The 8 Best Foundations for Mature Skin to Avoid Creasing and Cakiness

Key Ingredients to Look for in Foundations for Mature Skin

When it comes to effective skincare ingredients in mature-skin-focused formulas (regardless of skin tone or type), moisture-boosting features and high-performance are key to avoiding the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, creases, and a cakey finish. 

Los Angeles-based makeup artist Ashley Gomila opts for skin-supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid (“it plumps and smooths fine lines”), peptides (“they boost elasticity”), sunscreen (“it helps protect against sun damage”), niacinamide (“it helps improve texture and calm redness”), and squalane (“it adds lightweight moisture”). These ingredients are also beneficial for oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, and everything in between. Even if you don’t have mature skin, these ingredients aren’t known to encourage breakouts, so they’re on the safer side for all.

When you wear foundation, Gomila also suggests products with light-reflecting pigments because “they’re great for creating a youthful glow and blurring imperfections.”

Foundations With a Dewy Finish vs. Matte Finish

Based on what you’ve learned so far, it should come as no surprise that dewy finishes are recommended over matte when it comes to foundations for mature skin, regardless of your skin tone or undertone.

“Dewy foundations work best for mature skin because they hydrate and add radiance,” explains Gomila. “They prevent makeup from looking dry or settling into fine lines. Matte formulas, while good for oil control, can sometimes accentuate fine lines and texture. If you prefer a matte look, a satin-matte finish is a better choice, as it balances smoothness and hydration.”

8 Foundations for Mature Skin That We Swear By

1. Best Powder Foundation for Mature Skin: 

LAURA GELLER Double Take Baked Full Coverage Foundation

LAURA GELLER is the 45+ beauty go-to, so it was a given the brand would make this list. Its powder foundation, specifically, delivers a full-coverage matte finish—but it also contains a specially formulated blend that won’t settle or crack in fine lines. The result? A breathable, long-wearing, natural finish.

2. Best Tint for Mature Skin:

ICONIC LONDON Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint

When at least light coverage is desired, but full glam is unnecessary, we always recommend a skin tint or tinted moisturizer for evening out the complexion and offering a lightweight, glowy finish. These products are also great for the under-eye area, which can often get creasy. Our pick for aging skin? This satin-matte blurring formula that helps leave the face with a flawless, 12-hour finish. Throw on some brown mascara and a light wash of eyeshadow, and you’ve got the ultimate no-makeup makeup look.

3. Best Superfood Foundation for Mature Skin: 

YENSA BEAUTY Super Serum Silk Natural Glow Hydrating Peptide Foundation

Foundations don’t always contain the most skin-loving formulas, but we forever feel at ease when we use this product. Aside from its dewy finish, this formula is supercharged with good-for-you ingredients, including black sesame oil, Korean black raspberry, chia seed, vitamin C, and much more. One of a kind? Yes. Stunning on the skin? Also yes!

4. Best Matte Foundation for Mature Skin:

COVER FX Power Play Foundation

While matte isn’t typically recommended for aging skin, when the formula is done right, it can be a total win. Case in point? This product right here, which has a strong reputation for a reason. Not only does it offer full coverage, but it’s also weightless and breathable, leaving the skin with a stunning, natural finish.

5. Best Luxury Foundation for Mature Skin:

ARMANI BEAUTY Luminous Silk Natural Glow Foundation

Courtesy of ARMANI BEAUTY

When we want to feel like a million bucks, we immediately reach for this guy right here. It’s a weightless formula that leaves us with a natural, lit-from-within glow—yet still manages to offer a solid amount of coverage. When we think our skin but better, this is what comes to mind. And an added bonus? It seriously stays on our skin forever.   

6. Best Natural-Looking Foundation for Mature Skin: 

IL MAKIAGE Woke Up Like This Radiant Glow Foundation

Courtesy of IL MAKIAGE

They don’t call it “Woke Up Like This” for nothing! This product lives up to its name, offering a second-skin, medium-coverage finish. Packed with raspberry cell extract for nourishment and diamond core powders for luminosity and that airbrush-like effect, this product has everyone second-guessing our age.

7. Best Overall Foundation for Mature Skin:

NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

Courtesy of NARS

This award-winning foundation is already a cult favorite, and it only launched in 2022. It’s an advanced, next-gen formula with buildable coverage and a natural finish. It blurs, smoothes, and conceals, offering a prime, photo-ready finish. Basically, a dream for aging skin.

8. Best Mature Foundation From a Heritage Brand:

ESTÉE LAUDER Re-Nutriv Ultra Radiance Liquid Foundation SPF 20

Courtesy of ESTÉE LAUDER

ESTÉE LAUDER has been in the game forever, and for good reason. The brand knows what it’s doing, and this highly regarded, dermatologist-tested foundation is no exception. A blend of precious stones, gems, and proprietary technology in this formula help leave the skin with a luxurious, luminous, diffused finish.

How to Apply Foundation for a Flawless Look on Mature Skin

First things first: Moisture is key. “For mature skin, it’s important to hydrate the entire face evenly, allowing the product to sink into the skin before applying foundation,” Gomila says. “If there are any dry areas, those should be addressed first with a little extra moisturizing product applied to those areas. Typically, I reach for a beauty oil that’s suitable for all skin types, including mature skin—unless your skin prefers a cream.”

From there, the MUA says you can prime the skin if you’re up for it (it’s a matter of preference). Next, either glide the product on with a foundation brush, or “use a damp makeup sponge to press the product into the skin for a natural finish, starting with thin layers and building coverage only where needed,” she goes on to say. “Focus on blending gently around the eyes and mouth, and set lightly in oily areas instead of the whole face. A hydrating or radiant setting spray can lock the skin look in place while keeping the glow.”