Using foundation on mature skin can be a tricky thing to get just right. If you don’t excel at the art of applying it, it will be noticeable (and this is the biggest problem of all). That’s because foundation can be the mortal enemy of the most common signs of mature skin, like larger pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. A thicker formula can sink into texture and throw a spotlight on it, when you were probably aiming to blur texture instead. The wrong shade can make you look ghostly or too orange, and again highlight skin texture even more. And a foundation that lacks any hydration can intensify the dryness in your skin that may be worse because of aging.
A number of foundation formulas have debuted in recent years though that are designed specifically to address the signs of aging and the needs of mature skin. Among them, these three “beautiful” foundations for mature skin all contain ingredients that will make the most of your skin, at any age, but especially when it is older and in need of a little more TLC.
1. MAC Studio Radiance Face And Body Radiant Sheer Foundation ($44)
We love a lightweight foundation that provides sheer but radiant coverage and comes in 30 shades for the perfect skin match (which is half the battle). What’s more: this pick by MAC is popular among makeup artists and makeup lovers looking for a great foundation for mature skin.
A popular creator and makeup artist, Risa Flashner, posted this video showing how to mix foundation and concealer. In it she calls out this particular foundational and says it looks “beautiful on mature skin,” while also appearing “natural and never heavy” or cakey. “It’s not going to settle into fine lines or even deep lines on the face,” she added.
This foundation is waterproof and designed to last eight hours. It’s free of ingredients like oxybenzone and triclosan and is particularly wonderful if you love your skin to be illuminated, but not covered like a mask.
2. Kryolan Dermacolor Camouflage Creme Palette ($44.50)
If you’re in need of a foundation that provides a more highly pigmented finish, this palette includes six shades that are variations on the same tone, so you can play with them while color correcting issues such as discoloration on your face and neck. The palettes can be refilled individually by using Dermacolor Refills, which is a nice perk in case you use one or two shades more often than the others. This is the palette you want in your collection to cover up more visible signs of discoloration, bruises from cosmetic procedures, or scars.
3. Jones Road What the Foundation ($44)
Jones Road has made a name for itself as a cosmetics company with a range of beautiful products that are ideal for mature skin and features. Its What the Foundation is half foundation and half tinted moisture balm, which means your skin will get all of the benefits of intense hydration. This light-to-medium foundation gives buildable coverage and comes in 16 shades. One of its key ingredients is sodium hyaluronate, which is a humectant that is smaller in size than hyaluronic acid and improves the appearance of dry skin.
