The Best Foundation for Mature Skin in 2024

As we age, our skin changes along with our bodies. Every decade brings subtle—and not-so-subtle—differences to your skin, from loss of elasticity to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Pivoting away from beauty products that no longer serve your skin doesn’t have to be difficult. There’s never been a better time to buy skincare, like anti-aging eye creams, tinted moisturizers, and foundations that nourish and support aging skin. When shopping around, look for makeup with sun protection, anti-aging, and hydrating ingredients to keep your face feeling and looking fresh. After speaking to skincare experts and professional make-up artists, I’ve compiled a list of highly rated and recommended products to help you find the best foundation for mature skin.

Our top picks for the best foundations for mature skin

What to consider when choosing a foundation for mature skin

Shopping for a concealer or foundation when you have mature skin doesn’t have to be difficult, but you should ask yourself a few questions before you buy one.

What is my skin tone?

“The biggest mistake I see people make is using the wrong shade of concealer and using a concealer with too much white pigment that bounces the light. A makeup artist’s worst nightmare is the white bounce back,” says celebrity make-up artist and entrepreneur Jillian Dempsey, who founded a line of award-winning, cruelty-free, clean makeup, skin, and hair products. “To find your best shade, step out into the daylight with a mirror,” recommends celebrity make-up artist and entrepreneur Jillian Dempsey. “This will tell you everything you need to know! Orange tones cover blue, pink tones cover gray, green tones cover red, and yellow tones cover red. Lavender is a brightening shade if you want to get into color correction.”

What are the ingredients in this product?

You may want to avoid certain ingredients when searching for foundation, especially if you have mature skin. “Alcohols, perfumes, nitrates and nitrites and harsh scrubs can overdry the skin and break down the protective barrier needed to keep moisture in,” says Lisa Chevalier, physician associate and founder of SoVous Medical Spa and Laser Center in New York, New York. Chevalier gave us a cheat sheet of other products to avoid, including the following.

• Parabens (usually end in -paraben) are known carcinogens
• Phthalates have been banned from cosmetics in the EU but remain prevalent in U.S. products. They are known endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and allergens
• Talc (powder form) can contain asbestos and lead to cancer
• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA, not to be confused with beta hydroxy acid) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are preservatives that have been linked to endocrine issues and organ toxicity
• Silica (powder form) can be a respiratory irritant
• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15) are added to skincare to decrease microbial growth but can cause allergies for as high as 20% of people, and formaldehyde itself is on the list of known carcinogens

Chevalier says it's crucial to include skincare products that actively benefit the skin. These typically include exfoliating pads, serums, and moisturizers infused with potent active ingredients. Examples of such ingredients include antioxidants, vitamins, anti-inflammatories, pigmentation correctors, and retinoids. “These formulations can effectively address various skin concerns and contribute to a healthier, more radiant complexion as we continue to age. Many of these ingredients can cause the skin to be more sun-sensitive, so it is extra important to apply adequate suncare,” she says.

How much do I need?

“Mature women should wear less concealer and foundation and only apply in targeted areas that are in need of coverage — like sunspots, dark circles, redness, or blemishes,” says Dempsey. “Often, women layer concealer too heavily under their eyes, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles becoming more obvious.”

Does it contain SPF?

“The most important step in a skincare regimen for aging skin is the application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF protection,” says Chevalier. “As we age, our skin becomes more susceptible to damage from the sun's harmful UV rays, leading to accelerated aging, hyperpigmentation, and even an increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, consistently using sunscreen helps protect against these adverse effects and helps maintain the overall health and appearance of the skin.” If you’re looking for more SPF products, see our round-ups of the best mineral sunscreen and best tinted sunscreen.

What type of foundation is it?

Foundations are not all the same. You can buy powders, lightweight or heavier-weight makeup, sticks, creams, and liquid makeup to cover blemishes and smooth out fine lines.

“I think makeup is headed toward a more natural and no makeup look as opposed to heavy makeup. Most women are tired of the full-face makeup look and feel more confident using lighter products that enable their natural skin to shine through,” shares celebrity makeup artist Sarah Egan, who recommends mature women (and others) try a skin tint on days when they don’t want full-face makeup.

“Skin tints, the perfect alternative to traditional foundation, are for when you want a bit of coverage to even the skin’s tone and texture. They can be worn without anything else on the face, or you can layer foundation on top so that your foundation will look more like skin, not makeup,” she shares.

