16 Foundations That Will Look Stunning on Mature Skin
If there’s one thing we know about aging, it's that it's inevitable. As you get older, it's only natural for your skin to lose some of its elasticity and ability to retain moisture. Aging skin will present drier skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. While you may already be addressing these changes through an anti-aging skincare routine, you also want to make sure your makeup is designed to work well with your current skin type and changing needs. It’s completely normal for your routine to need to evolve based on your skin type. You could be using foundation or concealer formulas that could be making your skin appear even more dry or creased, thus making wrinkles and fine lines more pronounced.
As you update your makeup kit, the first order of business should be to find a foundation that's specially formulated to flatter mature skin. This essential beauty product is key to creating a smooth, youthful complexion, so it's worth spending a little extra time to find the one that's right for you. We’ve rounded up the best to take the guesswork out of it for you. Read on for the 16 best foundations suitable for mature skin to give you your best skin yet!
About the Experts:
Annie Wang is a beauty and skincare expert who loves sharing her Asian beauty and skincare tips to her following. She is also the founder of Glowie Co, a Japanese, Taiwanese, and Korean beauty retailer.
Beth Follert is an ingredient-conscious celebrity makeup artist known for her glowy and hydrated skin finishes.
Nicole Cudzilo has been a beauty photographer and professional makeup artist for more than a decade. Her specialty is being skin-first and all about makeup prep, creating healthy and naturally glowing skin for all of her clients.
How to Find Products for Mature Skin
When makeup artist Beth Follert applies foundation to mature skin types, she says she almost always steers clear of powders, as these have a tendency to accentuate fine lines and wrinkles. Instead, she says, "I recommend a creamy formula for mature skin. There are several options ranging from sheer to full, but somewhere in between seems to be my favorite choice."
For a fresh, natural-looking appearance every time, Follert says it's all about what's layered underneath your foundation. Something like a hydrating primer or a firming moisturizer can really send a foundation's skin-correcting abilities into overdrive (and can be just the boost you need when a youthful glow is your main goal). Beauty and skincare expert Annie Wang agrees. Wang looks for hydrating ingredients when choosing a foundation for mature skin. “I like hyaluronic acid for that extra hydration,” says Wang, adding she’s a fan of anything that “leaves the skin with a glowy finish.”
Ready to trade in the foundation formula you've been using for the past decade for something better suited to your skin type? We've highlighted 16 of the best foundations for mature skin below. Whether you have dry skin, large pores, or you're looking for super sheer coverage, there's a foundation fit here for you.
1. Best for Dry Skin: JOSIE MARAN Vibrancy Argan Oil Foundation Fluid
2. Best for Oily Skin: BEAUTYBLENDER Bounce LIquid Whip Long Wear Foundation
3. Best BB Cream: PURLISSE BEAUTY Radiant Glow Illuminating BB Cream SPF 30
4. Best Cushion Foundation: EM COSMETICS Daydream Cover Cushion Foundation
5. Best Illuminating Foundation: WANDER BEAUTY Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation
6. Best Pore-Minimizing Foundation: URBAN DECAY Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator
7. Best Tinted Moisturizer: TARTE Maracuja Tinted Hydrator
8. Best Longwear Foundation: SMASHBOX COSMETICS Studio Skin Foundation
9. Best Foundation Stick: HOURGLASS COSMETICS Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick Golden Tan
10. Best Foundation with Sunscreen: YENSA BEAUTY SKIN ON SKIN BC Foundation
11. Best for Sensitive Skin: TRINNY LONDON Just a Touch Foundation
12. Best Brightening Foundation: PURLISSE BEAUTY Youth Glow Vitamin C CC Cream
13. Best Multitasking Foundation: PÜR Love Your Selfie Foundation
14. Best Natural Finish: MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Liquid Foundation
15. Best Clean Formula: KOH GEN DO Maifanshi Aqua Foundation
16. Best Glowing Foundation: CHARLOTTE TILBURY Hollywood Flawless Filter Foundation
1. Best for Dry Skin:
JOSIE MARAN Vibrancy Argan Oil Foundation Fluid
Price: $$
Shade Range: 14
Finish: Smooth
Coverage: Medium to Full
Even if you had oily skin in your 20s, it's not unusual for your skin to become more dry as you age. That's where this hydrating liquid foundation comes in, as it puts argan oil at the forefront of its formula.
“Dry skin types will want to avoid foundation formulas that will sit on the skin and accentuate flaky patches, as well as formulas that will dry out the skin further. Skip heavy powders and any formulas that have alcohol listed as one of the first few ingredients, as these will only dry the skin out more,” says Nicole Cudzilo, beauty photographer and professional makeup artist. The nourishing, non-comedogenic oil is rich in fatty acids like oleic acid and vitamin E to keep your skin intensely hydrated all day long. The clean formula is also buildable, so it can be a great go-to for days when you want just a touch of pigment, or days when you're looking for full coverage.
