How to Hide Wrinkles with Makeup

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Co-authored by Shara Strand

Last Updated: November 4, 2024 References

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Choosing Your Foundation

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Prepping Your Skin

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Smoothing Your Skin

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Brightening Your Complexion

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Expert Q&A

While a few simple tips and tricks can be used to conceal blemishes and discoloration, hiding wrinkles is a trickier task. It’s incredibly important to use the appropriate products and application to smooth these lines, without getting product caked into them. By applying your skin products properly and creating a fresh, youthful glow, your wrinkles will be your little secret.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Choosing Your Foundation

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There are plenty of foundations on the market made for anyone struggling with wrinkles and fine lines. Look for formulas containing retinol, peptides, and antioxidants, which all have smoothing and collagen-boosting benefits. Additionally, look for sheer foundations that is branded with words like "light-reflecting" or "illuminating." A little bit of a glow helps to reduce the appearance of lines.^{[1]
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When your skin looks particularly dry, any wrinkles and fine lines will be accentuated. When you're choosing a foundation, look for ones that have moisturizing qualities. Ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid will help your skin retain moisture throughout the day, while foundations containing salicylic acid can dry your skin out even more. Finally, avoid matte foundations.^{[2]
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You can also apply sunscreen with your makeup. Before you invest in expensive "fountain of youth" products, don't forget to pick up some basic sunscreen. Sun damage to your sensitive facial skin can make you appear much older than you actually are. Avoid new wrinkles and sun spots by making SPF a regular part of your routine.^{[3]
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Part 2

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Prepping Your Skin

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1
Exfoliate your face. If you don’t exfoliate regularly, this is a great routine to pick up. Mature skin can look dull and colorless, which won’t do your wrinkles any favors. Scrubbing off the dead skin cells 1-2 times a week will help to brighten your complexion. Exfoliation can also increase the production of collagen, the protein responsible for keeping skin plump and tight.^{[4]
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- You can use either a chemical or a manual exfoliant. Generally, chemical exfoliants are a more popular choice for aging skin. Look for products that have lactic acid or other gentle exfoliants to incorporate into your skincare routine.
Mature skin is often dry, and dry skin can make wrinkles look more prominent. A couple minutes before you’re ready to start doing your makeup, apply moisturizer to your entire skin to give it some much-needed moisture. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, find products with hyaluronic acid. These can help plump up the skin, reducing your fine lines.^{[5]
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3
Prime your skin. A makeup primer is key at any age, because it creates an even base for your makeup to go onto. When you have wrinkles, primer is even more important. Apply it over your entire face. Make sure that you get primer into your wrinkles, rather than glossing over them. You may need to pull gently at the skin to open up the wrinkle a bit, allowing the primer to get into it.^{[6]
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- Look for primers with a silicone base. These will help smooth out the skin and conceal fine lines.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Smoothing Your Skin

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Choose a thin, light foundation. With thicker foundations, you run a greater risk of having product collect in fine lines. Just like you did with the primer, make sure to get your foundation into the wrinkles. Rather than smoothing it over the wrinkles as if to cover them, you want to make sure the product is being evenly distributed all over your skin. This will help give your skin an even, more seamless appearance.^{[7]
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Run your Beauty Blender or similar makeup sponge under a bit of lukewarm water, and squeeze the excess out. By using a damp sponge to apply your foundation, you'll ensure even, natural looking coverage. Then, gently pat out your foundation with your sponge, making sure that everything is thoroughly smoothed and evened out. If you applied your foundation using a foundation brush, this will also get rid of any accidental lines.^{[8]
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Pull your lid taut as you gently dab your concealer into the skin. This will ensure that the product is going into the fine lines instead of sitting on top. After you’ve covered your lid, use that same foundation below your eyes. Cover up any dark circles or discoloration by gently dabbing the product under your eye in an upside down triangle shape.^{[9]
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4
Set your skin with a translucent powder. These powders are perfect for anyone with wrinkles, because it sets your foundation and concealer without adding any more coverage. By using only a light coat, your products will stay put without looking cakey. Apply the translucent powder evenly to your entire face with a fluffy powder brush.^{[10]
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- If you don’t set your face with powder, your foundation will slip and slide, eventually settling into wrinkles and making them more defined.
5
Fill in your eyebrows. While eyebrows don't make the skin look smooth, thinning eyebrows can age otherwise young-looking faces. Gently fill in sparse areas on your brow using a brow pencil, gel, or pomade. Use light strokes or flicks to mimic the shape of natural hairs.^{[11]
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- You don't need to build big, bold brows to make your face look younger. Simply focus on areas where the hair is a little patchy or thin. Fill these areas in and your brows will quickly look younger.

Part 4

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Brightening Your Complexion

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1
Revitalize your complexion with bronzer and blush. Using a smaller foundation brush, sweep a bit of bronzer on your cheekbones. Blend it upwards to your temples, adding a bit of warmth anywhere the sun would hit. Then, apply a bit of blush on the apples of your cheeks. These products helps to warm up the face, giving you a youthful glow that will make you look young and healthy. Make sure to blend both your bronzer and blush thoroughly.^{[12]
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- Make sure to put your bronzer on your cheekbones, rather than underneath them as you would in contouring. This can make your face appear more sunken, but the goal is to achieve a natural-looking glow.
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Create a soft highlight. Use a small amount of illuminating powder or cream to make your face glow. Apply it over the very tops of your cheeks, towards your temples, to create dimension. Use a soft hand while applying to create a soft shimmer, rather than a bold highlight. This highlighter, in conjunction with your blush and bronzer, will make your skin appear youthful and glowing.^{[13]
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- Again, make sure to get highlighter into the fine lines, rather than brushing over them. Avoid adding highlighter to areas where lines are already pronounced, though, such as smile lines around the eyes.
A setting spray helps to hold the makeup in place. Once you’ve carefully applied your products and your skin is looking lovely, you don’t want anything to smudge or collect into your wrinkles. Close your eyes, and spritz a setting spray over your entire face. It will air dry quickly, and you’re all set!^{[14]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

What is the best foundation for fine lines and wrinkles?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A liquid foundation with SPF and a lightweight, hydrating finish is best for aging skin.

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Question

What causes wrinkles on your face?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Wrinkles are caused by a loss of elasticity as the skin ages. They can also be the result of sun damage.

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Question

What is a silicone primer?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A silicone primer is one that contains silicone to provide a smooth, velvety finish. It is best for oily or combination skin, not for aging or dry skin.

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If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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