Age-Defying Beauty: All Of The Best Concealer Tricks for Women Over 40
We all hope that CONCEALER will act like a magic ERASER of sorts! But as we get a little older and wiser, the passing of time can also bring changes to our under-eye needs that feel, and look, a bit different than it did when we used concealer in our 20’s. Therefore we might need to switch up a few products and techniques to get it to work for us. So today, I am sharing All of The Best Concealer Tricks for Women Over 40.
Here’s the thing about using concealer. It can be your face’s best friend as you age, so do NOT leave it out of your beauty routine. I would almost recommend using it primarily, along with a well-moisturized face, and skipping your foundation altogether if time doesn’t permit.
Concealer can dramatically change your appearance for the better by:
- brightening and lifting the face,
- awaken tired eyes,
- and cover blemishes and age spots
Some of the biggest and most common concerns when it comes to this important area under the eyes are creasing, chalkiness, and picking the wrong color. But fear not, because I am a professional makeup artist (who is well into her 40s) and coming to you with my favorite concealer tricks and products for us mature women!
Here’s the good news. You can achieve a beautiful complexion that defies the years by using these steps. So let’s go through them now and be sure to read all the way to the end for some hidden secrets 🙂
TL;DR
Jennifer shares All Of The Best Concealer Tricks for Women Over 40
Jennifer's product recommendations are shoppable via text links and image widgets
All of The Best Concealer Tricks for Women Over 40
HYDRATION IS KEY
Before we dive into concealer techniques, it's essential to start with a well-hydrated canvas of those under eyes. Mature skin typically tends to be drier and thinner in this area, so using a moisturizer or primer suitable for your skin type is the first step.
If there is nothing else you take away of trying from this post, try the Elemis Pro Collagen Eye Revive Mask, $88. It’s a three-in-one, cloud-light gel formula that can be used as an overnight anti-aging eye mask, a hydrating eye primer and/or a moisturizing rescue balm. I store it in my skincare fridge for cooling and de-puffing properties, and use it in the evening and before my makeup in the morning. Game Changer.
Add in a small stainless steel face roller, $34, for an added bonus when it comes to de-puffing under the eyes and upper eyelids.
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OPT FOR LIGHTWEIGHT CONCEALERS
When choosing a concealer formula, opt for a lightweight, hydrating formula. Heavy, cakey concealers (usually found in pots or jars) can settle into fine lines and make them more noticeable. Look for concealers with words like "hydrating," "luminous," or "creamy" on the label. These formulas provide coverage while also nourishing the skin.
My current go-to concealer that has been a true a miracle worker is the Natasha Denona Hy Glam concealer, $30. You’ll see the 4.8 star rating out of 5 is proof that this ultra fluid, yet highly pigmented concealer works for so many! I currently use shades P2 (a peachy shade to color correct) and N2 (a neutral shade on top of the P2). I’ll probably go up one level to 3 of darkness come the summer months when my skin darkens.
It has truly knocked my socks off in terms of its ability to go on so smoothly, yet covers nicely without looking overdone. I love the tiny doe foot applicator that fits right into the hollows of my eyes for exact placement.
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COLOR CORRECT
To address common skin issues like super dark circles, redness, or obvious age spots, consider color-correcting concealers to start with first. Search for pink/rosy shades for fair skin, in between salmon and peach if you are light to medium skin, then if you’re olive to dark-skinned, an orange will probably work best.
A green concealer can neutralize major redness associated with pimples and rosacea. This is typically NOT used under the eyes, just to treat red spots on the face. Whatever your skin color, you can also use your color corrector shade to hide any brown age spots on the face, so keep that in mind.
The great thing about the Natasha Denona concealers is that they come in a variety of correcting tones of peach, yellow, rose, and orange.
When using a color corrector, it is important to apply a very thin layer of this type of concealer BEFORE your regular concealer shade. Even a tad bit of correcting can make a big impact on the face to help harmonize with your regular concealer shade to make them both work even better.
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APPLICATION TECHNIQUES
After hydrating the face with a moisturizer and eye cream, go ahead and apply your foundation (although not all the way up to the eye) and your eye makeup.
Why do your eye makeup first before concealing? So that all of that powder from the eyeshadows used or mascara mistakes don’t end up messing up and falling into your newly applied concealer - then you just have to redo it all! Clean the under-eye bed with an eye makeup remover and a Q-tip after applying your eye makeup look, then move on to concealing.
*The key here for mainly mature women, is that when concealing under-eye circles, apply the concealer ONLY where you detect darkness or hollowness. Do not go past those areas - because then you’re lightening an area that doesn’t need it, and then the contrast of light and dark is still there. Make sense?*
Start with your color corrector and then your basic concealer.
