Utilizing foundation as a beauty tool can work wonders in helping one maintain a youthful and fresh-faced appearance as they age. However, not all types of foundation are created equal, especially for those over 40. Some varieties can accentuate features that make one look older than they truly are, doing little to enhance their complexion.
For this reason, it’s essential to understand the foundation types that are best avoided and replaced with options that can offer a more glowing, radiant look. To provide some guidance, we consulted professional makeup artists who share their insights on the four types of foundation that mature beauties should steer clear of.
Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Jen Cayle Gaum, professional makeup artist and founder of Sam & Maddy makeup, Lindsay Kastuk, pro MUA, Karina Rich, fellow MUA and makeup expert and Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist and writer at My Psoriasis Team.
4 Commonly Unflattering Foundation Types For Mature Skin
1. Powder
As we age, our skin often becomes drier and loses moisture. One way of inadvertently highlighting this is by using powder foundation on mature skin, Gaum says. This kind of foundation can "settle into fine lines, making them more noticeable and exaggerated and will only emphasize wrinkles."
Powder can ultimately dry out your skin even more, Katsuk warns, and this creates a "cakey," patchy and crusty look. "This can make anyone look older because it highlights fine lines and wrinkles," she points out, advising mature beauties to "keep the powder to a minimum and only apply it where you really need it (any mobile part of the face)."
2. Matte
As noted before, since many have drier skin over 40, it's better to choose a more hydrating foundation rather than a matte one. "Matte foundations suck the life out of anybody's skins," Rich says. "It clings to the skin, and with mature skin means fine lines and wrinkles. It ages you by highlighting those areas and makes them more visible," she continues.
Rich adds: "Another area with a high probability of showing age is the under eyes and around the eyes. With my mature clients, I mainly focus the product on the center of the face and those areas using even less product. The more [matte] product, the more it will fall into these areas."
3. Satin Finish
When it comes to liquid foundation, many over 40 often find that matte finishes provide a dull, non-reflective appearance. Satin finishes can give a more natural, but still slightly dull and semi-matte look. As noted previously, it's best to never dry out your skin with a drying foundation, and some satin finishes can do this just like matte ones.
If you want your skin to look smooth and youthful, Rich says to opt for a "hydrating or dewy" finish foundation instead of a satin one. A dewier foundation will blend better and won't cake or settle into fine lines. Plus, she says that it will give you a natural-looking "no makeup" makeup look that's been popular recently. Don't worry if you need high coverage though, just make sure the formula is also hydrating!
4. Alcohol-Based
Lastly, it's vital to note that the ingredients in your foundation matter just as much as the finish (whether it's liquid, powder, stick, etc). One drying ingredient that Chacon says to always avoid over 40 is alcohol, as this can also emphasize fine lines and wrinkles, and that might not be your intention. In addition, it can also cause an undesired reaction.
"Dry and aging skin can be extremely sensitive, so you might want to opt on using products with less alcohol," Chacon says, regarding foundation and skin makeup. This, she stresses, is because "alcohol-based products will worsen dry skin, eventually making it prone to irritations, rashes, and even eczema."
The Bottom Line
While you now know that these four foundation types should be avoided if you want a smoother, youthful and more radiant look, Chacon recommends "moisturizing" liquid foundation types instead. (When shopping, you can look for key words like 'hydrating,' and remember to check the ingredient list!) As the weather gets colder, dry air "may be damaging to all skin types," Chacon notes, "which is why moisturizing makeup products can make a huge difference."
Good to know!
