The Best Concealers For Mature Skin, According To Beauty Experts

Concealer is a non-negotiable for many people, and for good reason. A few dabs from a hardworking cover-up can quickly erase a restless night or a fresh breakout. But as we age, finding a concealer that doesn't settle into fine lines and dry out skin can be a struggle. Oftentimes, a product that you've used for years suddenly doesn't cut it anymore.

How to pick a mature skin concealer

Finding the best concealers for mature skin is all about pinpointing what you want from a formula. Adding luminosity is the first step in camouflaging unwanted dark circles and making the skin look brighter and well-rested. Selecting a concealer that's pigmented enough to cover dark circles but lightweight enough to appear natural is also key to ensuring the skin doesn't look cakey.

From a drugstore classic to a pop star-backed newbie, we've rounded up a few of our favourites, plus some formulas beauty experts can't get enough of.

The best concealers for mature skin to shop now

NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum, $16

Janine Falcon, a 55-year-old beauty writer and founder of Beautygeeks, has tried many concealers over the years, but she always comes back to this affordable option that makes applying concealer easy. "The medium-coverage, natural-finish formula battles moderate dryness with a comforting blend of emollients and humectants, including tremella mushroom, plus a side of calming centella asiatica and antioxidant green tea," she explains.

To find her ideal shade, Falcon likes to mix two together to create a custom hue for her skin tone. "The drugstore price means my wallet doesn't mind having to buy two, and the extra effort is worth it."

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer, $49

"Concealer is one of the most personal things—it's right up there with eye creams in terms of being a polarizing product," says Jill Dunn, co-creator of Breaking Beauty Podcast. She loves this pick from Hourglass for her oily skin.

"The trick is to use a minimal amount under the eyes—sometimes even a singular dot will do—and blend. I like that it has micro-powders in there so it's self-setting."

Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer, $30

This liquid concealer drummed up a lot of hype when it launched last year and it became an instant best-seller for the sensitive skin-focused brand. Its weightless, skin-like finish won't highlight dryness and it can be used on all skin types—even those that get easily irritated—as the formula is fragrance- and alcohol-free.

With ingredients like plumping hyaluronic acid, soothing cica and repairing lysine, it's a must-try for a calmer, brighter complexion. The narrow wand makes it an excellent under-eye concealer as well.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Correcting GelStick Concealer, $35

"I ask a lot of my concealer. I want something that feels lightweight, but can tackle dark circles, random blemishes and stays put all day," says Liza Herz, 59, a beauty writer and founder of beauty blog Old(ish). She swears by this Shiseido stick concealer, which minimizes under-eye circles and darkness while still being light and hydrating. "My under eye area doesn’t dry up like crinkly crêpe paper."

Maybelline New York Age Rewind Multi-Use Concealer, $15

This budget-friendly concealer has been a crowd-pleaser for years, and it's easy to see why. A few dabs instantly brightens under the eyes, leaving skin looking refreshed and radiant. The vegan and talc-free formula provides up to 12 hours of coverage.

We love the easy-peasy sponge-tip applicator that makes on-the-go application a breeze.

M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Conceal and Correct Palette, $46

Althea Johnson, the 58 year-old founder of Shop Propr Life + Style, has been a fan of the M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Finish Concealer since her early twenties. "I remember going into M.A.C's Covent Garden retail store in London, where I would get the same concealer that I still love today," she says.

The versatile formula allows her to achieve an easy and natural no-makeup look by applying it to her under-eyes and any discolouration on her face. "The creamy texture holds its coverage all day."

While the concealer is currently sold out, you can get the same results with the brand's Correct and Conceal palette.

Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + De-Puffing Concealer, $44

Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this liquid concealer also contains blurring pigments for a soft, radiant look.

While it makes quick work of under eye circles, the texture and coverage makes it also an excellent choice for concealing pesky blemishes.

Glossier Stretch Balm Concealer, $30

"Over the last few years, I have tended to skip concealer," says writer Lesa Hannah, 50. "I think it's a combination of being lazy and an article I read about French girls skipping it." But when she does reach for one, Glossier's Stretch Balm Concealer is her go-to to brighten up the inner and outer corners of her eyes. "It's sheer, but I don't want it to look opaque on my skin."

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, $44

"The concealer I purchase on repeat is the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer," says Shobana Lakkavally, 41, a makeup artist and TV beauty expert. "My biggest challenge is the dark circles under my eyes that come with my South Asian roots. This is the only concealer that provides full coverage, doesn’t crease when set, looks natural and has the right shades to conceal and colour correct at the same time," she explains.

Milk Makeup Future Fluid All-Over Cream Concealer, $40

Available in 30 shades, this liquid concealer serves up medium-to-full coverage in a weightless texture. Thanks to its pigment-packed formula, a little of this full-coverage concealer goes a long way (think: one or two dabs under the eyes).

It blends like a dream using either your fingers, a brush or a sponge and it leaves skin with a natural-looking finish while working to brighten and soothe. We love the matte finish that neatly covers dark spots.