Finding new make-up for mature skin and updating your make-up bag can seem like a tricky task, but discovering a concealer ideally suited to your skin type and also targets your main skin concerns is an ideal place to start.
A concealer is one of the most versatile make-up products for older women as it can work wonders in covering up a multitude of skin issues. From hiding ageing spots and dry patches to enlarged pores and eye bags, finding the best concealer for mature skin that suits your requirements helps to provide a flawless base for your foundation and the rest of your makeup.
As a beauty editor who has been writing about beauty products and make up for over 20 years, I feel it is important to take these factors into consideration when looking for a good concealer – hydration, ease of application, skin compatibility, anti-aging benefits, how long it lasts, smoothness and coverage. Finding the right product that works for your complexion is important as you need to steer clear of ones that are cakey on the skin, as they will settle in to fine lines and add years to your face.
What to look for in a good concealer for mature skin?
Hydration is the key, so products with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine sit best on the skin, as featured in many of our products below. Liquid and cream concealers are better than powder ones as they don’t settle in to creases as much. Dewy formulas are a good option as they will give sallow skin a much-needed radiance boost and ensure a softer and more natural finish.
Knowing what coverage you want in a concealer will also determine what products to look for. If you prefer to wear a lightweight complexion product such as a good CC cream, opting for a medium to high-coverage concealer will help your overall complexion look balanced while covering any unwanted blemishes to get a natural finish.
However, if you are looking to treat and conceal any unwanted dark circles, I would recommend choosing a high-coverage concealer with colour-correction features to help neutralise any unwanted discolouration.
How we tested these products
As a 51-year-old award-winning beauty editor, I tested out these concealers. I have written about beauty for over 20 years, and regularly reports on the latest beauty news; from trialling out new beauty innovations and aesthetic treatments to writing about the best products for women and men. With a keen interest in mature skincare, I have written extensively on everything from the best products to use during the menopause to how to protect your skin from the sun.
We sourced almost every product on this list and tried them out for a long period of time. We then considered a number of factors including value for money, ingredients, coverage, ease of application, hydration, how good the finish feels on different types of skin, how long it lasts and how well it works on mature skin. All our reviews are honest and we make sure to include both the positive and negative comments received from our reviewers. Find out more about how we test products for Yours.
Best concealers for mature skin at a glance
Best concealers for mature skin
This amazing concealer comes in 25 shades and helps with so many of my skin issues. It’s the one product I can rely on to cover up my uneven skin tone and pigmentation, and it never needs touching up. Once it is on the skin, my spots look as though they have vanished as it melts seamlessly in. I also have a small scar on my chin and a dot or two of this product covers it up. It’s like a magic pot and with ingredients including Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, which comes from coconut oil and glycerin, it works from within by calming flare up’s and helping outbreaks heal. The price is a bit higher compared to other similar products on the market, but the effectiveness of this concealer justifies it, which is why it tops our list of the best concealers for mature skin.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Covers up my uneven skin tone, pigmentation, spots and texture
- Has calming and hydrating ingredients like Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, which comes from coconut oil and glycerin
- Variety of 25 different shades to choose from
Cons
- Higher price point
Volume: | Not mentioned |
Formula type: | Cream |
SPF protection: | SPF 30 |
Key ingredients: | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, which comes from coconut oil and glycerin |
Finish: | Radiant |
Skin type suitability: | All skin types |
Cruelty-free: | Not mentioned |
Often concealers only target one skin issue but this covers off everything in one go; including my ageing spots, dark circles under my eyes and a break-out of middle-aged acne with its impressive coverage. It comes in three different shades and although the texture is quite rich, it feels light on the skin. I also love the fact it contains tea tree oil as often my spots have a flared and angry redness to them but this calms the area down and actually works to reduce the soreness. However it does come in a small container, so you may need to restock more often. One other downside is that there are only 3 shades to choose from, so finding the perfect match to a variety of skin tones might be difficult.
