30 Holy-Grail Concealers Makeup Artists Always Use to Camouflage Signs of Aging (2024)

By Erin Jahns

last updated

in Buying Guides

I'm pretty lucky. Not only do I have a job where I get to experience, write, and learn about the newest and most exciting products, treatments, and trends hitting the beauty industry, but I also get to interview the artists and experts who execute and create them. That said, I also feel lucky to havea 73-year-old beauty-loving makeup artist as my mom,who I can consult about anything and everything. (My poor father never gets a word in when we have a family catch-up call. Sorry, Dad!)

AsaTucson-based makeup expert who specializes in educating older women about makeup and skincare, my beautiful mom knows a thing or twoabout choosing the best products for mature skin. Often (but not always), when I try to foist my favorite formulas on her, she turns up her nose, citing reasons I didn't think of, including wrinkles, pigmentation, and other skin issues that arise as we age.

Sure, I might have annoying breakouts my mom doesn't have to deal with, but she battles fine lines, dryness, wrinkles, age spots, and other symptoms of aging skin I lack experience with. It's no secretmy mom looks about20 years younger than her actual age. In addition to taking amazing care of her skin, her expert knowledge about strategic products like foundation, highlighter, andconcealercontributes to people never guessing herreal age.

Ahead, my mom is sharing the10 best concealers for mature skin she uses or recommends to her older clientele. Then, because I can never resist adding my two cents, I'm following up with all of my favorites, which, thanks to their hydrating and skin-perfecting perks, are great options as well. Keep scrolling for 20 of the best concealers for mature skin that money can buy.

My Mom's Holy-Grail Concealers for Mature Skin

30 Holy-Grail Concealers Makeup Artists Always Use to Camouflage Signs of Aging (1)

Best Overall Concealer for Mature Skin:

30 Holy-Grail Concealers Makeup Artists Always Use to Camouflage Signs of Aging (2)

Laura Mercier

Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear Concealer

"This is one of Erin's favorite concealers, and I'm so glad she turned me on to it. Even though I'm pretty particular when it comes to concealers, it was love at first doe-foot applicator touch to the skin with this concealer. (And, by the way, the doe-foot applicator is flat on one side, which ratchets up the ease of application even further.) This formula absolutely glides on, yet it's not too thin and almost feels cool to the touch. It has medium to full coverage, and it's very hydrating—which is a criterion at the top of my list for more mature skin since it tends to be drier. It's easily buildable and feels featherlight on the skin. And it has blurring properties to boot."
Customer review: "Love this concealer! Goes on super smooth. Very lightweight liquid consistency and does not feel dry or cakey throughout the day. Medium coverage. I use a damp beauty blender under the eye to blend it in, and it looks great without foundation."
Pro: Easily to build and blend
Con: None

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Clé De Peau Beauté

Concealer SPF 27

"Can I really give the second top spot to a concealer I've never tried? This is one of the most iconic concealers on the market. Makeup artists and celebrities love it, and I know Erin has tried it and can vouch for it. I've heard other women absolutely rave about this product. Even though it's in a stick formulation (which is definitely not my favorite applicator choice), the high-quality formula is designed to glide on smoothly—be it underneath your eyes or atop discoloration. Very little is needed, which is really good to hear, especially since one of the reasons I haven't yet tried it is because of the sticker-shock price tag of $75. The only other negative is that the shade range is still quite limited compared to some other top formulas."
Customer review: "This product was a game changer both for imperfections and under-eye concealment. This product allows natural skin radiance to surface and provides a subtle glow to areas treated. Highly recommend!"
Pro: Applies smoothly and evenly
Con: High price point

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Lancôme

Effacernes Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer

"This concealerhas sheer-to-medium coverage but is buildable. I don't love the squeeze-tube applicator since it's so easy to squeeze out more than you need, but the creamy, easy-to-blend quality of this concealer scores big points. Plus, it won't get cakey underneath your eyes or over mature skin with fine lines, wrinkles, or other textural issues."
Customer review: "I've bought this several times after trying other products, [and] I always come back. It doesn't cake[and] it isn't too thick. It leaves a nice thin cover on my eyelids and under [my] eyes for even coverage."
Pro: Easy-to-blend formula
Con: Potential for wasted product (due to applicator)

