Skip to main content

The question

I have tried many concealers to cover the age spots on my face but none have been effective. Do you have any suggestions?"

The answer

My first suggestion for dealing with age spots, which are often attributed to sun damage, is to look into brightening serums that target dark spots. These treatments often contain acidic plant or fruit extracts that help gradually lighten the spots. Most of the products in the market need to be used for at least four weeks to see results so don't expect to see an instant change.

Mary Kay makes a great one called Timewise Even Complexion Dark Spot Reducer that contains a ferulic acid as its key brightening ingredient. As for a concealer, your best bet is a cream formula. Liquids and powders tend to absorb into the skin or move around whereas a cream, when applied in light layers (as opposed to globbing it on thickly), will last longer and provide more opaque coverage.

The last thing to keep in mind is the colour of the spots you are covering. I've come across spots that are brown but also ones that are red. If you're dealing with brown ones, choose a shade identical to your skin tone as you'll simply want to mask the spot and make sure the concealer blends in with the surrounding skin. If it's red, a green- or yellow-based concealer will help neutralize the colour, then you can layer on a concealer in a shade as close to your own skin tone as possible.

Bahar Niramwalla is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert who has appeared on CTV, Global TV and City. Follow her on Twitter: @baharniramwalla. Have a beauty question? E-mail style@globeandmail.com.

Interact with The Globe