"My favorite foundation I have ever experienced," says one IPSY member in their product review. "I have bought it again and again! Great coverage and dewiness."
2. Best for Oily Skin:
BEAUTYBLENDER® Bounce Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation
Price: $
Shade Range: 40
Finish: Smooth
Coverage: Buildable to Full
It’s true that mature skin has a tendency to be on the dry side, but there are always exceptions. If you find that you have oily or combination skin, try looking for a foundation that combines a matte finish in combination with having hydrating benefits. This foundation perfectly fits the bill, as it contains both a shine-free finish and powerhouse ingredient hyaluronic acid, a non-greasy humectant that hydrates and plumps, helping to make fine lines less visible.
One IPSY member wrote in their product review: "I love this foundation, feels like I have nothing on!"
3. Best BB Cream:
PURLISSE BEAUTY Radiant Glow Illuminating BB Cream SPF 30
Price: $$
Shade Range: 4
Finish: Satin
Coverage: Buildable
If you tend to keep your makeup on the minimal side, a BB cream might be a better fit than a full-coverage foundation. Keep things clean, bright, and light with this multitasking product. Sheer pigments disguise discoloration while light-reflecting pigments help to give your complexion a soft, luminous glow. It even features a blend of broad-spectrum SPF and antioxidants–two major must-haves for mature skin types.
"Perfect shade and great for when you just want a simple no-makeup or minimal makeup look," says an IPSY subscriber.
4. Best Cushion Foundation:
EM COSMETICS Daydream Cover Cushion Foundation
Price: $$
Shade Range: 6
Finish: Illuminating
Coverage: Buildable
Liquid foundation not your thing, but powder foundation isn’t your favorite either? Here's your happy medium. This cushion foundation is an ingenious in-between option that’s light, airy, and magically blendable, allowing for as much (or as little) coverage as you'd like. The nourishing formula even features a unique serum-infused complex of niacinamide, snow mushroom, green papaya, green tea, rice water, and goji berry extract.
5. Best Illuminating Foundation:
WANDER BEAUTY Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation
Price: $$
Shade Range: 12
Finish: Radiant
Coverage: Medium to Full
On a mission to create the perfect illuminated, dewy finish? This buildable foundation might be just the product you’ve been looking for. The multitasking formula uses a blend of skincare ingredients to give your skin a noticeably radiant finish and glowing goddess vibes you can flaunt year round. Hydrating hyaluronic acid plumps up the skin, while elasticity-boosting lotus extract reduces the appearance of fine lines, and vitamin C-packed black currant extract gives your complexion that coveted "lit from within" glow.
"This foundation is magical," writes one user. "It goes on so well and blends like a miracle."
6. Best Pore-Minimizing Foundation:
URBAN DECAY Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator
Price: $
Shade Range: 12
Finish: Glow
Coverage: Medium
As your skin begins to lose elasticity with age, it can appear to look dry and chalky. An easy fix? Tinted foundation packed with skin-loving, healthy oils. This formula contains both kombucha filtrate and marula oil to help hydrate the skin and blur the appearance of pores.
7. Best Tinted Moisturizer:
TARTE™ Maracuja Tinted Hydrator
Price: $
Shade Range: 20
Finish: Radiant
Coverage: Light to Buildable
Fussing less with foundation these days? We know the feeling. That’s why we love a lighter coverage option like this tinted moisturizer. The formula is primarily a skincare product with a subtle touch of tint that's perfect for smoothing out the skin tone and making age spots less visible. The two hero ingredients here are hyaluronic acid, which you know as a powerful hydrator, and maracuja oil, which is rich in antioxidants to shield your skin from sun damage and environmental stressors.
"As a powder-wearer due to breakout-prone skin, this cream has ‘wowed’ me," writes one member. "It has not caused any breakouts and sits nicely on my skin throughout the day. Love TARTE for its sensitive skin products!"
8. Best Longwear Foundation:
SMASHBOX COSMETICS Studio Skin 24 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation
Price: $
Shade Range: 34
Finish: Matte
Coverage: Full
Say “goodbye” to fine lines and cakey finishes—this foundation will help you create a flawless look that lasts for hours on-end. It's perfect for super busy days, big events, or anytime you're looking for a smooth, flawless finish. The ultra longwear formula (which, ahem, is proven to stay locked in place for up to 24 hours) stays comfortable on your skin thanks to flexible, breathable polymers. It's also oil-free, so you don't have to trade long-lasting coverage for clear pores.
"Provides a lot of coverage with a small amount [of product]," writes an IPSY member. "Helped to even out my skin tone and felt lightweight and not greasy."
9. Best Foundation Stick:
HOURGLASS COSMETICS Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
Price: $$
Shade Range: 32
Finish: Matte
Coverage: Full
Want a product you can easily throw in your purse or carry-on? Foundations don’t get more travel-friendly than this sleek and compact foundation stick. But don’t worry, you won’t be sacrificing quality for convenience—the formula quickly adjusts to your body temperature to seamlessly and effortlessly blend into the skin. It's also highly pigmented, containing twice as much pigment as traditional liquid formulas, so a little goes a long way. Just a few dots around the face is enough to blend out for full coverage.
