10 Best Foundations for Mature Skin to Smooth Texture and Fade Fine Lines

Frequently Asked Questions

What to consider when looking for a foundation for mature skin

As you get older, your skin gains texture and leans on the dry side. New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, previously reported Seduction that this is because your skin produces less collagen and less natural lipids, such as ceramides and fatty acids, leading to dehydrated skin and a weak moisture barrier. When it comes to foundation makeup, “fine or not-so-fine lines and enlarged pores can make foundation look very mask-like and incredibly unflattering,” explains Los Angeles-based makeup artist Fiona Stiles. That’s why finding a hydrating foundation is essential to looking fresh. Tony Tulve, a makeup artist based in New York City, recommends choosing liquid foundations because they “act like a second skin.” Overall, finding a buildable formula with skin-plumping, fine line-reducing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane is key to a flawless, flawless foundation.

How to prepare mature skin for foundation

Before you touch your makeup brushes, prepping your skin is essential to create the smoothest possible finish. Moisture is important, so make sure you start with a moisturizer that hydrates but won’t be greasy and disrupt the texture of your foundation,” Barose previously said. Seduction. Gucci Westman, Los Angeles-based makeup artist and founder of Westman Atelier, also emphasized caution about moisturizing your entire face, especially the area around your eyes. Crystal Gossman, a makeup artist based in New York City, adds that layering on hydrating serums and essence toners will give skin a hydrated, plump feel and a natural boost to help foundation hold without the need for a primer.

However, if you know you’ll be out and about all day—or have a special event—a primer can be helpful for extra long-wear benefits. Barose recommends blurring formulas and steers clear of coverage formulas. She also offers balm-like formulations (like Danessa Myrick’s Yummy Skin Moisture Repair Balm Serum) to repair your skin while keeping makeup in place. “You don’t even have to wear it on your face,” he explained. “Focus on the lines or [other areas] in your face [you want to] to fade.”

How to apply foundation on mature skin

Tulve relies on the “less is more” philosophy when applying foundation to mature skin. A dense, full-coverage texture can accentuate fine lines, so use a buildable formula that you can set to your desired finish for a seamless, second-skin effect. “I apply foundation to the big areas of the face first, like the cheeks and forehead, then go in around the nose and chin area,” makeup artist Sandy Linter previously said. Seduction. “Lastly, I’ll apply concealer, and a touch of foundation under the eye area.”

If you apply your makeup with your fingers, you may want to swap your fingers for a makeup sponge or foundation brush to ensure coverage. “[Using your] fingers can look red, uneven, or shiny, which can make your lines stand out,” says Barose. To apply foundation, Barose recommends moving the brush in a circular motion. “This will help the foundation spread smoothly, even in hard-to-reach areas with lines and wrinkles,” she notes. To ensure a smooth, stain-free finish, use a spobble canvas.

What type of foundation works best for mature skin?

According to Barose, the best foundations for mature skin offer maximum protection but are not very strong. She says: “I like liquids or creams that have a sheen without being too shiny. On the other hand, she advises those with mature skin to avoid matte or opaque foundations. She says: “These can age by accentuating the texture and lines on the face.

Should mature skin go with a light or dark foundation?

As for color, “Go for warm or rich tones,” says Barose. Liquid or cream foundations in particular can be blended down to add a “warm glaze” to the skin without making it look noticeably darker, she says. “As we get older, sun exposure can cause blemishes and discoloration, so a touch of black brings everything out,” adds Gossman, who likes to pair that with a light concealer on targeted areas to brighten and lift.

Meet the experts

• Lisa Aharon, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Crystal Gossman, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Sandy Linter, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Renée Loiz, makeup artist and founder of Color May Vary based in Los Angeles
• Amrita Mehta, bicoastal makeup artist
• Beau Nelson, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
• Fiona Stiles, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
• Tony Tulve, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Gucci Westman, makeup artist and founder of makeup brand Westman Atelier based in Los Angeles
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any cosmetics, we ask several questions: What ingredients are in them? Does the brand offer a wide range of colors that include consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for students with sensitive skin or contact lens wearers? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or is it unnecessarily wasteful?

To review the best foundations for mature skin, we enlisted the help of many editors, writers, and contributors, with a special focus on our nearly 40 reviewers. We also relied heavily on trusted makeup artists to speak to the effectiveness of these products on mature skin. This ensures that our test base includes different skin tones, genders, and skin conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four main categories: ingredients, aging and longevity, packaging, and inclusiveness. To find out more about what’s involved in our reporting, see our full review process and how to page.

Our staff and inspectors

A beauty product is a personal purchase. Maybe you’re looking for a face cream to combat persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday skincare routine. You may simply be browsing for the latest launches to hit the hair market. Whatever your wants or needs and concerns, Seduction you want to make sure you like whatever we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse group of writers and editors—in addition to the extensive list of external reviewers and industry experts we call on regularly—is critical to achieving that goal.

After all, can we really say that a skin care product is “best” for people over 50 when the only testers we asked for their opinions were people under 30? Can we honestly consider a premium diffuser worth your hard-earned money if it’s never been tested on curls? We pride ourselves on the fact that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair colors, genders, and backgrounds, which means we are able to thoroughly evaluate any beauty product that enters the beauty closet.