It’s no secret that the wrong complexion product can settle into fine lines and creases, doing more harm than good for your appearance. On the other hand, the best concealers for mature skin act as a secret weapon, not only blurring imperfections but also brightening, smoothing, and hydrating for a more youthful glow.
Vogue’s Favorite Concealers for Mature Skin:
– Best Anti-Aging: Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen – $68 at BLUEMERCURY
– Best Multitasking: Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick – $38 at MERIT BEAUTY
– Best Under-Eye Concealer: Chanel Sublimage Le Correcteur Yeux – $110 at CHANEL
Makeup artist J. St. Jaimes recommends looking for hydrating, lightweight formulas with a natural or radiant finish. She advises avoiding terms like “ultra-matte,” “camouflage,” and “long-wearing,” as these formulas can be too drying for mature skin. “Concealer should move and feel like natural skin,” she says.
To combat dryness, professional makeup artists often guide mature clients toward serum-like formulas or those with anti-aging ingredients. Jaleesa Jaikaran notes, “Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or squalane are great ingredients to look for. They moisturize the skin and prevent concealer from settling into fine lines and wrinkles.” She adds that peptides help stimulate collagen production, while antioxidants like vitamins C and E protect against environmental damage.
Once you find a formula that meets these criteria, personal preference comes into play—and that’s where this list helps. Whether you prefer medium, full, or light coverage, you’ll find an expert-approved option below. The selection includes click-pens, creamy pencils, tubes with applicators, and jars with brushes. But no matter the application method, use a light hand.
“Even the best concealer can settle into fine lines if applied too heavily or if the formula is too thick,” St. Jaimes cautions. So, get ready to lighten up in more ways than one.
In This Story:
– What to Look for in a Concealer for Mature Skin
– How to Choose the Right Concealer for You
– What types of concealer won’t settle into fine lines?
– How to Apply Concealer for Mature Skin
– How We Tested
– Meet the Experts
Best Anti-Aging: Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen – $68 at BLUEMERCURY, VICTORIA BECKHAM BEAUTY, NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: Victoria Beckham’s revered concealer pen, a favorite of 59-year-old Salma Hayek Pinault, is the first makeup product to include Augustinus Bader’s TFC8 complex. This proprietary ingredient combines age-defying vitamins, lipids, and peptides to support skin-cell renewal. The high-tech concealer also contains acetyl-hexapeptide 8, which can reduce the appearance of frown and smile lines. Feel free to use this serum concealer around the mouth or any areas needing extra care. “If you value skincare and maintaining youthful-looking skin, this may be the concealer for you,” says St. Jaimes. “It features the same nutrient-rich formula found in other Augustinus Bader products, and the texture feels absolutely dreamy.”
Key Ingredients: TFC8, acetyl hexapeptide-8 (to treat wrinkles), polyglutamic acid (for moisture), squalane (for hydration and antioxidant protection)
Best For: Normal-to-dry skin, no-makeup makeup, sensitive skin
Shades: 16
Type of Coverage: Light to medium
Finish: Natural
Love It: High-tech formula, natural-looking coverage
Leave It: Can take a while to set; coverage may be too light for some
Best Multitasking: Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick – $38 at MERIT BEAUTY
Why We Love It: A favorite among Vogue editors (and Martha Stewart!), Merit’s stick offers versatile, easy application for a flawless complexion.The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick offers 30 shades and nearly as many uses. This versatile product combines foundation, concealer, and contouring, making it an instant favorite for anyone who tries it. Shortly after its 2021 launch, former beauty director Celia Ellenberg shared, “This changed the game for me. The shade matching is perfect, but what really won me over is the targeted or all-over, natural coverage from this nourishing stick. Pro tip: pair it with the tapered blending brush and you’ll never go back!” Makeup artists agree, with Alexa Persico noting, “Merit struck the perfect balance between skincare and makeup. It’s creamy, blends quickly, and is ideal for evening out skin tone without heavy layers.” Enriched with fatty acids and sea daffodil extract for hydration, Persico adds that it “gives a natural, polished glow in seconds.”
