10 Makeup Tricks That Hide Wrinkles

Photograph by JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images

Step up your moisturising habits.

Yes, you've heard this advice plenty of times, and there's a reason for that. "The difference between a raisin and a grape is hydration," says skincare expert Connie Elder. "The best way to disguise wrinkles is to hydrate them," she says. To keep your skin hydrated from the inside and out, make sure you drink plenty of water and always apply a moisturiser after washing your face (and before putting on makeup).

If you're over 40, a moisturiser alone won't slow the ageing process, so applying a serum first and then layering a moisturiser on top works best, Elder says. (And don't forget to use sunscreen!) When choosing a serum, look for one that lists hyaluronic acid as one of its top ingredients; hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it helps preserve moisture. Once your face is well hydrated, not only will wrinkles be far less noticeable, but your makeup will also go on much smoother.

Photograph by PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou/Getty Images

Use a silicone primer.

Silicone-based primers are a magic weapon for many beauty professionals. "If you think of the wrinkle as a small valley, the silicone fills that valley, creating a smoother surface for you to apply your foundation," says makeup artist Caitlin Picout.

The best way to apply primer is with your hands or a small brush—a sponge will just soak up the product. After you moisturise your face, "apply a small amount of primer, about the size of a 5c piece, to the centre of your forehead, nose, each cheek and chin, and then rub it in, focusing on the problem areas," says Picou. Give the primer a few minutes to set before applying your foundation and other makeup.

Photograph by Monica Rodriguez/Getty Images

Lighten up on the foundation.

Just because you have wrinkles doesn't mean you have to use more or heavier makeup. When you use a full-coverage foundation or are too heavy-handed with your application, the makeup settles into the wrinkles, pronouncing them even more, says makeup artist and skincare expert Josephine Fusco. Stick with a light- or medium-coverage foundation. Applying it with a damp sponge will help soften the foundation, giving it a sheerer and flawless look, Fusco says.

Or, you may be able to ditch foundation altogether. "Lightweight makeup, such as BB creams, tinted moisturisers or airbrush makeup is great for giving coverage without accentuating fine lines and wrinkles," says makeup artist Kiralee Hubbard.

Photograph by WEKWEK/Getty Images

Make chiffon your colour.

Colour correctors aren't just for redness and under eye circles and dark spots. "A colour corrector in chiffon (a pinkish hue) is brightening, which helps disguise wrinkles by lifting darkness from the area, says makeup artist Shara Strand. "Add the colour chiffon sparingly in the deepest part of the wrinkle, then blend by tapping with your ring finger," she says. Don't worry that the chiffon colour will clash with your other makeup. Strand says as long as you mix it with concealer to temper it down, it works with all skin tones.

Photograph by LarisaBozhikova/Getty Images

Put away the powder.

Even if you've been using powder to set your makeup forever, it may be time to do away with it. Powder tends to settle in the fine lines and crinkles of the skin, making them look worse, so it's best to skip it. If you can't give up your beloved powder, "avoid applying it to areas that have a lot of wrinkles, such as crow's feet," Picou says.

Photograph by Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images

Work your eyes.

First off, skip the falsies. "False lashes draw attention to saggy eyelids or crow's feet," says makeup artist and beauty blogger Hillary Kline. To give your lashes a boost, reach for an eyelash curler and mascara: Curling your eyelashes can help give the lashes more volume and definition, which will help disguise wrinkles, she says.

Frosted or glittery eye makeup is another no-no since it will settle into fine lines, making them more obvious. Kline recommends first using a matte eyeshadow primer or a thin layer of concealer on eyelids. "I then place a light beige shadow from the lash line to the brow bone, followed by putting a taupe, light brown or gray in the crease for added definition," she says. And if you have hooded eye, apply it just above the crease, so you can still the definition. 

Lastly, avoid liquid liners, which also settle into wrinkles. "Instead, use a softer shade eyeliner pencil and apply it along the upper lash line only," says Kline.

Photograph by kupicoo/Getty Images

Highlight your blush.

Make your cheeks pop to take attention off of sagging skin or wrinkles. "A cream-based highlighter is excellent to apply under your blush because it will keep a glow shining through the blush, eliminating the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines," says Fusco. You don't have to overdo it. A few taps with your ring finger just prior to the blush application is all you need.

Once you move on to your blush, choose the right colour and location. "Wear a shade that compliments your skin tone—rosy pinks and peaches for fair skin; pinks, peaches and mauves for medium tones; and corals, oranges or berries for darker complexions," Kline says. "Avoid applying the blush lower than your nostrils because that draws the face downward and can make you appear older," she adds. Too high (as in above the cheekbone), and it will look unnatural and clown-like. The best technique: Smile, apply it to the apples of your cheeks, and then blend well.

Photograph by Image Source/Getty Images

Perfect your pout.

Prime, line and colour is the name of the game when it comes to lips. Just like the primer you use on your face, a lip primer helps give you a smoother (and longer-lasting) base for your lipstick. A lip liner that is closest in colour to your chosen lipstick will prevent the lipstick from feathering and filling in the fine lines around your mouth, Picou says.

After you line your lips, colour between the lines. That will help your lipstick last longer and prevent you from having the dreaded ring around the lips as your lipstick wears off during the day, Picou says. Finish with the lipstick of your choice but try to stay away from mattes. They don't have built-in moisturisers, so they make wrinkles stand out more.

Photograph by Juice Images Ltd/Getty Images

Don't forget your neck.

Even if your facial makeup is flawless, wrinkles on your neck will blow your cover. "Be sure to pull your makeup past your jawline," Hubbard says. You don't have to wear much, but the makeup will help hide neck creases and give you a more blended look. If your neck is paler than your face, Hubbard recommends dusting on some bronzer rather than adding more makeup. (And don't forget to moisturise your neck!)

Photograph by JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images

Take a second look.

What looks good in your bedroom or bathroom may be unflattering outside of it. Try to apply makeup in natural light, if possible. Then, regardless of where you put it on, remember to check your makeup in two different lights to make sure the blend is correct, Strand says. If your blending is off, it can highlight wrinkles. So check (and then double-check) your makeup—even if it means stepping outside with a hand mirror.