Knowing our skin’s unique needs can make all the difference when it comes to sourcing make-up, especially as we age and face new challenges like fine lines, dryness, dullness and discolouration.
A good concealer can work wonders to disguise dark circles, pigmentation and blemishes, but as we age, we need to ensure it does all these things without accentuating fine lines or emphasising dry areas.
We spoke with celebrity make-up artist Hannah Martin, whose clients include Helen Mirren and Hannah Waddingham, to get her expert tips on picking the best concealer for mature skin.
What should we look for in a concealer for mature skin?
“Our skin changes as we age, it can become drier and duller because of a reduction of natural oil production,” says Martin. “This is why moisture-rich and brightening concealers are a great choice for mature skin - they provide coverage and give the skin a radiance boost without settling into fine lines. For the under-eye area, I always recommend lighter, hydrating formulas.”
“They’re much more flattering and give a fresh, dewy look, unlike heavier, pigment-packed concealers with a powdery finish, as these can feel too heavy and are more likely to crease on delicate skin. If you’re trying to conceal hyperpigmentation, go for a fuller-coverage concealer. These tend to disguise imperfections better and stay in place without smudging.”
What ingredients should women with mature skin look for in a concealer?
“Pick concealers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep the skin plump and moisturised,” advises Martin. “Caffeine is great for the under-eye area, as it helps boost circulation, which can give the skin a more refreshed look and vitamin C is good for brightening. Also look out for light-reflecting particles as these can do a wonderful job to boost the radiance of the skin under the eyes, but be careful not to overdo it - too much can give off a whiteish cast, especially in photos with flash.”
How should we pick the right shade of concealer?
“When choosing a concealer for blemishes or redness, try to match it to your exact skin tone,” says Martin. “If the shade is too light, it can draw attention to those areas rather than covering them up. For the under-eye area, going a shade slightly lighter than your foundation can be more flattering, as it brightens and helps lift the area. Just don’t go too light, or it can start to look unnatural,” she warns.
What is the best way to apply concealer on mature skin?
“Start with a small amount of eye cream under the eyes - just enough to hydrate, but not too much, or the concealer won’t adhere properly and may crease or slip off,” shares Martin. “Dot the concealer on the inner corner of the eye and let it sit for a few seconds before blending. This little trick helps it set and adhere better. Instead of swiping or wiping, I recommend gently dabbing the concealer using your ring finger. It’s softer on the skin, and pressing it in repeatedly helps the product melt in beautifully. If you want an even more polished finish, use a brush to blend it in.”
Best concealer for mature skin at a glance
How we tested
We tested a range of concealer formulas on women in their late 40s to 65 over two days to a week. We evaluated how well each concealer maintained skin hydration, its blendability, level of coverage and how long it stayed in place after several hours of wear. We also looked at the inclusivity of each brand’s shade offerings.
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Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer
Best for: A filter-like finish
The weightless formula is highly pigmented and buildable, making it perfect for tackling dark circles, stubborn spots and areas of redness. It includes microspherical powders that reflect light and blur imperfections to deliver a matte, full coverage that sets quickly and gives skin a smooth, even - almost filter-like finish. It also includes hydrating camellia sinensis leaf extract and skin smoothing squalene, perfect for addressing dryness.
The waterproof formula holds up well – it lasted the whole day without creasing or sinking into pores. Since the concealer is highly concentrated, you only need a couple of dots to conceal the eye area. It’s best applied directly to the skin using the applicator then blended with a brush, fingers or a beauty sponge. With 22 shades available it caters to different skin tones.
Buy now £35.00, Space NK
Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
Best for: Multi-tasking
A-listers like Cameron Diaz and Sarah Jessica Parker are fans of this minimalist make-up line. This double-duty complexion stick is a concealer and foundation in one. The buttery formula is a dream to use – it glides on easily, offering light to medium coverage with a flattering velvety finish, that is neither too matte or too dewy. It covers redness and blemishes without looking heavy, and you can build up the layers for additional coverage.
The slim design is useful for getting into smaller areas around the nose and under the eyes. It’s equally great for larger areas or quick touch-ups. It comes infused with fatty acids to condition and lock in moisture and sea daffodil extract to tackle pigmentation.
It's perfect for acne-prone skin, with no breakout-triggering ingredients. You can apply it with fingers, a sponge or a brush - though fingers give the most natural finish. Plus, it’s available in 30 versatile shades.
Buy now £40.00, Merit
ICONIC London Radiant Concealer and Brightening Duo
Best for: buildable coverage
This two-in-one dual-ended pen features an illuminating crayon stick on one end and a lightweight liquid concealer on the other. This versatile formula allows you to tackle everything from stubborn dark circles to blemishes, eliminating the need for multiple products.
Both formulas are a breeze to apply – they glide and blend smoothly without settling into fine lines. The crayon stick is infused with luminous pearls, which instantly brighten and neutralise discolouration under the eyes. The liquid concealer provides flawless, medium coverage that masks blemishes.
