The Holy-Grail Product My 73-Year-Old Mom Uses to Make Her Look 20 Years Younger

A beauty editor and her 73-year-old mom share the 20 best concealers for mature skin. Click here to see all of their favorite formulas.

I'm pretty lucky. Not only do I have a job where I get to experience, write, and learn about the newest and most exciting products, treatments, and trends hitting the beauty industry, but I also get to interview and get to know the artists and experts who execute and create them. That said, I also feel lucky to have a beauty-loving, 73-year-old makeup artist mom who I can consult about anything and everything. (My poor father never gets a word in when we have a family catch-up call. Sorry, Dad!) 

Being a 73-year-old product junkie and also a Tucson-based makeup expert who specializes in educating older women about makeup and skincare, my beautiful mom knows a thing or two when it comes to choosing the best products for mature skin. Oftentimes (but not always), when I try to foist my favorite formulas on her, she turns up her nose or doesn't like them, citing reasons I simply don't think of like wrinkles, pigmentation, and other skin issues that arise as we get older. Sure, I might have annoying breakouts that my mom doesn't have to deal with, but she battles fine lines, dryness, wrinkles, age spots, and other symptoms of aging skin I (obviously) lack experience with. 

It's no secret my mom looks about 20 years younger than her actual age, and in addition to taking really amazing care of her skin, her expert knowledge about strategic products like foundation, highlighter, and concealer also contributes to people never guessing her true 73 years. Ahead, she's sharing the 10 best concealers for mature skin she uses and/or recommends to her older clientele. Then, because I can never resist adding my two cents, I'm following up with all of my favorites, which, thanks to their hydrating and skin-perfecting perks, are great options as well. Keep scrolling for 20 of the best concealers for mature skin that money can buy. 

My Mom's Holy-Grail Concealers for Mature Skin

Photo:

Artifact Photography by Michelle Owens
Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear Concealer ($29)

This is one of Erin's favorite concealers, and I'm so glad she turned me on to it. Even though I'm pretty particular when it comes to concealers, it was love at first doe-foot applicator touch to the skin with this concealer. (And, by the way, the doe-foot applicator is flat on one side, which ratchets up the ease of application even further.) This formula absolutely glides on, yet it’s not too thin and almost feels cool to the touch. It’s medium to full coverage and very hydrating—which is a criterion at the top of my check-off list for more mature skin since it tends to be drier.  It’s easily buildable and feels featherlight on the skin. And it has blurring properties to boot.

Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer Broad Spectrum SPF 25 ($73)

Can I really give the second top spot to a concealer I’ve never tried? This is one of the most iconic concealers on the market, makeup artists and celebrities love it, and I know Erin has tried it and can vouch for it as well. I’ve heard other women absolutely rave about this product. Even though it’s in a stick formulation (which is definitely not my favorite applicator choice), the high-quality formula is designed to glide on smoothly—be it underneath your eyes or atop discoloration. Very little is needed, which is really good to hear, especially since one of the reasons I haven’t yet tried it is because of the sticker shock price tag of $73. The only other negative is that the shade range is still quite limited compared to some other top formulas.

Lancôme Effacernes Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer ($31)

This concealer is sheer to medium coverage but buildable. I’m not crazy about the squeeze tube applicator since it’s so easy to squeeze out more than you need, but the creamy, easy-to-blend quality of this concealer scores big points. Plus, it won't get cakey underneath your eyes or over mature skin with fine lines, wrinkles, or other textural issues. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer ($8)

This is a concealer formula I've had in my arsenal forever. It has a semi-matte, semi-satin finish, but the consistency is quite creamy and sheer to medium in coverage. You can definitely build it up and layer it depending on how much coverage you need. I love how affordable it is, but I often find myself reaching for it and then drawing my hand back and going with a different concealer. The reason? I'm not really a fan of the foam-like applicator ball. But the concealer formula itself is definitely one of the better ones out there for more mature skin! Especially if you're on a budget. 

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer ($27)

This may be one of the most talked-about concealers ever. It has a lovely, thick, creamy consistency and is quite opaque, so a little goes a long way. The only hesitation I have in recommending it is that some people find it drying on the skin, which can be problematic if you have mature skin. I recommend trying to get a sample to see if it works with your skin type. 

