Aging might be a wonderful beauty—with each year being a small-yet-meaningful badge of honor—but it does require us to take an audit on our cosmetics. As we get older, we trade in our obsession with hormonal acne and teenage-style breakouts for a thoughtful plan to combat discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles.
"The skin thins as we age, and cell turnover slows,"explains Ashley Magovern, board certified dermatologist and medical advisor for Dermstore. "When cell turnover slows down, we tend to accumulate dead skin cells on top. These dead skin cells impart a dull and rough look to the skin. We lose the ability to hold on to moisture, and collagen and elastin decreases, which makes the skin more prone to fine lines, wrinkles, and laxity." The right tightening creams and facial devices can help ward off and even reverse some of these signs of aging, but if you're looking to wear makeup, it all starts with a foundation built with mature skin in mind.
Shop the Best Foundations for Mature Skin
While you don't need much for mature skin—celebrity makeup artist Elaina Badro says tinted moisturizer is great regular use—you will need to double down on moisturizing, nourishing ingredients. "Hydrating formulas are great for mature skin that tends to be dry," she explains. "Ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin C are great for mature skin."
That said, there are so many finishes, formulas, and shades to choose from, so where to begin? To help, we hand-picked the foundations for mature skin that shoppers and beauty experts love. Regardless of which formula you pick, one thing's for sure: Growing up has never looked so good.
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Feels lightweight on the skin
Cons
- Expensive
There's a reason why Giorgio Armani's oil-free foundation is loved by every makeup artist, beauty editor, and celebrity. Available in a whopping 40 shades, this option uses the brand's signature Micro–fil technology offers the perfect medium coverage that'll improve your skin's texture and blur imperfections. "It provides a dewy finish so your face won’t look dry," Badro says. "It's [also] buildable so you can have the coverage you want without your skin appearing cakey." The result? A radiant, lit-from-within glow.
What shoppers are saying:
"Lightweight and buildable coverage. Goes on so silky. Best foundation and worth every cent!" —Lids0621
BEST VALUE
It Cosmetics It Cosmetics Mini CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
Pros
- Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Affordable
- Features SPF 50 protection
Cons
Thanks to It Cosmetics' Mini CC+ Cream, you don't have to spend a small fortune on an awesome, aging-friendly foundation. This pick deftly blurs the line between makeup and skincare with its natural, full coverage and moisturizing ingredients. (Case in point: The hyaluronic acid used here aids in moisture retention and plumps the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.) While this foundation is available in 12 versatile shades, It Cosmetics notes that its six darkest colors are made with a clear broad-spectrum SPF so you won't have to worry about any white cast. (That's right, there's even SPF 50 protection built into this affordable find.)
What shoppers are saying:
"It blends so well and has the added benefit of being SPF—as long as you get the right tone for your skin you'll be set. its definitely not as heavy of coverage as foundation, but more than a tinted moisturizer. its perfect with just a little concealer."—Sofia
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BEST FOR DARK SPOTS
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Makeup
Pros
- Affordable
- Comes with an easy-to-use sponge applicator
- Multipurpose formula primes, conceals, highlights, and covers
Cons
- Despite its self-adjusting formula, shoppers found the shade range to be too limiting
- Some people thought this product was oily
Don't let some dark spots and discolored patches to get you down: Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind delivers with a formula that works quadruple duty to prime, conceal, highlight, and provide a buildable coverage. (Meanwhile, the goji berry used here offers a an extra dose of moisture.) At first glance, the eight shade offerings may seem a bit limiting, but don't worry: There's more to them than meets the eye. Simply sweep the foundation on with Maybelline's built-in, mess-free sponge applicator, and watch this self-adjusting formula blend into your skin for an even, virtually invisible tone.
What shoppers are saying:
"As I'm getting older I'm finding my skin looks dry and cakes with certain foundations which is not a good look or the moisturizing ones turn oily but this product is a game changer! I love it! a little goes a long way, My skin looks dewy and flawless all day. I don't want full coverage and feel it covers enough for me." —ChelseaGirl21200
BEST FOR FULL COVERAGE
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
Pros
- Lasts all day
- Hydrating formula
- Won't cake
Cons
- Matte texture might be drying for some
As the name Airbrush Flawless implies, this foundation is full coverage and leaves a matte finish—but it's never drying. In fact, it's actually a serum-foundation hybrid, with ingredients that help hydrate the skin and reduce wrinkles. If you're looking for a waterproof, sweatproof, life-proof option that looks as great on camera as it does in real life, this is it. And, with 44 shades to choose from, you're bound to find a great match for your complexion.
