Prevention Magazine: The 13 Best under eye concealers for mature skin that won’t settle into wrinkles, according to makeup pros

Almost every makeup artist we spoke to plus a Prevention editor recommends this classic, foolproof concealer. Celebrity makeup artist Angee Garibyan says it’s a “perfect” lightweight formula. “For mature skin, you need something moisturizing and luminous,” she adds, and it checks both of those boxes thanks to its hydrating grape seed extract and vitamin E.

Alexis Pfropper, a licensed esthetician, certified makeup artist, and owner-founder of Asthetik Skincare also recommends it because it has “buildable coverage,” which is great “for brightening the under-eye area without settling into lines.”

It has also been Prevention assistant editor Shannen Zitz’s go-to “for over a decade,” she says, as someone who tends to have dry, creasy under eyes. “It has a creamy texture that doesn’t settle into my lines or cling to dry patches, while offering plenty of coverage,” she adds. “Not only that, but the shade range is phenomenal, making it so easy to find your perfect match.” If you don’t want to commit to a full size right away, there’s also a mini version.

If the Nars concealer is the best high-end formula for mature skin, this is its affordable counterpart. It’s just as beloved, and for similar reasons, which is why Becca Raziuddin, a licensed cosmetologist and celebrity hair and makeup artist, says it’s the best drugstore concealer for mature skin. Put simply, it lives up to its “age rewind” name.

The formula is infused with a serum that specifically targets dark circles, and it’s hydrating enough to provide creaseless coverage for up to 12 hours, per Maybelline. It’s also incredibly versatile in that different shades can be used for contouring and spot concealing. The packaging is also one of its claims to fame—the click-dispense and sponge application makes it super easy to use on the go.

What Reviewers Say: “I am 46 and deal with fine lines under my eyes. This is the best I have found that stays put without smearing by the end of the day. Must try for sure.”

Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer took the number one ranking in lots of makeup lovers’ stashes for a while, but this one from the brand isn’t to be overlooked, says Lori Leib, makeup artist and founder of Bodyography Cosmetics. “It’s thick and rich, you need very little. But it is hydrating and a little goes a long way,” she says.

The richness and hydration come from encapsulated maracuja oil spheres, which release over time to keep the under eye hydrated and comfortable without becoming greasy or slippery. It also contains vitamin C and vitamin E to further hydrate and provide antioxidant protection against free-radical damage that can accelerate aging.

What Reviewers Say: “This concealer is full coverage but feels FABULOUS on the sensitive skin under my eyes! With other brands, I usually have to put on several layers—but not with this one! One layer, and bam! I look more awake and five years younger.”

A water-based concealer like this one is more likely to be hydrating than other, silicone-based formulas. That’s why Garibyan opts for water-based concealers for mature skin. She likes this one in particular because it “covers dark circles beautifully and stays put,” she says. “It is perfect for someone with mature skin and discoloration under the eyes.”

The applicator is designed to specifically hug the contours of the under eye, and its botanical ingredients plus squalene make it all the more of a drink for thirsty skin. The pigments within it are also light-reflecting, which gives it a blurring effect.

What Reviewers Say: “Trust me, I am suuper picky with my concealers and this one is the best!! Does not crease, super high coverage. I love it.”

“Radiant finish, creamy texture, this is a no-makeup, makeup type of concealer,” says Leib. It’s easily applied with fingertips or a brush, and one pot—which easily stashes in a makeup bag or purse—lasts forever. The ingredients that set its formula apart are beeswax and microcrystalline wax, which give it an elastic consistency that easily spreads and builds without caking up. It also contains avocado and jojoba oils for long-lasting hydration.

Makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes actually loves using this as an all over skin tint for a natural, seamless base.

What Reviewers Say: “I hate liquid concealer and I like the finish of this. It works well for my 40s skin.”

There’s a reason Pamela Anderson is a fan of this concealer—when she wears makeup, that is. “Enriched with vitamin C and botanicals, this concealer provides medium coverage while nourishing and brightening the under-eye area,” explains Pfropper. “It has a lightweight texture that blends effortlessly and doesn’t settle into wrinkles.”

The vitamin C also works as an antioxidant to protect against environmental damage and the emergence of new fine lines. The formula is also vegan and fragrance-free.

What Reviewers Say: “I get bad creasing, and this gets rid of it. [It’s] not as creamy as others so it doesn't get into my fine lines in my eyes, and is just a very light finish, which I love!”