How to choose the best foundation for mature skin

When choosing the best foundation for mature skin, consider your skin type and sensitivities, how much coverage you want, and how much SPF the foundation contains. Like other skin care products such as eye creams, you should read the label for beneficial ingredients that can enhance mature skin:

• Hyaluronic acid, which will help plump and hydrate skin
• Peptides, a natural anti-aging ingredient
• Vitamins A, C, and E, plus products like botanical flower extracts like rosehip and chamomile, because they will help reduce redness and help to keep skin smooth
• Sun protective minerals should also be key ingredients if you don’t want to add sunscreen to your foundation routine. Look for products with an SPF of at least 40.

Tips for applying foundation on mature skin

Celebrity makeup artist and Grind Pretty founder Mia "Mimi" Johnson shared four tips for applying foundation on mature skin.

• Prep the Skin: Moisturize well to create a smooth base. Use a primer to fill fine lines and create a more even surface.
• Less is More: Apply foundation sparingly and build up coverage where needed. Heavy application can settle into wrinkles.
• Blend Well: Mix seamlessly with a damp makeup sponge or foundation brush. Avoid dragging or tugging on the skin.
• Set with Powder: Lightly set the foundation with a translucent powder to prevent it from settling into lines. Use sparingly to maintain a natural finish.

How we researched and tested our findings

I spoke to skincare experts and make-up artists to learn more about makeup and mature skin and what makes a good concealer and foundation, from ingredients to ease of use. I also selected the top picks by personally testing, scouring hundreds of reviews, and asking the experts for their opinions. My comprehensive list covers many common concerns about how to find the best foundation makeup for mature consumers.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What type of foundation should be used on mature skin?

The foundations listed above are good examples of what will work with mature skin. It is recommended that mature skin types avoid powdery or cakey matte products, as they can settle into fine lines and wrinkles. “Lightweight BB or CC creams are a better option, as they typically contain ingredients designed to hydrate, nourish and protect the skin. Intellishade by Revision Skincare is our “in-house” favorite. I also like IT Cosmetics CC cream,” says Chevalier.

What makes foundation for mature skin different from other types of foundation?

“People with mature skin will want to look for a foundation that is hydrating with ingredients like hyaluronic acid,” suggests Johnson. “Choose foundations that provide a luminous finish to add a youthful glow. Texture-wise, opt for liquid or cream foundations as they blend seamlessly into the skin.”

What should you avoid in foundations for mature skin?

People with mature skin will want to look for a hydrating foundation with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, says Johnson. “Choose foundations that provide a luminous finish to add a youthful glow. Texture-wise, opt for liquid or cream foundations as they blend seamlessly into the skin,” she says. Foundations for mature skin should generally be free from heavy fragrances, alcohol, and high levels of talc, she adds. Plus, “Unless you are having hot flashes, mature skin generally needs to stay hydrated.”

How do you apply foundation so it doesn't settle into wrinkles?

“Choose lightweight products, as heavier foundations can often pull into wrinkled areas and pores, making them look more noticeable,” says Chevalier.

Before applying your foundation, make sure you have used a hydrating cleanser and add a facial serum with hyaluronic acid (note: many foundations have this ingredient) to hydrate your face.

When the serum has soaked into your skin, add moisturizer and primer, which creates a barrier between your skin and concealer, to help keep the skin smooth.

When you apply your foundation, make sure not to oversaturate the skin with a product. Start by applying a dab of product and blend it gently while building up coverage as you go. “Don’t be afraid to use clean, dry hands,” recommends Egan. “The heat from your hands will help melt the product and blend it into your skin. Use after moisturizer. Simply pat onto the face and neck, and then smooth with your fingertips.”

What type of makeup products are best avoided on mature skin?

Because mature skin is often dry, powdered makeup like foundation or blush may settle into fine lines. Products that contain alcohol as a key ingredient should also be avoided due to its drying properties.

Should mature skin use matte or dewy foundation?

It depends on the product and the person using it. Some matte-based makeup works fine on older skin, while others may benefit from a foundation that provides a dewy look. “I recommend lightweight, radiant concealers that brighten without being heavy,” says Johnson. “Products with light-reflecting ingredients that help to lift and illuminate mixed with a tinted moisturizer. Avoid thick formulas, as they can emphasize wrinkles. Nars radiant concealer or YSL Éclatc concealers are popular, plus Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer.”