17 best foundations for mature skin with skincare-infused formulas
As we age, it's only natural that our beauty routines evolve with us, and so does our choice of products. That said, when it comes to foundations for mature skin, choosing the right formula isn't exactly the most straightforward process.
Throughout our lives, our skin goes through natural hormonal changes and is exposed to all kinds of external irritants — think lower collagen production, UV rays from the sun, environmental pollution — that can cause wrinkles and sagging, which impacts the type of products and formulas you use. “Skin, particularly the thin skin on your face, also gets drier and is more prone to dark spots too,” says celebrity makeup artist Sabrina Bedrani, who counts Michelle Yeoh and Sandra Bullock among her clients.
So in an ideal scenario, you definitely want to prioritise skincare-infused formulations that will hydrate and plump up your skin throughout wear – even if you're using a standalone moisturiser for mature skin – without compromising the coverage. We'd advise opting for foundations that are enriched with humectants like hyaluronic acid as well as other skincare heroes including peptides, glycerin, ceramides and niacinamide.
Professional makeup artist Vincent Ford agrees and recommends “formulas which can help give the appearance of a more youthful glow. Choose foundations that are thinner, such as BB creams and tinted moisturisers. Some of my favourites are By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Foundation and Jones Road What The Foundation.”
That said, it's also important to keep in mind any other particular skin concerns, since not all foundations will perform the same way on all skin types. For example, if you have mature skin that is also acne-prone, make sure to opt for non-comedogenic formulas that won't clog the pores in the process. There are also other factors such as water-based and oil-based foundations, which also play a huge role depending on the kind of primer that you're using or other personal preferences.
Best foundations for mature skin at a glance:
- Best overall: Jones Road What The Foundation
- Best skin-care infused formula: Trinny London BFF Rebalance Serum-Foundation
- Best for a youthful glow: Shiseido Revitalessence Glow Foundation Exclusive
- Best for a blurred finish: Il Makiage Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation
The best part is that foundations for mature skin often offer customisable buildable coverage, giving you the option to switch it up from a light-coverage day-time base to an all-out evening look. Otherwise, some formulas feature self-setting and blurring properties, which is handy if you're someone who hates whenever your complexion products crease (settle into your fine lines and wrinkles.)
Whether you're team matte or glowy, you'll find an option that offers the exact type of finish you're after, and if you want something in-between, there's also formulations that offer just that. So regardless of your skin type (including oily skin and sensitive skin), you'll definitely find something that does the trick. Here's everything you need to know.
Meet the experts:
- Sabrina Bedrani, celebrity makeup artist.
- Vincent Ford, professional makeup artist.
What kind of foundations should you avoid if you have mature skin?
According to Vincent, the most important thing is to remember that there should be “a balance of using thinner, lightweight and hydrating products that enhance the skin without masking it.”
With that in mind, Vincent advises to “Avoid full coverage matte foundations, thick concealers and over-drying heavy powders. This will leave you with a more radiant healthy looking complexion the next time you do your makeup."
How to apply foundation for mature skin for best results
“I like to warm them up in the hands and press them in using the fingers. This will allow you to build up coverage but still retain that natural skin texture. Focus on evening out the skin tone in thin layers and relying on a moisturising concealer to disguise any discolouration or imperfections,” shares Vincent.
“To set it choose powders that are more hydrating with a bit of glow. Finely milled finishing powders work well on mature skin.”
And if you're someone who usually steers clear of powder, Vincent also recommends trying “a mattifying balm instead, to control oil for a smoother finish.”
How we tested the best foundation for mature skin
Over the years, the GLAMOUR team has tested hundreds of foundation formulas, including those that have been formulated with mature skin in mind. We've tested said formulations on a variety of age groups and skin types, while bearing in mind the longevity of coverage, hydrating properties and value for money.
For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Instagram @deniseprimbet.
This article originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
Discover our edit of the best foundations for mature skin…
Best foundation for mature skin overall
Jones Road What The Foundation
Why we love it: What do you get when you cross a tinted moisture balm and a traditional foundation? You get Jones Road's best-selling foundation for mature skin, of course. Available in 12 different shades, this product uses skin-nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid to give you an even, fresh complexion that lasts throughout the day.
Best skincare-infused foundation for mature skin
Trinny London BFF Rebalance Serum-Foundation
Why we love it: If you tend to steer towards skincare-infused makeup, then this serum foundation from Trinny London is definitely worth considering. Featuring niacinamide and other skin-loving ingredients, this formula offers buildable coverage and excels at balancing shine, covering up blemishes and evening out the skin tone.
Best foundation for mature skin for a skin-like finish
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Why we love it: Made in 40 shades to help match any and all skin tones, this foundation from Armani Beauty is perfect for those of us who prefer medium coverage with a natural-looking lightweight feel. It also has an oil-free and glycerin-infused formula, which provides all-day hydration.
Enjoy extra savings when shopping for the best foundations for mature skin using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best blurring foundation for mature skin
Il Makiage Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation
Why we love it: The Il Makiage foundation is an icon for a reason. Featuring innovative blurring technology which doesn't let the product settle into fine lines and wrinkles, this formula is one of the best choices for mature skin. Offering a skin-like matte finish, this foundation also features skincare properties, which should help keep your skin nice and nourished throughout the day.