Best For: All skin types, dark spots, blemishes, dark circles
Key Ingredients: Fatty acids, sea daffodil extract
Shades: 30
Coverage: Buildable, light-to-medium
Finish: Natural
Pros: Easy to use, natural finish
Cons: May cling to texture without proper skin prep and hydration
Best for Dark Circles: Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Concealer
Price: $48 at Nordstrom
Why We Love It: This concealer, favored by Nicole Kidman, tackles dark circles with natural ingredients like sustainably harvested gentian root, coffee leaf extract, and licorice root. The vegan formula reduces puffiness, lifts skin, and brightens under-eyes. Its 16 pro pigment shades blur imperfections with a soft-focus effect, creating a “supernatural” finish. In testing, it provided an airbrushed look that lasted all day and was gentle on sensitive eyes. The doe-foot applicator ensures precise application, ideal for mature skin to avoid settling into fine lines. Makeup artist Kim Baker says, “It blends skincare and makeup seamlessly, feeling like a tinted eye cream—perfect for mature skin.”
Key Ingredients: Gentian root, coffee leaf extract, licorice root, mini hyaluronic acid, peptides
Best For: Normal-to-oily skin, dark circles, blurred finishes
Shades: 16
Coverage: Medium to full
Finish: Natural, soft matte
Pros: Brightens, hydrates, doesn’t settle into creases
Cons: May need primer for optimal results
Best Under-Eye Concealer: Chanel Sublimage Le Correcteur Yeux
Price: $110 at Chanel
Why We Love It: Makeup artist Autumn Moultrie describes this concealer as luminous, lightweight, and radiant with buildable coverage, making it a top pick for Vogue’s Kiana Murden. It feels like a luxury eye cream, thanks to ingredients like vanilla planifolia water for hydration, cedar extract for moisture, and light-reflecting particles that protect, plump, and conceal dark circles. St. Jaimes praises it, saying, “It’s a favorite for mature clients, offering a natural, lit-from-within glow and coverage that works all day or for a subtle, no-makeup look.”
Best For: Dry skin, dark circles
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, vanilla planifolia fruit water
Shades: 10
Coverage: Lightweight and buildable
Finish: Radiant
Pros: Hydrating, smoothing, natural luminous finish
Cons: Can be difficult to blend
Best Brightening: Yves Saint Laurent Touche ÉclatSaint Laurent Touche Éclat
$40 at NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: Moultrie praises Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat as “the best,” comparing it to “an eraser for the face.” A global bestseller since its 1992 debut, this trusted formula brightens, conceals, and highlights without creasing or looking cakey. The iconic YSL product reflects light without shimmer and offers skincare benefits, including vitamin E for moisture and antioxidant protection, ruscus extract for firming, and calendula extract to hydrate and soothe. Baker calls it “an iconic brightener” that isn’t a full concealer but is ideal for those seeking radiance without heaviness. Persico adds that it adds just enough light to create a lifted, refreshed appearance and works beautifully on mature skin. She applies it under the eyes, on cheekbones, and the Cupid’s bow, but it can be used all over the face, as Jennifer Lopez does in her Vogue Beauty Secrets video.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, ruscus extract, Moroccan calendula extract
Best For: Brightening, dark circles
Shades: 14
Coverage: Lightweight and buildable
Finish: Radiant
Love It: Doesn’t crease
Leave It: Coverage may be too light for some
Best for Under-Eye Bags: Sisley Paris Phyto Cernes Éclat
$135 at BLUEMERCURY and NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: Celebrity makeup artist and Sisley Paris Artist in Residence Robin Black considers this formula a top choice for under-eye coverage. It features a cooling metallic tip and botanical ingredients like red vine, arnica, and ginkgo biloba to reduce puffiness, along with ultra-pure pigments to diminish dark circles. St. Jaimes notes it’s hydrating, brightening, and effective with just a small amount, making it great for mature skin. Pro tip: Shades may seem light initially, but the included brush blends it smoothly for an even finish.
