19 best foundations for mature skin, according to makeup artists, derms & editors
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Do you need the best foundations for mature skin for fine lines and mask discolouration? Certainly not. Ageing should be embraced. And actually, many makeup artists told us they don't generally recommend heavy makeup for mature skin, since they're prone to caking or creasing.
That said, the right formulas actually double as skin care and provide a welcome confidence boost, should you feel you need it. The best foundations for ageing skin hydrate and plump the skin to make it look smoother and more supple, plus, they have the added benefit of concealing any blemishes you may want to grant a little coverage, says Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist.
But what exactly puts you in the camp of someone who should look for a product meant for “ageing skin”? Most people first spot signs of ageing skin, like loss of elasticity and a less supple or duller appearance, in their 30s, says Laura Kay, a makeup expert and founder of Laura Kay London. “Our skin — the body’s largest organ — can become thinner, less plump, and saggy, because the body’s ability to repair cells slows down as we grow older,” she says. Switching up your makeup routine to complement your age can really help you get that flawless, dewy finish.
How we tested foundations for mature skin:
To make sure your end result is nothing but radiant, we tapped the people who know ageing skin the best: dermatologists. Of course, we also polled seasoned makeup artists and our expert Glamour editorial team for their most tried-and-true favourites.
First, we reviewed ingredient lists to see what kinds of skin-boosting ingredients were in each formula and noted whether each product had built-in sun protection (more on that below). Then, we we wore the product, applying each formula in various ways — with our fingers, foundation brushes, and sponges — and testing their prowess over long 12-hour days, noting any caking, creasing, fading, and overall signs of wear. Finally, we lathered up with our go-to cleansers for mature skin to see how thoroughly and efficiently each foundation washed off.
The result is an edit of foundations for mature skin of all consistencies – from full coverage foundations to tinted moisturisers for mature skin, stick foundations and lightweight foundations. Keep reading.
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation
Specifications:
- Size: 30ml.
- Skin types: Dry, normal, and combination.
- Coverage level: Medium.
- SPF: 15.
- Available shades: 28.
- Finish: Radiant.
- Pros: Boosts radiance; Really hydrating; Plumping and smoothing.
- Cons: Can appear shiny on oily skin.
- Tested by: Camilla Kay.
"For skin that looks healthy and hydrated, this buildable Charlotte Tilbury foundation is hard to beat. Designed to boost radiance, and blur imperfections, it's ideal for tackling dullness, dryness, and uneven texture in mature skin.
“Formulated with a nourishing blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid, a brightening rose complex to combat dullness, Bix’Activ™ to reduce oiliness, plumping coconut extract, and Hyalurosmooth™ to encourage a truly even skin tone, it's an undeniably advanced formula that provides heaps of long-term skincare benefits. Plus, it's even enriched with C.T. Defence technology — which prevents pollutants and impurities from penetrating the skin. It stayed all day and gave my skin a healthy, dewy finish.”
DIOR Forever Skin Glow Foundation
Specifications:
- Size: 30ml.
- Skin types: Dry, normal, and combination.
- Coverage level: Medium.
- SPF: 15.
- Available shades: 42.
- Finish: Radiant.
- Pros: Long-lasting formula; Visibly smooths the complexion; Hydrating and plumping.
- Cons: Fragrance may be irritating.
- Tested by: Camilla Kay.
"Formulated with an 86% skincare base that prioritises intense hydration, this foundation works like a serum for mature skin to visibly improve your complexion — revealing all the skin's natural luminosity, while also leaving it looking far more hydrated and plump. Plus, it's got serious staying power — even in hot and humid conditions — meaning it's well-suited to summer wear.
“In terms of the ingredients, hyaluronic acid and floral extracts take centre stage. Antioxidant-rich iris extract helping to boost elasticity and firmness, reinforce the skin barrier, and protect against environmental stressors — while soothing and hydrating wild pansy extract leaves skin moisturised and supple, and also helps the formula stay put comfortably for longer.”
