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The 10 Best Foundations for Mature Skin
These formulas leave skin plump, radiant, and hydrated.
By As we get older, we have to come to terms with the fact that nothing in our lives will ever be the same as it once was. Which in many ways can be a good thing (we haven't thought about teenage acne in awhile.) Our skin loses elasticity over time, so lines and wrinkles become more pronounced, and oil production slows, resulting in skin that's more dry than dewy. The right tightening creams and facial devices can help stave off and even reverse some of these signs of aging, but the key to flawless makeup is to use a foundation that meets the needs of mature skin.
"The best foundation for aging skin usually offers features like hydrating, plumping, and smoothing. I prefer more moisture-rich formulas and avoid mattifying (unless the person happens to be oily and that is an exception)," makeup artist Michela Wariebi says.
Serum-Foundation Hybrid
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25
Read more
These expert-loved foundations leave skin plump and hydrated, and some are even laced with skincare ingredients that get to work while you're going about your day. With this in mind, here are our 10 tried-and-true foundation formulas for mature skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
Pros
- Lasts all day
- Hydrating formula
- Won't cake
Cons
As the name Airbrush Flawless implies, this foundation is full coverage and leaves a matte finish—but it's never drying. In fact, it's actually a serum-foundation hybrid, with ingredients that help hydrate the skin and reduce wrinkles. If you're looking for a waterproof, sweatproof, life-proof option that looks as great on camera as it does in real life, this is it.
Customer Review:
"This is seriously the best foundation I have put on my face. I’m 33 and have some fine lines and it doesn’t accentuate them. It literally goes on like silk. I see what all the fuss is about! Amazing product!" —Jmontague4
| Size | 1 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matte |
| Shades | 44 |
L'Oréal Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
Pros
- Hydrating formula
Cons
Specifically designed for mature skin, this lightweight foundation hydrates and evens skin (thanks to glycerin and niacinamide) while also protecting it from future damage with SPF 50 sunscreen.
Customer Review:
"This is the most beautiful foundation in the world. It makes my skin look glowing but natural, airbrushed and gorgeous." —Madelyn
| Size | 1.0 oz |
|---|---|
| Finish | Natural |
| Shades | 15 |
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Strong transfer resistance
Cons
We've never used a full-coverage foundation that looked as natural, glowy, or fresh as this one from NARS. It's lightweight but still packs a punch with coverage, so it will cover spots and even texture while also blurring lines.
Customer Review:
"I love this foundation. Less is more with this. I got so many compliments about the finishing of my makeup as it looks like second skin." —Jeetranu
| Size | 1 oz/ 30 mL |
|---|---|
| Finish | Natural |
| Shades | 34 |
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Pros
- Excellent coverage
- Budge-proof once applied
Cons
If you prefer something a little more mattifying, try Estée Lauder's iconic Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation. Available in more than 55 shades, the buildable medium-coverage formula is genius for covering sun and age spots while leaving skin looking naturally flawless.
Customer Review:
"Double wear is always going to be my holy grail foundation. The color match, the staying power, everything is perfect with this foundation. I hope they never change it." —Cee90
| Size | 1 oz/ 30 mL |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matte |
| Shades | 56 |
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25
This foundation is what you get when you cross a vitamin C, hyaluronic, and salicylic acid serum with a medium-to-full-coverage foundation. Skin looks smooth, radiant, and even while you're wearing it (and, after a few weeks, even after you wash it off).
Customer Review:
"Goes on and blends in nicely. It's one of the lightest foundations I've ever used." —Annette
| Size | 1 oz |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matte |
| Shades | 42 |
Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation SPF 35
Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation SPF 35
Pros
- Doesn’t settle into lines or pores
- Hydrating formula
Cons
If radiance is what you're after, Dior's Forever Skin Glow Foundation with SPF 35 is your pick. The base is made with 80 percent skincare ingredients, so your skin will stay hydrated and glowy for up to 24 hours. A little goes a long way with the medium coverage.
