The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (2024)

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (1)

(Image credit: Future)

Jump to category:

  • The Best Concealers for Mature Skin
  • What to Look For
  • When to Apply
  • Shade Selection
  • Application
The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (2)

By Samantha Holender

last updated

in Buying Guides

The best concealers are capable of oh-so-many things. Some can brighten, while others are the best color-correctors. A few cover redness or are capable of decreasing under-eye puffiness with a hint of caffeine and a metal applicator. But, as we age, there are added factors to consider when choosing a coverage product. The best concealers for mature skin must be lightweight (cakiness is avoidable) and deeply hydrating to prevent product from settling into little lines. Thankfully, the concealer sector, which is expected to be worth a shocking $12 billion by 2031, is constantly releasing new formulations—and revamping existing items to perform at a higher standard.

In the past year, Charlotte Tilbury and Fenty entered the concealer game for the first time, while Anastasia Beverly Hills and Estee Lauder expanded their current offerings. Of course, brands like NARS and YSL have amassed a cult following (including yours truly, Jennifer Lopez, and Kendall Jenner) for their seemingly magical concealers that work to brighten, highlight, and color correct. Those few just make up the highlight reel.

Read ahead to get the full breakdown on the concealers in my personal collection (I’ve tested well over 100 formulas, FYI) and those loved by makeup artists and celebrities. That's not all, though. We also had five women over 45 put these products to the test—and share their honest thoughts.

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin

  • The Best Concealer for Mature Skin Overall: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer
  • The Under Eye Concealer for Mature Skin: Bobbi Brown Concealer Stick
  • The Best Multi-Purpose Concealer for Mature Skin: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
  • The Best Brightening Concealer for Mature Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Medium to Full Coverage Radiant Concealer
  • The Best Hydrating Concealer for Mature Skin: Sarah Creal Face Flex
  • The Best Non-Creasing Concealer for Mature Skin:
  • The Best Drugstore Concealer for Mature Skin: Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind

The Best Concealer for Mature Skin Overall

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer

As we age, our skin has a tendency to get drier, which makes it even more important to find a concealer that is going to add moisture into the skin. Enter: Armani’s Luminous Silk Face and Under Eye Concealer, the counterpart to their wildly popular foundation, Luminous Skin Foundation. The concealer shares the same blurring and airbrush finish as the foundation, while having the added benefits of caffeine, glycerin, and vitamin E to help brighten and moisturize the skin.

Coverage: Medium

Finish: Natural Radiant

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, vitamin E, glycerin

Pros: Lightweight; soft focus

Cons: Has a slight sparkle

Our Tester's Review: "I'm 56. My skin is drier and I have more creases, so I've had to accept that less is more when applying concealer. Armani has been my go-to for years because it honestly checks every box. It feels lightweight on my skin and leave my under-eye feeling super hydrated. It's almost like putting a refreshing serum on. I think I look pretty damn good with it." — Mindy

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (4)

(Image credit: Mindy Holender)

The Under Eye Concealer for Mature Skin

Bobbi Brown Skin Concealer Stick

A staple in celebrity makeup artist Shadi Malek's kit, this cream concealer is her first pick for on-the-go applications or touch-ups thanks to its stick packaging. The formula inside speaks for itself: It’s creamy, long-wearing, and extremely blendable. You can build up the layers for additional coverage and stay confident that you won’t look cakey, crease, or pill.

Coverage: Medium

Finish: Natural

Key Ingredients: Coffee seed oil

Pros: Great for under-eye

Cons: Not a wide color selection

Our Tester's Review: "It has a creamy, smooth texture that easily glides on the skin. I use it on the dark circles near my eyes and the edges of my lips. It stays on for a long time, but since it is a stick, I can reapply it quickly if needed. The Bobbi Brown Skin Stick is amazing!" — Darlese

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (6)

(Image credit: Marie Claire)

The Best Multi-Purpose Concealer for Mature Skin

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

A best-seller at every retailer, a TikTok sensation, and my personal go-to, NARS’ Radiant Creamy Concealer gets five stars across the board. I apply it almost like a secondary foundation in any area where I need brightness, coverage, or color correction. It gives a subtle glow that seemingly plumps up the skin rather than sinking into it. I even keep a darker hue on hand to use as my bronzer—the texture is stunning.