Shiseido Revitalessence Glow Foundation
Specifications:
- Size: 10ml.
- Skin types: All.
- Coverage level: Light-medium.
- SPF: None.
- Available shades: 42.
- Finish: Dewy.
- Pros: Suitable for all skin types; Heaps of skincare benefits; Helps improve texture over time.
- Cons: Not a massively impressive range of dark shades.
- Tested by: Camilla Kay and Ali Pantony.
"This skincare-active foundation is powered by two prebiotics — Fermented Kefir to strengthen the skin's barrier function, and smoothing and brightening niacinamide. Expect a seriously dewy and radiant finish, and a visibly smoother and brighter complexion after a week of daily wear.
“I love that this foundation just looks like my skin — but better," says Ali Pantony, GLAMOUR's Website Director. “It's buildable for those days I need a little extra coverage, but never settles into my fine lines, creases or dry patches.” This is largely thanks to the almost weightless serum-like texture — meaning that the product is able to effortlessly glide onto the skin.
L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32H Freshwear Liquid Foundation
Specifications:
- Size: 30ml.
- Skin types: All.
- Coverage level: Light to medium.
- SPF: 25.
- Available shades: 40.
- Finish: Natural.
- Pros: Noncomedogenic; Buildable; Great shade range; Water and sweat-resistant.
- Cons: Because it contains fragrance, it may not be suitable for sensitive skin.
- Tested by: Mia “Mimi” Johnson
“People with mature skin should look for a foundation that’s hydrating and contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid,” says celebrity makeup artist Mia “Mimi” Johnson. “These products provide a luminous finish to add a youthful glow,” she explains, citing L’Oréal’s Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation as one of the best drugstore buys out there.
“It’s long-lasting, sweat-proof (yep, for those hot flashes) and nicely priced,” says Johnson. “Once it’s applied, it’s on — no cakey look, either.” We also like that it comes in 40 shades for better odds at colour-matching.
Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Foundation
Specifications:
- Size: 30ml.
- Skin types: All.
- Coverage level: Medium.
- SPF: No.
- Available shades: 42.
- Finish: Natural.
- Pros: Oil-free; Highly buildable; Hydrating; Long-lasting.
- Cons: Doesn’t contain any SPF.
- Tested by: Sarah Y. Wu
No matter your age—20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond—Kay says this foundation is just about as good as it gets. “The key rule to remember is less is definitely more. Go for light-textured products, like this one, because anything too heavy can look quite aging,” she says. You’ll likely notice that when you choose a product that’s too heavy, it highlights what you essentially are trying to avoid (read “those fine lines and wrinkles”).
Our editors and contributors are quick to call the formulation a home run. “This has been my absolute favourite foundation for years,” says GLAMOUR contributor Sarah Y. Wu. “I reach for this on days when I want a little skin-smoothing action that I can easily apply with my fingers.” Want more coverage? The highly buildable formula can deliver, leaving skin looking diffused and naturally flawless. Did we mention it comes in 42 shades?
Specifications:
- Size: 30ml.
- Skin types: Dry and combination.
- Coverage level: Light.
- SPF: No.
- Available shades: 12.
- Finish: Natural.
- Pros: Super hydrating; Vegan; Cruelty-free.
- Cons: Not enough coverage for some.
- Tested by: Sabrina Bedrani
Got grease? For oily skin types who can’t handle heavy textures, consider this well-reviewed Glossier tint. If you’re an older woman who doesn’t need a lot of coverage but wants to even out her skin, a lightweight tint foundation like this one is a great option. It has a great sheerness that doesn’t dry out the skin and melts right in, says celebrity makeup artist Sabrina Bedrani.
Don't count on it for full-coverage, but wearers say it's great for a diffused no-makeup look. “It is a very light coverage [foundation], but does make my skin look fresher and healthier than what it does when I go completely bare-faced,” says UK editor Samantha McMeekin. “It's like wearing an invisible veil of confidence.”
