- Contains broad-spectrum sun protection
- Hydrates
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Updated March 13, 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, we’ve compiled a list of highly rated and recommended products to help you find the best foundation 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.
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
Best full-coverage
Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 360 Citrine 1.0 oz/ 30 mL
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
- Price: $47
Pros:
Cons:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
This lightweight foundation provides full-face coverage without looking cakey, plus it contains sun protection and smooths out mature skin.
Get it here: Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30
Best drugstore foundation for mature skin: L'Oréal Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
Best drugstore
L Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation Makeup 25 Cream Beige 1 fl oz
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
- Price: $16.99
Pros:
- Affordable
- High SPF
- Hydrating
Cons:
Cons:
- Must apply layers for fuller coverage
The bottom line:
This affordable foundation with a high (50) SPF is good for light coverage and contains a hydrating serum, so it feels good on your face.
Get it here: L'Oréal Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
Best powder foundation for mature skin: The Good Mineral Loves-You-Back 3in1 Mineral Powder Foundation
Best powder foundation
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 bottom line:
This foundation comes in 12 shades and is a great choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin, but it is more expensive than other options.
Get it here: 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
- Price: $42
Pros:
- Contains SPF 30
- Offers full coverage
- Blends well with other products
Cons:
- Expensive
- May feel a bit “heavy”
The bottom line:
A full-coverage cream foundation that blends well with other makeup but may be too heavy for those who prefer lighter makeup.
Get it here: Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Foundation
Best liquid foundation for mature skin: Ilia True Skin Foundation
Best liquid foundation
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
The bottom line:
A vegan, cruelty-free foundation that provides a natural glow with a medium finish.
Get it here: Ilia True Skin Foundation
Best stick foundation for mature skin: Spot Stick Concealer
Best stick foundation
Spot Stick Concealer
If you’re looking for a lightweight matte stick concealer, this one from celebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey erases spots and blemishes and nourishes the skin while creating a natural-looking glow. When you don’t want to put foundation on your face but still need coverage, this is a great choice for all skin types. We love that it's cruelty-free and FSC-verified, too. Plus, if you use Dempsey’s Mixturizer with the Spot Stick or any pigmented concealer or cover stick product, you can create your own hydrating tinted primer. Dempsey recommends simply adding more as needed for more pigment and coverage.
Pro tip: Dempsey recommends using her spot basing technique using your finger to warm up and activate her Spot Stick Concealer product, which has a matte finish, and then use it to tap and blend it out for coverage. “The warmth of your skin melts the concealer into the skin nicely,” she says. “Moisturize first, too, and let it soak in for a hydrated look and feel. I like to add a thin layer of Mixturizer under my eyes and allow it to soak in a couple of minutes.”
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Methylheptyl laurate, mica helianthus, and annuus seed wax
- Size: N/A — stick
- Shades: 13
- Price: $32
Pros:
- Easy to carry and use
- Cruelty-free
- Provides natural-looking coverage
Cons:
- If you prefer foundation in a bottle, this stick may not be the right fit
The bottom line:
A lightweight, skin-nourishing concealer in a slim stick that is easy to tuck into your purse.
Get it here: Spot Stick Concealer
Best lightweight foundation for mature skin: Clinique’s Even Better Glow™ Light Reflecting Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation
Best lightweight foundation
Clinique Even Better 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
The bottom line:
This foundation contains ingredients with light-reflecting properties and offers light-to-medium coverage with vitamins C and E to keep your complexion healthy.
Get it here: Clinique’s Even Better Glow™ Light Reflecting Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation
Best matte foundation for mature skin: NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation
Best matte
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
The bottom line:
Stays put in heat and humidity, diminishes fine lines and pores, and can double as an under-eye concealer.
Get it here: NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation
Best dewy foundation for mature skin: Lancôme SKIN FEELS GOOD Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 23
Best dewy foundation
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
- Price: $37
Pros:
- Moisturizing coverage
- Contains SPF
Cons:
- May not provide enough coverage for some
The bottom line:
This tinted moisturizer with SPF is a great alternative to a heavier foundation because it gives skin a glow and covers up redness.
Get it here: Lancôme SKIN FEELS GOOD Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 23
Best foundation for sensitive mature skin: Kjaer Weis Invisible Touch Liquid Foundation
Best for sensitive mature skin
Kjaer Weis Invisible Touch Liquid Foundation
Best foundation for dark spots
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
The bottom line:
It provides a natural, dewy finish with botanical extracts that soothe sensitive skin, but you’ll need to wear additional SPF, as this formula doesn’t include any.
Get it here: Kjaer Weis Invisible Touch Liquid Foundation
Best foundation for oily mature skin: Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Foundation
Best for oily mature skin
Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Waterproof Foundation
ll 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
- Price: $52
Pros:
- Gentle on skin
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Lack of sun protection
- Expensive
The bottom line:
This lightweight foundation is a good choice for sensitive or oily skin.
Get it here: Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Foundation
Best foundation with SPF for mature skin: IT Cosmetics, CC+ Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream SPF 50+
Best with SPF
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with 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
- Price: $47
Pros:
- Contains high SPF protection
- Great at correcting imperfections, especially around eye area
Cons:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
While this foundation has a high price point, it also has a high (50!) SPF to protect your skin from the elements, and its anti-aging ingredients conceal and camouflage fine lines and cover dark circles and redness.