Coverage: Medium

Finish: Radiant

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, grape seed oil, light diffusing mineral powder

Pros: Editor-approved; good for under-eyes and face

Cons: Not enough pigment to conceal blemishes

Our Tester's Review: "I’ve been using NARS concealer for over five years because I simply love it. It blends with my skin and doesn’t look too heavy. At this stage in my life (49 years lived), I don’t want anything too thick on my face as it tends to make me look older, which is why I continue to use NARS all these years.” — Marcia

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (8)

(Image credit: Marcia Perry Dix)

Think of this product like an eye cream—but with pigment. Packed with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this concealer hydrates and brightens the skin as it deposits pigment, ensuring that your texture never looks heavy, dry, or settles into fine lines. Comparable to “shapewear for your face,” according to Tilbury, the radiant finish truly helps lift, contour, and brighten where you need it most.It's truly one of my favorite Charlotte Tilbury products.

Coverage: Full

Finish: Radiant

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide

Pros: Infused with skincare; Radiant finish

Cons: Can separate throughout the day

Our Tester's Review: "I'm a Charlotte girl. Most of my makeup is from her line—I love it, I love it, I love it. Her formulas are the best. I find this concealer to be a bit similar to Cle de Peau in its texture. It has that really creamy, smoothing, and blurring feel. I will say this one is better for short-term wear. I like it for going out to dinner or a big event, but it starts to settle into my lines a bit if I wear it all day." — Randi

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (10)

(Image credit: Marie Claire)

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (11)

The Best Hydrating Concealer for Mature Skin

Sarah Creal Face Flex

If you're in the beauty industry, you know Sarah Creal. She's the product developer who has had her hands in pretty much every big cosmetic line: Victoria Beckham Beauty, Prada, Tom Ford, Bobbi Brown—to name a few. This year, she decided to go out on her own, creating a line specifically for women over 40. The brand's concealer is the unsung hero. It's incredibly hydrating and a little goes an insanely long way; you only need a dot.

Coverage: Full

Finish: Velvet

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, caffeine, aloe leaf extract

Pros: Can be used as a foundation too; brightening

Cons: Only 10 shades to choose from

Our Tester's Review: "When I first looked at this concealer I wasn't sure the shade would match, but it ended up being a really flexible color. I used it all over my face and it evened out my skin tone with very little product; I probably only used about 10 dots for my whole face. It coved dark circles better than anything else I've tried and didn't settle into lines throughout the day. It was very hydrating, too." — Joele

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (12)

(Image credit: Joele)

The Best No-Crease Concealer for Mature Skin

Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Lift & Flex Hydrating Concealer With Hyaluronic Acid & Caffeine

It's a good sign when you can tell that a concealer was formulated specifically with a mature woman's skin in mind. Such is the case with this Danessa Myricks creation. It contains sodium hyaluronate, which is an ingredient that not only hydrates the skin—but also moves with it, ensuring that the product won't crease as you make facial expressions throughout the day. You'll also find caffeine as a brightening pick me up, and centella asiatica, which will hydrate and soothe redness.

Coverage: Medium

Finish: Natural

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, caffeine

Pros: Great ingredients like caffeine and centella asiatica; hydrating; not too shiny

Cons: Will look cakey if you apply too much; not the most forgiving

Our Tester's Review: "I am pretty low-maintenance (aka lazy) when it comes to concealer, but I may be a believer now. I like the Yummy Skin concealer. The application stick makes it easy and mess-free to apply. Plus, it's lightweight. It provides coverage and brightens up my blemishes, making my tinted moisturizer much smoother. It's hard to find concealers for my skin color because most are a little pasty and wash me out. Yummy was much more natural and subtle." — Amber

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (14)

(Image credit: Amber Randolph)

The Best Drugstore Concealer for Mature Skin

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer, 148, 1 Count (packaging May Vary)

I’m always asking makeup artists about their go-to drugstore products, and without fail, this Maybelline product always manages to come up. The plush topper is unique, making on-the-go applications incredibly easy. The formula is fragrance and oil-free, and it contains ingredients like goji berry to provide a radiant finish. You’ll get a full 12 hours out of one application—and no under-eye creases.

