Regardless of age, your perfect foundation is likely one that does a pretty great job camouflaging your unique skin concerns while giving you a flawless finish. However, there comes a time where you might want to enlist in one of the best foundations for mature skin the market has to offer. We’re here to guide you on the best options that address things like fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture — you know, all naturally occurring things that happen when you live long enough to acquire infinite experience and wisdom.
As you grow older, your complexion gains texture, but that’s nothing to fret about. You just need to know what you’re dealing with when choosing what makeup products to buy. “Fine — or not so fine — lines and larger pores can make foundation look mask-like at best and incredibly unflattering at the worst,” explains makeup artist Fiona Stiles. “Finding a [hydrating] foundation that melts into the skin is paramount for looking fresh. Anything too heavy will settle into lines and do the opposite of what you’re looking for.”
Makeup artist Tony Tulve recommends choosing liquid foundations, as they “act more like a second skin” and leaning into the “less is more” philosophy when it comes to application. (You’ll see what we mean when you read through this list.)
Once you’ve landed on your dream formula, the key is to only dot foundation in the areas you need coverage the most, instead of slathering it on all over, which makeup artist Nick Barose says can read as “severe.” Tulve suggests tapping the product in with your fingers, blending outwards as needed, and using minimal powder — as it can emphasize lines and texture, the very things you’re probably trying to downplay.
Now that you’ve gotten the low-down, we present to you the best foundations for mature skin, hand-picked by experienced makeup artists and editors. Most of these options are spiked with moisture-boosting ingredients that never result in cakey finishes and are ideal for enhancing the innate beauty of older skin.
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