16 Best Foundation for Mature Skin, According to Makeup Pros

Product Details: Designed to quell excess shine, this finely milled powder instantly blurs the look of pores and fine lines when applied to the skin. A simple dusting with a brush is all you need to mattify surface oils and lock your look in place for hours.
Shades: 4
Key Ingredients: Rose wax, almond oil, light-reflecting pearlescent pigments

How to choose the best foundation for aging skin

As with other skin-care products, experts recommend picking a foundation with multifunctional, skin-loving properties. “I look for a foundation that targets the concerns of mature skin, such as loss of radiance, uneven skin tone, and moisture balance,” says Dalí-Trites. The right level of hydration ensures that the formula melts into skin without caking or creasing.

Ingredients: “I find that super-hydrating foundation formulas are the best for mature skin,” Henney says. Think moisture-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, botanical oils and extracts.
Finish: “My preferred foundation for mature skin is a formula that adds radiance and moisture to the skin,” says Dalí-Trites. Generally speaking, this will be something with a dewy or skinlike finish, though innovations in matte and full-coverage foundations mean new, full-coverage formulas boast illuminating ingredients, too.
Coverage: Sheer, light, medium, and full are all coverage options available to those seeking foundations for mature skin. For every day, we’d recommend a sheer-to-light option—reserving medium-to-full–coverage formulas for big events and glam.

Picking the right shade of foundation

To find your correct foundation shade, best practice is to match to the jawline and neck for consistency. Those of us who have varying shades around our face can splurge on two foundation shades, or rely on concealer for color-correcting.

Does mature skin need a specific type of foundation?

“In my opinion, mature skin requires specific types of foundation,” says celebrity makeup artist Marquis Ward, whose clients include Abbott Elementary’s Sheryl Lee Ralph. For mature clients, he opts for lightweight, hydrating, and buildable liquid or cream foundations. “These formulas are more forgiving on fine lines and wrinkles compared to heavy, matte foundations, which can emphasize texture and dryness,” he says. He also recommends looking for products with skincare benefits, like hyaluronic acid for hydration or light-reflecting particles to add a youthful glow.

How to choose the best foundation for aging skin

As a rule of thumb, celebrity makeup artist Miho Suzuki recommends waiting 10 to 20 minutes after applying skincare to apply a foundation. “Allow time for the skin to absorb your serum or moisturizer,” she says. “This will create a nice, even base so the foundation goes on smoothly.” For any age group, Suzuki recommends applying a scant amount of foundation to avoid caking—she typically uses three pea-sized drops, which she applies in steps to cover the whole face. “For each step, I apply with a big flat brush and work it in with a damp sponge,” she says. “This process will help remove any excess and create a thin layer of foundation.” After the foundation has been applied, Suzuki recommends applying concealer to any areas that need extra coverage—though a light touch is always best. “For mature skin, I would avoid heavy concealer under the eyes where the skin is very thin or on any wrinkles,” she says.

What foundation type is best for mature skin?

“Liquid foundations are the most versatile and effective for mature skin—especially those with a satin or dewy finish,” Ward says. “They provide hydration and blend well without settling into fine lines.” He adds that serum-based foundations are another excellent choice for mature skin since they tend to combine skincare and makeup benefits. “Avoid overly matte foundations, as they can make the skin look dull and emphasize texture,” he reiterates.