KOSAS Revealer Skin Improving Foundation SPF25
Specifications:
- Size: 30ml.
- Skin types: Combination.
- Coverage level: Medium.
- SPF: 25.
- Available shades: 36.
- Finish: Natural.
- Pros: Wide range of shades; Lots of skin-boosting ingredients.
- Cons: Doesn’t meet recommended SPF level.
- Tested by: Autumn Moultrie
Celebrity makeup artist Autumn Moultrie is a fan of the Kosas Revealer foundation, which is also a fave makeup product among GLAMOUR staffers. “It has ingredients like squalane and niacinamide, which balance and brighten skin tone and texture,” she says. It wears like a second skin, she says, and has sunscreen for extra protection. (Heads up: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a minimum of SPF 30, so this shouldn’t be your only protection. Pair this with a sunscreen under makeup for full sun protection.)
In a full review of the product, our writer raves about the results. “It’s not quite dewy, since it dries down, but it has the prettiest lit-from-within glow,” says GLAMOUR beauty writer Bella Cacciatore. “It looks like real skin, but on a really good skin day, like after a facial and 10 hours of sleep.”
Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation
Specifications:
- Size: 30ml.
- Skin types: Sensitive.
- Coverage level: Medium.
- SPF: No.
- Available shades: 51.
- Finish: Natural.
- Pros: Wide range of shades; Offers skincare benefits.
- Cons: Doesn’t last on oily skin.
- Tested by: Suzy Gerstein
Celebrity makeup artist Suzy Gerstein, reaches for this liquid foundation for people with mature skin that tends to be dry, because “it’s got a very smooth texture that glides on like buttah,” she says. “It’s also quite pigmented, so a little goes a long way.” Also setting this apart is the brand’s patent-pending fermented arnica; while arnica alone is known for its ability to soothe redness and defend against external stressors, the fermentation process further amplifies these properties. The formula is also infused with more than 20 other skin care ingredients to complement its makeup chops.
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NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
Specifications:
- Size: 30ml.
- Skin types: Most.
- Coverage level: Medium.
- SPF: No.
- Available shades: 32.
- Finish: Natural.
- Pros: Suitable for sensitive skin; Contains tons of skin-boosting ingredients.
- Cons: Some say it’s a bit too shiny.
- Tested by: Dr. Green
If you’re in the market for foundations with light-reflecting technology, as Moultrie suggests, consider this makeup and skin care hybrid. “It contains Japanese lilyturf to retain moisture and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier,” says Dr. Green. “This foundation also contains cacao peptides and milk thistle to protect the skin from environmental stressors and harmful blue light.” Users praise it endlessly – one Sephora reviewer calls it “liquid gold.”
“I love how lightweight this foundation is,” says Earley. “My skin skews dry, but as long as I apply a hydrating primer first, this foundation doesn't look at all cakey or settle into lines. I love that it's highly buildable for a customised look, too.”
DIOR Forever Skin Glow Foundation
Specifications:
- Size: 30ml.
- Skin types: Dry.
- Coverage level: Medium.
- SPF: 15.
- Available shades: 42.
- Finish: Radiant.
- Pros: Wide range of shades; Long-wear formula.
- Cons: Some say the scent is overpowering.
- Tested by: Ariana Yaptangco
This is Bedrani’s go-to for its wide shade range — and it's a product she regularly uses on her client, Michelle Yeoh. “It gives the right amount of coverage while letting the skin show through, but it’s also buildable if more coverage is needed, and it still has a luminous finish,” she explains. Plus it lasts all day, making it one of the longest-wearing foundations in the game. GLAMOUR senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco put it to the test herself. “It’s survived 90-degree weather and 10-hour workdays without budging an inch.”
Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation
Specifications:
- Size: 30ml.
- Skin types: Normal, dry, and combination.
- Coverage level: Medium.
- SPF: 30.
- Available shades: 43.
- Finish: Radiant.