Get it here: IT Cosmetics, CC+ Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream SPF 50+
Best foundation for dark spots: Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup for Face and Body SPF 15
Best for dark spots
Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Foundation 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”
The bottom line:
If you struggle with dark spots, this heavy foundation is water- and sweat proof in a liquid form and can provide the coverage you may need.
Get it here: Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup for Face and Body SPF 15
Best foundation for mature skin that offers many shades: Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
Best 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
- Price: $69
Pros:
- Wide range of shades
- Natural, full-makeup finish
Cons:
Cons:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
This pricey foundation comes in 40 shades and is good for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and users say its staying power lasts all day.
Get it here: Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
Best for dry skin: Revision Skincare® Intellishade Original
Best for dry skin
Revision Skincare® Intellishade Original (1.7 oz.)
This expensive but highly recommended product works best for individuals with dry, mature skin who want a hint of color (it’s a tinted moisturizer) with a decent amount of SPF (45) plus anti-aging ingredients that provide a soft glow, minimizes fine lines, and can be used with additional make-up products for more robust coverage.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Coenzyme Q10, Peptides, Titanium Dioxide, Vitamin C, Zinc Oxide
- Size: 1.7 ounces
- Shades: N/A
- Price: $84
Pros:
- Moisturizing
- High SPF (45)
- Lightly tinted for warmth
- Can be layered with traditional makeup
Cons:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
This pricey pick helps to protect mature skin while soothing fine lines and provides a warm glow instead of a heavy concealer, but it can be paired with other make-up, so you can wear it however you want.
Get it here: Revision Skincare® Intellishade Original
Best easy application: Ogee, Sculpted Complexion Stick
Best easy application
Ogge, Sculpted Complexion Stick
This easy, grab-and-go tinted stick offers coverage you control. Simply glide the stick onto your face and blend gently with your fingertips or brush. It layers well with other foundation or creams, and is great for evening out your skin tone. Comes in 22 shades and is moisturizing so your skin won’t dry out.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Pracaxi seed oil and patchouli leaf extract
- Size: 9.7 grams
- Shades: 22
- Price: $64
Pros:
- Wide range of shades
- Easy to use and portable
Cons:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
If you can afford the expensive price tag, this highly recommended all-natural, lightweight, and easy-to-use stick makeup can be worn on its own or layered with other products.
Get it here: Ogee, Sculpted Complexion Stick
Best all-day foundation: L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24-Hour Fresh Wear Lightweight Foundation
Best all-day foundation
L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight, Maple, 1 fl oz - 1 oz | CVS
This lightweight matte finish choice shouldn't be underestimated if you seek an affordable foundation you can wear around the clock. Water- and sweatproof, users say it stays put without having to go back to the bathroom to reapply. Best of all, it’s affordable at under $20 and available in drugstores. Plus, 32 shades should simplify finding the right fit for your face.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide
- Size: 10 fluid ounces
- Shades: 32
- Price: $13.87
Pros:
- Offers a matte finish
- Water- and sweatproof
- Stays put, doesn’t transfer
Cons:
- Some reviewers note a light fragrance that they did not enjoy
The bottom line:
L’Oreal knows makeup, and this foundation is formulated to stay put all day with a matte finish for an all-day professional look and keeps up the coverage all night long.
Get it here: L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24-Hour Fresh Wear Lightweight Foundation
Best balm foundation: What the Foundation by Jones Road
Best balm foundation
What the Foundation by Jones Road
Jones Road’s What the Foundation is a balm form of moisturizer and tinted concealer that provides all-day, lightweight coverage with natural ingredients to keep your complexion smooth while covering up perceived imperfections. It offers light to medium coverage and comes in 12 shades.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate
- Size: 35 grams (it is a balm versus a liquid)
- Shades: 12
- Price: $44
Pros:
- Tinted moisture balm and foundation all-in-one
- All natural ingredients and cruelty-free
- Hydrating for all-day wear
Cons:
- Only 12 shades
The bottom line:
If you want a skin tint that offers coverage, Jones Road What the Foundation is the best of both worlds in a balm.
Get it here: What the Foundation by Jones Road
Best skin tint foundation: Hi Beautiful You
Best skin tint foundation
BE YOU SKIN | Skin Perfecting Tint
This skin-perfecting tint gives you a luminous glow that improves skin tone and texture. It lightly conceals for those days you want to skip a full makeup routine. We love that it’s made in the USA, is cruelty-free, and works for all skin types but is recommended for mature skin. This face tint comes in four shades, and you can use it to smooth and blur lines and reduce redness. It also feels soft on your skin, not sticky, like some tints. Egan calls this product “almost an Instagram filter for the face.”
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Antioxidants: alpha lipoic acid, vitamins A and E
- Size: 1 fluid ounce
- Shades: 4
- Price: $48
Pros:
- Recommended for mature skin
- Produces an all-over even tone
- Controls shine
- Reduces redness
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Only 4 shades
- Does not contain SPF
The bottom line:
This smoothing skin tint minimizes pores and redness and gives you a healthy glow, plus it feels soft, not sticky on your skin.
Get it here: Hi Beautiful You
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
We 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. We also selected our top picks by personally testing, scouring hundreds of reviews, and asking the experts for their opinions. 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. “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.”
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