What should you be looking for (and avoiding) in a foundation for mature skin? Experts weigh in (2024)

Table of Contents
Our top picks Smooth like butter: Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation The perfect duo: Laura Geller Home + Away Balance-n-Brighten Foundation Kit Home + Away Balance-n-Brighten Foundation Kit Super moisturizing: Jones Road What The Foundation What The Foundation Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner: Mirabella Invincible for All HD Liquid Foundation Mirabella Beauty Invincible for All Anti-Aging HD Foundation Provides great coverage: Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation Makes skin super soft: Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Beauty Balm Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with Niacinamide and SPF 40 Best for dry skin: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Great for face and body: Lune+Aster Realglow Skin Tint RealGlow® Skin Tint For the natural woman: Dior Forever Matte Foundation Forever Matte Foundation Great for oily skin: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Mom-approved: Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation Get your shine on:Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation Enriched with squalane: Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation Maifanshi Moisture Foundation Most budget-friendly e.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation Flawless Satin Foundation Super versatile: Maybelline Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Makeup Ideal for sensitive skin: L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation Makeup L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation Makeup An all-day foundation: L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Lightweight Foundation Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Lightweight Foundation 3-in-1 foundation: Covergirl + OLAY Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation Frequently Asked Questions

As we age, our skin care routines tend to change in order to address different concerns — like fine lines and wrinkles, loss of hydration and crepiness — all of which naturally occur as we get older and begin to lose more and more collagen. The same can be said for makeup, especially complexion products because they have the power to enhance skin or leave it looking dry, dull and cakey.

Luckily, there’s a well-spring of beautiful formulas on the market to choose from. Shop TODAY consulted three professional makeup artists to learn what to look for, what to avoid, which products are actually worth it and application tips to ensure you get the most out of your formula.

Expert picks | Best drug store foundations | What separates foundation for mature skin from the rest? | What to look for | What to avoid | How we chose | Meet the experts

Our top picks

The best foundations for mature skin

Best foundations for mature skin, according to makeup artists

Smooth like butter: Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

What we like

  • Lightweight
  • Blends well

Something to note

  • Smell may be strong

Shades: 12 | Coverage: Light | Key ingredients: Prickly pear extract, white sage extract

A hybrid between tinted moisturizer and foundation, this SPF-spiked formula is a fantastic opinion if you’re looking for something quick and easy for daily use. “This is one of my favorites,” says Williamson. “It’s where foundation meets sun protection for a radiant glow.”

The perfect duo: Laura Geller Home + Away Balance-n-Brighten Foundation Kit

What we like

  • Feels lightweight
  • Good coverage

Something to note

  • Can be difficult to apply

Shades: 7 | Coverage: Light-medium | Key ingredients: Talc, mica and dimethicone

If you travel a lot or apply makeup on the go, this duo set is perfect to keep in your purse. It comes with a full size of the foundation as well as a travel size. With light to medium coverage, you can feel comfortable wearing this all day. Plus, it's dermatologist-approved, according to the brand.

Super moisturizing: Jones Road What The Foundation

What we like

  • Easy to use
  • Very moisturizing
  • Not greasy

Something to note

  • May seem heavy

Shades: 16 | Coverage: Light-medium | Key ingredients: Jojoba oil, sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid)

If you’re looking for light-to-medium coverage, Farfel recommends this creamy, skin-loving formula from Jones Road.

“I love this foundation for mature skin because it’s super hydrating and great for all skin types including sensitive skin,” she says. “It also has light buildable coverage, so you can add more for those areas that might need a little more attention.”

Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner: Mirabella Invincible for All HD Liquid Foundation

Shades: 27 | Coverage: Full | Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid

If you're looking for a matte complexion, this Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner will provide full coverage and a non-cakey texture to mature skin. It has a lightweight consistency that feels easy to apply on most skin types. However, shoppers recommend you add enough moisturizer before applying this foundation, for an extra smooth finish.