- Pros: Covers blemishes and dark spots; Hydrates skin for up to 24 hours; SPF 30.
- Cons: May not be suitable for oily skin.
- Tested by: Dr. Green
Dr. Green names Shiseido’s foundation as one of her favorites for mature skin because it “uses light-adjusting technology and radiant microcrystals to target shadowing and hyperpigmentation on the face to lift, refine, smooth, and firm the skin.” It’s also packed with powerful hydrators like hyaluronic acid, plus contains mandarin peel extract to brighten the skin.
“I think I actually said ‘wow’ out loud when I first tried this foundation,” says Earley. “It's lightweight and feels like silk on the skin—yep, even my normally very dry skin. It's quickly become my everyday go-to."
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Skin Tint
Specifications:
- Size: 50ml.
- Skin types: All.
- Coverage level: Light.
- SPF: 15.
- Available shades: 15.
- Finish: Natural.
- Pros: 12-hour wear; Hydrating; Sweatproof and humidity-resistant.
- Cons: May not be suitable for oily skin.
- Tested by: Brandy Allen.
When it comes to mature skin, a number of makeup artists told us they actually favour tinted moisturiser over foundation. Celebrity makeup artist Brandy Allen likes this one from Bobbi Brown, because it packs vitamins B and C, provitamin D, and vitamin E—all great for antiaging ingredients. “It’s also super hydrating with hyaluronic acid, which is a key benefit for mature skin,” she says.
Our testers thought it was a great pick for all skin types, noting coverage is light but blurring all at once. “I particularly like this option during the summer when I don’t want a heavier product weighing me down or increasing oil production,” one tester says.
Chanel Les Beiges Water Fresh Tint
Specifications:
- Size: 30ml.
- Skin types: Dry.
- Coverage level: Light.
- SPF: No.
- Available shades: 8.
- Finish: Natural.
- Pros: Lightweight; Super hydrating.
- Cons: Expensive.
- Tested by: Robin Black
With its water-based formula and natural finish, this is “great for a no-makeup makeup look,” says Robin Black, a makeup artist and founder of Beauty Is Boring. “Plus the encapsulated pigments make it fun to apply.”
Speaking of: The tiny droplets (which house the pigments) are suspended in a weightless gel and burst on application for an even, luminous application, functioning like a great tinted moisturiser for mature skin.
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Specifications:
- Size: 32ml.
- Skin types: All.
- Coverage level: Light.
- SPF: No.
- Available shades: 25.
- Finish: Natural.
- Pros: Long-wearing; Great shade range; Blurs pores.
- Cons: Some say it doesn’t offer enough coverage.
- Tested by: Monique Wilson
For an everyday finish that doesn’t make you look as if you’re wearing a ton of makeup yet still blurs pores, licensed esthetician and makeup artist Ivey Rogers recommends Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint. “It’s super lightweight, so I don’t feel like I’m wearing a ton of makeup,” she says. Plus, the coverage is “buildable” and contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help skin stay both balanced and hydrated. For longer wear, Rogers recommends setting it with a powder.
Five GLAMOUR editors tested Fenty’s skin tint and were fans of colour matching thanks to its wide range of skin tone shades. “It provides the perfect amount of coverage while feeling lightweight,” says GLAMOUR editorial assistant Monique Wilson.
DIOR Backstage Face & Body Foundation
Specifications:
- Size: 50ml.
- Skin types: All.
- Coverage level: Medium.
- SPF: No.
- Available shades: 43.
- Finish: Natural matte.
- Pros: Suitable for face and body; Ultra hydrating; Water-resistant; Wide range of shades.
- Cons: Some say it doesn’t offer enough coverage.
- Tested by: Tobi Henney
Have fine lines and wrinkles you want to blur? Opt for this luxe foundation, says Dr. Green. “It’s excellent for blurring the appearance of fine lines and texture because it contains hyaluronic acid and squalane to provide intense hydration and leave skin looking plump and voluminous.”