10. Best Foundation with SPF:
YENSA BEAUTY SKIN ON SKIN BC Foundation
Price: $$
Shade Range: 11
Finish: Matte
Coverage: Full
Overachiever product? We’re here for it. This SPF-packed, full-coverage foundation creates a flawless base while also protecting your skin from sun damage, and nourishing it with a special superfood complex that’s unique to the brand. YENSA's proprietary antioxidant blend combines eight natural ingredients to promote a brighter, more even skin tone while also minimizing the appearance of fine lines, providing you with full coverage you can feel good about.
"Everything about this has been perfect. It's very blendable and light and stays on all day long, even without primer. I love how my skin feels like it can still breathe," one IPSY member and fan of the formula says.
11. Best for Sensitive Skin:
TRINNY LONDON Just a Touch Foundation
Price: $$
Shade Range: 25
Finish: Matte
Coverage: Buildable
If foundations often irritate your sensitive skin or tend to cause breakouts, give this gentle formula a try. This foundation formula includes physalis angulata extract to help build collagen on the skin’s surface each time you use it. Plus, the lightweight, non-greasy formula lets sensitive skin breathe as you wear it.
12. Best Brightening Foundation:
PURLISSE BEAUTY Youth Glow Vitamin C CC Cream SPF50
Price: $$
Shade Range: 4
Finish: Satin
Coverage: Buildable
Follert says two of her favorite ingredients to look for in foundations for mature skin types are hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, and this CC cream just happens to contain both skincare superstars. While hyaluronic acid keeps the skin plump and hydrated, 15% vitamin C powerfully fades dark spots, helping to create a brighter, more radiant appearance overall. The buildable coverage looks totally natural and even features SPF 50 sun protection (a must when trying to retain a youthful complexion).
"This does everything described and more," writes an IPSY member. "Perfect coverage for mature skin when u don't want to be bogged down with foundation. Natural, dewy finish. Easy to apply and blend. Highly recommend."
13. Best Multitasking Foundation:
PÜR Love Your Selfie™ Foundation
Price: $$
Shade Range: 82
Finish: Matte
Coverage: Full
Don't have time for a multi-step makeup routine? Let this four-in-one foundation do all the work for you. The richly pigmented, medium-coverage formula manages to conceal and correct imperfections, while infusing skin with vitamins and minerals all in one fell swoop. Mature skin types will love the invigorating combination of ginseng, green tea, and vitamin B, which help to boost cell metabolism and make skin look plumper.
"I love the way this foundation looks so natural, yet somehow makes me look glowy," one IPSY member writes. "I also love the longwear capability (when set with setting spray and setting powder applied with a damp sponge)."
14. Best Natural Finish Foundation:
MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Liquid Foundation
Price: $$
Shade Range: 40
Finish: Natural
Coverage: Medium to Full
This versatile, buildable foundation is perfect for making your skin look like skin–just a little bit better. With a natural finish and a lightweight feel (thank you, hyaluronic acid), don't be surprised if you find yourself reaching for this foundation time and time again. The iconic blurring properties help to disguise pores while MAKE UP FOR EVER's skin fusion technology allows for seamless blending. You’ll get flawless skin that looks smooth and even, but never overdone.
"Great coverage without feeling like I have any foundation on," says an IPSY subscriber. "Works great with my dry skin as well!"
15. Best Clean Formula:
KOH GEN DO Maifanshi Aqua Foundation
Price: $$$
Shade Range: 10
Finish: Natural, dewy
Coverage: Buildable
Do you like drinking your bottled water from France? Then you’ll love this foundation made from the purest waters found in Bretagne, France. The creamy formula in this foundation allows for buildable coverage, and the inclusion of T3 oil (the brand’s oil combo of jojoba, olive squalane, and shea butter) ensures skin gets and stays hydrated instantly upon application.
“I love using foundations that are silky, lightweight, and glide over the skin. I search for formulas that contain botanical ingredients–a few being jojoba oil, vitamin E, camellia seed oil, or squalane to make sure that they will provide moisture to the wearer throughout the day,” says Cudzilo.
16. Best Glowing Foundation:
CHARLOTTE TILBURY Hollywood Flawless Filter Foundation
Price: $$
Shade Range: 12
Finish: Glow
Coverage: Sheer
Yang is a fan of CHARLOTTE TILBURY’S flawless filter foundation because of the “super hydrating” formula. It’s essentially like having a ring light on you at all times without having to lug one around. A foundation with a glowing finish can help skin appear younger since it will appear hydrated at all times.
Want to learn more about makeup products for your specific skin type? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY beauty subscription. Already an IPSY member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.
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