Coverage: Radiant

Finish: Medium

Key Ingredients: Goji berry, glycerin, dimethicone

Pros: Lightweight; hydrating; easy to use; affordable

Cons: Not great pigment for blemish coverage

Our Tester's Review: "Is it crazy if I say I might like Maybelline for the win? I've tried so many luxury concealers, but I literally got stopped five times today by people to tell me how good my makeup looked! It can feel a little chalky when it dries down, but it doesn't actually look that way in person. It's really blurring and very brightening." — Mindy

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (16)

(Image credit: Mindy Holender)

Also Recommended

The Best Natural-Looking Concealer for Mature Skin

Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer With Caffeine and Hyaluronic Acid

With five-star reviews across the board and a cult-like following, Revealer Concealer is the real deal. It’s so good in fact, that many consumers, including Hailey Bieber, are known to use the formula in place of foundation. “I just love that it’s creamy and hydrating,” the Rhode founder shared in a Vogue Beauty Secrets video. “It leaves this dewy finish on the skin.” She’s right—try it for yourself to see.

Coverage: Medium

Finish: Radiant

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid, arnica

Pros: Contains caffeine for puffiness and arnica for redness; Good for dark circles

Cons: Doesn’t last the whole day

Our Tester's Review: "When I first put this on, I loved it. It covered dark circles and instantly brightened any area I put it. I loved the creamy texture at first, but it was a bit thick, and I found it settling into lines and emphasizing texture throughout the day. I feel like it's great for brightening certain areas on my skin, but not my go-to for under eyes or acne." — Mindy

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (18)

(Image credit: Marie Claire)

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (19)

The Best Luxury Concealer for Mature Skin

Cle de Peau Beauté Radiant Corrector for Eyes Liquid Concealer

Multi-purpose, full-coverage, and luxurious by every sense of the definition, this Cle de Peau concealer will change your makeup routine for the better. Just hear out Malek: “The formula is super buttery and not too thick, so it doesn’t seep into lines. The medium coverage is better for mature skin too because a fuller coverage will actually end up sinking into pores and accentuating wrinkles.”

Coverage: Full

Finish: Radiant

Key Ingredients: Color correcting pearl supplements, glycerin, dimethicone

Pros: Great coverage; Very blendable

Cons: Some say it’s drying

Our Tester's Review: "Easily one of the best concealers I've ever tried. It makes me look airbrushed and lasts a full day. I do my makeup at 7 a.m., and this stays on—and looks perfect—until I wash it off at around 8 p.m. It's almost like a blurring filter on my face. It smoothed out any texture or blemishes, too." — Mindy

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (20)

(Image credit: Mindy Holender)

The Best Full Coverage Concealer for Mature Skin

Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Medium to Full Coverage Concealer

Full-coverage concealers that work with dry and thinning mature skin can be tough to find. But Anastasia Soare, the founder of Anastasia Beverly Hills, set out to make a product that would do just that. The result, Magic Touch Concealer, is a blurring, brightening, and color-correcting concealer that dries down into a second skin finish.

Coverage: Full

Finish: Natural

Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed extract, glycerin, dimethicone

Pros: Great coverage; covers dark circles and blemishes

Cons: Heavy and thick; better for under eyes than whole face

Our Tester's Review: "Figuring out the best way to apply this one was a learning curve. At first I thought it was really heavy and too thick, but I was actually just using too much product. I really only need a tiny drop to cancel out under-eye darkness completely." — Mindy

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (22)

(Image credit: Mindy Holender)

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (23)

The Best Concealer for Mature Skin Overall

Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Concealer

Marie Claire’s Beauty Director Deena Campbell sings this concealer’s praises regularly, so I naturally had to test it out for myself. Long story short: I get why she is this concealer’s number one fan. It maintains a hydrating, radiant texture and finish, while also managing to never settle into fine lines or creases. I use this medium coverage formula under my eyes, on my nose, my chin, on top of blemishes—it’s a do-it-all product.It's one of my favorite Tom Ford makeup products of all time.

