Over 50? These are the 9 best concealers for mature skin for hydration, coverage and brightness

With absolutely no clinging to dry patches

Best concealer for mature skin
(Image credit: Getty Images / Jeremy Moeller / Contributor)

The very best concealers provide a multitude of camouflaging benefits - from covering acne to brightening dark circles - depending on what your skin needs that day. And while a lot of our complexion concerns are universal—tiredness, breakouts, and redness—there are certain issues that emerge more frequently as our skin gets older. Which is why it's a good time to call in the help from one of the best concealers for mature skin.

“The needs of mature skin, particularly those over 50, are dramatically different to younger skin because you’ll be experiencing a loss of collagen and the skin is also producing less oil,” explains pro make-up artist Lisa Caldognetto. “You’re therefore likely to see more wrinkles and fine lines, skin can be much more dry and therefore look more dull, and hyperpigmentation can come to light.”

Bearing this in mind, the best concealers for mature skin tend to focus on keeping skin hydrated, smoothing over texture, and brightening the complexion.

  • Best overall concealer: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer, £27 | Cult Beauty
  • Best concealer to brighten eyes: Trinny London BFF Eye Serum-Concealer, £28 | Trinny London
  • Best for shade range: Kosas Revealer Super Creamy and Brightening Concealer, £25 | Sephora
  • Best high street option: Maybelline Instant Anti Age Eraser Concealer, £9.99 | LookFantastic
  • Best for dark circles: NARS Light Reflecting Eye Brightener, £26 | LookFantastic
  • Best for high coverage: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Concealer, £38 | LookFantastic
  • Best for pigmentation: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer + Serum, £27 | Cult Beauty
  • Best for dehydrated skin: NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum, £11.49 | LookFantastic
  • Best for blemishes: Dior Forever Skin Correct, £34 | Sephora

What to look for in a concealer for mature skin

There are some key things to consider when choosing a concealer for older skin, and Lisa was more than happy to share her expertise on selecting the best formula.

Firstly, you want a concealer that focuses on hydration. “Glycerin is a wonderful ingredient that works for everyone and really helps to keep the skin hydrated,” says Lisa. Also look out for formulas that contain things like hyaluronic acid and are rich in water or plant oils to replenish mature skin.

For texture, Lisa is a big fan of silicones in concealers for mature skin. “Having silicones can smooth areas of the skin, minimise the appearance of uneven texture, and also help you to layer other products on top easily,” she explains.

In terms of the finish, this is all down to personal preference, but Lisa recommends something that’s velvety-matte. “This will still look skin-like, but it means you’ve got some durability too, alongside those hydrating benefits from the ingredients,” Lisa says.

Best way to apply concealer to mature skin

When applying your concealer, the secret for a natural-looking finish is to apply way less than you think you need. “I’d apply a little to the back of my hand as warming it up allows it to be more skin-like, then press it into your skin and build it up in small layers,” advises Lisa. She also suggests using a soft makeup sponge or a concealer brush to work it into the skin using a tapping motion.

Skin prep is also key for older skin and Lisa swears by applying eye creams and moisturisers a few minutes before starting your makeup routine. It doesn't matter which eye cream you use, it could be an eye cream that helps with dark circles or one that specifically targets fines and wrinkles.

Finally, while it might be tempting to layer on the setting powder after your concealer, it can be best to use it with caution. “Powder can cause everything to look a lot more textured and can dry things out a bit for mature skin,” explains Lisa. “If you really need it then go for a loose powder or one with hydrating benefits like the By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder.”

Best concealers for mature skin

1. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer 

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer

(Image credit: Charlotte Tilbury)

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer

Best all-over concealer for mature skin

Specifications

Number of shades: 20
Coverage: Medium
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Glowy

Reasons to buy

+
Works well on under-eyes and rest of face
+
Nourishing formula
+
Easy to apply

Reasons to avoid

-
Shade range runs a little warm

Brimming with water, glycerin, and skin-smoothing silk tree extract, this is a silky concealer that camouflages everything from dark circles to redness and diffuses uneven texture in moments. Like most of Charlotte Tilbury’s makeup, it has that real skincare feel—making it a wonderfully hydrating choice for mature skin. I’m always on the fence about sponge applicators for hygiene reasons, as is Lisa, but she points out that this one has a brilliant pointed tip so it’s “fantastic for precise application”.

