When it comes to achieving smooth, flawless skin, thereās one key product you need in your makeup routine: A good foundation. But, if you have mature skin, not just any product will do. The best foundations for mature skin deliver a boost of much-needed hydrationāand blur the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines for a flawless, youthful complexion.
Meet the Experts: Brendan Camp, M.D., a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City; Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City; Emily Gray, celebrity makeup artist; Randall Intrabartola, certified esthetician and makeup artist; Jamie Greenberg, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Blighlighter and Bloss.
āMature skin tends to be more dry as a result of reduced sebum and ceramides in the skin, which function to seal in moisture,ā explains Brendan Camp, M.D., a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. So, when shopping for a foundation for mature skin you’ll want to opt for foundations with hydrating ingredientsālike hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Camp also recommends scanning the formulas for active ingredients commonly found in anti-aging serumsālike vitamin C, which are effective at not only smoothing the skin, but keeping it healthy too.
Ahead, find the best foundations that dermatologists and makeup artists recommend for mature skināas well as expert tips on what to specifically look for when shopping.
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1
Best Overall Foundation for Mature Skin
Jones Road Beauty What The Foundation
Pros
- Hydrating and moisturizing formula
- Layers well with other products
- Gives a natural, no-makeup look to the skin
Cons
- May not be ideal for oily skin types
Makeup artist Bobbi Brown is known for giving the best makeup tips for women over 45, and she swears by the Jones Road What the Foundation for mature skin. āItās like a tinted moisture balm, but it adds coverage to most places where you need it,ā Brown explained. āIt has beautiful oils infused in it and it gives a nice glowy finish that will absorb into the skin because itās an oil.ā
What a reviewer says: āI love how this foundation looks on my skin! Iām 52 …Other foundations just get stuck in those line creases and make you look so old and dried out. This foundation is lightweight for someone who wants to continue to look low maintenance but still youthful and toned. I love the slight shimmer.ā
| Size | 1.14 oz |
|---|---|
| Shades | 16 |
| Key Ingredients | Sodium hyaluronate |
2
Best Drugstore Foundation for Mature Skin
LāOrĆ©al Paris Visible Lift Serum Absolute Foundation
Now 16% Off
Pros
- Contains SPF
- Skin-nourishing ingredients
- Affordable
Cons
- Some reviewers find the texture too watery
This affordable drugstore find is a favorite of Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in NYC. āIn addition to offering SPF coverage, this product also includes pro-retinol Vitamin A as well as vitamin C, helping to improve the appearance of skin tone, fine lines, and wrinkles,ā she notes. The formula is also very hydrating which makes it comfortable to wear, better for your skin, and effective at concealing the visible signs of aging.
What a reviewer says: āIāve been using this foundation for several years now. I have aging skin and Iāll tell you the stuff really covers well, but doesnāt settle into the nooks and crannies of your face to make you look older. It goes on smoothly and stays on all day. Highly recommend!ā
| Size | 1.0 oz |
|---|---|
| Shades | 14 |
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin C, pro retinol A |
3
Best Foundation for Mature Skin of All Types
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare
Pros
- Wide range of shades
- Lightweight yet buildable
- Nourishing ingredients that are great for all skin types
Cons
- Some reviewers find the texture a bit runny
āThis foundation incorporates a blend of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, vitamin E and B5 making it good for all skin types, but especially those with dry skin,ā explains Dr. Garshick. āIt helps to deliver long-lasting [hydration] while providing buildable coverage, improving the overall complexion.ā The skin-loving ingredients in addition to the beautiful finish it leaves on the skin make this foundation a total game-changer for all skin types, including those with mature skin.
