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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 has 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. We've compiled a list of highly rated and recommended products to help you find the best foundation for mature skin on the market.
Our top picks for the best foundations for mature skin
Best full-coverage foundation for mature skin: Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30
This medium to full-coverage foundation comes in 30 shades. It’s perfect for mature skin thanks to its light-reflective properties and mandarin-peel extract that helps smooth over and reduce hyperpigmentation.
The lightweight liquid formula with SPF 30 can be used sparingly for a medium look or layered for full coverage. It blends easily without sticking to fine lines in the face. It lifts, refines, and smooths mature skin, and users say it’s a go-to when you want full coverage for your face, but need hydration.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Light-adjusting technology, radiant microcrystals, and transparent, luminous pearl
- Size: 1.0 ounce
- Shades: 30
Pros:
- Contains broad-spectrum sun protection
- Hydrates
Cons:
- Expensive
Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 560 Obsidian 1.0 oz/ 30 mL
Best drugstore foundation for mature skin: L'Oréal Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
This product, unlike some, is designed specifically for mature skin. One of our most affordable options, it contains sunscreen, hydrating face serum, and Vitamin B2 to protect, smooth, and firm your skin. And its lightweight coverage will help smooth fine lines and even out skin tones while keeping your face hydrated.
Because it provides lighter coverage than some other foundations, users say it is a great daily option because of its high 50 SPF and ability to stand up in hot weather. However, others have remarked it might not be enough if you want a full-coverage foundation look.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: SPF 50, Vitamin B3, and hydrating serum
- Size: 1.0 fluid ounce
- Shades: 15
Pros:
- Affordable
- High SPF
- Hydrating
Cons:
- Must apply layers for fuller coverage
L Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation Makeup 25 Cream Beige 1 fl oz
Best powder foundation for mature skin: The Good Mineral Loves-You-Back 3in1 Mineral Powder Foundation
Marketed as a concealer, powder, and foundation, this three-in-one option is great for mature skin due to its non-drying or caking properties, which won’t settle into fine lines or pores in your skin. A mineral-based product, it is zinc and iron oxide plus titanium dioxide—all of which naturally provide sun protection, which is extremely important for all ages. In addition, it is non-comedogenic, which means it will protect against breakouts. This may be especially helpful to peri-and menopausal women whose skin may be finicky due to fluctuating hormones.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, sericite, and iron oxide
- Size: Net weight 10 grams/.35 ounces
- Shades: 12
- Price: $39
Pros:
- Contains minerals for sun protection
- Good for sensitive or acne-prone skin
- Won’t settle into fine lines
Cons:
- Expensive
The Good Mineral Loves-You-Back 3in1 Mineral Powder Foundation
Best cream foundation for mature skin: Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Foundation
If you’re searching for a full coverage cream foundation, Dermablend has you “covered,” thanks to its high-performance formula that includes a moisturizing balm that blends easily with other products. Users say it works well for covering dark spots, hyperpigmentation, burns, and scars and provides 30 SPF to protect your mature skin. And because it’s a cream foundation, it doesn’t cake into fine lines, and a little goes a long way.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, mineral oil, beeswax
- Size: 1 ounce
- Shades: 4
Pros:
- Contains SPF 30
- Offers full coverage
- Blends well with other products
Cons:
- Expensive
- May feel a bit “heavy”
Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Foundation
Best liquid foundation for mature skin: Ilia True Skin Foundation
If you have Instagram or TikTok, you’re probably familiar with Ilia Beauty. Its vegan and cruelty-free foundation, like its other clean products, lives up to the hype, offering mature skin coverage that feels and looks natural.
This foundation gives users medium coverage with a natural finish, and with niacinamide and allantoin, two potent skincare actives, each day you wear the foundation may improve skin tone, pores, and lines. Try Ilia Beauty’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 if you want lighter coverage with higher sun protection.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, allantoin, and aloe barbadensis leaf juice
- Size: 1 fluid ounce
- Shades:30
- Price: $54
Pros:
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- Provides a natural glowing look
Cons:
- Expensive
- Does not contain SPF 40
Ilia True Skin Foundation
Best stick foundation for mature skin: Merit The Minimalist
Both a foundation and a concealer, you can use it to cover specific spots, including undereye circles, or use it as a light-to-medium full face foundation. This slim stick slips into your purse or pocket so you can refresh as necessary. Wearers say it’s a perfect, non-cakey formula, and it contains sea daffodil extract that can help diminish the appearance of dark spots.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Sea daffodil extract, glycerin, titanium dioxide
- Size: .23 ounces
- Shades: 20
- Price: $38
Pros:
- Easy to carry with you
- Foundation and concealer in one
Cons:
- Does not contain SPF 40
- Expensive
The Minimalist
Best lightweight foundation for mature skin: Clinique’s Even Better Glow™ Light Reflecting Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation
This foundation’s light-reflecting properties is just one reason it’s a top choice for mature consumers. It goes on smoothly and doesn’t cake, with a dewy finish versus a matte look.