It’s beloved by makeup artists too. “I love the hydrating formula and the texture is absolutely divine,” says celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney. “It’s perfect for anyone with a drier complexion and blends super easily.”
Specifications:
- Size: 30ml.
- Skin types: All.
- Coverage level: Light.
- SPF: 30.
- Available shades: 30.
- Finish: Radiant.
- Pros: High SPF; Wide range of shades; Oil-free.
- Cons: Some say the formula is too runny.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet
Ilia is known for its clean-beauty chops—think mineral sunscreen filters and plant-based formulas—but its foundation ups the ante by combining makeup, skin care, and SPF. (In fact, one GLAMOUR staffer calls the Ilia Skin Tint one of her best beauty discoveries.) It’s packed with plant-based squalane and niacinamide, while the non-nano zinc oxide offers protection against sun and pollution alike, making it a winner for sensitive skin.
Even the acne-prone approve. “It makes my skin look even and blurs acne,” says Cacciatore. “It gives me the most beautiful dewy glow that makes me look healthy and alive, even when I feel like a zombie inside.”
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Jones Road What the Foundation
Specifications:
- Size: 35ml.
- Skin types: All.
- Coverage level: Light to medium.
- SPF: No.
- Available shades: 12.
- Finish: Natural.
- Pros: Easy to apply; Super hydrating.
- Cons: Not enough coverage for some.
- Tested by: Andrea Navarro
GLAMOUR editors put Bobbi Brown’s latest venture, Jones Road, to the test, and this viral foundation did not disappoint. Available in a tub instead of a pump or tube — which can help you control the amount you apply — the brand’s What the Foundation formula glides on smoothly like a moisturiser, delivering subtle light-to-medium coverage that feels practically invisible.
“It’s hydrating and lightweight on the skin, but for those who want more coverage, you may need to put on a touch of concealer,” says GLAMOUR's Yaptangco. GLAMOUR commerce writer Andrea Navarro says it didn’t set into her creases.
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick
Specifications:
- Size: 9ml.
- Skin types: All.
- Coverage level: Medium.
- SPF: No.
- Available shades: 21.
- Finish: Natural.
- Pros: Doubles as a concealer; Portable.
- Cons: Not especially hygienic; Requires a brush for best application.
- Tested by: Brigitt Earley
This foundation stick may be solid, but it’s surprisingly creamy. “It applies like a dream with a brush and has a gorgeously refined texture,” says Gerstein. The foundation also has skin care ingredients like squalane, camellia seed oil, and coconut oil to supply moisture and support the skin barrier.
“This stick is a great option for anyone with oily skin,” says GLAMOUR contributor Brigitt Earley, a mom of four in her late 30s. “Although it's thick and creamy, it rubs in effortlessly—especially with a brush or sponge—and has a matte finish that won't skew too shiny.”
Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation
Specifications:
- Size: 35ml.
- Skin types: All.
- Coverage level: Medium.
- SPF: No.
- Available shades: 36.
- Finish: Natural.
- Pros: Wide range of shades; Vegan formula.
- Cons: Expensive.
- Tested by: Moultrie
For the most inclusive shade range, Moultrie, who works with celebrities like Viola Davis, recommends this beauty product from Pat McGrath. With its 35 shades, you’re bound to find your match. It comes with the brand’s Vita-Serum Complex and its Diamond Core Powder Technology, which give skin a soft-focus finish and play well with setting powder. Plus, one GLAMOUR writer says this was her go-to for her acne-prone skin.
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What type of foundation is best for mature skin?
Similar to the best primers for mature skin, a dewy formula is recommended for mature skin. “Matte foundation makes skin look too dry and emphasizes texture by settling into creases,” says Robin Black, a makeup artist and founder of Beauty Is Boring. “Instead I prefer to use a glowy, natural-finish foundation.” It makes for a more low-maintenance look — think no-makeup makeup versus one that requires touch-ups. Another good option is foundation sticks, which, depending on the formula, can be creamy and easy to blend.