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Concealer ($8)

This is quite a lightweight and radiant formula, which can sometimes be a drawback as it can highlight texture. However, if you’re looking for a non-heavy concealer that has a lovely soft glow and solid coverage, this is a great affordable option for mature skin. 

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer ($27)

This is a great concealer if you have mature AND dry skin. It’s full-coverage with some luminosity and great hydration. It’s highly pigmented, very long-lasting and comes in 12 shades. A little of this concealer goes a very long way. Once again, some women might not like how luminous this concealer formula is, but if you like some glow, this is one of the best concealers for mature skin. 

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer ($27)

This concealer comes in a whopping 48 shades, so you will definitely find your match. This has full coverage with more of a matte finish compared to the other It Cosmetics concealer formula above, which is more luminous. It’s highly pigmented with good-for-your-skin peptides as well.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ($30)

This is a beautiful, hydrating formula that provides full coverage—and a great range of shades (30). I first tried it because Erin usually has it with her when she comes to visit us, and she told me most beauty editors she knows and celebrity makeup artists she's interviewed are also fans. It's one of the few concealers out there that has satisfying coverage without looking thick and heavy. It lives up to its famous name! 

E.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer ($6)

E.l.f.’s Camo Concealer has been a long-time favorite, but this newer version has a more hydrating formulation, which makes it an even better option for those with mature skin. It's also affordable and has a pretty good variety of shades to choose from. 

My Holy-Grail Recommendations for Mature Skin

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@erin_jahns
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer ($34)

Hourglass's newest product launch is not only my newest favorite product this year but backed by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to boot. 

Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer ($30)

I love how hydrating this concealer is from Too Faced. Plus, the coverage flexibility is amazing. You can keep it sheer or really build it up—I've even used it as a foundation for days I want something a little lighter. It's one of those products I have in multiple shades and throw into all of my bags. 

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Concealer ($32)

I love this concealer so much. Not only is it creamy, easy to blend, and hydrating, but a little goes a long, long way, so you get major bang for your buck. It also has the added perk of making your complexion look poreless.

Urban Decay Stay Naked Correcting Concealer ($29)

This concealer is named Stay Naked for a reason. It provides full coverage against dark circles and any imperfections while literally disappearing into the skin. Plus, I swear it doesn't crease, which feels pretty groundbreaking. (Most concealers crease—even if their packaging tells you they won't!)

Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer ($24)

This is Benefit's newest concealer that launched last summer. I live in L.A. and any formula that can withstand a full workday, a workout, and the L.A. heat and sun (without looking mucky and dry by hour seven) is a winner in my book. 

Armani Beauty Power Fabric Concealer ($34)

A makeup artist favorite that provides seamless, durable coverage. If you're a fan of Armani's cult-classic foundation, you'll want to add this foundation to your repertoire as well. 

Huda Beauty The Overachiever High Coverage Concealer ($30)

This concealer from Huda Beauty is truly like the real-life version of the blur tool on FaceTune. It's hydrating, full of skin-loving ingredients, and makes your face look airbrushed in the best way possible. 

Cover FX Power Play Concealer ($29)

This concealer is a great option if you're looking for a formula that is clean and full of great ingredients. Not only does it stay on your face (versus your clothes—it's transfer-proof), but it also has brightening niacinamide and fermented algae extract, which is added to help your complexion combat pollutants and environmental stressors. 

Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Concealer ($31)

I'm OBSESSED with this concealer. It's seriously so good and looks and applies like velvet. It's hydrating and makes even my dark, dry AF under-eyes look bright and smooth. Plus, it has some cool technology like Shiseido's ActiveForce Technology, which staves off sweat, oil, and creasing; a Responsive Sensory Technology, which effortlessly adapts to the condition, tone, and texture of your skin; and last but not least, a Smart-Correcting Powder, the magic behind its smoothing and perfecting expertise. 

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Fit Concealer ($50)

Everyone in the beauty industry knows about and loves Koh Gen Do's amazing foundations. (They're a staple on red carpets and film sets alike), but let's not forget the brand makes an amazing concealer as well. It's loaded with skin-improving ingredients and properties that help with anti-aging and the overall finish and look of your makeup application. However, there is an issue with there only being three shade options. 

Up next, these are the best foundations for mature skin.

This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

This story originally appeared on: WhoWhatWear - Author:Erin Jahns

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