Coverage: Medium

Finish: Radiant

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, caffeine

Pros: Good for multiple areas; Doesn’t settle into lines

Cons: Expensive

YSL Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Concealer Pen

Very rarely do we get a glimpse into Meghan Markle’s beauty routine. But, during her Suits days, the Duchess of Sussex shared with Birchbox that this YSL concealer was a staple in her makeup bag. Her tip: “To open up your eyes, apply a highlighter like Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat in the inner corner," Markle said. Given the formula’s radiant finish and antioxidant-infused formula (vitamin E reduces signs of fatigue), this product couldn’t be better for an eye-brightening boost.

Coverage: Light

Finish: Radiant

Key Ingredients: Soothing marigold; Moroccan marigold extract; vitamin E

Pros: Celebrity loved; Creamy formula

Cons: Not the most overage

The Best Longwear Concealer for Mature Skin

Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Longwear Liquid Concealer

While matte and full-coverage typically aren’t what you want for mature skin, Rihanna’s concealer innovation is the exception. It’s able to cover up dark circles, redness, and hyperpigmentation with such a small amount of product (less really is more here) that it actually sits very natural and light on the skin. Plus, it stays on—no fading, no smudging, no transferring—for the entire day.

Coverage: Full

Finish: Matte

Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica, glycerin, dimethicone

Pros: Covers dark circles; Long-wearing

Cons: Can be a little drying

The Best Matte Concealer for Mature Skin

Conseal the Deal Lightweight Concealer

While radiant finishes typically work best on mature skin, Lawless Beauty’s concealer is a great matte option if you’re committed to a shine-free face. It has a soft focus finish that’s capable of blurring over fine lines or pores, rather than drawing attention to the area. I’ve found that this is great on the face, but, as with any matte product, needs to be used very sparingly around the under eye area to avoid creasing.

Coverage: Medium

Finish: Matte

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, proprietary antioxidant complex

Pros: Great coverage; Blurring

Cons: Drying

The Best Dark Circle Concealer for Mature Skin

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Longwear Cream Concealer

Pigment is packed into just a small amount of this natural-finish concealer, making it one of the best for disguising dark circles under the eyes. Two to three dots is all you need to counteract purple blue tones. It works so well in fact, it’s Ana de Armas’ red carpet staple. “It’s incredible, and it’s pretty much all I need on my face,” she previously told Who What Wear.

Coverage: Medium

Finish: Natural

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, dimethicone

Pros: Great coverage; Celebrity-loved

Cons: Can crease

What to Look for in a Concealer for Mature Skin

As a general rule of thumb, hydrating, radiant concealers are going to work better on mature skin types. “Matte formulas tend to enhance fine lines and can look very harsh on drier skin,” explains makeup artist Michele Shakeshaft. She recommends looking for descriptive words like “creamy” or “blendable” when selecting a product to ensure it lays smoothly.

If you are really in touch with the skincare side, do a quick scan of the product’s INCI list. “Hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening niacinamide and vitamin C are excellent ingredients to look for in a concealer for the under-eye area,” adds celebrity makeup artist Sofia Tilbury, who has worked with Salma Hayek, Kate Moss, and Penelope Cruz. Glycerin is very hydrating, vitamin E is soothing, and dimethicone will help provide that silky texture. If dark circles are your concern, seek out a formula with caffeine.

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (28)

(Image credit: Sephora)

When Do I Apply Concealer on Mature Skin?

Less is more when it comes to concealer, so you should only apply extra coverage where you need it. After applying one of the best primers for mature skin and putting the finishing touches on your foundation, you’ll want to apply concealer to any areas that need color correction or brightness. “Precise coverage will perfect the look of the skin without building texture or creating a heavy look,” notes Shakeshaft.

Do I Need Different Concealers for Different Concerns?

The number of concealers you need in your collection really depends on the intensity of your concerns. By all means, you can use one formula on your under eyes and complexion. That said, you might want to throw a color corrector into the mix. “It’s a great way to cancel out blue, purple, and green pigments in the skin that can otherwise show through your foundation or powder base,” notes Tilbury. These get applied directly after moisturizer. “Let the color corrector dry until it becomes a little tacky and less moveable,” explains Malek. “Then go in with your concealer on a flat brush and blend it out with a beauty blender.”

