How to Use Makeup to Hide Fine Lines & Wrinkles

We all want to look younger, but knowing how best to do it can be tricky. The key is knowing what works and what doesn't. If you want to cover up fine lines, you need a makeup technique that's going to be effective. Let us look at some useful tips for using makeup to get the most out of your anti-ageing routine.

Also read about makeup tips & tricks.

Why do we get fine lines and wrinkles?

Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process and are caused by several factors including sun exposure, poor skincare, dehydration, smoking and much more. The skin becomes thinner with reduced elasticity over time, making it more prone to wrinkles. 

How to Use Makeup to Hide Fine Lines & Wrinkles

But if you are noticing the fine lines and looking for a quicker solution before a big event or a party, we have some quick tips for you because your makeup brush is a magic wand! Let’s look at some tips to use makeup to hide wrinkles. 

#1 Moisturise Your Skin

Prepping your skin before any makeup is essential. Always moisturise before applying makeup. Having a well-moisturised canvas is the first step to getting the most out of your makeup. Here are five steps you can take to ensure your skin is at its best:

  1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil and makeup from your skin, leaving it clean and ready for products that follow.

  2. Use a toner to shrink your pores for a smoother makeup application.
  1. Use an antioxidant face serum for your face. Antioxidants help prevent dark spots from forming on top of fine lines and wrinkles, among other things.

  2.  Apply a rich moisturiser containing SPF to hydrate the skin and protect it from sun exposure. If you have oily or combination skin, try a mattifying moisturiser instead to control shine throughout the day.

  3.  Use a moisturiser that is appropriate for your skin type or one that contains hyaluronic acid to plump up fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin and makes it look fuller. (1) Try Revlon's Touch & Glow Cream as this nourishing cream contains ingredients that protect skin from harsh sun rays, helping to keep it soft and radiant. 

#2 Don't Let Fine Lines Show Through - Use A Hydrating Facial Mist!

If your skin is dry, fine lines and wrinkles will likely show through your makeup. To ensure hydration in areas where creams can't reach—like under the eyes or around the mouth—use a facial mist to seal moisture after applying moisturiser. A hydrating facial mist helps to hydrate and plump up the skin. It also makes for a smoother application, so the product goes on more easily and blends seamlessly.

We recommend using Revlon's PhotoReady Rose Glow Mist, the ultimate pick-me-up for skin. This super-fine mist hydrates skin while imparting a luminous, dewy glow, leaving you refreshed and renewed with a 24-hour moisturised feel. Powered by Superfruit Complex and Palm, Coconut and Sunflower Oils, this formula keeps skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. Utilize it to prepare your skin prior to the application of foundation by either spraying it directly onto your face or blending it with your moisturizer to provide additional hydration throughout the day.

#3 Apply an Age-Defying Primer For a Smoother Base

A primer is a beauty must-have, especially if you want to address the visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. It's easy to use too - apply an even layer using your fingers or a brush over your entire face, including the area around the eyes, nose and mouth. The key to getting the best results from this product is waiting for it to set before applying the face foundation.

Face primers work by blurring your pores and smoothening your skin. They can also help in reducing the production of oils throughout the day, giving you a smooth surface that the foundation can adhere to flawlessly. It can help to hide any signs of ageing or uneven texture on your skin. (2)

Try Revlon Colorstay UV primer, a fragrance-free formula that delivers a protected and flawless look for 24 hours. The luxurious blend quickly absorbs into skin, controlling shine for no chalky appearance—and with SPF 40 to prevent future wrinkles.

#4 Choose The Right Foundation Colour To Hide Wrinkles

You don't want to go too dark, but you also don't want to go too light with a foundation. A pink-toned foundation will cause wrinkles to pop up and be more noticeable. Likewise, if your foundation is too yellow, it can highlight the fine lines on your face instead of hiding them.

Once you have matched the colour correctly, apply it with a sponge or brush in a circular motion starting from your forehead down to blend everything so that there are no apparent ageing signs. Dab the sponge over fine lines.

Also learn about reasons to wear foundation.

Blend Foundation Well

You should use a foundation, brush or sponge to blend your makeup for the best results. If using a sponge, dip it in water first and squeeze out any excess water before applying the makeup. A wet sponge helps in better application and blending.

Applying it with your fingers is also an option but we do not recommend this because it can make fine lines look more prominent if done incorrectly.

