Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?
Whether you're looking to hide dark spots, blur under-eye circles, or cover up acne, the best concealer will be your makeup go-to. But as your skin matures, it's important to be selective about the formula you swipe on—the products that you may have relied upon when you were younger probably won't fit the bill as your skin ages.
"Over the years, sun-related damage causes degradation of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, which contributes to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles," says Brendan Camp, MD, double-board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. "Skin's natural production of collagen and elastin begins to wane around age 30, and sebaceous glands produce less oil too, which can affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture." Translation: Older skin has more texture that can cause makeup products to crease and settle into lines.
That's why you may now need a formula that's tailored to your skin's unique needs.
Best Concealers for Mature Skin
What to consider
The experts we spoke to say the best concealers for mature skin are those that are lightweight and hydrating with a satin or radiant finish—a heavy full-coverage formula is more likely to settle into wrinkles and fine lines. Here, some other shopping pointers to keep in mind:
Key ingredients
"Look for products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin," says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. Squalane and the silicone dimethicone are also good ones to watch out for. "This is going to help prevent the concealer from settling into fine lines and wrinkles."
Celebrity makeup artist Alexis Oakley agrees. "Creasing and settling isn’t completely avoidable, but the more hydrating and lightweight the concealer is, the less likely it is to crease," she says. "The skin under our eyes is the thinnest layer on the face which naturally makes it dryer and more textured, so it does tend to be the biggest problem area—which is why you want to keep it as hydrated as possible."
Coverage
Like foundation, concealer typically has one of three coverage levels: light, medium, and full. Experts, including Dr. Chacon, recommend light to medium formulas. "Something with a lot of coverage might actually exacerbate the visible signs of aging by looking caked on and not natural," says Aimee Carr, a professional makeup artist and founder of Voodoo Makeup. "This look can also be drying, so stick to something lightweight but buildable."
Finish
Concealers also come in different finishes, including satin, radiant, and matte. "Finish is ultimately based on preference, but I recommend a satin or radiant finish, as these will lend a plump, youthful glow to the skin," says Dr. Chacon.
How we selected
Women’s Health editors and contributors are always testing the bestselling and top-rated cosmetics and skincare products, including concealers for mature skin. Most recently, we evaluated upward of a dozen options—more than half of which were personally tested by our team of anonymous testers and in-house editors. We also consulted six experts—four makeup artists and two dermatologists—to find out what they use and recommend to their clients and patients.
Our picks are all confirmed to cover dark under-eye circles, blemishes, redness, and other signs of aging like sun spots—without caking or creasing. Read on to shop our list of the best concealers for mature skin.
Best Overall
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Pros
- Wide range of shades
- Long wear time that won't crease or cake
Cons
- May not be ideal for very dry skin
Both the makeup artists and dermatologists we spoke with agree: NARS' Radiant Creamy Concealer reigns supreme for mature skin. "It offers excellent coverage without settling into fine lines," says Dr. Chacon, noting the formula's creamy texture blends into skin like a dream. It gives you that coveted youthful, radiant finish, she says. Makeup artists, including Jenepher Reynolds, like that the formula is both hydrating and buildable. "It brightens and corrects while giving a subtle glow," she says.
Our testers were impressed by the formula's shade range, insisting they had no trouble finding the right match for their skin tone among the 30 available options. They were also impressed by the formula's long wear time. "At $32 a pop, this is no drugstore concealer. But, if you ask me, it's a worthy splurge," says contributor Brigitt Earley. "The formula comes in a whopping 30 shades, and finding my perfect match was a breeze, thanks to the brand's online shade finder. Plus, it not only expertly masked the dark circles under my eyes, but also made the area look instantly brighter and more radiant."
"I would gladly spend the money to buy another tube of this concealer once I've used every last drop—and believe me, I will," Earley continues. "I love that it has color-correcting capabilities, limiting the amount of products I need to use when doing my makeup every morning. I also appreciate the hydrating ingredients in the formula that make the consistency so silky. This was also a huge plus for me, since my skin skews dry and I have some signs of aging around the eyes (hi, crows feet!). Not to mention, I was very impressed by how bright and awake my eyes looked for hours on end. What more could you want?"
The one potential drawback uncovered in our extensive testing of the Radiant Concealer is that th formula might not be hydrating enough for people with very dry skin.
