What Older Women Should Look For In An Undereye Concealer Depending On Their Needs

As we all know, wearing makeup gets trickier and trickier the more we age. Formulations that once slide onto the skin like a silk glove settle into fine lines, which has prompted questions such as what to look for in a foundation for mature skin. But one of aging skin's biggest hurdles is the application of undereye concealer. Thus, there are many considerations to keep in mind when shopping for the latter, from skin type to concealer formulation. Women spoke to makeup artist to the stars, Caroline Hernandez, concerning this particular issue. 

According to Hernandez, when looking for an appropriate concealer, it's best to test it directly on the undereye area itself. What's more, the makeup artist stated that we need to apply color theory, which is used to tailor your makeup to your skin tone. "The color you conceal [under the eye] ... can vary from person to person. Some people have more reddish color under their eyes, and therefore need something more yellow or golden toned to neutralize those colors," Hernandez says. Color correctors would be a great addition to your beauty routine, but picking the right concealer shade is just as important.

When it comes to mature skin, it's not a matter of choosing the correct concealer shade that matches your skin tone. Pigmentation is a factor, but for Caroline Hernandez, brightening the undereye is especially off-limits. "Don't be tempted to use a concealer shade way lighter than your face to brighten," Hernandez cautions. "This has been a trend for a few years, but it doesn't look natural and only attracts attention to your undereye area." According to the seasoned MUA, selecting a concealer that's "half a shade lighter" is acceptable. But anything more would simply exaggerate any discoloration, wrinkles, or puffiness under the eye.

As for concealer finishes, matte is definitely out. "You need to ditch any dry concealer textures and opt for a satin or soft-matte finish concealer," the makeup expert advises. But that doesn't mean glowy finishes are in either. As hydrating concealers "reflect light" and bring to the forefront the same problems as brightening concealers, they should only be used for older women with a specific concern we'll address next.

Likely one of the most pressing makeup concerns for older women is how to apply concealer on wrinkled undereyes. This is where hydrating concealers come in, and today's advanced formulations are known to add skincare ingredients for an extra 'oomph', and that's precisely the ones you should be looking for. "Look for serum-infused, liquid concealers packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or squalane," Caroline Hernandez recommends to Women. One of the best concealers that suit this job is the Tower28 Swipe Serum Concealer, known for its light coverage and moisturizing texture that Hernandez firmly asserts should be applied where there is "the most discoloration". 

However, if pesky age or acne spots are more of an issue, then it's time to step away from hydrating concealers for something with higher coverage. For a powerhouse product that does everything from hiding hyperpigmentation to masking redness, Dr.Jart's Cicapair Soothing Korean Color Correcting Treatment is the one to go for. It not only soothes irritation, but it also provides sun protection as well. What more can you ask for?

But no amount of concealer would ever sit well on skin without some meticulous skincare prep first, especially so for mature skin. Eye cream is a non-negotiable, and while powders are usually to be avoided, Hernandez concedes that some products fit the bill. "If you use setting powder, use a finely-milled translucent powder ... [and apply] only where absolutely necessary to prevent creasing," she shares. For example, Laura Mercier's Secret Brightening Color Corrector Under Eye Setting Powder is one such product that is certain not to disappoint.