What shoppers are saying:
"This is seriously the best foundation I have put on my face. I’m 33 and have some fine lines and it doesn’t accentuate them. It literally goes on like silk. I see what all the fuss is about! Amazing product!" —Jmontague4
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Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Has built-in sun protection
Cons
- Depending on your skincare prep, the foundation's application and longevity is up polarizing
Too much sun doesn't do your skin any favors. Simply put, sun exposure can accelerate skin aging by causing the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. For some extra peace of mind, look for foundations with built-in SPF. Topping our list is L'Oréal's Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation, which comes in 15 shades and leaves a natural finish behind.
Specifically designed for mature skin, this lightweight foundation hydrates and evens skin (thanks to glycerin and niacinamide) while also protecting it from future damage with SPF 50 sunscreen. But while an SPF-laced foundation can offer some extra protection, Badro says shouldn't skip the traditional sunscreen.
"Unfortunately, there isn't a sunscreens that offers 100% protection from UVB rays, so it's always great to add an additional SPF," she says.
What shoppers are saying:
"This is the most beautiful foundation in the world. It makes my skin look glowing but natural, airbrushed and gorgeous." —Madelyn
BEST FOR OILY SKIN
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Pros
- Excellent coverage
- Budge-proof once applied
- Available in a range of shades
Cons
- Matte formulas can be drying for some
- Many shoppers don't like the applicator
Though skin typically becomes drier as it ages, those with oilier complexions might be hard-pressed to find a foundation that doesn't leave them feeling sebaceous. For something a little more mattifying, try Estée Lauder's iconic Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation. Available in more than 56 shades, the buildable medium-coverage formula is genius for covering sun and age spots while leaving skin looking naturally flawless. This oil-free formula will control oil and sweat all day long—all without clogging your pores. Oh, and did we mention this liquid foundation will stay put for 24 hours so you won't have to worry about fading, creasing, or accidental transfer?
What shoppers are saying:
"Double wear is always going to be my holy grail foundation. The color match, the staying power, everything is perfect with this foundation. I hope they never change it." —Cee90
Size | 1 oz/ 30 mL |
---|---|
Finish | Matte |
Shades | 56 |
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BEST TINTED SUNSCREEN
Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Pros
- Reef-safe SPF
- Easy to blend
Cons
- Some shoppers don't like the thin, "runny" texture
Maybe you don't like to wear a full face of foundation every day—and that's totally fine, as long as you're still wearing sunscreen. Available in 17 shades, this tinted sunscreen from Tower 28 Beauty is the best of both worlds: It's incredibly hydrating and dewy, with a buildable light-to-medium coverage that feels like a tinted moisturizer. This pick's natural finish is completed with a mineral SPF 30 protection that's safe for sensitive skin.
What shoppers are saying:
"I am fully in love with this product, it melds into my routine any time of the year (I have dry skin) and has become a reliable go-to complexion staple." —The SubtleSiren
Pros
- Packed with hydrating ingredients to nourish the skin
- Includes powders to minimize a cakey appearance
Cons
- Expensive
- Shades are very limited
If your skin is in desperate need for a jolt of moisture, Koh Gen Do's Maifanshi Aqua Foundation is here to help. "[It] has all the ingredients I love in both skincare and makeup, including hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerin, jojoba oil and shea butter," Dr. Magovern says. "The hydrating formula leaves a dewy and natural finish." Not only is this lightweight, long-wearing foundation made with 70 percent moisturizing ingredient, but it also includes a bevy of powders such as Gloss Film Powder to create buildable coverage that doesn't appear cakey.