Provides great coverage: Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation

What we like

  • Provides full coverage
  • Super hydrating

Something to note

  • May be thick

Shades: 12 | Coverage: Medium | Key ingredients: Radiant microcrystals, transparent and luminous pearls

A mainstay in Williamson’s kit, this high-tech formula from Shiseido features microcrystals that help correct the look of shadows caused by fine lines and wrinkles.

“It has amazing coverage and contains light-reflecting technology to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” she says.

Makes skin super soft: Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Beauty Balm

What we like

  • Leaves skin smooth and soft
  • Lightweight

Something to note

  • May be cakey

Shades: Four | Coverage: Light | Key ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide

According to Farfel, BB creams like this one from Dr. Jart+ make excellent foundations for mature skin. “I love that it has SPF 40 in the formula and that it leaves skin feeling so soft and moisturized, but still has enough coverage for dark spots and redness,” she says.

“The key ingredient that I love in this one is niacinamide because it helps calm redness and reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines.”

Best for dry skin: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

What we like

  • Lightweight coverage
  • Lots of shade options

Something to note

  • Users complain about the smell

Shades: 27 | Coverage: Light | Key ingredients: Squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid

Flowers loves this skin tint infused with sun protection from Ilia. “This is a super dewy, hydrating formulation that’s perfect for dry and combination skin,” she says. “Not only does it offer good skin care with clean and cruelty-free ingredients, but it delivers a radiant, luminous glow. I wear it all the time.”

Great for face and body: Lune+Aster Realglow Skin Tint

What we like

  • Super moisturizing
  • Goes on easily
  • Natural looking

Something to note

  • May have a strong smell

Shades: Nine | Coverage: Sheer-to-medium | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen, vitamin E, apple seed extract

This is another formula that falls somewhere between a tinted moisturizer and foundation as it can either be worn sheer or built up to medium coverage. “The coverage is very beautiful, buildable and radiant,” says Flowers. “I also love adding this serum not only to the face but the body because it gives gorgeous coverage and an all-over glow.”

For the natural woman: Dior Forever Matte Foundation

What we like

  • Great coverage
  • Super smooth
  • Leaves matte finish

Something to note

  • May be thinner than expected

Shades: 42 | Coverage: Medium | Key ingredients: Iris extract, rose extract, wild pansy extract, synthetic fluorphlogopite

Flowers says, despite this foundation's matte finish, it still looks natural and light on the skin. It even contains the aforementioned synethic fluophlogopite to aid in oil absorption and blurring the look of texture and pores.

“This is one of my favorite foundations because it looks so beautiful both on camera and in person," raves Flowers, who also mentions its no-transfer 24-hour wear.

Great for oily skin: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation

What we like

  • Lightweight
  • Stays on all day
  • Super moisturizing

Something to note

  • May be runny

Shades: 55 | Coverage: Full | Key ingredients: Synthetic fluorphlogopite, glycerin

For those with combination and oily skin types who want full coverage, Williamson recommends this natural matte option from Lancôme, assuring it never comes off dull or cakey. Still, she recommends pairing it with a hydrating primer, especially if your skin leans dry. “It wears so beautifully throughout the day,” she says.

Mom-approved: Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation

What we like

  • Lightweight
  • Great coverage

Something to note

  • May cause breakouts

Shades: 40 | Coverage: Medium | Key ingredients: Glycerin

This fan-favorite foundation is beloved by makeup artists, editors and shoppers alike for its ability to cover without ever looking dry or cakey.

“The formula has a natural radiant finish that won’t settle into fine lines or cling to dry patches,” says Williamson.

What should you be looking for (and avoiding) in a foundation for mature skin? Experts weigh in (16)

Shop TODAY editor Vivien Moon's mom, Julia Moon, tested this foundation from Giorgio Armoni. She loves it for its blendable formula and lightweight finish. J. Moon also appreciates how doesn’t accentuate her fine lines and that it settles nicely into her skin.

She tells us that it has a "very nice texture" and that it's "silky" and "lays pretty nice on the skin." J. Moon also notes that it even "gives it [her skin] a little moisture, but at the same time is not too shiny. Nice coverage."