Key Ingredients: Red vine, arnica, ginkgo biloba, caffeine, soy peptide extract, horsetail extract
Best For: Under-eyes, dark circles
Shades: 9
Coverage: Buildable to full
Finish: Natural
Love It: Easy to apply, long-lasting
Leave It: Shade matching can be tricky due to limited options
Best Full Coverage Concealer: Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 27
$75 at NORDSTROM and AMAZON
Why We Love It: Makeup artist Jenna Scavone recommends this SPF-infused formula for its lightweight, full coverage and seamless, airbrushed finish. It covers blemishes and includes zingiber aromaticus extract to soothe and brighten, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and the brand’s Skin-Empowering Illuminator to protect against environmental damage. Michelle Yeoh uses it in her Beauty Secrets to counteract sun damage from her youth. St. Jaimes loves its blendable, creamy texture that feels like skin.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, argan oil, chestnut rosa fruit extract
Best For: All skin types, dark spots, dark circles
Shades: 10
Coverage: Full
Finish: Natural
Love It: Smooth application, sun protection
Leave It: Some find it could be more moisturizing
Best Natural Finish: Jones Road The Face Pencil
$28 at JONES ROAD
Why We Love It: This dense, creamy pencil…The e.l.f. pencil aligns with Bobbi Brown’s overall makeup philosophy. The Jones Road founder believes makeup should do its job—like covering redness and blemishes to even out skin tone—while staying undetectable. “I don’t want people to say, ‘Wow, look at your makeup,'” Brown once told Vogue. “I want them to say, ‘You look really great.'” With an impressive range of 25 shades, the pencil has a clear base to avoid chalky undertones and blends to a natural finish. It also contains shea butter for smooth application and to prevent settling into fine lines.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, castor seed oil
Best For: All skin types, dark circles, dark spots, blemishes
Shades: 25
Type of Coverage: Medium buildable
Finish: Natural
Love It
Expansive shade range
Leave It
Can take some effort to blend
Best Shade Range: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
$34 at NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: Tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists, NARS’s best-selling formula is free of alcohol, parabens, and fragrance. It contains a light-diffusing mineral powder that softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles, making it a favorite among celebrities. (Cynthia Erivo, Tate McRae, and others credit it for brighter, smoother skin.) “This concealer is a personal favorite for its lightweight formula, soft-focus finish, and wide shade range,” says St. Jaimes. “I highly recommend NARS for anyone struggling to find the right match.”
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, grape seed extract, vitamin E
Best For: Dark circles, dark spots, hyperpigmentation
Shades: 30
Type of Coverage: Buildable medium-to-full
Finish: Radiant
Love It
Feels creamy and comfortable on the skin
Leave It
It can be difficult to get the last bit of product out of the tube
Everything You Need to Know
What to Look for in a Concealer for Mature Skin
Baker highlights these key factors for mature skin:
– Ingredients: Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E help prevent dryness.
– Finish: Satin or radiant finishes reflect light for a more youthful glow, rather than matte.
– Coverage: Buildable sheer-to-medium coverage is less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
Scavone recommends concealers with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides. “These ingredients brighten, protect, and heal the skin barrier,” she says. “For bags or crepey skin, choose a concealer with caffeine to tighten and firm the under-eye area.”
How to Choose the Right Concealer for You
Persico suggests starting by clarifying your coverage goals. “First, identify what you’re trying to correct, whether it’s darkness, dullness, or redness.”
– For under-eye darkness, pick a concealer one shade lighter than your foundation with a peachy undertone to counteract shadows.
– To conceal texture or dryness, avoid full-coverage, matte formulas. Opt for creamy or serum-like concealers that blend smoothly and maintain a youthful look.
For shade matching, makeup artist and esthetician Erica Marie Gatt advises: “Apply concealer in natural lighting. It’s hard to judge color in artificial or poor lighting.” She recommends applying makeup near a window or stepping outside with a mirror to ensure a perfect match.
What types of concealer won’t settle into fine lines?