30 Holy-Grail Concealers Makeup Artists Always Use to Camouflage Signs of Aging (5)

"This is a concealer formula I've had in my arsenal forever. It has a semi-matte, semi-satin finish, but the consistency is quite creamy and sheer to medium in coverage. You can definitely build it up and layer it depending on how much coverage you need. I love how affordable it is, but I often find myself reaching for it and then drawing my hand back and going with a different concealer. The reason? I'm not really a fan of the foam-like applicator ball. But the concealer formula itself is definitely one of the better ones out there for more mature skin, especially if you're on a budget."
Customer review: "I love this concealer! I've tried so many, and this has got to be my favorite drugstore concealer. It doesn't dry down fast, and it doesn't crease under my eyes. I'd say it's closer to full coverage than not and is a must in my makeup routine."
Pro: Evens and brightens the skin
Con: Frequent touch-ups needed

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Tarte

Shape Tape Concealer

"This may be one of the most talked-about concealers ever. It has a lovely, thick, creamy consistency and is quite opaque, so a little goes a long way. The only hesitation I have in recommending it is that some people find it drying on the skin, which can be problematic if you have mature skin. I recommend trying to get a sample to see if it works with your skin type."
Customer review: "I continue to buy this concealer year after year. I have pronounced dark under-eye circles, and this is the only concealer that gives me the coverage I like."
Pro: Buildable medium to full coverage
Con: Potentially irritating to sensitive skin

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L'Oréal Paris

Infallible Pro Glow Concealer

"This is quite a lightweight and radiant formula, which can sometimes be a drawback, as it can highlight texture. However, if you're looking for a non-heavy concealer that has a lovely soft glow and solid coverage, this is a great affordable option for mature skin."
Customer review: "Great coverage, easy to blend, lasts for 8 hours a day on moisturized skin. Can [be] used as a light casual cover by dotting it on, [or] blend lightly with [a] damp cosmetic sponge. [I] have used [it] for years from [my] 50s and now early 60s. Compact for purse, too!"
Pro: Affordable price point
Con: Creases when applied to dry skin

It Cosmetics

Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination Concealer

"This is a great concealer if you have mature and dryskin. It has full coverage with some luminosity and great hydration. It's highly pigmented, very long-lasting, and comes in 12 shades. A little of this concealer goes a very long way. Once again, some women might not like how luminous this formula is, but if you like some glow, this is one of the best concealers for mature skin."
Customer review: "I have pretty serious dark circles under my eyes, and I need a serious concealer. This stuff is great because it not only covers, it brightens the area without creasing or looking cakey. I do use a very light dusting of IT loose powder, and it lasts all day."
Pro: Highly pigmented and long-lasting
Con: Prone to creasing

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It Cosmetics

Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer

"This concealer comes in a whopping 48 shades, so you will definitely find your match. This has full coverage with more of a matte finish compared to the other It Cosmetics concealer formula above, which is more luminous. It's highly pigmented with good-for-your-skin peptides as well."
Customer review: "Cosmetic staple that is forever in my makeup bag, this stuff is magic. Instantly look more awake and bright-eyed. I like to apply it mid-day when the fatigue sets in, and I want to turn from puffy zombie to youthful human."
Pro: High coverage
Con:Not long-wearing

30 Holy-Grail Concealers Makeup Artists Always Use to Camouflage Signs of Aging (10)

Nars

Radiant Creamy Concealer

"This is a beautiful, hydrating formula that provides full coverage and a great range of shades (30). I first tried it because Erin usually has it with her when she comes to visit us, and she told me most beauty editors she knows and celebrity makeup artists she's interviewed are also fans. It's one of the few concealers out there thathas satisfying coverage without looking thick and heavy. It lives up to its famous name!"
Customer review: "This is the best 'your skin but better' concealer! I love that it gives coverage but never looks heavy on the skin. It's also sensitive-skin safe, no breakouts in the years I've continued to use this!"
Pro: Extensive range of shades
Con: Little to no acne coverage

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E.l.f. Cosmetics

Hydrating Camo Concealer

"E.l.f.'s Camo Concealer has been a long-time favorite, but this newer version has a more hydrating formulation, which makes it an even better option for those with mature skin. It's also affordable and has a pretty good variety of shades to choose from."
Customer review: "I love this stuff! For me, a little goes a long way. Great for concealing dark eyes and spots. All I really need is this, contour and blush. I don't use foundation when using this. Blends well if desired instead, lasts all day."
Pro: Affordable price point
Con: Dries quickly and is difficult to blend