It may not be the right product if you want heavy coverage. It is a good choice for light-to-medium coverage for everyday use thanks to built-in sun protection and sweat and humidity-resistant properties. It contains vitamins C and E, which have properties that help your skin brighten over time with use.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Octinoxate, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide 3.0%
- Size: 1.0 fluid ounce
- Shades: 3
Pros:
- Good for daily use
- Dewy finish
Cons:
- Lower SPF than some
- Limited offerings of shades
CLINIQUE Even Better Glow™ Light Reflecting Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation Sienna 1 oz/ 30 mL
Best matte foundation for mature skin: NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation
Matte makeup is not usually recommended for mature skin, but this 16-hour matte foundation provides full coverage without drying out or caking over time. It contains anti-aging ingredients like peptides and skin-boosting A, C, and E vitamins. It goes on smoothly and diminishes fine lines and pores and can also be used under eyes to hide dark circles. Users say its staying power claim holds, even in heat and humidity.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Botanical extracts and antioxidants
- Size: 1 fluid ounce
- Shades: 34
- Price: $42
Pros:
- Matte foundation
- Contains vitamins A, C, and E
- Many shades
Cons:
- Expensive
Soft Matte Complete Foundation - Macao
Best dewy foundation for mature skin: Lancôme SKIN FEELS GOOD Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 23
If you’re looking for light coverage to help your skin glow, this tinted moisturizer will work in place of foundation. It contains SPF 23 to help protect your mature skin from sun damage and can be worn as a moisturizer blended with another foundation or by itself.
We’ve included it for its dewy properties that allow for a radiant, natural look without caking into fine lines and because it covers up redness.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Hydraulic acid, vegetable glycerin, and Moringa seed extract
- Size: 1.08 ounces
- Shades: 10
Pros:
- Moisturizing coverage
- Contains SPF
Cons:
- May not provide enough coverage for some
Lancôme SKIN FEELS GOOD Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 23
Best foundation for sensitive mature skin: Kjaer Weis Invisible Touch Liquid Foundation
Designed in part for mature skin, Invisible Touch offers buildable light-to-medium coverage for sensitive skin, protective organic extracts like Dioscorea Batatas, known for its healing and illuminating properties, and chamomilla recutita flower water, which helps with redness.
Older users report that it doesn’t sink into fine lines and gives skin a dewy finish. It does not contain SPF, so you’ll need to use a separate product for sun protection. The product has a dropper for application, allowing it to last longer than a foundation that may overflow from a bottle.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, organic chamomile water, and sunflower seed oil
- Sizes: 1.0 ounce
- Shades: 17
- Price: $48
Pros:
- Mature reviews rave over its natural dewy finish
- Full of botanical extracts to soothe sensitive skin
Cons:
- Expensive
- Does provide sun protection
Kjaer Weis Invisible Touch Liquid Foundation
Best foundation for oily mature skin: Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Foundation
Not all mature skin is dry. If your skin is oily, you will likely want a lightweight product that doesn’t add shine (controls oil) and improves a skin’s texture over time. It works well in humidity plus is sweat- and-waterproof. Users say it stays put “throughout the day” and “reduces shine” during its 12-hour period leaving oily skin hydrated and happy.
One note, you will need to blend and layer for a full-foundation look, as this one offers medium coverage and you’ll want to add an SPF to your skincare regimen as well.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Camelia seed, vitamin E and cacao extract
- Size: 1.0 ounce
- Shades: 30
Pros:
- Gentle on skin
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Lack of sun protection
- Expensive
Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Foundation
Best foundation with SPF for mature skin: IT Cosmetics, CC+ Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream SPF 50+
This one does “it” all—with anti-aging ingredients and a high SPF (50) formula. It hydrates, conceals, and camouflages fine lines, redness, dark circles, uneven skin tones, and scars. What sets this product apart is its high SPF, which means you can safely wear this foundation outdoors without applying additional sun protection. Vitamin E provides soothing nourishment for skin that may need attention, and hyaluronic acid helps skin retain water and diminish fine lines over time.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E
- Size: 1.08 fluid ounces
- Shades: 22
Pros:
- Contains high SPF protection
- Great at correcting imperfections, especially around eye area
Cons:
- Expensive
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
Best foundation for dark spots: Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup for Face and Body SPF 15
When you want to cover dark spots, you may need maximum coverage that doesn’t cake on your face. Estée Lauder offers oil-free, water-resistant, sweatproof, and full coverage makeup. It’s a liquid foundation, so you can apply as much or as little as you would like. Some users say it’s heavy, so not for those seeking lighter coverage. SPF 15 is a great starting point for sun protection but most skin experts recommend a higher one, so you should consider adding a layer of sunscreen or mix it with a protective moisturizer if you plan to be outside most of the day.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: SPF 50
- Size: 1.0 ounce
- Shades: 8
Pros:
- Contains SPF
- Covers dark spots
Cons:
- Expensive
- Could feel “heavy”
Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Foundation For Face and Body SPF 15
Best foundation for mature skin that offers many shades: Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
This buildable foundation doesn’t crease or get stuck in lines and comes in 40 skin shades to help users find their perfect match. While on the more expensive side of our list, mature users say it is worth the price for its strong coverage, yet natural look, and all-day staying power.
Good for all skin types, including sensitive, this foundation offers full coverage with a natural finish that hydrates (with glycerin) and provides some sun protection due to titanium dioxide, one of its active ingredients.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide and glycerin
- Size: 1.0 ounce
- Shades: 40
Pros:
- Wide range of shades
- Natural, full-makeup finish
Cons:
- Expensive
Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
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.
How we researched and tested our findings
We studied the ingredients, texture, and variety of shades for all our products. We selected our top picks from various retailers by fact-checking, personally testing, and scouring hundreds of reviews. Our 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.
How do you apply foundation so it doesn't settle into wrinkles?
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.
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 and not provide enough hydration or go on as smoothly as a cream or liquid one. 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?
While all skin is different, overall, dewy foundations may be preferable to a matte one since they may provide a more natural finish. However, the right matte foundation will provide full coverage and give you a more polished, more made-up look—if that is what you want.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.