According to Baker, creamy, hydrating, serum-like concealers with flexible polymers work best on mature skin.”A light layer with little or no powder will keep your makeup looking smooth all day,” she says. Baker advises steering clear of heavy, matte, or quick-drying formulas, as they tend to settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
How to Apply Concealer for Mature Skin
Below, St. Jaimes outlines her method for applying concealer on mature skin.
Prep: Before putting on makeup, St. Jaimes suggests starting with a hydrating or emollient eye cream and/or moisturizer, depending on your skin type.
Color Correction: If necessary, St. Jaimes recommends using a color corrector before applying concealer. She notes that a peach or orange corrector, applied gently, can help counteract dark circles, age spots, or hyperpigmentation.
Application: When it’s time to apply concealer, St. Jaimes suggests using your fingertips, a small brush, or a slightly damp sponge to dab on a small amount at a time. Build up coverage gradually if needed to prevent caking. “Let the concealer sit for a moment before blending to improve its coverage and staying power, rather than blending it right away,” she advises. Then, set it with powder to ensure it lasts all day without budging.
How We Tested
When we test and review products, we take a comprehensive approach to provide well-rounded recommendations. First, we rely on Vogue’s extensive network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity makeup artists—to get professional insights on standout products that these specialists actually use with their clients. We combine their expertise with our editorial standards to curate the thoughtful selections you see on our site.
For concealers suited to mature skin, we chose the best based on factors like ingredients, finish, texture, coverage, ease of application, and how each formula wears throughout the day. We did this by testing each product ourselves, along with incorporating expert advice and user reviews, to decide which ones to recommend to you.
Meet the Experts
– J. St. Jaimes: Celebrity makeup artist and creative image consultant.
– Kim Baker: New York-based commercial makeup artist and former Wilhelmina model who works with models and celebrities.
– Alexa Persico: Makeup artist and founder of Alexa Persico Cosmetics.
– Erica Marie Gatt: Esthetician, makeup artist, and founder of EM Skin Studio.
– Jenna Scavone: New York City-based makeup artist specializing in fashion ads and red carpet looks.
– Robin Black: Los Angeles-based veteran makeup artist, photographer, beauty consultant, and Sisley Paris’ Artist In Residence.
– Autumn Moultrie: Los Angeles-based makeup artist and groomer.
– Jaleesa Jaikaran: New York City-based makeup artist, beauty educator, and host of The Life of a Makeup Artist podcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a helpful and clear FAQ about the top concealers for mature skin designed to answer questions from beginners to beauty enthusiasts
Beginner General Questions
1 Why do I need a special concealer for mature skin
As skin ages it tends to be drier and has more fine lines and wrinkles Regular concealers can settle into these lines making them more noticeable Concealers for mature skin are specifically formulated to be hydrating lightweight and flexible to avoid this cakey effect
2 What should I look for in a concealer for mature skin
Look for these key features
Hydrating Formula Contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid glycerin or peptides
Lightweight Texture Avoid thick heavy formulas that can crease
Radiant or Satin Finish A little luminosity helps reflect light making skin look plumper and smoother Avoid ultramatte finishes
3 Where should I apply concealer on mature skin
The main areas are under the eyes to brighten dark circles around the nose for redness and on any age spots or discoloration You can also dab a little on the corners of the mouth and the center of the forehead to brighten your overall look
4 Should my concealer be lighter than my foundation
For under the eyes yes typically one to two shades lighter than your foundation to help brighten and highlight For covering blemishes or redness on the face it should match your foundation or skin tone exactly
5 Whats the best way to apply concealer to prevent creasing
Use a damp beauty sponge to gently press and bounce the product into your skin This sheers it out and helps it meld with your skin rather than just sitting on top Using your finger can also work well because the warmth helps blend the product
Advanced Practical Questions
6 Whats the difference between a liquid cream and stick concealer for mature skin
Liquid Usually the best choice They are often the most hydrating and blendable
Cream Good for drier skin types and offer more coverage but must be warmed up and blended well to avoid heaviness