Pros
- Conceals all problem areas like ageing spots, dark circles, acne breakouts and redness
- Lightweight feel
- Enriched with tea tree oil for calming effect
Cons
- Comes in a small container, so you may need to restock more often
- Limited number of shades to choose from
Volume: | 2g |
Formula type: | Cream |
SPF protection: | Not mentioned |
Key ingredients: | Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba Cera) Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla Cera) Wax, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Besswax (Cera alba), Acrylates Copolymer, Magnesium Carbonate, Malaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil BHA, May Contain (-/+): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron oxides (CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499). <br><br><br> |
Finish: | Dewy |
Skin type suitability: | All skin types |
Cruelty-free: | Not mentioned |
If you suffer from dark circles under your eyes, this concealer will instantly perk them up. It has coloured pigments that perfect the under eye area, covering flawlessly. It doesn’t cake on the skin and because the applicator tip is covered with thousands of soft micro-fibres, imperfections are immediately covered up in just one swipe. The formula is enriched with goji berry and haloxyl to slow down skin aging and after a day’s use on my spotty chin area, when I remove my make-up, the concealer has dried them out so it definitely is kind to the skin. One issue raised by some reviewers was that it is a bit difficult to dispense the concealer from the tube as they found the twisting cap mechanism a bit fiddly. It also might not be the best choice for those with dry skin as it is not very hydrating.
Pros
- Available in 16 shades
- Does not look cakey
- The formula is enriched with goji berry and haloxyl to slow down skin aging
Cons
- Some reviewers felt that it is a bit difficult to dispense the concealer from the tube as they found the twisting cap mechanism a bit fiddly
- May not be suitable for those with dry skin
Volume: | 6.8 ml |
Formula type: | Liquid |
SPF protection: | No |
Key ingredients: | goji berry and haloxyl<br> |
Finish: | Matte |
Skin type suitability: | Not suitable for dry skin |
Cruelty-free: | Not mentioned |
I can’t speak highly enough about this creamy concealer, available in 30 shades, that has the most luxurious texture to it. Firstly, it evens out the red patches on my skin, obscures my dark ageing spots and dotted on my crow’s feet at the corner of my eyes, seems to make them vanish! Its clever Light Diffusing Technology really works like magic. It leaves a luminous and glowy finish to the skin and sits well all day underneath my foundation without budging and I feel the quality justifies the comparatively higher price point.
Pros
- Available in 30 shades
- Evens out red patches and ageing spots
- Leaves a luminous finish
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Higher price point
Volume: | 6ml |
Formula type: | Cream |
SPF protection: | no |
Key ingredients: | Not mentioned |
Finish: | Radiant |
Skin type suitability: | All |
Cruelty-free: | Not mentioned |
This is a slightly different concealer (available in 25 shades) to the rest as it comes in a pencil form and I find it most suitable for targeting small spots and areas. It needs to be a bit warmed up on the hand I find before use and then you just pinpoint the nib of it on the spot and dab. It blends in so nicely onto the skin and it can be used to draw under the eyes if you want to remove dark areas. Packed with shea butter and Vitamins A and E, that help improve wrinkles, you can be confident you are using a skin-nourishing product.
Pros
- Available in 25 shades
- Since it is a pencil, it is perfect for targeting small spots and problem areas
- Packed with shea butter and Vitamins A and E to reduce the appearance of wrinkles
Cons
- It needs to be a bit warmed up by rubbing in between your hands before use
Volume: | 2.9 g / 0.1 oz |
Formula type: | Stick |
SPF protection: | Not mentioned |
Key ingredients: | Packed with antioxidants and polyphenols, this rich plant extract calms with Vitamins A and E, while skin-replenishing linoleic and stearic acids help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. |
Finish: | Dewy |
Skin type suitability: | All |
Cruelty-free: | yes |
Best budget concealer for mature skin
www.very.co.uk
Out of all the best concealers I have featured here, this is the only one that doubles up as a serum while also being very affordable. And this makes it a star buy in my opinion as it works not only in covering up blemishes and under eye bags but it makes your skin feel hydrated. It glides on easily, without sinking in to the face lines and it stays put all day. Infused with tremella mushroom, cica, and green tea, it helps reduce inflammation and promote healing of the skin. One drawback is that as the shade variety is limited to 13, it might be difficult to find perfect matches for some skin tones.
Pros
- Available in 13 shades
- Affordable price range
- Doubles as a serum too which helps to hydrate skin
- Lasts all day
- Infused with tremella mushroom, cica, and green tea to reduce inflammation
Cons
- As the shade variety is limited to 13, some reviewers found it difficult to find perfect matches for their skin tone
Volume: | 9.6 ml |
Formula type: | Liquid |
SPF protection: | No |
Key ingredients: | Infused with skin-loving ingredients tremella mushroom, cica, and green tea |
Finish: | Dewy |
Skin type suitability: | All |
Cruelty-free: | Not mentioned |
There are 30 shades in this range and I use it when I need full coverage. It has a lovely thick dab and swipe applicator which is easy to use and perfect if you want coverage of larger spaces on the skin, like under the eyes and patches of pigmentation. It has a really lovely creamy texture and when I use this I feel as though I’m painting my face, rather than dabbing it just to cover spots. It leaves a naturally dewy look on the face. It is also packed with skin goodness ingredients including hyaluronic acid and soothing aloe vera arnica.
