Image credit: Getty/VladimirFloyd
There are certain revelations that only tend to hit you after the age of 50. Like realising that all those times someone invited you to a dinner party and said, “Don’t bring anything, just yourself.” What they actually meant was, “Obviously, the social contract requires I tell this lie. But should you take it literally and turn up empty handed? I will have my vengeance in this life or the next.”
And then there’s knowing that nothing good will ever come from someone starting a sentence with the words, “I hope you don’t take this the wrong way...”
But perhaps the biggest epiphany I’ve had in mid-life is this – that ride or die concealer you’ve been using for years can no longer give you what you need. It’s not them, it’s you. Or more specifically your skin.
As skin matures, it becomes drier and thinner, which can lead to make-up settling in fine lines and wrinkles, and concealer can be the worst culprit because its budge-proof properties usually contain drying agents.
The good news is the beauty industry has finally woken up to the news that not all of us still have a 21-year-old’s dewy complexion. And we are crying out for a concealer that can cover up skin imperfections – yep, surprisingly, we still have a few – and offer us some added skincare benefits.
We’d also love it if it didn’t make our face look drier than a Christmas tree in June.
So, all hail the arrival of the mature concealer cavalry. Let’s check out some of the best options…
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation has become the stuff of legend among us over-50s, and mercifully Armani has also delivered on the concealer front.
Armani Luminous Silk Concealer shares the same blurring and airbrushing qualities as the foundation, expertly covering all dark circles, redness and discolouration.
Fabulously lightweight – it glides on like a serum – it’s packed with glycerin and vitamin E to help brighten and moisturise.
One of my favourite new concealer discoveries, especially for discreet skin top-ups on the go, is Maybelline Instant Eraser Multi-Use Concealer.
The sponge applicator makes it super easy and mess-free to apply, and the coverage is impressively even and natural without any caking or drying.
Enriched with anti-ageing wonder goji berry to help minimise fine lines, it’s the dream wingwoman, promising to stick with you for a full 12 hours.
If you want a concealer loaded with serious skin benefits, get involved with Max Factor Miracle Pure Concealer with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C. Creamy and lightweight, it really does the business covering eye bags and eliminating redness for a radiant finish.
The formula offers a lot on the skin hydrating front too, thanks to a generous helping of moisture-boosting antioxidants.
Most of my over-50s pals all swear by Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, and after trying it, I’m sold.
What sets this apart is its light-diffusing technology that cleverly blurs the appearance of imperfections leaving skin looking luminously glowy.
Impressively crease resistant, it’s buildable, easy to blend and, best of all, infused with antioxidant-rich ingredients to firm and strengthen skin.
If you haven’t yet checked out Irish make-up artist Aimee Connolly’s Sculpted by Aimee range, do so immediately. Her hero products pride themselves on their multipurpose abilities and the Sculpted by Aimee Complete Cover Up Concealer is no exception.
You’ll come for the silky, flawless coverage and airbrush formula, you’ll stay for the skin-hydrating blend of hyaluronic acid, coconut extract and kokum butter.
Enjoy getting to know the wonderful world of age-friendly concealers and remember, perfect skin may not exist, but once you find the perfect concealer? No one need ever know.
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