From the Hy Glam concealers, I apply the P2 (stands for fair light peach 2) by the inner corners of my tear duct which is where I see the most darkness and this shade acts as my color corrector. I then applied the N2 (fair light neutral 2) onto the outer corners of my eye and then blended them together.
A good concealer brush is definitely key. This kitten paw concealer brush by BK Beauty is a staple of mine - it’s like a magic wand.
I use it in a patting/pressing motion to stipple the shades together when blending. And then I go in with a few pats into the skin with the warmth of my middle or ring finger to melt it all together.
- Be sure to avoid dragging or pulling on the skin, as it can exacerbate the issue of fine lines and wrinkles and make the concealer turn out streaky.
I then go back in with the N2 (regular shade) and tap a little bit more of a second layer on top of my corrector color to further give the illusion of thicker skin and tone down the correcting peach shade.
Then to give the illusion of lift to the outer eye, take a bit of your basic concealer shade from the lower lash line and extend slightly towards the temple in a stripe motion and tap around the edges to smooth.
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If you need to spot treat smaller areas constantly like age spots and red veins on the face, consider investing in my FAVE precision petite concealer brush from Surratt Beauty, $48. It makes covering super tiny spots a breeze and exact so as not to further lighten the areas around those dark spots.
POWDER + SPRAY TO SET
I know a lot of mature women will want to disagree with me on this one. But a finely milled setting powder IS a fantastic way to set and forget all of that concealer work.
I used One Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder, $34, in shade Ultra Pink for this tutorial. Remember this post I did on the Power of PINK Powder? Just look at the side by side difference on my photo above with powder + concealer on one eye and bare on the other. The coverage is obvious!
My favorite tool for applying this type of loose powder are the Amazon triangle puffs because they fit perfectly right underneath the eyes and besides the nose. And you can wash them quite a few times before needing a new one.
Remember to use a light touch and avoid over-powdering, as too much powder can make mature skin appear dry and dull. It is a delicate balance, but worth it.
Now for that extra tip you probably weren’t expecting. Go ahead and grab your favorite makeup setting spray. Squirt a bit onto your ring or middle finger, then gently tap it onto the area you just applied concealer and powder to. No swiping.
If you just can’t do the powder thing, still do this on top of just the concealer. By getting that spray exactly pressed into the area you just did all of that makeup work on, it can really help hold up everything for the remainder of the day and prevent heavy creasing.
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DISTRACTION TECHNIQUE
The Best Concealer Tricks for Women Over 40 includes a few distraction techniques that help take attention away from your under-eye area.
I made a helpful YouTube short here about what makes eyes look bigger and distracts from the tiny thin lines and darkness under the eyes.
I apply a neutral matte brown shadow (from the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes palette) very thinly along the lower lash line, stopping just short of the tear duct area. And then by using my go-to lower lashes mascara by Maybelline (because of its tiny wand and bristles) to define a few lashes, it helps to make eyeballs pop and ultimately distract from under-eye issues. Try it!
Then of course finish off with your favorite lip color and blush to brighten the entire face and put some other focus on cheeks and lips. You guys, I cannot get enough of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting blushes - they are stunning and apply like a dream. I’m wearing the shade “Sublime” - again! Wearing Maybelline Lip Ink in the shade “Dainty” as well.
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Other Options To Try For Best Concealer Products for Mature Faces
- Cult Full Coverage Fave : NARS Matte Cream Concealer, $32
- Drugstore Fave : Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer, $11
- Minimalist Fave : Rare Beauty Positive Light Eye Brightener, $24
- Clean Beauty Fave : Kosas Revealer Super Creamy Concealer, $30
If you need help with picking some new skincare to try out, check out my post on iconc skincare products here. Then just choose the right concealer formula, master the application techniques, and select the best products and tools tailored to your needs. Embrace your age, wear your confidence, and DON’T let your dark circles take center stage! Ha! I hope you found The Best Concealer Tricks for Women Over 40 a helpful guide to incorporate into your makeup routine.
The rest of my outfit details complete the look 🙂
This Amazon racer tank I own in 4 colors (fitted and slinky, I’m a medium) $18 | Hybrid Denim Sweater Jacket (similar), $80 | Thick chain link necklace, $80 | Thick Silver Hoops (similar) $58 | Fave high waisted black denim, $45
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In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Beth and Kelly shared a fall charcuterie and cheese board, along with casual fall outfits. Click the title or image below to read the article.
Thanks Jennifer. You always look fabulous and give such great tips! I am way more “mature” than you are and have tried many concealers. I think your first tip; using a moisturizer, is the key for me. My under eye area is so dry. Keeping up with all this stuff (maintenance…at my age) is exhausting. But your tips really help. It encourages me to do something!
I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying my tips and tricks! YES that hydration is very key or ANY concealer is going to look chalky and obvious when applied on super dehydrated skin. let me know if you find success by implementing these steps