Customer Review:
"It is absolutely perfect!! It has a perfect skin-like finish and I always look so glowy when I wear it. It doesn't look like I'm wearing any foundation and I've gotten compliments on how glowy my skin is!" —NameinLights
| Size | 1 oz/ 30 mL |
|---|---|
| Finish | Radiant |
| Shades | 42 |
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Feels lightweight on the skin
Cons
Beloved by every makeup artist, beauty editor, and celebrity, this iconic foundation leaves the most skin-like, glowing, natural finish, never settling into fine lines. The medium coverage is buildable without feeling heavy or cakey.
Customer Review:
"Lightweight and buildable coverage. Goes on so silky. Best foundation and worth every cent!" —Lids0621
| Size | 0.6 oz/ 18 mL |
|---|---|
| Finish | Natural |
| Shades | 40 |
Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Pros
- Reef-safe SPF
- Easy to blend
Cons
Maybe you don't like to wear a full face of foundation every day—and that's totally fine, as long as you're still wearing sunscreen. This new tinted sunscreen from Tower 28 Beauty is the best of both worlds: It's incredibly hydrating and dewy, with a buildable light-to-medium coverage and mineral SPF 30 protection that's safe for sensitive skin.
Customer Review:
"I am fully in love with this product, it melds into my routine any time of the year (I have dry skin) and has become a reliable go-to complexion staple." —The SubtleSiren
| Size | 1 oz/ 30 mL |
|---|---|
| Finish | Natural |
| Shades | 14 |
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation
Pros
- Looks pretty natural on the skin
- Easy to blend
Cons
Charlotte Tilbury's Light Wonder formula is ultra-lightweight but is still a true foundation (as opposed to, say, a tinted cream). It's packed with ceramides to keep your skin hydrated and plump, and the radiant finish helps blur imperfections and soften fine lines all day long.
Customer Review:
"Light yet great coverage doesn’t settle into wrinkles and pores. My 55 year old face looks great I’ve been told I look like I’m not wearing foundation and just have beautiful skin." —805Lisa
| Size | 1.35 oz/ 40 mL |
|---|---|
| Finish | Radiant |
| Shades | 12 |
Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Cream Cover Adjustable Foundation & Concealer
Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Cream Cover Adjustable Foundation & Concealer
Pros
- Great blendability
- Feels comfortable on the skin
Cons
A little goes a long way with this powerful foundation and concealer. The versatility is key here: Tap it on areas you want to conceal if you don't feel like wearing foundation, or apply it all over (in thin layers) for a photo-ready finish.
Customer Review:
"I absolutely love this foundation!!! The coverage is beautiful on my skin and buildable. The best part is that a little goes a long way so this product will last you much longer than any other brand." —Marcela1204
| Size | 0.34 oz/ 10 mL |
|---|---|
| Finish | Natural |
| Shades | 23 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to your skin as you age?
Depleting levels of collagen and elastin, as well as some key nutrients, contribute to sagging skin, dull texture, and dry patches. "Good times, laughter, and exposure to weather are just a part of this journey but there are many ways to make the best of your skin at every age so you can look and feel your very best!" makeup artist and founder of Bakeup Beauty, Jo Baker, says. The wrong foundation can highlight some of these changes, while the right foundation for mature skin can actually plump, hydrate, and renew skin.
Can foundation make wrinkles look less noticeable?
Skin prep is key in how foundation settles on the surface of your skin. "It’s essential to use the right skincare before applying foundation so your skin feels supple and almost dewy to the touch, especially for drier skin types," Baker adds. If you are someone that struggles with a shiny t-zone, there are plenty of mattifying primers that can help you get a flattering finish without the extra shimmer.
Is a dewy or matte foundation better for mature skin?
Matte foundations can leave a powdery look, which can settle into lines and wrinkles and exacerbate dryness. Dewy foundations are often sheerer, which can boost the appearance of moisture and lend a bounciness and radiance to the skin's surface.
Meet the Expert
Michela Wariebi is a professional makeup artist and educator based in New York City.
Why trust Harper's BAZAAR?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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