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Hourglass

Vanish Airbrush Concealer

Hourglass' Vanish Airbrush Concealer is not only my newest favorite product this year but is also backed by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to boot.
Customer review: "This concealer blends quickly and provides a full-coverage look but is cake free if you set [it] with a good powder. A little does go a long way. I have been using it without foundation, and it's such a good product to use. Definitely need more to buy more shades!"
Pro: Weightless finish
Con: Limited shade availability

My Holy-Grail Recommendations for Mature Skin

30 Holy-Grail Concealers Makeup Artists Always Use to Camouflage Signs of Aging (13)

(Image credit: @erin_jahns)

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Too Faced

Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer

I love how hydrating this concealer is from Too Faced. Plus, the coverage flexibility is amazing. You can keep it sheer or really build it up—I've even used it as a foundation for days I want something a little lighter. It's one of those products I have in multiple shades and throwin all my bags.
Customer review: "This concealer is the best concealer I've ever tried. It's very hydrating and full coverage. I highly recommend [it], and I've rebought many times."
Pro: Offers full coverage
Con: Potentially patchy

30 Holy-Grail Concealers Makeup Artists Always Use to Camouflage Signs of Aging (15)

Charlotte Tilbury

Magic Away Concealer

I love this concealer so much. Not only is it creamy, easy to blend, and hydrating, but a little also goes a long way, so you get major bang for your buck. It also has the added perk of making your complexion look poreless.
Customer review: "I'm so happy that I have this product. It's smooth to the touch, not heavy, and long-lasting. [The] best concealer by far. The foundation covers easily without looking cakey, leaving a blemish-free complexion. A+"
Pro: Sensitive skin friendly
Con: Frequent touch-ups needed

Urban Decay

Stay Naked Correcting Concealer

This concealer is named Stay Naked for a reason. It provides full coverage against dark circles and any imperfections while literally disappearing into the skin. Plus, I swear it doesn't crease, which feels pretty groundbreaking. (Most concealers crease—even if their packaging tells you they won't!)
Customer review: "Great coverage for my dark circles and works well on my dry under eyes, would recommend to anyone in search of full coverage."
Pro: Crease-free
Con: Limited shade availability

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Benefit Cosmetics

Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer

This is Benefit's newest concealer, which launched last summer. I live in L.A., and any formula that can withstand a full workday, a workout, and the L.A. heat and sun (without looking mucky and dry by hour seven) is a winner in my book.
Customer review: "I love this product. I use it under my eyes, and I'm in my 50s, and it doesn't get dry and show my fine lines. Perfect color shade too, and good coverage."
Pro: Natural-looking finish
Con: Prone to creasing

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Armani Beauty

Power Fabric Concealer

A makeup-artist favorite that provides seamless, durable coverage. If you're a fan of Armani's cult-classic foundation, you'll want to add this foundation to your repertoire.
Customer review: "This is the best concealer I have ever used, and I have tried literally all of them. You won't believe your eyes at how easily this blends in and looks like skin!"
Pro: Crack and crease-proof
Con: Not long-lasting

30 Holy-Grail Concealers Makeup Artists Always Use to Camouflage Signs of Aging (19)

Huda Beauty

#FauxFilter Luminous Matte Buildable Coverage Crease Proof Concealer

This concealer from Huda Beauty is truly like the real-life version of the blur tool on FaceTune. It's hydrating, full of skin-loving ingredients, and makes your face look airbrushed in the best way possible.
Customer review: "The formula of this concealer is absolutely amazing! The nice employee in the store put it on my under eyes for me to see how nice the coverage was, and I was shocked! No creasing and buildable coverage? Count me in!"
Pro: Easy to blend
Con:None

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Cover FX

Power Play Concealer

This concealer is a great option if you're looking for a formula that is clean and full of great ingredients. Not only does it stay on your face (versus your clothes—it's transfer-proof), but it also has brightening niacinamide and fermented algae extract, which is added to help your complexion combat pollutants and environmental stressors.
Customer review: "I have naturally dark circles under my eyes. This concealer, by far, is the best. It's lightweight, goes on smoothly, and stays on all day. Even if you have to apply a touch-up, it still goes on smoothly."
Pro: Applies smoothly
Con: Difficult to use applicator

