Key ingredients: arnica, edelweiss | Who it’s for: people looking for a multi-use foundation-concealer formula, people who want to cover redness | Shades: 20 | Finish: natural
Best Glowy Finish: Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Concealer
Why it’s worth it: “Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Concealer has a buildable formula for extra coverage but also has a glowing, natural finish that works wonders on mature skin,” says Black. The dainty, teardrop-shaped applicator targets problem areas very precisely, and the long, thin sides of the applicator are chef’s kiss for defining your nose and brows. A little goes a long way, especially for drier skin types—start with a small amount and work up from there.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Who it’s for: those looking for a crease-proof, medium-coverage concealer that offers a radiant finish | Shades: 20 | Finish: glowy, radiant
Best for Dark Circles: Sisley Paris Phyto-Cernes Éclat Eye Concealer
Why it’s worth it: “Sisley Paris’s Phyto-Cernes Éclat Eye Concealer diffuses and brightens the under eyes with a very natural, non-creasing finish,” says Black. Plus, the formula is infused with skin-care ingredients like red vine extract, caffeine, and carrot that help minimize puffiness, dark circles, and smooth any fine lines. Plus, the metal massaging tip helps depuff and improve circulation. The only downside? This shade range is rather limited with only nine shades, so you might not find your perfect match.
Key ingredients: red vine extract, caffeine, carrot | Who it’s for: those with dry skin looking to combat fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes | Shades: 9 | Finish: radiant, light-diffusing
What to look for in a concealer for mature skin
“I look for concealers that have moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, as well as a natural finish because mature skin is often dry with surfaced texture,” says Robin Black, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist. Black finds that radiant and luminous, or soft and natural matte finishes work best on mature skin. She also prefers formulas that can be layered to build up coverage just where it’s needed.
In other words, “Avoid thick, drying concealers as they bring out [any fine] lines,” makeup artist Nick Barose previously recommended. “When it comes to undereye concealer, you need a formula that will give you coverage but without looking cakey or dry, which emphasizes fine lines.
How to choose the right shade
When picking a shade of concealer, you shouldn’t expect said shade to be the same all year round. “People run into difficulty when blending and shade-matching, especially when they rely on one shade year-round,” New York City-based makeup artist Tommy Napoli previously told Allure. “We know this is trouble because we are not the same shade in summer as we are in winter.” If your go-to concealer isn’t a great match, consider what time of year you purchased it and then invest in a new shade to fit your current skin tone.
How to apply concealer for mature skin
Stick to a light hand and build up your coverage where it’s actually needed so you don’t venture into cakey, fine-line-emphasizing territory. Makeup artists recommend using a sponge for the best results, whereas “[using your] fingers can look blotchy, uneven, or gloppy, which can make your lines come out more,” Barose explained. “If you need coverage under the eyes or on spots, find a thin, highly-pigmented concealer that locks into place and doesn’t require powder,” makeup artist and photographer Beau Nelson. Alternatively, “if you love your current concealer and it doesn’t self-set, try setting it with a blurring powder and a small, soft brush,” he suggested.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