What a reviewer says: āWow! I seldom write a review, but I received this foundation recently and I love it! I am mature and have fair/medium skin, pinkish undertones which is also dry. What I love is that it gives a natural skin finish that is lightweight but I was able to get medium coverage that looks natural… It smooths out imperfections without looking heavy or dry.ā
| Size | 1.0 oz |
|---|---|
| Shades | 26 |
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, vitamins E and B5 |
4
Best Budget Foundation for Mature Skin
Catrice True Skin Hydrating Foundation
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight texture
- Hydrating ingredients
Cons
- Some reviewers note issues with color matching
Looking for a great budget option? Celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray recommends Catriceās True Skin Hydrating Foundation. ā[Itās] super hydrating and lightweight (wonāt fall into those wrinkles!). It has hyaluronic acid to help maintain hydration throughout the day as wellāgreat for those with dry, mature skin,ā she says. āIt gives a beautiful natural finish to the skin and itās a great affordable foundation option at only $10.ā
What a reviewer says: āWow! It does feel like my skin! You can build the coverage which I like. A little goes a long way. Doesnāt settle into my 50-year-old lines and wrinkles and my pores are well hidden. For $10, this is my new go to, no more searching. Love it!ā
| Size | 1.01 oz |
|---|---|
| Shades | 19 |
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, watermelon seed oil |
5
Best Foundation for Mature Skin With SPF
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation SPF 30
Pros
- Contains SPF
- Long-wearing formula
- Waterproof, humidity-resistant, and transfer-resistant
Cons
- Some reviewers say itās not the best for oily skin
If youāre looking for a foundation that also doubles as sunscreen, try this pick from Shiseido, which makeup artist Randall Intrabartola recommends for its ālong-wearing medium coverage formula that looks fresh all day and wonāt settle into lines.ā In addition to offering broad-spectrum SPF 30, the weightless formula is also waterproof, humidity-resistant, and transfer-resistant to help maintain a flawless finish that lasts 24 hours.
What a reviewer says: āHoly grail . Doesnāt crease or settle in fine lines. Iām 46 with my fair share of wrinkles and texture. This foundation is smoothing with just the right amount of glow. Absolutely recommend for mature skin.ā
| Size | 1.0 oz |
|---|---|
| Shades | 25 |
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, wild thyme extract |
6
Best Powder Foundation for Mature Skin
Laura Geller Beauty Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color-Correcting Powder Foundation
Now 31% Off
Pros
- Hydrating, skin-nourishing ingredients
- Comes in an easy-to-apply, lightweight powder form
- Great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Only available in 9 shades
Makeup artist Laura Geller herself says this foundation is āperfect for mature skin,ā thanks to its hydrating formula with skin-nourishing ingredients like like jojoba seed oil, antioxidants, and other botanical extracts. In fact, the product is the first-ever beauty product to receive a Seal of Recognition from the National Psoriasis Foundationāand itās also been accepted by the National Rosacea Societyāmaking it a great choice for sensitive skin. Plus, it comes in a weightless powder form thatās buildable and easy to apply.
What a reviewer says: āIām 68 years old and way past fighting with liquid concealer and foundation. Blending it right, then it feeling heavy on my face, seeping into face wrinkles, and never looking natural. I was shocked by the results after just the first application. Now it takes me just a few short minutes to feel like Iāve spent a lot of time getting ready.ā
| Size | Not listed |
|---|---|
| Shades | 9 |
| Key Ingredients | Jojoba seed oil, centella asiatica extract |
7
Best Foundation For Mature Dry Skin
Make Up For Ever HD Skin Hydra Glow Hydrating Foundation
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Plumps, smooths, and brightens skin
- Wide range of shades
Cons
- May not be ideal for oily skin
This foundation is especially great for those with dry skin. According to the brand, its skin-nourishing formula mimics the hydrating effect of a sheet mask to moisturize, plump, and brighten skin. ā[This is a] really thin foundation that gives a sheer to medium coverage to mature skin types,ā Gray says. āItās also water-based so you know itās both going to be really thin and hydrating. As an added bonus, it visibly plumps and brightens the skin, another plus for mature skin types.ā
What a reviewer says: āBest foundation ever for dry skin…This foundation works so well with my mature skin! Itās the perfect balance of coverage without caking. It is also so hydrating! Makes my skin look very healthy.ā
| Size | 1.0 oz |
|---|---|
| Shades | 38 |
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate |
8
Best Foundation for Mature Combination Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Oil-free
- Affordable
Cons
- Some reviewers note the coverage is too light
Neutrogenaās Hydro Boost line is the real deal. We already know that Kerry Washington is a fan of the brand’s Multi-Use Balm, but the hydrating tint cannot be overlooked either. Dr. Garshick recommends this formula because it ācontains hyaluronic acid to help boost moisture, leaving the skin looking smooth and refreshed,ā she explains. āAdditionally, it is oil-free, making it a good option for those who may be dealing with dry skin as well as breakouts.ā
What a reviewer says: āIām over 50, have combo skin and also cystic acne on my chināso it’s been almost impossible to find a foundation that doesnāt break me out, doesnāt dry my skin out, doesnāt settle in wrinkles and also covers my blemishes…This product finally achieves all of the above! Itās oil-free but still manages to hydrate my skin and goes onāand staysāsmooth and natural looking…And at a drugstore price you just canāt beat it. Highly recommend!ā
| Size | 1.0 oz |
|---|---|
| Shades | 10 |
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid |
9
Best Buildable Foundation for Mature Skin
Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation
Pros
- Wide range of shades
- Hydrating ingredients
- Buildable coverage with natural finish
Cons
- Some reviewers dislike scent
This hydrating, lightweight foundation from Dior can be applied on both your face and body, offering buildable medium coverage that evens the skin for a natural, luminous look. āInfused with plant-derived squalane and hyaluronic acid, this non-comedogenic, ultra-fine texture liquid foundation comes in 43 shades and blends seamlessly with the skin,ā says Dr. Camp.
