Best Concealer For Mature Skin That Won’t Sink Into Lines

Still searching for the best concealer for mature skin? We feel your pain. It’s borderline heartbreaking trying to tackle imperfections with a concealer only to watch it sink into your fine lines and wrinkles throughout the day. But don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people with mature skin struggle to find a concealer that works with their skin rather than against it.

The good news is that there are concealers out there that are perfect for mature skin – you just need to know what to look for. Keep reading to discover the best concealer for mature skin and wrinkles with product recommendations and tips from make-up artists Wendy Rowe and Wayne Goss.

Concealer for mature skin: What to look for?

The best concealers for dry, mature skin are the ones that nourish your skin while covering up imperfections. Here are some characteristics to look out for when choosing a concealer for mature skin:

Hydrating

Our skin tends to get thinner and less elastic as we age due to a decrease in collagen levels, making it prone to dehydration. It’s this dehydration that contributes to pesky wrinkles and fine lines appearing above the lip and around the eyes, so it’s essential to use the best under-eye concealer for wrinkles. So, when you’re shopping for the best concealer for mature skin , you must choose formulas containing hydrating, collagen-stimulating ingredients, like:

● Vitamin A

● Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

● Hyaluronic acid

● Squalene

● Aloe vera

● Quinoa

Protective

Unfortunately, your skin barrier tends to weaken as you age. A healthy skin barrier acts as a water-tight seal that keeps moisture in the outermost layers of the skin while fending off irritants, bacteria, and pollutants. If your name’s not moisture, you’re not getting in. Unfortunately, as this barrier gets weaker with age, it can lead to dehydrated and vulnerable skin. However, you can strengthen your skin barrier even if you can’t turn back the clock. The best concealers for mature skin will contain ingredients that can help do just that.

Liquid or cream

Even if powder and solid concealers may have worked wonders in the past, you’re better off swapping them for either cream or liquid concealers as you age. The best concealers for mature skin and wrinkles are those with a thinner consistency because they’re more mobile and less likely to settle into creases and wrinkles. You can still choose from a dewy, satin, or matte finish; just make sure you select a hydrating liquid or cream formula.

How to apply concealer to mature skin

It’s not just the type of concealer you use that’s important for mature skin; it’s the way that you apply it. Make-up artist Wayne Goss explains that one of the most common concealer mistakes people make is using it: “Under the lash line and down into a V-shape” (under the whole eye area). This can “accentuate lines and wrinkles, and make eyes appear smaller,” especially as the day goes on and skin becomes drier, and the constant movement from the muscles under the eye means make-up is guaranteed to move. To avoid this all-too-common error, Goss suggests the following technique to create the bright-eyed ‘baby effect’:

“Apply concealer underneath the inner corner of the eye – patting into the skin that doesn’t move when you smile. Then pat, press, and feather the concealer until the inner corner is visibly brightened.”

Make-up artist Wendy Rowe believes that “areas around the mouth and eye area should appear flat” for a youthful look. She advocates using sheer concealer to mask ‘dipped’ shadowy parts of the skin, e.g., smile lines:

“Any areas that dip down into the face will create a shadow, so [use concealer] to make them lighter, brighter and bring them back up to the surface.”

Furthermore, flatten down with a little of your favourite setting powder.

To help you find your perfect match, we’ve listed some of the best concealers for mature skin below:

Best under-eye concealer for mature skin

Clarins Instant Concealer

The cult-classic under-eye concealer instantly brightens mature skin while concealing imperfections and diminishing signs of fatigue all day long. Enriched with hydrating aloe vera and brightening caffeine, this liquid concealer is perfect for tackling dark undereye areas on mature skin with crease-free coverage.

“So pleased this has returned; I was devastated when it was removed! It doesn’t sink into crease lines – lovely and smooth. My daughter is delighted it’s returned and bought it immediately!”

JOAN64

Clarins Everlasting Concealer

Clarins' Everlasting Concealer is perfect for mature skin, offering hydrating, long-lasting coverage while concealing dark circles. Infused with skin-nourishing plant extracts, it ensures delicate under-eye areas stay hydrated and smooth, reducing the appearance of fine lines. Its lightweight, fluid texture blends seamlessly for a natural finish without settling into wrinkles or creasing, making it an ideal choice for mature complexions.

Best concealer brush for mature skin

Clarins Multi-Use Foundation Brush, £26

Super-soft and cruelty-free bristles make for blending foundation and concealer even easier on mature skin – with the natural ‘second-skin’ pro-finish.

“The most gentle brush I’ve ever used. It’s like applying your foundation with a feather and the finish is far superior to other ways I’ve applied foundation in the past.”

JanW

FAQs

Do you apply concealer on mature skin before or after foundation?

Most make-up pros recommend that you apply foundation before using a concealer. The foundation will give you an even canvas to work with, with the concealer swooping in to polish any areas that need a little more coverage.

Charlotte McHale, Clarins Training Manager, adds: “It’s like skincare – you always apply the thickest consistency last. So you wouldn’t put cream on before serum, right? And concealers tend to be denser than foundation. Also, it’s got more coverage.”

Should concealers be a darker or lighter shade than foundation?

Neither! McHale recommends choosing a concealer shade that matches your skin perfectly: “Don’t go too light and never darker.”

How long should you wait before blending your concealer?

Some people like to allow their concealer to ‘bake’. However, before you empty your make-up bag contents onto a baking tray, it’s important to add that no oven is required for this beauty technique. The oven is your natural body heat. To ‘bake’ your concealer, you let it sit on your face for 10-20 minutes before blending, allowing it to melt into your skin and naturally adapt to your skin’s texture and colour.