Pros
- Has a swipe applicator which is easy and perfect if you want coverage of larger spaces
- Light, creamy texture
- Leaves a naturally dewy look
- Enriched with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera arnica
Cons
- Higher price point
Volume: | 8.5ml |
Formula type: | Liquid |
SPF protection: | No |
Key ingredients: | Hyaluronic Acid, Defensil® and Revivyl™, Caffeine, Aloe Vera, and Arnica |
Finish: | Dewy |
Skin type suitability: | All |
Cruelty-free: | Yes |
Out of all the concealers mentioned here, this is my favourite to apply as the cream-like texture feels like butter. It comes in 16 shades and you can totally multi-task with it; not only does it work as a colour corrector which means if you have uneven skin tone it covers it, but it also makes dark circles, blemishes and other skin issues disappear.
Packed with skin-loving ingredients such as Organic Jojoba Oil and Castor Seed Oil, skin feels soft, hydrated and nourished. However, one complaint raised by some customers was that it was difficult to find perfect matches for their skin tones and wished there were more shades to choose from.
Pros
- It comes in 16 shades
- Works as a colour corrector to even skin tone too
- Has a cream-like texture that feels like butter
- Packed with skin-loving ingredients such as Organic Jojoba Oil and Castor Seed Oil
Cons
- Some reviewers found it difficult to find perfect matches for their skin tone and wished there were more shades to choose from
Volume: | 5.67g / 0.20oz |
Formula type: | Cream |
SPF protection: | No |
Key ingredients: | Organic Jojoba Oil and Castor Seed Oil |
Finish: | Dewy |
Skin type suitability: | All |
Cruelty-free: | Not mentioned |
Best brightening concealer for mature skin
trinnylondon.com
A hybrid that combines skincare and make-up, BBF Eye from Trinny London blends the power of an under-eye concealer with a targeted serum. This concealer treats and hides any darkness under the eyes whilst the serum treats and improves discolouration over time to brighten the skin. BFF Eye contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and caffeine and works with the cooling applicator to instantly cool and depuff the under eyes.
The product is available in 12 shades. One of the reviewers shared that it certainly brightens the eye area and that they like the shape of the lid, which makes the product easy to dispense and avoids wastage. Another reviewer who has been using this product for a few years added that it increased brightness and lightness to her under eye area. However some reviewers found that the product comes with a distinct smell which may seem strong for some.
Pros
- Available in 12 shades
- It treats and hides any darkness under the eyes
- BFF Eye contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and caffeine
Cons
- Some reviewers found that the product comes with a distinct smell which may seem strong for some
Volume: | 6ml |
Formula type: | Cream |
SPF protection: | No |
Key ingredients: | hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and caffeine |
Finish: | Matte |
Skin type suitability: | All |
Cruelty-free: | Not mentioned |
Best anti-ageing concealer for mature skin
www.byterry.com
Looking to splurge on a new concealer? By Terry's Terrybly Densiliss range is another beautiful option made with a concentrated serum to intensely treat the skin and naturally plump fine lines. The blend of skincare nourishes your under-eyes as well as flawlessly conceals and minimises the appearance of discolouration. If you're looking for a concealer that sits comfortably in fine lines, this is definitely one to try despite the higher price range.
A reviewer who have been using this concealer for several years shared, “To me, it’s by far the most superior concealer for the mature eye area on the market. It’s lightweight, doesn’t crease under eyes, and has added ingredients to keep eyes younger looking in the long term."
Pros
- Helps to treat the skin and naturally plump fine lines
- It flawlessly conceals and minimises the appearance of discolouration
- Lightweight and does not crease
Cons
- Higher price point
Volume: | 7ml |
Formula type: | Liquid |
SPF protection: | No |
Key ingredients: | Extracts derived from the <em>Hibiscus Abelmoschus plant </em>create the so called Mimetic Factor<em>, </em>a patented skincare ingredient, Features Flawless Time Control (F.T.C), a combination of soft-focus, light-reflecting powders, Vitamin E |
Finish: | Satin matte |
Skin type suitability: | All |
Cruelty-free: | Not mentioned |
Mature skin issues like dryness, ageing spots and uneven tone can be tackled with this concealer that has a soft matte formulation. With 30 shades available, there is something suitable for everyone. The flat tip applicator makes it easy to target imperfections and it blends in to skin effortlessly. It might not be the best choice for those with dry skin, but it is great for coverage. I wear this frequently and can vouch it never gets stuck in my fine lines and feels beautiful on the skin; thanks to the fact it features my favourite skin-care hero product hyaluronic acid!