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (29)

(Image credit: Sephora)

What Shade Concealer Do I Choose?

This is largely personal preference. A few years ago, most makeup artists would tell you to go two shades lighter than your foundation in order to brighten the under-eye. Now, the trends have changed slightly. In order to achieve a more natural look, you should pick a concealer that’s one shade lighter. “We are looking to bring that area forward, brighten, and lessen the look of depth,” says Shakeshaft.

Depending on how bright you like your under-eye concealer, you might also want to consider having an alternative, slightly darker concealer on hand for touch ups on the face.

How to Apply Concealer for Mature Skin

Picking the right concealer formula is only half the battle. Knowing the proper way to apply your concealer? That’s equally—if not more—important. “It’s all about building up in sheer layers to achieve your desired coverage and only focusing on using products where you feel that you need it,” notes Tilbury. This slow-and-steady technique ensures that the concealer looks airbrushed and natural anywhere on the skin.

If you’re specifically concerned about applying concealer in the under eye area, Shakeshaft suggests working from the bottom up. “Unless you are trying to neutralize redness in the lash line, don’t take concealer up to the base of the lashes. Apply it at the outer corner of the eye or deepest area of the under eye pocket, then tap it upwards, towards the lash line.”

When it comes to powder, you’re probably better off skipping it altogether, as it can draw attention to fine lines. Shadi suggests using minimal translucent powder with an eyeshadow brush if you need to set your makeup.

Meet the Experts

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (30)

Shadi Malek

Shadi Malek’s career of nearly a decade in the make-up industry is a testament to her passionate practice, one that has resulted in an extensive list of life-long clients. She first began honing her unmistakable style from her home city of Vancouver, Canada. Today she works in one of the world’s major make-up industry hubs, Los Angeles, transforming models, influencers, and brides with her signature artistic method.

Today, Malek infuses every make-up look she creates with her mastery of aesthetic principles and her passion for an individualized approach to every client. Make-up has never been a one-shade fits all field; Shadi Malek has made it her mission to create beautiful, tailored looks that will match every client’s unique visage.

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (31)

Sofia Schwarzkopf-Tilbury

Sofia took on the role of Lead Artist at the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty counter in Selfridge’s, London. Two years later, she began assisting Charlotte with her work as a makeup artist, from fashion shows, including Temperley London, Tom Ford, Donna Karan, Versus Versace and Victoria’s Secret, to the world’s most glamourous red carpet events such as The Golden Globes, The Oscars, The Met Gala, The British Fashion Awards, BAFTAs, and The BRIT Awards. Sofia has also led the makeup direction for beauty editorial (Vogue Netherlands) and cover shoots (Cosmopolitan Middle East). Sofia has worked with VIP clients all over the world, including Sienna Miller, Irina Shayk, Shanina Shaik, Minnie Driver, Karolina Kurkova, and Olivia Palermo.

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (32)

Michele Shakeshaft

Michele is a Pro Artist for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

Stay In The Know

Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (33)

Samantha Holender

Beauty Editor

Samantha Holender is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. She's constantly tracking the biggest nail and hair trends to pop up in the beauty space, going backstage during fashion weeks, tracking celebrity looks, and constantly talking to celebrity hair stylists, nail artists, and makeup artists. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor, where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.

Latest
  • The One Black Friday Sale to Shop for an A-List WardrobeSo many celebrity favorites are marked down.By Halie LeSavagePublished 26 November 24
  • Don’t Forget to Wear Your VitaminsWellness now comes in sticker form.By Pia VelascoPublished 26 November 24
  • 16 Affordable Perfumes That Deserve a Spot on Your VanityAdd these to your wishlist.By Emma WalshPublished 25 November 24
The Best Concealers for Mature Skin Won't Sink Into Under-Eye Creases (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 5972

Rating: 5 / 5 (60 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1997-03-23

Address: 74183 Thomas Course, Port Micheal, OK 55446-1529

Phone: +13408645881558

Job: Global Representative

Hobby: Sailing, Vehicle restoration, Rowing, Ghost hunting, Scrapbooking, Rugby, Board sports

Introduction: My name is Geoffrey Lueilwitz, I am a zealous, encouraging, sparkling, enchanting, graceful, faithful, nice person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.