30 Holy-Grail Concealers Makeup Artists Always Use to Camouflage Signs of Aging (21)

Shiseido

Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Concealer

I'mobsessed with this concealer. It's seriously so good and looks and applies like velvet. It's hydrating and makes even my dark, dry AF under-eyes look bright and smooth. Plus, it has some cool technology like Shiseido's ActiveForce Technology, which staves off sweat, oil, and creasing; a Responsive Sensory Technology, which effortlessly adapts to the condition, tone, and texture of your skin; and last but not least, a Smart-Correcting Powder, the magic behind its smoothing and perfecting expertise.
Customer review: "This concealer has the best applicator wand I've ever come across. I normally stay away from concealers due to them being too thick or dry looking. A little goes a long way, and it's easy to blend."
Pro: Long-lasting coverage
Con: None

Koh Gen Do

Maifanshi Moisture Fit Concealer

Everyone in the beauty industry knows about and loves Koh Gen Do's amazing foundations (it'sa staple on red carpets and film sets alike), but let's not forget the brand makes an amazing concealer as well. It's loaded with skin-improving ingredients and propertiesthat help with anti-aging and the overall finish and look of your makeup application. That being said, there is an issue with there only being three shade options to choose from.
Customer review: "I wasn't sure this would have good coverage. However, I was really surprised. I have used a lot of concealers from expensive to budget, and the price of this is very much worth having it as a concealer in your bag."
Pro: Offers full coverage
Con: High price point

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Beauty Pie

Superluminous Under-Eye Genius

Everyone needs an under-eye mascara that can mask imperfections, fine lines, and wrinkles. This one, by Beauty Pie, is available in three shades and uses high luminosity intensity pigments to scatter light while reducing the appearance of dark circles.
Customer review: "[I'm] so happy I bought this. [I] saw this on YouTube, and the lady loved it, so I said I'd give it a try. [I] love how creamy it is. You only need a little, but boy, does this work. Really highlights my under eyes to make them bright and pretty."
Pro: Brightening and concealing
Con: Limited shade availability

How to Apply Concealer on Mature Skin

It might surprise you how easy it is to achieve a flawless base when using concealer. According to makeup artist and content creatorLauren O'Leary, using a lightweight, blendable formula can absolutely transform any finished makeup look on mature skin. Using it sparingly, O'Leary applies the concealer with a small, fluffy brush for precise areas or a beauty blender for a "delicate, natural blend into the skin." When selecting a concealer, she gravitates towardthose with creamy, easy-to-blend formulas that can be used under the eyes or in areasthat need extra coverage.

"Good skin prep is essential so any concealer or product being blended on the skin looks natural, plump, and hydrated," says O'Leary. "Concealer blends best on skin that's hydrated and not dry. In general, I use as little as possible but enough to do the job." For a natural-looking finish, O'Leary may even blend two or more shades together to achieve the perfect color match for her clients. For this process, she uses a small fluffy brush for quick and effortless blending or a beauty blender to gently press and bounce the concealer onto the skin.

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Erin Jahns

Beauty Director

Erin has been writing a mix of beauty and wellness content for Who What Wear for over four years. Prior to that, she spent two and half years writing for Byrdie. She now calls Santa Monica home but grew up in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and studied writing, rhetoric, and communication at University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. She studied abroad in Galway, Ireland, and spent a summer in L.A. interning with the Byrdie and Who What Wear family. After graduating from UW, she spent one year in San Francisco, where she worked as a writer for Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen before moving down to L.A. to begin her career as a beauty editor. She considers her day-to-day beauty aesthetic very low-maintenance and relies on staples like clear brow serum (from Kimiko!), Lawless's Lip Plumping Mask in Cherry Vanilla, and an eyelash curler. For special occasions or days when she's taking more meetings or has an event, she'll wear anything and everything from Charlotte Tilbury (the foundations are game-changing), some shimmer on her lids (Stila and Róen do it best), and a few coats of the best mascara-type product on earth, Surratt's Noir Lash Tint.

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30 Holy-Grail Concealers Makeup Artists Always Use to Camouflage Signs of Aging (2024)

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