Get your shine on:Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation

What we like

  • Lightweight
  • Not greasy
  • Makes skin glow

Something to note

  • May be runny

Shades: 33 | Coverage: Medium | Key ingredients: Glycerin

This formula offers sheer-to-medium coverage with a natural, skin-like finish. “The texture feels super lightweight and looks amazing on all skin types,” raves Williamson. It also contains diamond core powder, which boosts radiance and minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines, according to the brand.

Enriched with squalane: Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation

What we like

  • Great for dry skin
  • Easy to apply

Something to note

  • May be sticky

Shades: 13 | Coverage: Medium | Key ingredients: Squalane, aloe, jojoba oil and shea butter

One of Farfel’s must-have foundations for mature skin — and one she always keeps in her kit — is this creamy, succulent formula from Koh Gen Do.

“This beautiful formula contains ingredients like squalane, aloe, jojoba oil and shea butter, and can be worn either super sheer or built up to medium-full coverage,” she says. “It has an amazing blurring effect because it contains mineral pigments, which help with smoothing out fine lines and pores.”

Best drugstore foundations for mature skin

Most budget-friendly e.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation

What we like

  • Lightweight
  • Blends easily

Something to note

  • Smell may be strong

Shades:26 |Coverage:Medium-to-full |Key ingredient:Glycerin

If you're looking for a weightless foundation, this one will give you a natural finish without the cakey feel of other traditional formulas. It provides an even texture and helps to hydrate the skin thanks to the glycerin ingredient.

It's also supercharged with water to keep your skin hydrated all day long.

Super versatile: Maybelline Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup

What we like

  • Helps prevent breakouts
  • Provides a healthy glow

Something to note

  • May burn if worn under eyes

Shades:21 |Coverage:Medium |Key ingredients:Vitamin E, shea butter

This one is perfect for the woman who needs to look ready in minutes without getting her fingers dirty.

While no formula is perfect, this one in particular is meant to give you a healthy glow. The formula is designed with a built-in sponge to provide an even coverage that looks natural. It also has a bit of shimmer with a light texture that will give you that dewy finish.

Ideal for sensitive skin: L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation Makeup

What we like

  • Super smooth
  • Good coverage
  • Feels nice on skin

Something to note

  • May be heavy

Shades:29 |Coverage:Light |Key ingredients:Vitamin B3, SPF 50

The combination of hydrating serum, vitamin B3 and SPF 50 provides a radiant coverage to mature skin. Plus, if you have sensitive skin, this formula will hydrate while covering the fine lines.

While it offers sheer coverage, this foundation has a silky texture and will protect your skin. “Some foundations make me look older but this one does not! I have a backup tube because I don’t want to run out!” said one reviewer.

An all-day foundation: L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Lightweight Foundation

What we like

  • Easy to apply and remove
  • Long-lasting

Something to note

  • Can cause skin irritation

Shades:36 |Coverage:Medium-to-full |Key ingredients:SPF 25

This foundation can be used on top of your contour or highlighter to provide your skin with a more matte finish. According to reviewers, this formula feels light but it conceals nicely.

Also, it’s sweat-resistant, waterproof and transfer-resistant which won’t smear. “Let me start with the coverage which leaves my 68-year-old complexion flawless. The feel is creamy and moist but not oily or heavy and lasts,” said one reviewer.

3-in-1 foundation: Covergirl + OLAY Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation

What we like

  • Easy to apply
  • Helps hide wrinkles
  • Soft and lightweight

Something to note

  • May turn skin red

Shades:17 |Coverage:Medium |Key ingredients:Hyaluronic complex, vitamin C

If signs of aging are starting to concern you, this formula will become your best friend. It combines hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to deliver hydration. Also, it provides a flawless finish while reducing the appearance of fine lines.

Many reviewers rave about how smooth it feels even on dry skin. "I loved everything about this product. It is part of my 3 routine products to completely hide the red spider veins on my face. I was completely shocked," added one verified shopper.

