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The Best Foundation for Mature Skin, According to Experts

Think lots and lots of hydration.

June 9, 2022



Courtesy of brands

Just as skin-care habits change over a lifetime, so should your makeup lineup—and finding the best foundation for mature skin is a great place to start. That’s because all skin types can undergo a lot of changes over time. “The concerns we have with mature skin are often dark spots, loss of elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles, and dryness,” says celebrity makeup artist Sabrina Bedrani, who counts Michelle Yeoh and Sandra Bullock among her clients. Not only does skin become drier, but time (and sun damage) contributes to collagen loss and pigmentation—it’s important to look for specific foundation features to address all of the above.

For starters, you’ll want to “find a foundation that is not too thick or too dry, as those tend to stay in fine lines and can make you look older,” says Bedrani. With few exceptions, for example, matte finishes are not your friend; opt for liquid or creamy stick foundations that impart a dewy finish.

Celebrity makeup artist Autumn Moultrie, who works with Viola Davis, emphasizes the need for a formula that's nourishing too. “Mature skin needs a lightweight foundation that has reflective qualities and is hydrating,” she says. “Reflective qualities in a foundation deflect wrinkles and add a glow—that, sadly, is lost over time because of a diminished cell turnover rate.” She recommends blending your foundation with a moisturizer, whether the foundation is a hydrating formula or not, and applying it while skin is still slightly damp from either cleansing or sunscreen.

Whether you’re into buildable coverage or need a formula with broad-spectrum SPF, we’ve got you covered. To help you find the best foundation for mature skin that works for you, we rounded up Moultrie’s and Bedrani’s top picks—alongside our favorites, including a few that topped the Glamour 2022 Beauty Awards.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.



1/18

Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation

We named Charlotte Tilbury’s foundation Glamour’s favorite because of its radiant finish and hydrating abilities. Its texture feels like a lightweight lotion, with hyaluronic acid added for a moisture-packed formula—making it ideal for all skin concerns and all ages.

Save when you shop for the best foundations for mature skin with these Nordstrom promo codes.

$44 at Nordstrom



Courtesy of brand

2/18

Best for a Dewy Finish: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation

Armani’s Luminous Silk foundation has a cult following for good reason: A few pumps impart a glowy and incredibly natural finish with medium coverage. The semi-lightweight formula glides on to mask issues like blemishes or age spots, but you don’t have to worry about it creasing in fine lines—a win-win for aging skin.

Save when you shop for the best foundations for mature skin with these Sephora promo codes.

$65 at Sephora



Courtesy of brand

3/18

Best Drugstore Foundation: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation With SPF 50

Both Bedrani and Moultrie are fans of this affordable serum foundation, noting its great range of colors and satiny, natural-looking finish. With SPF 50 and hydrators like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, it’s ideal for a weekend outdoors.

Save when you shop for the best foundations for mature skin with these Amazon promo codes.

$12 at Amazon

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Courtesy of brand

4/18

Best for Deeper Complexions: Beautyblender Bounce Always On Radiant Skin Tint

For women of color, “it’s important to make sure that your foundation has enough warmth and enough hydration,” says Moultrie. “By warmth, I mean warmth in color tone. There must be enough of that to look like a second skin, as opposed to foundation that