What a reviewer says: āI have mature skin and find this foundation to be moisturizing without looking oily or too dewy. It doesnāt settle into my fine lines or feel heavy. Iāve been a fan of this formula for quite a few years. Iāve tried many others, both more and less expensive, but always seem to return to this product.ā
| Size | 1.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Shades | 43 |
| Key Ingredients | Squalane, hyaluronic acid |
10
Best Serum Foundation for Mature Skin
LāOrĆ©al Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50
Now 21% Off
Pros
- Lightweight serum texture
- Contains SPF 50
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some reviewers note issues with color matching
Specifically formulated for mature skin (and also suitable for sensitive skin), the LāOrĆ©al Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation helps even skin tone with a natural, radiant coverageāwhile also providing SPF 50 sun protection. ā[This is] a beautiful lightweight serum foundation that feels more like skincare than foundation,ā explains Intrabartola. āIt provides a light to medium coverage and won’t accentuate lines or wrinkles.ā It’s no wonder it boasts over 12,500 five-star ratings on Amazon.
What a reviewer says: āI’ve bought too many foundations that dry out my skin or settle into my wrinkles. This is one of the better foundations that does wonders for my 67 year old skin. The foundation doesnāt dry out the skin and doesnāt settle into fine lines. I can even use it without a primer! It’s that good.ā
| Size | 1.0 oz |
|---|---|
| Shades | 29 |
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin B3, glycerin, niacinamide |
11
Best Foundation for Mature Oily Skin
Fenty Beauty Pro Filtār Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation
Pros
- Matte, shine-free finish
- Noncomedogenic formula
- Wide range of shades
Cons
- May be too drying for some skin types
If you have a skin type thatās more on the oily side, this long-wearing, full-coverage foundation from Fenty is a great pick. It provides a soft-matte, shine-free finish with climate-adaptive technology to fight off heat, sweat, and shine, leaving skin with a visibly smooth and diffused look. The lightweight formula is also non-comedogenic, meaning it wonāt clog your pores. And did we mention it comes in over a whopping 52 shades?
What a reviewer says: āThis foundation is insane, I couldnāt believe how seamlessly it blended in with my skin. I am very oily but this foundation kept the shine at bay and also layered amazingly well with my other makeup. This will be my go-to foundation from now on whenever I feel up to doing a full face. Blends in seamlessly with a makeup sponge.ā
| Size | 1.08 oz |
|---|---|
| Shades | 51 |
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, pineapple fruit extract, papaya fruit extract, paullinia cupana seed extract |
12
Best Brightening Foundation for Mature Skin
Westmore Beauty Instantly Flawless Foundation
Pros
- Contains hydrating ingredients
- Brightens complexion with a dewy finish
- Water and sweat-resistant formula
Cons
- Only available in six shades
This formula is a favorite of Jamie Greenberg, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Blighlighter and Bloss. āIt leaves a dewy finish and is also formulated with hydrating and brightening ingredientsāperfect for mature skin!ā she says. Itās infused with hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, and light-diffusing minerals to not only help with skin health but conceal wrinkles.
What a reviewer says: āFlawless coverage… The coverage is outstanding, but not thick and cakey. I can use it as foundation and concealer. And Iām covering sensitivity redness and eczema, big time. This is the best foundation I’ve ever tried, and at 41, Iāve tried many.ā
| Size | 1.2 oz |
|---|---|
| Shades | 6 |
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide |
13
Best Full Coverage Foundation for Mature Skin
Pur Beauty 4-in-1 Love Your Selfie Foundation & Concealer
Pros
- Provides full coverage
- Doubles as a concealer, with a dual applicator feature
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Some reviewers say it tends to be cakey
This foundation āis formulated to instantly blur blemishes and imperfections, and is super hydrating which prevents it from settling into wrinkles,ā says Greenberg. The hypoallergenic, full-coverage formula is available in loads of shades and can be used as a concealer, too. In fact, it comes with a handy dual applicator: You can use the doe foot applicator to conceal blemishes and dark spots, or use the traditional pump for buildable, all-over coverage.
