8 of the best concealers for mature skin you can buy at Boots
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Beauty & Skincare
Reading time: 6 minutes
Whether you’re looking to cover dark circles or dark spots, these top picks will answer all your coverage needs
Since skin changes as we age, it makes sense that your skincare routine and make-up staples should change too. But don’t panic though, that needn’t mean a complete make-up bag makeover – simply updating your concealer can be a great place to start.
A one-stop-shop for all your coverage needs, from dark circles to blemishes and low-effort days when you want to forgo full-face foundation, a new concealer formula could be your new secret weapon. It could help you combat everything from signs of tiredness to a cakey finish.
Is your current concealer the best you deserve? Freshen it up now with new products that will work with – not against – your skin’s evolving needs. You may even find that your money (and your time) are better spent.
Scroll on for our pick of the best concealers for mature skin and tips from top make-up artists for getting the most out of them.
What happens to skin as it matures?
“As skin gets older, collagen and elastin production slows, hyaluronic acid levels deplete and cell turnover rate reduces,” says international make-up artist, Mira Parmar [@miramakeup].
How does this affect how your skin looks and feels? “You may find that skin is less able to retain moisture, which can result in dryness, flaking make-up and dullness,” says Rose Gallagher, make-up artist and ambassador for IT Cosmetics UK and Ireland.
“This dehydration, alongside a loss of plumpness caused by diminishing collagen and elastin, can also cause skin to appear thinner. Fine lines, wrinkles and creases may seem deeper – especially after waking up.” As a result of your skin’s changing oil levels, particularly around menopause, you may find that your concealer tends to crease more easily or looks patchier.
Signs of sun damage may also become more noticeable in the form of sun spots or pigmentation, which may benefit from a concealer with a higher level of coverage than your usual go-to.
How to pick the best concealer for mature skin
Consider the level of coverage you need and whether you have a combination, oily or dry skin. “As skin matures, we may have to assess the products we’re using and their textures to see if they still work with our skin type,” says Mira.
“I find when working with mature skin, products that are lighter and hydrating in texture are better, and less is always more! Liquid concealers or creamy light textures blend better than heavier textures that may leave make-up sitting on the skin causing a cakey effect.”
Caring for the skin beneath the make-up becomes more important than ever, says Rose. “Concealer that cares for skin as it covers allows the skin to stay hydrated and alleviate symptoms like dryness and enhanced fine lines.
“A creamy formula infused with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid is ideal. The formula glides on, looks hydrating and helps to give skin a plumped, luminous finish.”
How to find the best concealer shade
One top tip that might surprise you? Don’t go lighter. “As tempting as it might be to opt for a shade lighter colour-wise, I’d recommend choosing a shade that matches your skin tone exactly,” says Rose.
“Sometimes people opt to use a lighter shade to brighten their eyes, but this may actually highlight things you may prefer to play down, like pigmentation or redness.
“A perfect colour match can be used to cover dark circles, pigmentation, redness and anything else you may wish to disguise.”
How can you make concealer last longer
To help your concealer stay in place, try locking it in before as well as after application. “Make sure your skin is moisturised and well prepped,” says Mira. “Undereye cream can give a smooth base that allows your concealer to slide on and blend effortlessly.”
Want to use a setting powder? Proceed with caution. “Use a soft translucent setting powder, like IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores, that’s made with silk, not talc. It will help lock your make-up into place and encourage longer wear without looking dry or cakey.”
It may also be helpful to avoid applying too much concealer. Using thin, strategically placed layers can be key for achieving a crease-free finish.
Can primer help concealer to not crease? If you’re finding that your concealer settles into fine lines, applying an eyeshadow primer first can be a great addition to your routine. Acting as a stealthy undercoat, it helps smooth out skin, creating the perfect canvas for your make-up.
For more top concealer tips, watch our tutorial on three concealer application tricks for achieving a perfect finish.
8 of the best concealers for mature skin
Whether you’re looking to cover up or illuminate, disguise dark circles or sun spots, here are eight Boots-approved concealers that really deliver.
Best for long-lasting coverage
Try: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti Aging Waterproof Concealer
• Size: 12ml
• Available in 24 shades
• Full coverage
• Waterproof
This water-resistant concealer comes in a range of true-to-skin and highly pigmented shades for your perfect match. Infused with skin-loving ingredients, including peptides, hydrolysed collagen and hyaluronic acid, it helps improve the appearance of skin texture, dark circles and uneven skin tone. Warm between fingers before dotting and blending into skin for budge-proof yet natural-looking results.
Best for brightening
Try: Fenty Beauty Bright Fix Eye Brightener
• Size: 10ml
• Available in 16 shades
• Sheer to buildable coverage
• Vegan-friendly
We love this pick’s serum-like texture and its crease-, humidity-, and sweat-resistant long-wear formula. On its own it hydrates, brightens and conceals the undereye area to neutralise discoloration. And, thanks to its lightweight feel, it layers like a dream, too.
Best for age spots
Try: No7 Lift & Luminate Serum Concealer
• Size: 8ml
• Available in 12 shades
• Full coverage
• Waterproof
We’re big fans of this concealer’s peptide tech and light-reflecting coverage that instantly blurs the appearance of skin texture and pigmentation. Don’t want to settle? We don’t want your make-up to, either. Its flexible formula is designed to move seamlessly with your facial expressions, limiting creasing and settling into fine lines.
Best for undereye circles
Try: HNB Cosmetics Soft Focus Airbrush Concealer
• Size: 15g
• Full coverage
Don’t lose sleep over dark circles. Formulated to give you a smooth, rested-looking undereye, this creamy satin formula is perfect for all skin types. Plus, its super-soft doe foot applicator guarantees precise application.
Best for fine lines and wrinkles
Try: Estée Lauder Double Wear Radiant Concealer
• Size: 10ml
• Available in 22 shades
• Medium-to-full coverage
Conceal and contour with this creamy, easily blendable and long-wearing formula. It stays put impressively well, nourishing skin with botanical extracts – such as chia and camelina and kukui nut oils – and works overtime to brighten the eye area, conceal dark circles, hide spots and tone down redness.
Best for pigmentation
Try: L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24h More Than Concealer
• Size: 28g
• Available in 19 shades
• Full coverage
Want a concealer that lasts as long as you do? We’ve got you covered. With a great range of highly-pigmented shades, its doe foot applicator provides targeted application, while its elastic formula gives the ultimate natural matte finish that’s both durable and comfortable.
Best for multitasking
Try: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Matte Make-up
• Size: 27ml
• Available in 6 shades
• Medium coverage
• Vegan-friendly
Short on time? Cue this multitasker that blurs, conceals, evens and mattifies in one fell swoop. With six self-adjusting shades and a whipped, lightweight texture, it serves as a primer, concealer, mattifying powder and BB cream, to save you both time in the mornings and space in your make-up bag.
Best for pigmentation
Try: Collection Lasting Perfection Hydrating Serum Concealer
• Size: 4ml
• Available in 20 shades
• Medium coverage
• Water-resistant
• Vegan-friendly
Skincare meets make-up with this wallet-friendly find from Collection. Containing glycerin and vitamin E, it’s a great match for dry skin types. Shine-prone? Try the brand’s Lasting Perfection Concealer. Need to cover a spot? Choose the range’s Blemish Concealer instead. There’s something for every need.