Pros
- Available in 30 shades
- The flat tip applicator makes it easy to target imperfections
- Blends easily
- Enriched with hyaluronic acid
Cons
- Some customers found that it may not be suitable for those with dry skin
Volume: | 6g |
Formula type: | Liquid |
SPF protection: | No |
Key ingredients: | Enriched VTOX (okra extract) and hyaluronic acid |
Finish: | Soft matte |
Skin type suitability: | Not suitable for those with dry skin |
Cruelty-free: | Yes |
Best long-lasting concealer for mature skin
www.boots.com
If you prefer a concealer that's designed to last on the skin, No7's Lift & Luminate is one to add to your make-up bag. Made with a blend of vitamins A and C, this radiant concealer brightens and blurs the skin for a more youthful appearance. If you love full coverage, this concealer will give you flawless-looking skin that lasts throughout the day without looking cakey. However, some reviewers felt that it is not suitable for dry skin.
Reviewers have also shared that this is an excellent product that covers under eye circles without emphasising the lines. Another customer shared that it has helped her massively with dark circles. “I was worried it would sink into my wrinkles like many other concealers do, but this one hasn't. So I'll definitely be purchasing this again,” she added.
Pros
- Long lasting formula
- Made with a blend of vitamins A and C to brighten skin
- Offers full coverage without looking cakey
- Does not sink into wrinkles
- Available in 12 shades
Cons
- Some reviewers felt that it is not suitable for dry skin
Volume: | 8ml |
Formula type: | Liquid |
SPF protection: | No |
Key ingredients: | Hibiscus Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid, Sophora, Emblica and Vitamin C, MATRIXYL 3000 PLUS peptide technology, Pro-Retinol, Vitamins A, C and E, Panax Ginseng Root Extract |
Finish: | Radiant |
Skin type suitability: | Not suitable for those with dry skin |
Cruelty-free: | Not mentioned |
Best concealer for dry mature skin
www.byterry.com
By Terry seems to be where skincare meets make-up. This semi-matte concealer is made up of hyaluronic acid, a skincare ingredient that can be found in the skin but once added topically, can instantly hydrate and attract moisture to improve the skin's texture and appearance visibly. The formula is perfect for dry mature skin which tends to lose moisture fast. This concealer can not only conceal and brighten any dark circles, but it treats any dry skin concerns that can occur under the eyes.
A customer who has been using this concealer shared, “This is great for long-term use. My skin gets quite dry, but after applying this concealer it stays hydrated for longer. It has great coverage, but I would still use a beauty blender after application instead of the brush to control the amount you need on the skin." However, some customers felt that getting perfect matches to different skin tones might be difficult since they are available only in 5 shades.
Pros
- Contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and attract moisture to improve the skin's texture and appearance
- Brightens dark circles and treats dry skin issues
- Offers great coverage
Cons
- Only available in 5 shades, so getting perfect matches to different skin tones might be difficult
Volume: | 5.9ml |
Formula type: | Cream |
SPF protection: | No |
Key ingredients: | hyaluronic acid, Horse Chestnut seed extract |
Finish: | Semi-matte |
Skin type suitability: | All |
Cruelty-free: | Not mentioned |
Best lightweight concealer for mature skin
www.lookfantastic.com
This radiant boosting, vegan concealer by bareMinerals adds instant light to the skin whilst softly reducing the appearance of dark circles, blemishes and redness. The formula is lightweight, buildable and breathable while also offering great coverage. However, some reviewers found the formula to be a bit too runny or thin.
Reviewers have shared that they get a very natural-looking finish with this concealer. One customer who has been using this for years shared, “I love this concealer, it’s lightweight, gives great long-lasting coverage, blurs lines and conceals darker areas under my eyes.”
Pros
- Available in 17 shades
- The formula is lightweight, buildable and breathable
- Provides good coverage and natural-looking finish
Cons
- Some reviewers found the formula to be a bit too runny or thin
Volume: | 6ml |
Formula type: | Liquid |
SPF protection: | No |
Key ingredients: | Made with 90% naturally derived ingredients |
Finish: | Natural matte |
Skin type suitability: | All |
Cruelty-free: | Yes |
Best colour correcting concealer for mature skin
www.lookfantastic.com
This weightless concealer from Bobbi Brown plumps the skin to gently treat and cover any discolouration under the eyes. The serum is infused with a blend of natural ingredients such as Cordyceps mushroom and bamboo grass to help plump, de-puff and minimise the appearance of discolouration. The nourishing and effective formula makes up for the higher price point.