To blend the foundation well, begin by dabbing (never patting) the product onto your face in small circles starting from the centre of your face and moving outwards towards each side of the forehead, cheeks and jawline. Then gently tap off any excess product with a clean tissue before setting it with powder if desired.

#5 Conceal Your Under-Eye Area

The delicate skin around your eyes is the first to show signs of ageing, so you need a concealer that provides all-day coverage while hiding dark circles and sunspots. There are a variety of concealer types: liquid, stick or creams. A good concealer should be a shade lighter than your foundation and applied only to the areas you want to cover—not all over the face!

How to use:

  • Use a concealer that blends into your skin tone.
  • Use a shade lighter than the colour of your circles to make them seem less noticeable.
  • Apply a small amount under your eyes with your fingertips.
  • Smooth into the skin with a gentle patting motion.
  • Let it set for a minute before applying your foundation.
  • Finally, set your under-eye area with translucent powder so the concealer won't crease.

Try Revlon Colorstay Skin Awaken 5-in-1 Concealer, which blends seamlessly onto skin, covering imperfections while infusing it with hydration and a healthy glow. You'll look wide awake—and the formula is engineered to last!

Dab A Concealer On The Problem Areas

Concealer makeup come in many colours, so you'll want a shade that matches your natural skin tone. This will help you look more natural and less like you're wearing makeup.

You may want to try these concealers if you have:

  • Bright Skin Tone: Look for a one to two shades lighter concealer than your complexion. 
  • Medium Skin Tone: Try a neutral or slightly darker shade that matches the colour of your foundation.
  • Dark Skin Tone: Go for an opaque shade or one somewhat lighter than their skin tone.

If you aren't sure where to apply concealer, consider these problem areas:

  • Under the eyes and around the corners of the nose and mouth: These areas tend to wrinkle more as we age and need extra coverage when putting on makeup to look our best.
  • Blemishes: A little bit of concealer goes a long way when it comes to hiding blemishes. Just dab some on top of a pimple with clean fingertips or using a brush, then blend well by patting gently into place until it's no longer visible under light sources such as sunlight/a lampshade.
  • Around the mouth: This area tends to thin out over time, which makes it more obvious when you smile. To make your lips appear plumper and more youthful, apply concealer around them using a small brush or clean fingertips.

#6 Apply A Bronzer For A Soft & Natural Look

Fine lines and wrinkles can be upsetting, but they don't have to be! If you're looking for a natural-looking solution to cover fine lines or wrinkles, try using bronzer. Bronzer will help you achieve a natural chiseled look that doesn't draw too much attention to any one area of your face.

How to use:

  • Using a bronzer around the hairline, nose, and chin will give you a soft and subtle appearance without paying too much attention to those areas. Be careful not to use too much because it will make your skin look artificial. Instead, use a light hand and apply bronzer in small strokes using a brush or clean fingertips.
  • Apply the bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, under your chin, and along the hairline. It will give you a natural look.
  • Be sure to apply your bronzer sparingly around the eyes—otherwise, it will accentuate wrinkles and make you look more tired than you are.

Try Revlon Highlighting Palette, which provides a multi-dimensional, sculpted look that is easy to apply and blend.

Read also The Dos and Don'ts of Using a Face Highlighting Palette

#7 Set Makeup With Translucent Powder After Applying Blush And Bronzer

A loose setting powder is the next step to ensure your makeup stays in place. It's a great way to set makeup so it doesn't smudge or smear, and it gives you that smooth finish that makes you look like you're wearing nothing.

How to use:

  • To apply setting powder, use a brush (or sponge if you prefer) and swipe over your face in circular motions until everything looks flawless. Only apply a little powder; it will look unnatural if you use more than is necessary.

Revlon ColorStay Blot Powder mattifies, absorbs oil, and minimizes pores while controlling shine. Silky-soft formula keeps skin smooth and matte without leaving a chalky look, plus it resists flinching in photos.

#8 Improve The Appearance Of Wrinkles Without Looking Caked On

To look natural when you have makeup, use concealer (in a shade that matches your skin tone) to cover up dark circles and laugh lines under your eyes. Use an accent colour to draw attention away from your flaws and create the illusion of depth around them. The effect is subtle but very effective at covering up wrinkles without using heavy makeup products.

#9 A Little Bit Of Makeup Goes A Long Way

You may want to add more coverage but trust us, the less product you use on your face, the less there is to settle into the creases from your smile lines. Use a light hand when applying makeup. Stay moderate with the makeup; less is more when attracting attention away from those fine lines and wrinkles. If you use too much makeup, it will look obvious—and possibly even clumpy.

