Frequently Asked Questions
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 surface texture,” says Black. She finds that radiant, luminous, 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 [ fine] lines,” makeup artist Nick Barose suggests. “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 selecting a shade of concealer, you shouldn’t expect that shade to remain the same throughout the year. “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 explains. “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,” per 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 suggests.
Meet the experts
- Lisa Aharon, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Nick Barose, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Renée Loiz, a makeup artist and founder of Color May Vary based in Los Angeles
- Kelly McClain, a makeup artist based in Paris
- Beau Nelson, a makeup artist and photographer based in Los Angeles
- Michelle Radow, a makeup artist based in Beverly Hills
- Tomy Rivero, a makeup artist and CEO of Tomy Rivero Beauty Lab based in New York City and Los Angeles
- Lake Sanu, a makeup artist based in London
- Sara Talias, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Kierra Lanice Wray, a makeup artist based in Lansing, Michigan
- Ngozi Olandu Young, a makeup artist based in Baltimore
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?
For our review of the best concealers for mature skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