What shoppers are saying:
"I have dry skin so I'm always on the lookout for new moisturizing foundations. This one is one of my top 5. A little goes a long way and it doesn't look cakey when applied. I also like that it is made of great ingredients that also help your skin. You can't go wrong with this product." —Amy
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Pros
- Doesn’t settle into lines or pores
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Some shoppers say this formula oxidizes quickly
- Scent is polarizing
If radiance is what you're after, Dior's Forever Skin Glow Foundation with SPF 15 is your pick. Available in 42 versatile colors, think of this option as your skin, but better. The base is made with 86 percent skincare ingredients, so your skin will stay hydrated and glowy for up to 24 hours. (The magic lies in the wild pansy extract, which helps lock in moisture. Meanwhile, iris and hibiscus extracts combat oxidation and give your skin a renewed glow, respectively.) A little goes a long way with the medium coverage.
What shoppers are saying:
"It is absolutely perfect!! It has a perfect skin-like finish and I always look so glowy when I wear it. It doesn't look like I'm wearing any foundation and I've gotten compliments on how glowy my skin is!" —NameinLights
BEST NATURAL COVERAGE
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Strong transfer resistance
Cons
- Shoppers say it's hard to find a color that matches their skin tone
- For some, the foundation looks cracked or cakey after a few hours
We've never used a full-coverage foundation that looked as natural, glowy, or fresh as this one from NARS. It's lightweight but still packs a punch with coverage, so it will cover spots and even texture while also blurring lines. (Not only is this formula incredibly easy to apply—no foundation streaks here!— but it's also fade-, sweat, and transfer-resistant.) Coverage isn't the only thing to love about this breathable, buildable foundation: It's also built with your skin in mind. This lightweight formula boasts a mix of raspberry, apple, and watermelon extracts to help smooth, soothe, and improve your complexion.
What shoppers are saying:
"I love this foundation. Less is more with this. I got so many compliments about the finishing of my makeup as it looks like second skin." —Jeetranu
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BEST FULL COVERAGE
Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Cream Cover Adjustable Foundation & Concealer
Pros
- Great blendability
- Feels comfortable on the skin
- A breadth of shades for darker tones
Cons
- Formula might be too thick for some shoppers
Anyone who really wants to cover veins or discolored spots will find a lot to love about this dual-purpose pick from Danessa Myricks Beauty, which comes in 23 diverse shades. A little goes a long way with this powerful foundation and concealer. The versatility is key here: Tap it on areas you want to conceal if you don't feel like wearing foundation, or apply it all over (in thin layers) for a natural, photo-ready finish. While this cream delivers on coverage, a dose of plant-derived squalane will balance oil production and offer visibly anti-aging properties.
What shoppers are saying:
"I absolutely love this foundation!!! The coverage is beautiful on my skin and buildable. The best part is that a little goes a long way so this product will last you much longer than any other brand." —Marcela1204
BEST MULTIPURPOSE
Tarte Cosmetics Foundcealer Multi-Tasking Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen
Pros
- Available in a range of colors
- Buildable and blendable formula
- Packed with hydrating ingredients
Cons
- Reviewers say packaging needs some work
From applying moisturizer, to blending in foundation, to slapping on some sunscreen, it's easy for a simple skin and makeup routine to feel laborious. If you want to cut down on time, but not results, Magovern says Tarte's Cosmetics Foundcealer Multi-Tasking Foundation is an excellent option for anyone who wants to simplify their routine. "This multi-tasking foundation has hydrating ingredients found in moisturizer, including hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, as well as mineral SPF ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for the broadest UVA and UVB coverage," she says.
Available in 28 colorways, this option is essentially a moisturizer, foundation, and sunscreen rolled into one. (That said, Dr. Magovern recommends applying another coat of sunscreen if you're planning to go outside.) It's also buildable and blendable, which means you can enjoy a custom, made-for-you glow.
What shoppers are saying:
"This foundation is perfect for my dry, mature skin. I would call it a beautiful medium coverage foundation, that is skin-like, never breaks up or settles into fine lines, and lasts all day." —Linda
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BEST SERUM HYBRID
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25
Pros
- Lightweight formula is designed to hydrate the skin
- Built to help visibly improve skin, instantly and over time
Cons
- Darker shades are limited
- Some shoppers found it left the skin greasy
Think of Clinique's Even Better Clinical Serum as the Goldilocks of aging-approved foundations: It's what you get when you cross a vitamin C, hyaluronic, and salicylic acid serum with a medium-to-full-coverage foundation. Skin looks smooth, radiant, and even while you're wearing it—and, after a few weeks, even after you wash it off. In addition to its skin-plumping benefits, this option comes in 27 shades and has SPF 25 protection baked inside.