Read more: Best Foundations For Mature Skin
Key ingredients | Dimethicone, Glycerin |
---|---|
Coverage | Medium |
Finish | Radiant |
Best Budget Pick
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi-Use Concealer
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Long-lasting wear that doesn't budget
Cons
- May not be enough coverage for very dark circles
Just because you need something special for more experienced skin, doesn't mean you can't peruse the drugstore aisles. Reynolds specifically calls out Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealer, particularly for those with sensitive skin. "This fragrance and oil-free concealer is hydrating, lightweight, and affordable," she says. "While the applicator may be too big for under-eye use, I feel it provides excellent coverage and blends seamlessly into the skin."
Associate news editor, Charlotte Walsh, is also a fan of the sponge applicator. "It allows for a wide swath of product," she notes. "It's perfect for me, since I typically just wear concealer instead of foundation or tinted moisturizer. It also feels so weightless, like I'm not even wearing makeup!"
That said, even though the product did a great job of concealing fine lines, Walsh points out that she noticed the product texturize a bit when she applied powder over it. "It was also pretty light coverage, so I had to do multiple layers under my eyes, where my dark circles are more pronounced," she adds.
Key ingredients | Dimethicone, Glycerin, Goji Berry, Haloxyl |
---|---|
Coverage | Light |
Finish | Satin |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best for Dry Skin
Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Undereye Concealer
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Super hydrating with a long-lasting, full-coverage formula
- A little bit of product goes a long way
Cons
- Some say it's a bit tacky on skin
If you've spent any time researching concealer, you've probably heard of Tarte's Shape Tape—it's a perennial favorite for its stellar coverage, but it may be too drying for more mature skin. Enter the brand's answer: a newer version that's infused with hydrating ingredients to prevent the creasing and caking that's more prevalent as you get older. It's packed with maracuja, which moisturizes and makes skin look firmer, brighter, and smoother, as well as vitamins C and E. "It provides full coverage and has a long-lasting formula, so it's great for anyone planning to wear makeup for a full day," says Dr. Chacon. "This concealer does a great job hiding imperfections while also hydrating the skin so you get the best of both worlds."
WH assistant social media editor, Isabel McMahon, says that just one drop of the product was enough coverage for her, and the moisturizing formula kept her skin crease-free all day. "I also love that it’s infused with vitamin C and omega fatty acids, which help brighten and nourish my skin while I wear it," she says. "The finish is radiant and flawless! I’m even thinking of giving one to my mom."
Our second tester, commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, was happy that this concealer didn't bring attention to her fine lines. "I do like that the concealer blends in well and is truly creaseless," she says. "While some concealers accentuate my fine lines, this one doesn't."
Key ingredients | Maracuja Oil, Vitamins C and E, Mineral Pigments |
---|---|
Coverage | Full |
Finish | Radiant |
Pros
- Infused with great hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid
- Available in a variety of flexible shades
Cons
- Some users say the shades skew too warm for their skin
This concealer is new, but worth a good look, says Lily Wohlner, associate fashion commerce editor for Women's Health. "The formula sits on the skin like a dream, thanks to hyaluronic acid, squalane, and vegan collagen that make the skin appear brighter and firmer," she says.
If you're looking for something brightening benefits, Wohlner promises this formula, available in 24 shades, is a 'game-changer.' It contains a proprietary blurring technology that leave skin with a luminous, soft-focus finish. "Sometimes I use this all over my face, as it sits so nicely on the skin and never falls into any fine lines or wrinkles on my face," Wohlner says.
Key ingredients | Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Vegan Collagen |
---|---|
Coverage | Light |
Finish | Radiant |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Long-Lasting Concealer
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Concealer
Pros
- Contains SPF for added skin protection
- Very durable and lasts through a full day of wear
Cons
- On the pricey side when compared to our other picks
This concealer is among the more expensive options we tested, but both makeup artists and WH contributors say it's a worthy spluge for a handful of reasons. For starters, it boasts SPF 30, which meets the minimum SPF recommendations set forth by the American Academy of Dermatology. This is particularly important for the delicate under-eye area, which is even more susceptible to damage from the sun's rays, dermatologists tell us. It's also a super hydrating and long-lasting option. "In my opinion this is the most durable of all the concealers," says celebrity makeup artist Vincent Oquendo. "It is very adaptable and it refreshes itself, so it does not crease easily."
And our testers agree: when put to the test, this concealer stayed put all day long. "This really lasted all day, and applied and blended super easily," says editorial assistant Olivia Luppino. "I used it to cover up blemishes and redness on my face, and it helped even out my skin tone while still keeping it moisturized."
Other testers say this even works on those with dry skin. "My skin is incredibly dry," says Earley. "This is one of the only formulas I've found—and it's my job to test all kinds of products!—that doesn't look cakey around my eyes."
