For a natural look, apply concealer strategically: under the eyes (inner corner out), on blemishes (dab directly), around the nose, and on any redness, blending gently with a damp sponge or finger to melt it into the skin for seamless coverage, building in thin layers. Focus on brightening the inner corner and outer edge under the eye, avoiding deep wrinkles, and setting lightly to prevent creasing.
How to Apply Concealer and Attain a Natural Look
Using the Wrong Shade
If your concealer looks too obvious or off in photos, your shade might not be quite right. Under-eye circles usually need something just a touch lighter than your skin tone, while blemishes or redness are better matched exactly.
Hydrate First
"I spend a few moments massaging the eye area pre-concealer application with hydrating products that will get the job done." Pollara adds that using eye masks with superior ingredients before applying makeup is a great way to prep the under-eye area.
The "3-1-1 Rule" for makeup (and liquids) in carry-on bags means containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, all fitting into 1 clear, quart-sized, resealable bag, with 1 bag allowed per passenger, ensuring security can easily see and access it during screening. This applies to liquid makeup (foundation, mascara, lip gloss) and other gels, creams, and aerosols, while solid cosmetics like powders or lipsticks in stick form are generally exempt.
The best concealers for mature skin are hydrating, lightweight formulas with skincare benefits (like hyaluronic acid) that won't settle into fine lines, with top-rated options including RMS Revitalize Hydra Concealer, Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer, Kosas Revealer Concealer, and Maybelline Instant Age Rewind for budget-friendly coverage. For more coverage, the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye or Dior Forever Skin Correct are excellent choices, while NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer offers versatility. Look for radiant or satin finishes to keep skin looking fresh.
If your aim is to even out your skin tone, you'll probably want to apply foundation before concealer. A major pro for applying foundation first is that you'll usually have to use less concealer to perfect your skin's complexion afterward.
The "two-finger rule" for blush is a makeup guideline that suggests placing two fingers vertically beside your nostrils to find the ideal starting point for blush application, ensuring it's not too close to the nose, with blush applied beyond the fingers and blended upwards and outwards toward the temples for a lifted, natural look. This technique helps avoid placing blush too low or too centrally, which can age the face, creating a more youthful, sculpted appearance by utilizing the cheekbone area.
Wearing foundation at 70 isn't about covering up—it's about enhancing what you've got. A lightweight foundation can: Soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles (without sinking into them) 😉
A search for “Vaseline under eyes” brings up thousands of people raving about this trick and several experts explaining how it works. You simply dab some onto the fragile skin under your eyes each night in place of eye cream to lock in moisture. The added hydration plumps up skin and can help reduce fine lines.
Here are a few easy tips you can apply that will help you maintain a younger looking body, and restore your confidence:
Applying a small amount of concealer to the center of your chin can help visually bring the chin forward, adding dimension in the same way that highlighter would. It's also helpful for those who tend to get breakouts—or post-acne marks—on their chin.
Best Natural Concealer
The rule of thumb for picking your concealer shade is based on your foundation shade. Beauty experts advise that everyone should have two shades of concealer in their arsenal, one lighter and one darker since daily sun exposure means your skin tone shifts slightly all the time.
Top Concealer Mistakes (And how to fix them!)
Here's a quick overview of the correct makeup routine order you should follow:
Over-concealing the under-eye area is one of the biggest pitfalls for mature skin. “Don't take concealer right up under the eyelashes—you'll cake it up in there. That skin is thin, delicate, and tends to be crepey. It just accentuates everything you're trying to hide.”
There's no single "number one," but Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation is consistently praised for mature skin (weightless, luminous finish), while Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance offers hydration, and L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Serum Foundation is a great affordable choice with SPF. Key features to look for are hydration, light-reflecting/glowy finishes, and formulas that don't settle into fine lines, with ingredients like niacinamide being beneficial for skin barrier repair.
Tip 3: Pack Your Makeup
Some airports will require that all of your liquids fit in one clear plastic bag– TSA says that all of the liquids that you're traveling with in your carry-on must fit in 1 quart sized, clear, plastic, zipped bag– so it's smart to have that handled before departure.
Yes, for airport security purposes, toothpaste is classified as a liquid, aerosol, or gel (LAG) and must follow the 100ml/3.4oz container rule in carry-on bags, even though it's a paste that holds its shape. This rule applies to all similar items like creams, gels, and sprays, requiring them to fit in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag for screening.