We love how you can customise the coverage by layering the two formulas. It’s also enriched with skincare ingredients like brightening caffeine and hydrating sodium hyaluronate, making it a good choice for those worried about dryness and dullness.
Buy now £24.00, LookFantastic
Victoria Beckham The Concealer Pen
Best for: Luxury skincare and make-up benefits in one
Victoria Beckham’s latest make-up drop is a collaboration with premium skincare brand Augustinus Bader. The concealer is full of luxury skincare ingredients including Bader’s signature TFC8 technology - a blend of peptides, vitamins and amino acids to address pigmentation, fine lines and redness. It’s also packed with hydrating heroes like polyglutamic acid and squalene which work well on dry areas around the eyes and nose. The brush-like pen applicator makes it a joy to use, allowing for precise and effortless application.
It has a smooth, silky texture and medium coverage that gives skin a radiant finish – it’s ideal for mature complexions craving hydration, brightness and coverage.
In a study of women aged 30 to 65, 100 per cent reported that the concealer doesn't settle into pores or appear cakey after eight hours wear, while 96 per cent said it stayed put - results we can definitely back up. There are 16 shades available in a range of skin tones and undertones.
Is it worth the price-tag? You're essentially getting a two-in-one eye cream and concealer - so it’s a splurge that makes sense if you want both skincare benefits and coverage in one product.
Buy now £64.00, Augustinus Bader
IT Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer + Serum
Best for: Dark circles
This lightweight make-up and skincare hybrid is ideal for layering under or over foundation. It has a serum-like consistency that absorbs easily and offers medium coverage that brightens the eye area and with a bit of layering also conceals breakouts.
The concealer is housed in a nifty, dual-ended tube with an applicator wand at one end and a soft kabuki brush at the other – this makes it so convenient for travel and application on the move. Developed with dermatologists and plastic surgeons, it’s clinically tested to fade the appearance of dark spots and dark circles under the eyes over time. The added niacinamide evens skin tone, hyaluronic acid delivers long-lasting moisturisation and caffeine makes the under-eye area feel instantly awake.
It stays on for hours too, fading gradually throughout the day. Pick from 18 shades including fair, light, medium, tan and deep tones.
Buy now £27.00, LookFantastic
L’Oreal Paris True Match Concealer
Best for: Affordability
This purse-friendly concealer is a must-have for anyone looking to cover blemishes while nourishing their skin.
Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and caffeine to reduce puffiness, it offers both coverage and skincare benefits. The clever iron-shaped, pointy-tipped applicator glides the creamy formula on smoothly, especially in tricky spots like the inner corners of the eyes. You can easily blend it with your fingers for a fresh, natural look or use a brush for a more polished finish that lasts all day without settling into creases.
With 17 shades available, you're sure to find a suitable match for your skin tone.
Buy now £10.99, Boots
Brulée Beauty Colour Correcting Concealer
Best for: Ethnic skin tones
South Asian skin is more prone to pigmentation and dark under-eye circles, and it can often be a real challenge to find the right shade and formula to address these concerns. The five shades in this range are specifically designed for golden, olive, South Asian, mixed-race, Latin and Arabic skin tones, filling a gap that some mainstream beauty brands often overlook.
Created by international makeup artist Fizah Pasha, this concealer is best applied with fingers or a wet sponge. The formula is long-wearing and is enriched with vitamin E and hyaluronate for deep hydration. It blends effortlessly, offering highly pigmented, full coverage that beautifully conceals dark circles and pigmentation without the need to colour correct.
Fans include Priyanka Chopra-Jonas and Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor. It was also used on some of the darker-skinned cast members of Bridgerton season 3.
Buy now £21.99, Amazon
Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer
Best for: Full coverage
This is a super option for those seeking full coverage. Acting as both a concealer and foundation, it not only hides blemishes, discolouration and dark circles, but can also be used to cover tattoos. We found it especially effective at concealing dark circles and redness on lined skin.
Despite its thick, creamy texture and pigmented formula, it blends surprisingly well. In our experience, it applies best with a sponge or brush. Its long-wearing, waterproof formula makes it a fantastic choice for special occasions like weddings and parties, when you need your make-up to stay put. For anyone with dry skin - the jojoba oil, vitamin E and honey provides a hit of hydration. You only need a small amount to achieve the coverage you desire.
For a sheer finish, we suggest mixing it with your skincare. Available in 16 shades.
Buy now £32.00, Space NK
MAC Studio Radiance 24HR Luminous Lift Concealer
Best for: Dry skin
Brimming with 31 hydrating and skin-illuminating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, jojoba oil and niacinamide – this makeup artist favourite is a great option for those with dry or dull skin. Its lightweight, serum-like consistency is easy to apply and comfortable to wear. It beautifully hydrates and brightens the skin as it deposits pigment, giving a medium coverage that disguises discolouration under the eyes really well.