What a reviewer says: āBEST foundation Iāve worn! Iām 51-years-old, so itās asking a lot for makeup to enhance and not highlight flaws. Doesnāt sit in wrinkles, goes on smooth, coverage is amazing with just a light coat of it. I use two small drops and get great coverage on my entire faceā¦ A little goes a long way.ā
| Size | 1.2 oz |
|---|---|
| Shades | 43 |
| Key Ingredients | Retinol, lactic acid |
14
Best Luxury Foundation for Mature Skin
La Mer Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation SPF 20
Pros
- Packed with skin-nourishing ingredients
- Contains SPF
- Sweat-resistant
Cons
- Pricey
If youāre up for splurging on a truly quality foundation, Intrabartola recommends this formula from La Mer. āPacked with skin-loving ingredients, this foundation looks incredible on the skin, provides a medium coverage, and is sweat-resistant,ā she notes. It boasts a weightless, silky formula that provides SPF 20 protection, offers buildable coverage, and visibly diminishes pores and imperfections for a smooth, natural finish.
What a reviewer says: I am in LOVE! My over-48 year old skin has never looked so good! I have very sensitive, dry, freckled pale skin, and this foundation makes my skin soft and luminous… This is well worth the money!ā
| Size | 1 oz |
|---|---|
| Shades | 27 |
| Key Ingredients | Algae (seaweed) extract, eucalyptus leaf oil, sesame seed oil, glycerin |
How to choose the best foundation for mature skin
āļøGo for hydration. All of the experts agree that itās best to opt for hydrating formulas. Why? Mature skin tends to be more dry as a result of reduced sebum production, explains Dr. Campāmeaning it can benefit from ingredients that hydrate and moisturize skin, such as hyaluronic acids, ceramides, squalane, and triglycerides.
āļøChoose a lightweight, dewy formula. āThe best type of formulation for mature skin is lightweight, so it wonāt sink into any creases, wrinkles, or fine lines,ā says Gray. āMature skin is thin as well, so the more lightweight the formulation, the more comfortable on the skin.ā Additionally, opt for foundations with a dewy finish rather than matte, which can āhelp restore some moisture to the skin and help it appear plumper and more youthful,ā explains Dr. Camp.
āļøLook for sun protection. āWhile using sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine, if a foundation has sunscreen in it, it can provide an added bonus,ā Dr. Garshick notes. If youāre out and about, and the sun is shining, you need SPFāno matter your age or skin type.
āļøConsider your skin type. Youāll also want to look for formulas that suit your specific skin type. If youāre struggling with dull skin, for example, you may want to look for a brightening formula and/or a formula with vitamin C. For oily skin, oil-free formulas that blur imperfections work well. And those with dry skin and/or prominent fine lines should search for ultra-hydrating and dewy foundations.
What foundation will not settle in wrinkles?
āThe type of foundation that is best for not settling into wrinkles is going to be more lightweight and thin,ā says Gray. So, you should ideally look for formulas with a light, weightless texture that seamlessly absorbs into your skin.
Another way to help prevent foundation from creasing into your wrinkles and fine lines is to prep your skin with hydrating products before applying the foundationālike a good face primer for mature skin, which can help ācreate a barrier between any wrinkles and the foundation,ā says Gray.
āSkin prep and setting your makeup is the best way to prevent the foundation from settling into lines and wrinkles,ā adds Intrabartola. āStart with a good hydrating moisturizer… then finish your makeup by using a finely milled setting powder only on the areas where you are concerned with creasing.ā
Should mature skin use matte or dewy foundation?
According to our experts, a foundation with a dewy finish is typically more ideal for mature skin. āMature skin tends to be more dry as a result of reduced sebum production,ā explains Dr. Camp. āDewy foundation products may restore some moisture to the skin and help it appear plumper and more youthful.ā Greenberg also recommends āsomething with a glowy or dewy finishā as āmany people with mature skin struggle with dullness,ā she says.
Matte finish formulations are typically not recommended for mature skin, as they can ālook cakey on the skin and will accentuate texture, lines and wrinkles,ā notes Intrabartola. However, if you do have oily skin or acne-prone skin, you may opt for a foundation with a matte finish which can help āreduce shine and help absorb excess oil,ā says Dr. Camp.
How we chose the best foundation for mature skin
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviewsāand often conducts personal testing done by our staffāto help you make informed decisions.
Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelorās degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When sheās not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.
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