With 17 different shades to choose from, reviewers have shared that it is a hydrating concealer that spreads and blends very easily. One customer shared, “It is lightweight with a great buildable coverage. It is very pigmented and does not dry skin.”
Pros
- Helps to hide discolouration and even out skin tone
- Has natural ingredients such as Cordyceps mushroom andbamboo grass to help plump and de-puff the skin
- Comes in 17 different shades
- Lightweight and buildable formula
Cons
- Higher price point
Volume: | 6ml |
Formula type: | Liquid |
SPF protection: | No |
Key ingredients: | Cordyceps mushroom and bamboo grass, Artemia Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Sasa Kurilensis Water, Rhodochrosite Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract, Gentiana Lutea (Gentian) Root Extract |
Finish: | Dewy |
Skin type suitability: | All |
Cruelty-free: | Not mentioned |
Best matte finish concealer for mature skin
www.beautypie.com
With a super-blendable formula that softly conceals imperfections, this concealer from Beauty Pie is jam-packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter and olive fruits to maintain moisture and avoid the skin looking or feeling dry. The finish is a nice, smooth matte one that does not feel dry of cakey.
A reviewer who has been using the concealer shared, “This is the best I have used. The colour is perfect on my skin, and it blends very well with my foundation without leaving a dry, cakey patch.” Although, you might need to apply a few layers to get the desired coverage according to some customers who purchased the product.
Pros
- Enriched with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter and olive
- Available in 14 shades
- Offers a smooth matte finish
Cons
- You might need to apply a few layers to get the desired coverage
Volume: | 4 ml |
Formula type: | Liquid |
SPF protection: | No |
Key ingredients: | hyaluronic acid, shea butter and olive fruits |
Finish: | Matte |
Skin type suitability: | May not be suitable for dry skin |
Cruelty-free: | Yes |
FAQs
How do you find the right shade of concealer?
The key here is to know what skin "undertone" you have (the same goes for foundation). This is basically the colour hue underneath the surface of the skin, which tends to be either warm, cool or neutral.
To do this it is advised to look at your veins to determine what hue you are: if they are blue with a green tint you fall in to the warm undertone, blue veins with a purple tint are cool and neutral skin tones will have a combination of both colours.
Once you know your skin undertone, and the areas of the face you want to cover such as dark eyes, ageing spots and pimples, you'll find online shops sell concealers on the basis of your skin undertone. And, if they don't, ask in stores as they can advise you much better if you already know your undertone.
Should concealer be lighter or darker than your skin?
If used for under eye it should be lighter as it gives a brightening effect. But if you are using it all over your face, make it the same shade as your foundation.
Do you put concealer on before or after foundation on mature skin?
Although I used to apply concealer first before foundation, my rule of thumb is to do it the other way round as foundation can move it. If you apply concealer on top of foundation, you'll find you will need less of it and that it is easier to blur on top of the foundation, rather than the other way round.
How should you prep the skin before applying concealer?
Ensuring your base makeup lasts throughout the day ultimately depends on the skin prep. Applying a face primer that suits your skin type will ensure your foundation and concealer seamlessly blends, looks fresh and stays in place. You'll also want to use a face powder for mature skin on top of your concealer to set it.
How do you keep concealer from creasing on older skin?
Always use a face primer as that creates a veil over the face to stop products from sinking in to fine lines and wrinkles. And ensure the concealer goes on lightly, rather than in thick layers
What is the best way to apply concealer on mature skin?
Dab lightly the area with either your finger or a small concealer brush. Apply a lot less than you think you will need as extra layers will look cakey or peel off once you start sweating.
How to conceal under eye bags or dark circles with concealer?
The skin under the eye is thinner so prepping it before you conceal is important. Let your eye cream settle first, before applying primer. A creamy concealer is better as it glides on easily and remember, less is more. I like to dot it on with my finger first and then use a make-up sponge to blend it in so it doesn't pull at the skin.
Suzanne Baum is an award-winning beauty editor, with columns across numerous outlets, including the Metro, Women's Fitness, the Independent and Yahoo. Having written about beauty for over 20 years, Suzanne regularly reports on the latest beauty news; from trialling out new beauty innovations and aesthetic treatments to writing on the best products for women and men.