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

It all comes down to consistency, finish and ingredients. “Foundations for mature skin tend to be more lightweight but still have enough coverage to disguise concerns such as redness or dark spots,” says makeup artist Brianna Farfel. “Most of them also have skin care benefits within the formula, as well as SPF, and are very hydrating to create a glowy look.”

While moisturizing formulas are typically great for mature skin because they result in a fresh, radiant finish, Farfel notes that they may feel too sticky or greasy for some skin types.

Makeup artist Jonet Williamson adds that foundations for mature skin are distinct in that they often chiefly focus on hydration, plumping, firming, protecting from UV damage and sometimes even filling in fine lines.

What to look for in foundations for mature skin

Williamson recommends looking for foundations formulated with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, grapeseed oil and vitamin E for added hydration, as well as silicone-based formulas because they’re best for filling in fine lines and wrinkles.

She also prefers opting for a “natural-radiant finish” that she says “looks gorgeous on mature skin.”

If your skin is mature but still on the oily side, makeup artist Elisa Flowers suggests looking for formulas that contain minerals to help absorb excess shine and subtly blur pores.“Look for ingredients such as mica or synthetic fluorphlogopite, which is a more eco-friendly and sustainable version of mica,” she suggests. “Also look for iron oxide, zinc oxide and titanium.”

When it comes to texture, Farfel recommends going with creamy or serum-like formulas as these will appear the most natural. “The finish should be soft, hydrated and glowy rather than matte because this will exaggerate wrinkles and dry out the skin,” she explains.

What should you avoid in foundations for mature skin?

Williamson advises against formulas that are super full coverage or overly matte. “These tend to fall flat, settle into fine lines and look a bit unflattering on mature skin,” she explains.

“I recommend staying away from thick and heavy powder foundations because powder is drying and can look chalky or draw attention to uneven texture, pores and wrinkles,” Flowers adds. “Also avoid super thick (liquid) foundation formulas which sit on the skin like a mask and accentuate uneven textures on the skin.”

Both artists highly suggest swatching foundations on the side of your cheek or the back of your hand before buying it to see what the finish actually looks like. “If the formula you’re trying out doesn’t look nice on the back of your hand, it will never look great on your face,” warns Flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

All three artists stress the importance of prepping the skin before going in with foundation or any type of complexion product, as this will create a solid canvas for the makeup to sit on top of without looking cakey or clinging to dry areas.

Flowers recommends exfoliating a couple times each week using your preferred method in order to remove dead skin and keep your complexion looking smooth and fresh. She also suggests using hydrating serums and moisturizers that plump up the skin, as well as sunscreen for UV protection during the day.

While primer isn’t completely necessary, Flowers says they can be ideal for anyone dealing with texture concerns, such as enlarged pores or uneven areas. “Try Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Primer for a smooth and hydrated look,” she advises. “And for those who need to disguise large pores and texture, try a blurring formula like Shiseido’s Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer or Tatcha’s The Silk Canvas Filter Finish Protective Primer .”

Williamson is also an advocate for priming mature skin. “I’d suggest using a blurring primer like Laura Mercier’s Pure Canvas Primer, ” she adds.

When it comes to actual application, using your fingers or a damp beauty sponge is your best bet. Williamson says a damp sponge will deliver the smoothest finish, while Farfel swears by using your fingertips, so do whatever feels right to you.

How we chose the best foundations for mature skin

The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best foundations for mature skin using a few methods: enlisting the recommendations of three professional makeup artists, filtering our searches for top-rated products and combing through hundreds of online shopper reviews.

Meet the experts
  • Brianna Farfel is a New York City-based professional makeup artist.
  • Jonet Williamson is a professional makeup artist, content creator and beauty expert with more than 14 years of experience in the industry.
  • Elisa Flowers is a professional makeup artist in New York City with more than two decades of experience.

Kaleigh Fasanella

Kaleigh Fasanella is a freelance beauty and wellness writer with over nine years of experience contributing to Allure, Teen Vogue, Byrdie and more.

Allie Wise

contributed

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What should you be looking for (and avoiding) in a foundation for mature skin? Experts weigh in (2024)
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