What shoppers are saying:
"Goes on and blends in nicely. It's one of the lightest foundations I've ever used." —Annette
Pros
- Stick applicator makes it easy to swipe the foundation onto the skin
- Formula is buildable and blendable
Cons
- Expensive
If busting out the brushes and sponges seems too demanding, Westman Atelier's Vital Skin Foundation Stick makes medium-to-full coverage a breeze. The vegan, plant-powered formula might seem hard at first, but it starts to melt when it comes in contact with the skin so it can seamlessly blend into the skin with your fingertips. (This foundation comes in 21 shades and is buildable, so you can use it to cover discolored spots or add some extra if you'd like.) Intuitiveness aside, Westman Atelier's foundation stick is also features skin-nourishing ingredients. Vegetable-derived squalane works hard to keep moisture loss to a minimum, while the brand says its berryflux vita is packed with hydrating, youth-preserving properties.
What shoppers are saying:
"Absolutely insane product that feels both moisturizing and not greasy, so looks and feels so natural. I love the stick applicator, and it's easy to blend. Works better with my skin in the summer and fall, so I'm having trouble with it on my dry winter skin, but the product is worth the investment."—Tabitha C.
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BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
ILIA True Skin Medium Coverage Serum Foundation
Pros
- Fragrance-free and dermatologist tested
- Includes clean ingredients to hydrate and soothe the skin
- Available in a handful of shades
Cons
- The cap and dispenser break easily
Anyone who has sensitive skin might meet a new foundation with trepidation, but let us allay your concerns with ILIA's True Skin Medium Coverage Foundation, which comes in 30 shades. Not only is this buildable-yet-breathable option vegan and cruelty-free—making it a sound choice for sustainability-minded shoppers—but it's also dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free. (In other words, it's free of harsh, irritating ingredients.) In its place are ingredients like niacinamide to improve texture and tone, plus calming aloe to nourish and hydrate the skin. But what makes this pick really stand out is its allantoin, which reducing the appearance of irritation and redness.
What shoppers are saying:
"I love the texture of this foundation, and the way it goes on. I have sensitive skin and this doesn’t bother it!"—Nicole B.
Meet the Experts
- Jo Baker is a makeup artist and founder of Bake Up Beauty.
- Dr. Ashley Magovern is a board-certified dermatologist and medical advisor for Dermstore.
- Elaina Badro is a beauty entrepreneur and celebrity makeup artist.
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What happens to your skin as you age?
Depleting levels of collagen and elastin, as well as some key nutrients, contribute to sagging skin, dull texture, and dry patches. "Good times, laughter, and exposure to weather are just a part of this journey but there are many ways to make the best of your skin at every age so you can look and feel your very best!" Baker adds. The wrong foundation can highlight some of these changes, while the right foundation for mature skin can plump, hydrate, and renew skin.
Is a dewy or matte foundation better for mature skin?
While some people might like the look and feel of a matte foundation, the pros recommend dewy formulas. "Matte foundations tend to accentuate fine lines and wrinkles," says Magovern. "It's almost like the foundation works its way into the microscopic brick and mortar structure of the skin, settles in, and highlights it. Matte foundations may also lead to more dryness. The same goes for heavier foundations, they settle in too much and can make aging skin look even older."
Dewy foundations are often sheerer, which can boost the appearance of moisture and lend a bounciness and radiance to the skin's surface.
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What ingredients should you look for in foundation for mature skin?
When it comes to foundations for mature skin, hydration is key. "Look for humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which draw moisture into the skin," says Magovern. " I love the idea of formulations that contain aloe vera, jojoba oil, argan oil, and squalane, which have other benefits for the skin as well. Shea butter is ultra-hydrating and smooth and would be a good choice for someone with dry skin."
Can foundation make wrinkles look less noticeable?
While the right foundation can give you a radiant complexion, Badro says the right skin prep is crucial. To help, add a primer between your moisturizer and foundation steps. "Primers can have a serum-like texture or gel texture," she says. "They help to make your makeup application much smoother as well as help fill pores, lines, and blur imperfections."
Kelsey Mulvey
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.