Key ingredients | Octinoxate, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Glycerin |
---|---|
Coverage | Medium |
Finish | Satin |
Best Full-Coverage
LYS Beauty Triple Fix Brightening Concealer
Pros
- Comes in 25 shades and offers full coverage
- Has the ability to brighten skin
Cons
- May not be ideal for very dry skin
For those who do want a full-coverage option, Carr says you can get it with this formula by LYS Beauty—no caking or creasing. It's all thanks to nourishing and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ashwagandha. It also boasts turmeric for brightening properties—important for any dark circles in the under-eye area. "This product is creamy and gives you full coverage, while at the same time brightening and nourishing the skin," explains Carr. "Perfect for those with dark spots or dark circles." Our editors love that the product is also formulated with clean ingredients and is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.
"I don't deal with dark circles too much, but I love using concealer to brighten my under-eye area," says senior beauty editor, Danielle Jackson. "This concealer was perfect for that, and the full-coverage formula doesn't crease or make me look cake-y or like I'm wearing too much makeup at all."
Key ingredients | Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Hyaluronic Acid |
---|---|
Coverage | Full |
Finish | Satin |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Waterproof for up to 24 hours
- Has anti-aging benefits thanks to collagen and peptides
Cons
- Some say the formula is a bit sticky
Need something that's going to stick with you, no matter what you have on tap for the day? It Cosmetics makes a waterproof concealer that has staying power, but doesn't sit too heavy on the delicate skin under your eyes. "It's loved, because it's infused with anti-aging ingredients like collagen and peptides, which are beneficial for the skin," says Dr. Chacon. "It not only brightens and hydrates the under eye area, but it also helps with the appearance of any wrinkles or unwanted dark circles." The brand claims its waterproof for a full 24 hours.
Key ingredients | Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides |
---|---|
Coverage | Full |
Finish | Satin |
Most Versatile
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer
Pros
- Can also be used as a highlighter for a hint of brightness
- Waterproof and in 22 shades
Cons
- Some users say it's not ideal for very dry skin
With 22 shades to choose from, this concealer may not come in quite as many colors as some other brands, but Oquendo says the ones they do have suit a wide range of skin tones, both cooler and warmer. "The creaminess makes it a medium to full coverage concealer, but it sets to a natural skin texture," he says. Users say it effectively conceals, blurs, and brightens all at once. It can also double as a highlighter—just select a shade two shades lighter than your skin tone. As a nice bonus, this long-wear concealer is also waterproof. Based on our testing, this concealer stayed on our skin for more than eight hours, which means it can handle whatever the day brings.
Key ingredients | Green Tea Extract, Squalane, Dimethicone |
---|---|
Coverage | Full |
Finish | Radiant |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best For Under The Eyes
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer
Pros
- Targets dark circles and puffiness with skincare ingredients
- Lightweight and creamy for a hydrating finish
Cons
- Expensive, compared to similar formulas
Dark circles aren't the only complaint we hear from mature women—many also complain about puffiness in the under-eye area. This concealer is unique, because it targets both, thanks to the addition of caffeine in the formula. It also contains vitamin E for moisture—another key element when it comes to mature skin.
For those blemishes and dark spots, Reynolds say "it offers a creamy, lightweight finish with a blurred, airbrushed effect that looks radiant and refreshed." If you're donning a full face of makeup, it pairs beautifully with the brand's signature foundation—our editor's top choice for aging skin.
Key ingredients | Caffeine, vitamin E, glycerin |
---|---|
Coverage | Medium |
Finish | Radiant |
Meet the Experts
- Brendan Camp, MD, is double-board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
- Anna Chacon, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami.
- Alexis Oakley is a celebrity makeup artist.
- Aimee Carr is a professional makeup artist and founder of Voodoo Makeup.
- Jenepher Reynolds is a professional makeup artist and founder of Jenn of Arch.
- Vincent Oquendo is a celebrity makeup artist in New York.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Do you put concealer on before or after foundation?
"It's generally recommended to apply concealer after foundation and then blend," says Dr. Chacon. "By applying foundation first, you can even out your overall skin tone and address most imperfections on the first step." This then allows you to use less concealer and use the concealer to make the final touches. And less product equals a more natural and less cake-y appearance, especially when it comes to aging skin, she says.
Shop more of our favorite products for mature skin
Primers for Mature Skin | Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin | Foundations for Mature Skin | Drugstore Foundations for Mature Skin
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Reviewed byBrian Underwood
Beauty Director
Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women’s Health. He is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle for several national media outlets and previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily. His work has appeared in Woman’s Day, Life & Style Weekly, Good Housekeeping, and many more. He also serves as a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and lives in New York City with his daughter.