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Best hydrating foundation for mature skin
Shiseido Revitalessence Glow Foundation Exclusive
Why we love it: Infused with skin-loving ingredients such as niacinamide and fermented kefir (yes, really), this light-as-skin foundation nourishes your complexion while providing medium, buildable coverage. Suitable for all skin types, dermatologist-approved and available in a wide range of shades to suit every undertone.
Best foundation for mature skin for a radiant glow
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation
Why we love it: If you have dry skin, then you'll looove this hydrating, dewy finish foundation from Charlotte Tilbury. Powered by hyaluronic acid as well as a brightening blend of rose-derived ingredients, this product makes your skin look more plumped and incredibly glowy and radiant while providing medium coverage. Suitable for sensitive skin.
Check out our Cult Beauty discount codes to save money while you shop for the best foundations for mature skin.
Best long-lasting foundation for mature skin
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF15
Why we love it: Not only does this longwear liquid foundation from Bobbi Brown provide up to 16 hours of transfer-resistant and smudge-proof medium to full coverage, it's also hydrating and comfortable on your skin. Applies easily and wears like a second skin, reducing the appearance of blemishes, hyperpigmentation and enlarged pores while also providing oil control with the most perfect matte finish.
Enjoy extra savings when shopping for the best foundations for mature skin using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best skin tint for mature skin
Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
Why we love it: Looking for a makeup/skincare hybrid that makes your skin glow? Say no more. This skin tint is formulated with 94% naturally-derived ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, squalane and shea butter extract, which helps it boost your natural moisture levels and guarantee comfortable all-day wear.
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Best foundation with SPF for mature skin
Kosas SPF 25 Revealer Skin Improving Foundation
Why we love it: Offering buildable medium coverage, this viral foundation is ideal for the day-to-day, especially if you're someone who doesn't usually gravitate towards cake-y full-coverage formulations. Featuring 36 shades in total, this foundation delivers a natural-looking finish while offering protection of up to SPF25. A win.
Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine? Check out our guides on the best bronzers, best concealers, best drugstore foundations and the best foundation sticks. And don't forget about your skincare routine – we've got guides on the best moisturisers, best hyaluronic acid serums and the best sun creams and sunscreens.
Best foundation for mature skin for a matte finish
Why we love it: This matte foundation from Dior is not only a great makeup product, but it also dabbles a bit in skincare by improving your skin's oil control and tightening your pores with each use. It comes with a shade range of 38, which means you'll be able to find one that suits your ‘teint’ (or complexion) perfectly.
Best foundation for mature skin for medium coverage
NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
Why we love it: Powered by advanced skincare ingredients that help defend against environmental aggressors, this breathable formula is designed with all skin types in mind. It provides buildable medium coverage without looking cakey – plus, it even improves your skin's clarity and gives you a lovely, radiant finish.
Check out our Cult Beauty discount codes to save money while you shop for the best foundations for mature skin.
Best affordable foundation for mature skin
Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Foundation
Why we love it: You shouldn't have to break the bank to get your hands on a decent foundation that has everything your skin needs to fight off dryness. Infused with vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin B5, this affordable antioxidant-rich skin tint helps you look more radiant while also fighting off the effects of fatigue by blurring blemishes.
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
Best foundation for mature skin for oily and combination skin
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF20
Why we love it: If your skin is on the oilier side, then you'll love this serum foundation. It has an oil-free formula that's infused with vitamin C, salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid to brighten and plump your complexion while also targeting clogged pores and blemishes.
Enjoy extra savings when shopping for the best foundations for mature skin using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best foundation for mature skin for a natural finish
ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation
Why we love it: Available in 30 shades, this lightweight foundation from ILIA is formulated with niacinamide, glycerin and allantoin to soothe and hydrate your skin. Perfect for recreating the viral ‘no makeup makeup look’ that's been trending on social media for several years now.
Check out our Sephora discount codes to save money while you shop for the best foundations for mature skin.
Best foundation for mature skin for light coverage
The Ordinary Serum Foundation with SPF 15 by The Ordinary Colours
Why we love it: Suitable for daily use, this lightweight serum foundation from The Ordinary comes with SPF 15 protection and has a vegan-friendly and cruelty-free formula. It blends in seamlessly without caking or sinking into fine lines. Available in 21 different shades.
Best premium foundation for mature skin
La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation SPF15
Why we love it: No, this is not a joke – this foundation is actually infused with caviar extract. It provides a natural finish and a firming effect and can even double as a dewy, blendable concealer to help cover up dark circles and pigmentation with ease. What's not to love?
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
Best foundation for mature skin with vitamin C
L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32H Fresh Wear SPF 25 + Vitamin C Foundation
Why we love it: This full coverage foundation is enriched with vitamin C, which helps it conceal redness, blemishes and imperfections. Plus, did we mention that this formula is also transfer-resistant, waterproof and provides SPF 25 protection throughout the day? 10/10 would recommend.
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.