It comes with a handy wand applicator and we discovered that it blends more seamlessly with a brush, especially over larger areas. The formula holds up well throughout the day - no caking, creasing or dryness in sight. Skin appears fresh and radiant, so much so that you might skip foundation altogether.
With an impressive range of 44 shades on offer, finding the perfect match should be easy.
Buy now £26.00, MAC
Clé de Peau Concealer
Best for: Stick formula
Adored by make-up artists, this cult concealer comes in 13 versatile shades. It has a super-concentrated stick formula packaged in a handy, lipstick-like bullet for easy application. Unlike other stick concealers we tried, this one feels creamy and nourishing, thanks to added skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and argan oil.
It also offers sun protection and features the brand's signature platinum golden silk to boost luminosity, along with zingiber aromaticus to brighten dark spots and treat the underlying causes of uneven skin tone. It seamlessly covers dark circles and areas of pigmentation, and once it’s on, it doesn’t budge or crease and looks great worn alone or with foundation.
Application is easy too - just swipe it on wherever you need coverage and dab it in with your fingers or a brush. We found that the warmth of the fingers gives the best blend. Although the price is steep, a little goes a long way, and with the added skincare benefits from this renowned Japanese brand, it’s worth the investment.
Buy now £59.00, Harrods
Estée Lauder Futurist Soft Touch Brightening Skincealer Concealer
Best for: Skin brightening
If dull or tired-looking skin is a concern, this vitamin C and hyaluronic acid-infused concealer quickly boosts radiance, hydrates and plumps, while helping to reduce the appearance of dark circles over time.
Available in 30 shades, covering cool, neutral, and warm undertones, the silky concealer applies effortlessly with a soft-touch wand that mimics the fingertip for precise blending.
It covers dark circles as well as other imperfections and gives skin medium to full coverage, making it perfect for mature skin that needs a balance of concealment and luminosity. The formula is water, sweat and humidity-resistant. It’s also ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Buy now £28.05, Debenhams
Erborian Super BB Concealer-Serum
Best for: Added SPF
Korea is renowned for leading the way in skincare innovation and this hybrid concealer is no exception. Not only does it conceal dark circles, but it also addresses skin texture, tone and circulation with ingredients like niacinamide, white ginseng flower extract and escin.
Plus, the added SPF of 25 helps protect the delicate under-eye area from harmful UV rays.
The concealer comes with a sponge-tipped applicator and has a light, creamy consistency that applies evenly, camouflaging blemishes and redness from rosacea without settling into fine lines. The coverage is light but buildable, so it may not be ideal for those seeking a heavy-duty concealer; however, it’s a great choice for achieving a natural, everyday look or for holidays.
With only five shades to pick from, the range isn't the most inclusive, though it does offer options for fair, medium and darker skin tones.
Buy now £35.00, Boots
Bobbi Brown Skin Concealer Stick
Best for: Long-lasting coverage
Loaded into a compact stick, this travel-friendly concealer has a creamy formula that’s easy to work with. The rounded tip is a great shape – it sweeps over the skin and can be patted in with the fingers. Its stick format is also handy for spot-concealing blemishes. It’s loaded with coffee seed oil and salicornia extract to keep skin moisturised as you build to your ideal coverage.
It quickly blurs all types of blemishes without exacerbating fine lines, creating a very natural-looking finish. It’s waterproof and sweatproof and we noted that it lasted for well over 10 hours at an emotional family wedding, requiring minimal refreshing.
It comes in a range of 18 hues to suit a variety of undertones.
Buy now £29.00, John Lewis
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer
Best for: Ease of application
If you're someone who prefers a fuss-free make-up routine or is always short on time, this concealer pen is a perfect companion for quick, easy application and touch-ups.
Housed in a convenient click-pen design, the liquid formula is dispensed through a cushiony-sponge applicator, that you can swipe on and dab into the skin with the fingertips. It has a serum-like consistency that glides and blends smoothly over the skin to cover redness, spots and mild under-eye discolouration, but still allows your natural complexion to peek through.
Available in 20 diverse shades, the medium-coverage concealer is loaded with skincare actives that will benefit mature skin, like Persian silk tree bark extract to reduce crow’s feet and dark circles; palmitoyl glycine to smooth lines and wrinkles plus wild indigo extract to boost luminosity.
Buy now £27.00, Cult Beauty
Verdict
The skin under the eyes is delicate, so you need a weightless formula that won’t tug. The Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer delivers exactly that – a lightweight feel with full coverage, making it perfect for mature skin.
It conceals imperfections without feeling heavy or cakey and its hydrating formula keeps skin moisturised, helping to maintain a fresh-faced look.
For those looking for a lighter, customisable coverage, you can’t go wrong with Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick. Not only can it be used as a foundation, it is portable, easy to use on-the-go and offers the most natural, skin-like finish without looking overly made-up.