2. Trinny London BFF Eye Serum-Concealer

Trinny London BFF Eye Serum-Concealer

(Image credit: Trinny London)

Trinny London BFF Eye Serum-Concealer

Best concealer to brighten eyes

Specifications

Number of shades: 12
Coverage: Light
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Natural

Reasons to buy

+
Hydrating, serum-like texture
+
Cooling tip applicator to de-puff

Reasons to avoid

-
On the expensive side

Lisa suggests that when choosing the best concealer for mature skin, it’s often better to have one specifically for the delicate under-eyes and another for the rest of your face. This one is her pick for dark circles thanks to its “really refined cocktail of skincare and pigmentation”. The formula feels wonderfully fresh on tired eyes (helped along with the cooling metal applicator) and it really does a brilliant job of brightening and hydrating the under-eyes. Alongside peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, it boasts an impressive amount of coverage that never cakes or draws attention to fine lines.

3. Kosas Revealer Super Creamy and Brightening Concealer

Mica Ricketts holding Kosas Revealer Super Creamy and Brightening Concealer

(Image credit: Mica Ricketts)

Kosas Revealer Super Creamy and Brightening Concealer

(Image credit: Kosas)

Kosas Revealer Super Creamy and Brightening Concealer

Best concealer for shade range

Specifications

Number of shades: 38
Coverage: Medium, buildable
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Radiant

Reasons to buy

+
Available in 38 shades, catering to many undertones
+
Rich, blendable texture
+
Versatile formula, works all over

Reasons to avoid

-
Very dewy finish—might be too sheeny for some

This is one of my favourite concealers of all time and I think it makes a brilliant concealer for mature skin thanks to how hydrating the formula is. Described as a skincare-makeup hybrid product, it’s infused with peptides and hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate the skin alongside caffeine and algae to brighten dark circles and combat dullness. Not only that, but they have recently extended their range of shades to cater to even more skin tones with a real focus on undertones for a natural finish. While it does have a very dewy radiant finish, I think that drier skin types will appreciate the hydration and if you’re still prone to some oiliness then a light dusting of powder will improve its longevity.

4. Maybelline Instant Anti Age Eraser Concealer

Maybelline Instant Anti Age Eraser Concealer

(Image credit: Maybelline)

Maybelline Instant Anti Age Eraser Concealer

Best high street concealer for mature skin

Specifications

Number of shades: 15
Coverage: Medium
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Velvet matte

Reasons to buy

+
Smooths and plumps the skin
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Sponge applicator can get messy

While this is marketed as a concealer for the eyes, it’s actually a brilliant all-over concealer for mature skin thanks to the ultra-creamy, glycerin-rich formulation. Admittedly, the combination of the twist-up functionality and the sponge tip can get a little messy, but it’s worth persisting. Not only is this one of the best affordable concealers on the market, but the product itself truly rivals some of the more expensive in terms of coverage, hydration and longevity. I’ve actually been known to remove the sponge entirely and dispense the product onto the back of my hand instead.

5. NARS Light Reflecting Eye Brightener

NARS Light Reflecting Eye Brightener

(Image credit: NARS)

NARS Light Reflecting Eye Brightener

Best concealer for dark circles

Specifications

Number of shades: 6
Coverage: Light
Formula: Cream
Finish: Soft glow

Reasons to buy

+
Really brightens darkness under the eyes
+
Packed with hydrating skincare

Reasons to avoid

-
Not a very versatile formula

If you struggle with dark circles or discolouration under your eyes then this concealer is something of a game-changer. While I wouldn’t say it’s the best choice if you’re looking for a formula to use all over, its remarkable at illuminating darkness and diffusing under-eye bags without looking cakey or cloying. Brimming with light-reflecting chromatic pearls and hyaluronic spheres to lock in moisture, it has a creamy, balm-like texture that can be pressed on with fingertips and melts into skin. Use it alone as a brightener, or layer it over another concealer on extra-tired days.

6. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Concealer

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Concealer

(Image credit: Giorgio Armani)

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Concealer

Best concealer for high coverage

Specifications

Number of shades: 20
Coverage: Full
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Satin

Reasons to buy

+
Feels luxurious on the skin
+
Covers absolutely anything
+
Never looks cakey

Reasons to avoid

-
It’s very expensive

Consult any list of the best foundations for mature skin and you’ll find the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation mentioned. And it turns out, the concealer is just as worthy of the hype. It has a buildable, hydrating formula that’s infused with caffeine, vitamin E and glycerin to refresh dull skin and moisturise dry patches, and it covers everything from redness to pigmentation with ease. Best of all, it has a satin-like, velvety finish that looks natural and bright, yet doesn’t slip and slide on the skin. In fact, it lasts for hours without the need for powder.

7. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer + Serum

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer + Serum

(Image credit: It Cosmetics)

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer + Serum

Best concealer for pigmentation

Specifications

Number of shades: 18
Coverage: Medium to full
Fomrula: Liquid
Finish: Natural

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent built-in applicator
+
Covers texture and dark spots well
+
Infused with hyaluronic acid

Reasons to avoid

-
Nothing, it’s brilliant!

From dark spots and hyperpigmentation to acne scarring and uneven texture, this is one of the best concealers for mature skin on the market. The dermatologist-developed formula makes use of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and even skin tone, and improve skin’s health while you’re wearing it. But it doesn’t offer those benefits at the expense of coverage. In fact, it really camouflages areas of pigmentation and plumps uneven texture to create a smooth, plump and radiant canvas for the rest of your makeup routine. Plus, the application process is sublime—a doe foot applicator to apply the product and a built-in kabuki brush to precisely blend it out.

8. NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum

NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum

(Image credit: NYX)

NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum

Best concealer for dehydrated skin

Specifications

Number of shades: 13
Coverage: Medium
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Natural

Reasons to buy

+
So affordable
+
Pigmented, but lightweight
+
A little goes a long way

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires quite a bit of blending
-
Not the largest shade range

Whilst you might think that NYX is a make-up brand targeted more to teens and those in their twenties, the brand's formulas shouldn't be overlooked. This concealer serum works incredibly well on more mature skin that is prone to dehydration thanks to the blend of tremella mushroom, cica and green tea. The pump might not be to everyone's taste, but I think this helps with a more natural application. The formula is quite pigmented, so I like to pop some onto the back of my hand first and then grab a concealer brush, which allows me to build the coverage that I'm after. It blends really well over the skin - covering areas of redness and dark spots - and doesn't settle in creases or fine lines. I also like to use my fingertips to pat it into the skin, the warmth of my fingers helps give it a seamless finish.

9. Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer

Mica Ricketts holding Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer

(Image credit: Mica Ricketts)

Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer

(Image credit: Dior)

Dior Forever Skin Correct

Best concealer for blemishes

Specifications

Number of shades: 25
Coverage: Full
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Soft matte

Reasons to buy

+
High coverage
+
Looks so natural on the skin
+
Hydrating yet pigmented

Reasons to avoid

-
It's expensive

As someone that’s in my mid-30s but remains prone to blemishes, finding concealers that offer both hydration and coverage can be tricky. Very pigmented formulas that have the grip needed to cover spots (specifically raised ones) can often be too drying, but more moisturising textures often slip off breakout-prone areas. This one from Dior is the perfect solution. It offers high coverage to conceal both active breakouts, raised blemishes and pigmentation, but the hydrating texture means things never get cakey or dried out. Plus, the soft matte finish means it’s barely perceptible on the skin—it almost meshes with your complexion for a fresh, bright look.

Mica Ricketts

Mica Ricketts is a freelance beauty editor and contributor to Marie Claire. She has written for titles including Refinery29 and Who What Wear UK, and also works with beauty brands on content messaging and marketing copy. She was previously Who What Wear UK's beauty editor. As someone that has tried basically every acne product on the market, she has a particular passion for debunking skincare myths and finding products that work. Plus, with two small children at home she is all about time-saving beauty routines that boost glow and disguise dark circles.