Try using a powder foundation like Revlon Photoready™ Two Way Powder Foundation SPF 20/PA++. This foundation blurs lines and pores and offers buildable coverage that won't cake or settle into wrinkles—even when used under harsh lighting conditions.

#10 Apply a Lip Color—After Prepping Your Lips

Make it a note of never applying your lip colour or even a lip tint without prepping your lips. 

Donning a lip colour on dry and flaky lips may make all your makeup look like havoc. 

To keep them healthy and the dead skin at bay, start gently exfoliating your lips with a lip scrub. After exfoliating, moisturise your lips to lock in moisture and prevent the lipstick from feathering or splitting. This essential lip care encourages long-lasting lip glam. That perfect pout is made possible only by taking care of your lips. 

Look no less than a Diva by getting your hands on the stunning shades of glossy and matte lipstick from Revlon. 

#11 Highlighting & Blushing Techniques

To distract from drooping skin or wrinkles, make your cheeks look fuller. The visibility of wrinkles and fine lines is reduced when a highlighter is used below the blush because it maintains a glow that shines through the blush. However, refrain from overdoing the highlighting. All you need to do is lightly tap the area with your ring finger before applying blush.

While applying the blush pick the proper shade and placement for your blush. Wear a shade that complements your skin tone: for instance, rose pinks and peaches for fair skin, pinks, peaches, and mauves for medium tones, and corals, oranges, or berries for darker skin tones.

#12 Don’t Forget Your Neck—Keep up the Maintenance

The skin on your neck is very sensitive, hence, is prone to have more visible fine lines and wrinkles than other parts of the body. Thus, it is important to prep and make up your neck as well, to get a complete glow. Along with putting on oodles of moisturiser and sunscreen while stepping out, it is extremely important to pay attention to your neck area while applying foundation and contouring. 

Not donning proper makeup on your neck may break your whole look, by making your skin tone look discoloured. 

#13 Seek Professional Advice

Even after following the above-mentioned tips and tricks, if you are not able to hide your fine lines and wrinkles, then without giving a second thought seek professional advice. A professional will help you understand even the minute details about the makeup.

Conclusion

We hope this post has helped you decide what kind of makeup will work best for your needs. Remember that the best way to get rid of wrinkles is by regularly using moisturisers and other anti-ageing products. Keeping up with a regular skincare routine will help prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place. If you already have wrinkles, consider using makeup that can conceal them while still looking natural and fresh.


FAQs

Q. How do you blur fine lines with makeup?

A: You can use a primer to smooth out the texture of your skin before applying makeup. You can also use a corrector and a concealer for fine lines around the eyes and mouth. You can also use a foundation that has coverage to make the fine lines less visible. Consider looking for one with light-reflecting pigments or illuminating agents, which will help blur out the appearance of wrinkles.

Q. Is there a primer that fills in wrinkles?

A: Yes, some primers can help fill in wrinkles. Consider looking for a primer that has hyaluronic acid or peptides in it. These ingredients will help hydrate your skin, making it look more plump and youthful.

Q. Why do my wrinkles look worse with foundation?

A: If you've noticed that your wrinkles tend to look worse once you apply foundation, it's likely because the product is thicker and heavier than a moisturiser—and doesn't allow your skin to breathe.

If you want to wear foundation, use a good primer underneath it, so your skin doesn't get dehydrated from being covered up all day.

Q. Is powder or liquid foundation better for hiding wrinkles?

A: Powder foundation is generally better at hiding wrinkles than liquid because it sits on top of your skin and doesn't get absorbed into the skin, unlike liquid foundations. However, the powder might not work well for you if you have oily skin because it may clog up your pores.

Q. Does setting powder hide wrinkles?

A: A nice sweep of setting powder like Revlon’s ColorStay BLOT Setting Powder minimises the appearance of pores and fine lines, thus reducing the visibility of wrinkles.

Q. Should an older woman wear face powder?

A: A face powder may settle into the fine lines and may not allow you to apply other makeup products smoothly on your face. Additionally, it can make your fine lines and wrinkles more visible. 

Q. Can I use moisturizer instead of primer?

A: No, you should not substitute moisturiser with a primer. Moisturiser is an important part of the skincare routine and primer helps in creating a flawless base for makeup, hence, primer should always be applied after nourishing your skin with a moisturiser.