Out of all of the makeup products we use and love, foundation is the one that has the most power to give and take away. Formulations matter when it comes to foundation. While you can get away with wearing a slightly off-tone shadow or sweeping black liner over your lid instead of your usual brown, foundation is less forgiving. Applying a shade that’s too dark or too light can result in your skin looking pallid or even orange — not the look you’re going for, we have to guess. But the reverse is also true: once you finally find that foundation that’s the perfect color and texture for your skin tone and skin type, it can blur out so many so-called imperfections that you want to conceal, while giving your complexion an overall healthy and even glow.
As we age though, it becomes even more important to pay attention to foundation formulations and to make sure we aren’t using anything that can be cakey and settle into fine lines and wrinkles. These two types of foundation are wonderful for mature skin because they can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and blend right in to make you look your most fabulous best.
Foundations With Hydrating Ingredients
The one almost universally defining characteristic about mature skin is that it tends to be dry. Layering a drying foundation in a powder formulation onto your skin would just make skin look even more parched and highlight dry patches. These types of formulas won’t blend well, either.
The best foundations for mature, older skin include those that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and squalene.
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
There’s a bit of a foundation myth traveling around that the older you get. the less make-up you should wear. But many makeup experts say the problem with this line of thinking is that your lighter application can then fail to actually cover anything up.
The trick isn’t to wear less makeup, it’s to wear the right kind of makeup to get the results you are craving.
Say, for example, you are interested in covering up blue discoloration in the skin. Even the best foundation can’t do it all. But a better method would be to start by priming your skin, then apply a peach-colored color corrector to cancel out those blue tones, then follow up with a medium-coverage foundation, and THEN apply concealer and set it with a translucent powder. These steps help ensure more even coverage that actually covers and conceals, too.
A good pick that is note-worthy on mature skin is Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation.
Err On The Side of Caution When It Comes To Matte Foundations
We get the appeal of a great matte foundation. They can truly create a blank canvas that obliterates any shine and sets the stage for a great eye makeup look or beautiful lip color.
But matte foundations can be more difficult to pull off, especially on mature skin. For one thing, their formulas tend to be on the drier side.
A better option may be to stick with satin or dewy foundation finishes that reflect light on the skin and can appear softer. These formulas are usually also more hydrating and will work with your skin type, and not against it.
Some great dewy and satin foundations include: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation and CHANEL
ULTRA LE TEINT Ultrawear All Day Comfort Flawless Finish Foundation.