Celebrity makeup artist Autumn Moultrie agrees that a lightweight foundation is best. “Anything reflective will deflect wrinkles and add a glow.”
Is powder or liquid foundation better?
Liquid foundations tend to be better than powder foundations for aging skin. “I tell my clients to look for thin-consistency foundations like serums or liquids, since they tend to have higher concentrations of hydrating ingredients in them,” says Jenny Patinkin, a professional makeup artist and founder of a beauty brand by the same name. “They’re also more likely to offer lightweight coverage that won't sink into and accentuate fine lines or enlarged pores,” she says. Look for keywords like glowy, dewy, radiant, or illuminating, meaning the foundation is going to have light-reflective properties that give the optical illusion of smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin, she suggests.
How to hide wrinkles with makeup
Though we'd never suggest anyone needs to hide their wrinkles, makeup artists did give us some pointers for softening lines:
- Hydrate: Start with a hydrating primer—one containing ingredients like vitamin E or hyaluronic acid—to “prep your canvas.” This ensures your foundation glides on smoothly and stays put for longer.
- Choose the right foundation: Remember, liquids (including serums) and creams tend to be better for those with aging skin, as these are typically more hydrating and less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
- Apply with fingers or a foundation brush: “I suggest applying with fingers or a brush, then blotting [with a damp makeup sponge] to lift away any excess product,” says Patinkin. This extra step helps eliminate any little streaks, plus improves wear time.
- Don’t use too much product: “The worst thing you can do is slather on makeup,” says Kay. “By trying to camouflage your skin, you will do the opposite and draw attention to your imperfections even more.”
- Skip powders: If you’re using a setting product, opt for a setting spray over a setting powder. Powders can dull your glow, says Patinkin. They can also settle into those fine lines and wrinkles you’re trying to hide.
What ingredients to look for in a foundation for mature skin
Look for a formula that’s not too thick or too dry, as those tend to find their way into fine lines—your one-way ticket to looking even older than you are, says celebrity makeup artist Sabrina Bedrani. Shade range and knowing how to match your foundation to your skin tone are crucial too, since this ensures the color blends well.
Peep the packaging or ingredient list for things like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, which offer hydrating and soothing properties. Keep an eye out for buzzwords like hydrating, moisturising, reflective, radiant, or dewy too. “Additionally, you should look for foundations with antioxidant ingredients to help promote collagen synthesis and aid in protection from oxidative damage,” says Dr. Green.
Foundation finish types—what to know
There are three basic foundation finish types that refer to the way the end result looks on your skin.
- Natural: As the name suggests, this finish most closely resembles that of your natural skin. It’s sort of a happy medium between dewy and matte.
- Matte: A matte finish is shine-free and may offer more coverage, since these formulas tend to offer buildable coverage. In general, matte finishes are ideal for those with oily or combination skin.
- Dewy: Sometimes referred to as radiant, a dewy finish lends a healthy glow. These formulas usually have hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and are the best foundations for dry skin. They may, however, cause excess oil production in those with oily or combination skin, especially in the acne-prone.
What’s the best way to apply foundation to mature skin?
The best way to apply foundation on mature skin is to start with a prepped face. You’ll want to apply the best moisturiser for mature skin, since you’re already at a disadvantage—no matter how good your foundation is. “Allow your moisturiser (including your eye cream) or your BB cream for mature skin to fully absorb before applying your foundation,” says Black. Then, to avoid the foundation’s creasing into your wrinkles (or caking), tap on a makeup primer and a concealer for mature skin, she adds. “Primer, especially formulas that are designed for more mature skin, can help keep everything smooth,” she says, nodding to formulas with lifting or firming properties.
Once you’re ready to go, use a makeup brush to blend the foundation onto skin towards your neck (no telltale lines here!). Then “press your face lightly with clean palms,” says Black, who recommends patting a little into your ears as well. “The gentle pressure and warmth from your hands will help the foundation fuse with your skin for a more even, less textured look.”