From the brand of veteran makeup artist Bobbi Brown whose Jones Road Beauty makeup is made specifically for mature skin, this pencil concealer is truly unique. That’s why so many, including Prevention Deputy Editor Emily Goldman (and her mom!) love it. “I use this every day,” she raves. “It makes for a great under eye concealer (no creasing here!) and is ideal for covering various red spots. Its creamy texture means it won’t settle into fine lines. Ideal for dryer skin types, I find it works beautifully on my combination skin!”

The pencil packaging makes it super easy to use, apply precisely, and tap out with your fingertips. It’s also chock-full of skin-loving ingredients including vitamins A and E, linoleic and stearic acids which help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and allantoin, which soothes irritated skin. “I love our Face Pencil for under eyes as it brightens up dark circles for a well-rested effect, rather than lifting or sculpting like most other concealers,” Brown says. “It also has a clear base, so won’t look chalky on the skin.”

What Reviewers Say: “It’s creamy, goes on very smoothly, and doesn't cake or settle in my wrinkles. It's great!”

If you’re not one who likes to use powder—say, because it tends to dry out your skin or get cakey—you might enjoy this formula. Plus, it’s extra full-coverage, so it doesn’t really need much reinforcement. “This is a 35% pigment, self-setting, hydrating formula infused with hydrating glycerin,” says Leib. “It goes on extremely light with incredible, undetectable coverage and lasts all day.”

The cruelty-free cream also has vitamin E for moisture and antioxidant properties—and it’s under $20.

What Reviewers Say: “Probably the best concealer I have ever used in my lifetime! Full coverage but soft on your skin when applying on sensitive under eye area. This product is also very buildable if you need to add more later and does not cake at all.”

Leib loves this concealer for mature skin because it has a “great shade range, is infused with hyaluronic acid for hydration, and blends seamlessly into skin.” According to the brand, it provides hydration for up to 12 hours, and it contains algae extract for a boost of antioxidants. It, too, is under $20, which is difficult to find outside of the drugstore.

What Reviewers Say: “After years of searching…my perfect concealer has been found. Doesn’t show creases in aging skin.”

Professional makeup artist Drita Paljevic recommends this formula for many reasons: “The Sensual Skin Enhancer is versatile and can be used to create a natural look or build up to full coverage,” she explains. “You can mix this product with your favorite eye cream. You can customize the coverage.”

Even on its own, it’s super hydrating thanks to jojoba oil, vitamin E, and honey. And the brand claims that it’s high pigment content is opaque enough to cover tattoos, making it fit to use on the under eyes and elsewhere. It’s also waterproof and sweat-resistant.

What Reviewers Say: “[I’ve been] using for years. Now that I’m older it makes my skin look healthy without caking.”

“Almay’s Ageless Hydrating Concealer is an excellent choice for mature skin because it not only covers imperfections under eyes, but also plumps and brightens the area,” says Tiffany Libby, M.D., director of Mohs micrographic and dermatologic Surgery at Brown Dermatology. That’s because its formulation includes hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and electrolytes that help keep the skin hydrated and reduces the visibility of fine lines, she adds—coverage and skincare in one.

“It’s perfect for those needing a concealer that treats the skin and leaves a youthful, radiant finish,” she says.

What Reviewers Say: “This product does well for mature skin! Blends easily! Although we all have wrinkles this product camouflage’s very well. Will buy again!”

Although the Face Pencil works just fine under the eyes, Brown also recently created a pencil that’s specifically meant to counter under eye discoloration with corrective shades, hence its name, The Neutralizer Pencil. “Peach/salmon shades conceal blue tones,” explains Brown. “These warm hues are miraculous for light to medium skin tones, effectively camouflaging dark circles.” There are also orange and red shades for deeper discoloration, she adds. This product is meant to be used underneath or in tandem with The Face Pencil, and it’s similar in that its cream-wax formula is easy to apply and blend.

What Reviewers Say: “Game changer! Really does reduce darkness under eyes. Brightening!”

The Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a cult favorite, and its companion concealer matches up. It contains caffeine to de-puff tired under eyes, and glycerin and vitamin E to hydrate and protect. Garibyan also loves that there’s an extensive shade range, “so there is really an option for any skin type,” she says. “Its radiant finish means it is buildable and provides good coverage, perfect for mature skin.”

What Reviewers Say: “I am a mature woman and I’ve tried a lot of concealers. This is by far one of my favourites. It’s creamy, it covers well. I’m pretty sure I won’t be buying any others again. My next purchase will be the foundation to go with it!”