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Is there anything a good concealer can’t do?
Actually, yes.
Concealer isn’t a cure-all makeup product, and it should never be a replacement for color correctors or foundation, but when used properly, it can lighten dark circles and even help blur fine lines. But there’s a catch. Using concealer when you’re over 40 or 50 and are showing signs of aging around the eyes is a different ballgame than using one when you’re 20. Back in the day your biggest complaint may have been that you’ve chosen a too-light shade of concealer that doesn’t work with your skin tone. Or maybe your concealer didn’t match your skin type and resulted in dryness and patchiness.
But now there are a few more concerns to consider, and a big one is: will your foundation look natural or will it seep into fine lines and intensify their appearance? The trick is to choose concealers that have hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or radiant finishes that won’t become dry. These concealers combine some of the benefits of skincare with the results you want from your makeup. If you’re in the market for a new concealer, here are four that work well on mature skin — and four we wouldn’t recommend.
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer
This concealer is a favorite among women with mature skin because it offers a creamy formulation that feels hydrating and has a radiant finish that helps reflect light and is neither too matte (which can be drying) nor too dewy, which can look oily and streak.
It comes in 22 shades and provides medium coverage — this means it should be intense enough to cover dark circles. According to one reviewer, “I am a mature woman and I’ve tried a lot of concealers. This is by far one of my favourites. It’s creamy, it covers well. I’m pretty sure I won’t be buying any others again. My next purchase will be the foundation to go with it!”
Purchase this concealer at Sephora for $42.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi-Use Concealer
We love how this best-selling concealer from Maybelline costs less than $15 and is wonderful on mature skin. Its ingredients include hydrating goji berries and it comes with one of the best built-in sponge applicators to help blend it well. Maybelline’s website is also helpful in helping you virtually “try on” a shade of concealer to see if it’s the right pick for you and gives you the option of shopping among warm, cool, and neutral tones.
According to one reviewer, “Great coverage without settling in wrinkles. LOVE the applicator.”
Purchase this concealer at Maybelline for $10.99.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer Stick
This concealer stick from Neutrogena is ideal for dry skin because it contains hydrating hyaluronic acid. It is available in five shades and is especially great if you prefer to have more control over your concealer application — you can apply directly from the stick and use a brush or sponge to blend well. No liquid concealer means less mess.
Here’s what one reviewer has to say: “I don’t normally use make up, but as I’m getting older, I’ve noticed I have more dark circles and bags under my eyes. I’ve always loved Neutrogena products. I found this concealer and saw the reviews and gave it a shot. It absolutely brightens up my face. A couple of little blots and a blender in the morning and I’m good to go for the day. It doesn’t cake up either like other brands have. I’m really happy with this purchase.”
Purchase this concealer on Amazon for $12.
Kosas Mini Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer with Caffeine and Hyaluronic Acid
The key ingredients in this highly rated concealer include brightening caffeine, which helps de-puff tired eyes and eliminate darkness, and moisturizing hyaluronic acid. Add on the fact that it comes in six shades in a light-reflecting radiant finish and you’ve got a great concealer for mature skin.
According to one reviewer: “I really like this concealer. I have a problem with dry patches that come up often on my face and even around my eyes. This concealer is nice because it doesn’t dry out my skin and has good coverage for my mature skin.”
Purchase this concealer at Sephora for $15.
Worst Concealers for Mature Skin
Instead of calling out specific brands, let’s take a look at the concealer types that aren’t usually the best choices for mature skin:
Powder Concealers
These are just a big ole NO. Powder concealers settle into pores and fine lines and accentuate dry skin. They aren’t hydrating or luminous enough to work on mature skin types.
Full Coverage Concealers
You may think more is more when it comes to hiding dark circles and fine lines, but full-coverage concealer can be too thick and may end up cracking a few hours into wearing them. A better plan is to choose a light to medium-coverage concealer and build up where needed.
A Too-Light Concealer
If you go lighter than you should, will it conceal circles better? Possibly. But it will also look ghostly on your skin and will stand out and not look natural. And that will only wind up drawing attention to the area. Always choose a concealer that’s 1-2 shades lighter.
Matte Concealers
Concealer with a matte finish CAN work - if you have extremely dry skin to start. But if your skin is normal or dry, these concealer types will make your skin even more dry, which results in patchiness and basically throwing a spotlight on lines and wrinkles. Play it safe by sticking with radiant or dewy finishes. And always use a skin primer prior to applying any concealer to help it glide on and stay on well for hours.
