded look at some great options, including additional products:

Tarte Cosmetics Maracuja Creaseless Undereye Concealer: As mentioned, its unique creaseless formula offers full coverage without settling into lines, making it ideal for mature skin. The maracuja oil in it ensures the skin stays hydrated.
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer: This product provides long-lasting coverage that resists settling into fine lines, making it ideal for areas prone to wrinkles.
Benefit Boi-ing Hydrating Concealer: This concealer is infused with vitamin E and apple seed extract, ingredients known for their hydrating properties. It provides sheer coverage and is particularly good for drier skin that may show more pronounced wrinkles.
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Super Concealer: A lightweight, moisturizing formula that stays put without creasing. It’s oil-free, which can be beneficial for those who also have concerns about breakouts or excessive shine.
NYX Professional Makeup HD Concealer Wand: A drugstore option that offers medium coverage and is known for its lightweight, creamy formula. It's excellent for covering imperfections without emphasizing wrinkles.
Urban Decay Stay Naked Correcting Concealer: This product offers full coverage with a real-skin matte finish. It's also waterproof, making it long-lasting even in humid conditions. The flexible formula allows it to move with your expressions, reducing the chance of settling into lines.

When choosing a concealer to address wrinkles, application technique is also crucial. A light touch, using a damp beauty sponge or a soft concealer brush, can help in achieving a smooth finish. It's also a good practice to set the concealer with a fine, translucent powder to ensure longevity without a cakey appearance.

Should you put on concealer or foundation first for mature skin?

When it comes to makeup for mature skin, the order in which you apply products can make a big difference. So, which comes first: foundation or concealer?

Starting with foundation helps even out your skin tone and can cover many imperfections right away. Once that's in place, you can easily see where you might need a bit more coverage. That's when concealer comes into play. Applying concealer after foundation helps you focus on specific spots without using too much. Putting on too much concealer can make fine lines stand out more, which nobody wants!

So, for mature skin, it's often best to go with foundation first, then touch up with concealer. This way, you use less product and get a smoother, more natural look.

Should concealer be lighter or darker?

Selecting the right concealer shade can make a big difference in your makeup routine. When it comes to the under-eye area, where dark circles are common, using a concealer that's one to two shades lighter than your skin tone is the way to go. This helps brighten the eyes and make you look more awake.

On the other hand, if you're trying to cover blemishes or other spots on your face, it's best to use a concealer that matches your skin tone or foundation. A matching shade ensures that these imperfections blend in with the rest of your skin, making them less noticeable.

In short, go lighter for under-eyes and match your skin tone for everything else. This approach will give you a more natural and flawless look.

Where do you put concealer to look younger?

Concealer isn't just for hiding imperfections; it's a versatile tool that can brighten, lift, and rejuvenate the face. Here's how to make the most of it:

Brighten Under the Eyes: To counteract dark circles and give an instant youthful boost, apply concealer in a triangle shape under the eyes. The base of the triangle should be under your eye, and the point extending towards your cheek. This technique not only covers dark circles but also creates an illusion of a lifted face, highlighting the highest points of your cheeks.
Illuminate the Inner Corners: The inner corners of our eyes can often look shadowed, making us appear more tired. A dab of concealer in this area can instantly brighten the eyes and make them appear larger and more awake.
Lift with the Brow Bone: A subtle application of concealer on the brow bone, just beneath the eyebrows, can give the eyes a lifted appearance. This technique accentuates the arch of the brows, making your entire eye area look more open and youthful.
Counteract Redness Around the Nose: The sides of the nose can often show redness or uneven skin tone. By applying concealer here, you can neutralize these discolorations, making your face look more even and polished.
Even Out the Complexion: Blemishes, dark spots, or any other skin imperfections can be easily camouflaged with a dot of concealer. Instead of layering foundation, using concealer for targeted coverage ensures a more natural look. Remember to gently blend to seamlessly merge the concealer with your foundation.

Incorporating these techniques into your makeup routine can make a significant difference, providing a refreshed and youthful appearance with just a few strategic concealer applications.

How do you pick a shade of concealer?

Selecting the right concealer shade is crucial for achieving a natural, flawless look. But with lots of options available, how do you ensure you're making the right choice? Here's a step-by-step guide to help:

Testing Zone: When in-store, the inner wrist or back of the hand offers a great testing ground. The skin in these areas tends to be more consistent in color and closely mirrors the complexion of your face. Swatch a few shades that you believe are close to your skin tone and see which one disappears into your skin.
Identify the Purpose: Different facial concerns require different concealer shades.
- Dark Circles: These often have a blue or gray undertone. To counteract and brighten this area, opt for a concealer that's 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone.
- Blemishes or Spots: For pimples, scars, or other imperfections, you want the concealer to blend seamlessly with the rest of your face. In this case, choose a shade that matches your skin tone or foundation.
The Lighting Factor: Store lighting can be deceiving. Fluorescent lights might make a shade look perfect, but in daylight, it could be a different story. If possible, step outside with a mirror or use a window to see the swatches in natural light. This ensures that the shade you're choosing looks right in day-to-day settings.
Undertones Matter: Everyone's skin has an undertone — it can be cool, warm, or neutral. While testing, ensure the concealer's undertone matches yours. For instance, if you have a pink undertone, a concealer with a yellow undertone might not look right, even if it's the correct shade.
Consult with Experts: If you're still unsure, don't hesitate to ask for help. Many beauty stores have staff trained to assist with shade matching. They can offer guidance and introduce you to brands or products you might not have considered.

While picking the perfect concealer shade requires some effort, the natural, radiant complexion results are well worth it.

Why do I look older with concealer?

Concealer, when used correctly, can be a game-changer for our makeup routine. However, there are times when, instead of camouflaging imperfections, it seems to highlight them, often adding years to our appearance. Let's unpack some of the main culprits behind this:

The Dryness Dilemma: Mature skin naturally tends to be drier. If you're using a concealer that lacks hydrating properties, it can draw attention to the skin's texture and fine lines. Moisture-rich concealers or those with hydrating ingredients can offer a smoother, more youthful finish.
The Pitfall of Over-application: Less is often more, especially when it comes to concealer. Layering on too much product can cause it to settle into wrinkles and pores, magnifying their appearance. It's best to start with a minimal amount and build up if needed, ensuring you blend well.
Shade Mismatch: While a lighter concealer is recommended for brightening the under-eye area, using one that's excessively light for other parts of the face can backfire. Instead of concealing, it can spotlight problem areas. Always ensure your concealer shade complements the specific purpose – brightening or covering.
The Powdery Problem: Concealers with a matte or powdery finish can sometimes sit atop the skin, emphasizing any dryness or fine lines. For mature skin, creamier formulations or those with a slight luminosity can offer a fresher, more skin-like finish.
Application Techniques: The way you apply and set your concealer can also impact the outcome. Always ensure your skin is well-moisturized before makeup application. Tools like a damp beauty sponge can help achieve a more natural finish. Moreover, if setting with powder, opt for finely milled translucent powders that don't add weight.

In the ever-evolving world of beauty, there's always a chance to adapt and experiment. Don't get disheartened if your current concealer isn't hitting the mark. The market is packed with options, and with a little trial and error, you can find the perfect product and technique that beautifully caters to your skin's unique needs.