The Worst Foundation Mistakes For Mature Skin, According To Experts

Mistake 2: Applying your foundation immediately after your primer can lead to a patchy, blotchy finish. 

Using primer before applying foundation is a great idea because it provides a barrier between the makeup and your skin, allowing it to look smoother. But failing to let your primer dry for a bit before adding foundation can lead to a patchy, blotchy finish, according to Moor. “Solution: Let your primer set for a few minutes before applying your foundation,” she says.

Mistake 3: Not matching the bases of your primer and foundation formulas

“For example, if you try to use a silicone-based primer with a water-based foundation, they’ll separate, just like oil and water,” Moor says. “They’ll end up seeping into fine lines and wrinkles and emphasizing them.”

Moor’s solution is to read your labels and match your formulas. If you used a silicone-based primer, use a silicone-based foundation. If you used a water-based primer, use a water-based foundation.

Mistake 4: Never changing your foundation formula.

The foundation that may have been your favorite in your twenties isn’t necessarily the foundation you should be using now. As our skin changes with age, so should the products that we use, including foundation. A foundation that’s super matte can be very drying, for example. Swapping this for one that’s formulated for mature skin and contains hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E can mean the difference between makeup that settles in lines and wrinkles and makeup that glides smoothly over your skin. 

Mistake 5: Going too dark or light with foundation.

Foundation has one job that it does extremely well: it’s designed to blur out minor imperfections and create a smooth and even base. If you’re choosing foundations that are too light for your skin in the hopes that they can double as concealers — or opting for darker foundations because you want to benefit from a “bronze” glow and contour — the makeup could look off on your skin. Choose foundations that match your skin tone and add concealer and contour makeup to your routine if you’re trying to achieve different results with your makeup. 

Mistake 6: Your order of makeup products is all wrong. 

Which comes first: foundation or concealer? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who constantly gets that mixed up. For the record: foundation should be applied first, followed by concealer. The reasoning behind this is that foundation will help conceal some of your dark shadows and discoloration, which means you’ll end up using less concealer when you apply it as a second step. And the less makeup you are wearing. the less chance there is of it getting streaky or cakey. So remember: foundation first. 

Mistake 7: Not prepping your skin. 

Your makeup routine doesn’t start with primer and foundation — it begins with good skincare and hydration. Think of moisturizer as part of your makeup routine. It not only enhances your skin by locking in hydration and making you look glowy and gorgeous, but it also provides the smoothest base possible for makeup application. If you’ve ever attempted to apply foundation over dry skin you know the results are disastrous: makeup WILL cling to dry spots and look patchy. Always prep your skin with cleanser, any serums you want to add to your routine, and moisturizer (and sunscreen if it’s daytime). Then give your skin 10 minutes or so to absorb products and start your makeup routine. 

Mistake 8: Applying your foundation with a brush or your finger can cause it to seep into line and wrinkles.

No offense to makeup brushes (or your fingers), but applying foundation with either can cause it to seep into lines and wrinkles. 

“Apply your foundation with a damp sponge in bouncing, pressing movements will press it ON to the skin, as opposed to IN to lines and wrinkles,” Moor says. 

Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure that your foundation works FOR you and your skin — and not against it.