What are the best foundations for mature skin?
Finding the one is so hard. Especially as you get older. Now your skin has lost its glow and it’s drier than the Sahara, you need something dewy and hydrating… but not so hydrating it settles comfortably deep into your wrinkles.
Or maybe after menopause your skin has decided to throw a curveball at you. It’s oilier than it’s ever been and acne is back with a vengeance. You need something that’s matte but not flat.
Either way, you probably need higher coverage than in the past to hide away dark spots and deeper wrinkles. But not so high, you end up looking like you’re wearing a mask.
How do you balance all these contradicting needs? Fret not, I’m here to help. Here are the best foundations for mature skin:
- Best Powder Foundation For Mature Skin: IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation Illumination ($36.00)
- Best Foundation For Acne-Prone Mature Skin: Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($43.00)
- Best Foundation For Mature Skin On A Budget: Revlon PhotoReady Candid Natural Finish Anti-Pollution Foundation ($10.99)
- Best Natural-Looking Foundation For Mature Skin: Dior Backstage AirFlash Spray Foundation ($62.00)
Best Powder Foundation For Mature Skin: IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation Illumination ($36.00)
“Should mature skin even use powder foundation?,” I hear you say. Yes, if we’re talking about IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation Illumination. This little compact has done the impossible. It has a smooth, fairly moisturising texture that provides full coverage, hiding even fine lines without settling into them. It dries to a dewy finish that gives your complexion a youthful glow – without a hint of sparkle in sight. And it lasts pretty much all day. The catch? There aren’t that many shades available. But if you can find a match, this one’s a winner.
Available at: Selfridges and Ulta
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Best Foundation For Acne-Prone Mature Skin: Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($43.00)
Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation is a fantastic option for mature, acne-prone skin. Why? Its creamy texture glides smoothly on the skin, providing medium to full coverage with a natural matte finish that hides any imperfections, from dark spots to pimples. It photographs really well too, so it’s perfect for weddings – or any other time you know you’re going to get your picture taken. With 25 shades available, it’s impossible not to find a match.
Available at: Sephora
Best Foundation For Mature Skin On A Budget: Revlon PhotoReady Candid Natural Finish Anti-Pollution Foundation ($10.99)
First things first: Revlon PhotoReady Candid Natural Finish Anti-Pollution Foundation can’t fight pollution. But that’s ok. You’ve got skincare for that. But it does provide medium to full coverage that hides every imperfection for the entire day – without settling into fine lines. The gel-cream texture blends like a dream while the slightly dewy finish gives the entire complexion a natural look. Oh, there are around 30 shades available. You’ll find a match here.
Available at: Look Fantastic, Target, Ulta, and Walmart
Best Natural-Looking Foundation For Mature Skin: Dior Backstage AirFlash Spray Foundation ($62.00)
Dior Backstage AirFlash Spray Foundation is a pain to use, but the results are so worth it. You can spray it straight on your face (eyes closed!), or on your hands and then apply it on your face with your fingers (my fave method). Just be quick because this stuff dries really fast. Luckily, it blends like a dream. The coverage is buildable up to full to cover any imperfections, yet it’s so lightweight, it feels like you have nothing on. The finish? Silky matte and SO natural. Oh, and there are 18+ shades for you to choose from.
Available at: Feel Unique, John Lewis, Nordstrom, and Sephora
What do you think are the best foundations for mature skin? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
I’m curious at what age my skin will be “mature.” I’m 31–is that now? I have a feeling I still have some time before I fit that label. Right?
Trisha, oh yes, don’t worry, you still have plenty of time! 🙂
Great suggestions! I have been using the Dior Airflash for almost a year now and it’s fantastic.
Try spraying the product on a flat top kabuki brush, it gives you much more control and less waste. Spraying it on your face and using your hands? That’s just madness… 🙂 It will fly everywhere, it drys too fast for that.
Melissa, I’m glad you like it too. It’s a wonderful foundation, isn’t it? And thanks for the tip. 🙂
Neutrogena, inexpensive, available, and pretty decent coverage. My large pores look smaller.
Lauren, its a wonderful foundation, isn’t it? Glad to hear it is working so well for you.
If you wear a primer, does it matter what wondeful skin benefits the foundation has? Will they get through to the skin? What about primers do you think they are necessary?
Susan, no, primers aren’t necessary, unless you have super oily skin that needs help to make makeup stay put. They can help even out imperfections, but you don’t have to use them. And, that depends. Usually, most primers, even those with silicones, will allow some of the active ingredients in foundations to get through to the skin. Your moisturizer is more likely to block them as moisturizers have thicker and occlusive textures. In any case, it is rare to come across a foundation that has skincare benefits. Many claim they do, but usually, the moisturizing, anti-aging, soothing, whatever ingredients are present in amounts so tiny they can’t really do anything.
Clinique super moisture has been discontinued. Have used it for years. Very disappointed with Clinique.
Vicky, oh no! I hate it when that happens. Very disappointing indeed.
Covergirl Ageless foundation is my go to at 66 years and it has been better than the high dollar brands. The color selection is really natural…not too pink not too yellow. It has great coverage without being cakey or drying. Oil of Olay built in so you get treatment all day long.
Gale, so glad you’ve found something that works so well for you. Makes me want to try it, too. 🙂
I’ve used the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer for years. Can’t say enough great things about it.
Crunchycon, glad that’s working so well for you.
Gil. I M 61and my face looks tired. I take very good care of my face. Makeup comes off every nite before bed for 40 years but I look tired all the time . Can u recommend a foundation for that. Thank you
B Mac, by tired you mean dull? Also, what’s your skin type?
GIO, I struggle with foundations. I use Clinique, and it’s been great, but my pores are very large around the nose area. Any suggestions on what to use for them?
Tammy, for large pores you need to exfoliate with salicylic acid and use a retinol serum.
I’m 69 and looking for a foundation for my dry skin. I hate the dry look that makeup gives. I was wondering if the Dior air was recommended?