Foundation is the ultimate classic little-goes-a-long-way makeup product. In fact, you may find that a few swipes of foundation applied over prepped and primed skin is all that is needed to make your skin look more flawless and achieve a clean palette. But this is also one product that can be quite unforgiving if you haven’t selected the exact perfect shade and tone for your skin tone. Thankfully, there are a number of skilled makeup professionals who work at shops like Sephora and can help match your skin to a great foundation color. But if you’re doing your due diligence alone, it’s a good idea to avoid a few common foundation mistakes, including this big one: skipping over the most unflattering foundation tone for women over 40.
Foundations that are too light
It’s tempting to think: if I just purchase a foundation that’s a few shades lighter than my skin, maybe it will blur any and all imperfections I want to address. But remember: foundation isn’t concealer. Its job isn’t to hide dark circles or pimples, but rather to create a smooth canvas that makes your overall skin tone look even and more flawless. Picking a too-light foundation can actually backfire and make you look older than your years.
“Wearing the wrong shade of foundation for any age is unflattering, but obviously if it is too light, that is how you end up looking washed out,” says Makeup Artist Mandie Brice.
Paying attention to your undertones, honoring them, and choosing foundation shades that correspond to them is also key to getting it right.
“If you are a neutral or cool undertone, wearing a warm-toned foundation can make you look sallow,” Brice says. “A bronzer that matches your undertone can give a bit of glow.”
Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist and published author, says it's a mistake to wear too much, too little, or a hue that doesn't go with your skin tone. “Your skin may appear washed out if you completely skip it but still apply additional cosmetics (like mascara),” Dr. Chacon says.
Dr. Chacon also agrees that being mindful of skin tone is crucial to snagging the right foundation for your skin. If you don’t feel like your skin is either cool or warm-toned, and you have a mix of green and blue/purple veins on your wrist, you could be a neutral. “With no overt undertones of pink, olive, or yellow, neutral skin tones have a lovely blend of cool and warm tones,” Dr. Chacon says. “If your skin tone falls within this range, you may have observed that you can wear a variety of foundation colors.”
Which foundation formula is best for mature skin?
The three main types of foundation formulas are matte, semi-matte, and dewy. Each offers its own special magic and can be ideal for different occasions. But if you are searching primarily for a formula that will look more youthful, both Brice and Dr. Chacon agree: matte may not be your best option.
“I think semi-matte or dewy are more forgiving in terms of fine lines, wrinkles, and texture, so that would be my recommendation for mature skin,” Brice says. “We also produce less moisture on our skin as we age, so a matte foundation on already dry skin can really exacerbate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Dr. Chacon suggests choosing a foundation that contains hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to help plump the skin. “A thick matte foundation might make your skin appear aged,” Dr. Chacon says. “A dewy foundation will give your skin a healthy and youthful sheen, as well as moisturizing it and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.”
No need to fear foundation on mature skin — with a few tips and tricks, it can look like your skin, only better.
