The 6 Foundations For Mature Skin
We can’t really put a number on what defines “mature skin.” However, you can describe its condition due to a few factors. Major players of what makes our skin look older are things like:
- sunspots
- loss of firmness and elasticity
- dullness; and
- hyperpigmentation
all of which develop over time.
Mature skin happens due to a combination of exterior elements like long term exposure to sun and pollution, plus of course, genetics. Basically life and living in general!
One of the biggest questions I get asked as a makeup artist is, what are some great foundation options for my skin as I am getting older? So today, I'm sharing THE foundations for mature skin.
The Summary
Today, Jennifer is sharing 6 foundations for mature skin: 3 prestige and 3 drugstore ones
Jennifer's suggestions are all shoppable inline
The Foundations For Mature Skin
Embracing Our Skin
With our ever-evolving skin, we need to embrace its age and appearance but also find the product that best suits the stage it is at. And that means focusing on a foundation that fits our needs of amazing coverage, the right level of hydration, and one that looks like beautiful skin - not too makeup-y or one that is going to settle into our fine lines and wrinkles and look like a mask!
Here’s a photo of my 44 year old bare skin before applying foundation or color. Of course it goes without saying that proper skincare + skincare products are very key to getting the best out of your foundations appearance. (we can get into my favorite skincare products in another post!)
It’s important to accept and love our bare faces, but to also know that’s it 100% okay to want to and have fun with enhancing it with makeup!
Read on to discover some of my favorite foundations that work best for maturing skin. And because we all have different budgets, I’m going to share 3 drugstore and 3 prestige foundations you can choose to look into and try out!
3 Prestige Foundations
For the minimalist: Merit Perfection Complexion Stick, $38. If you do not need or want heavy all-over coverage, this is a fabulous option to get the benefits of foundation and concealer in one. It gives light to medium coverage with a mess-free application stick that is easy for storing and traveling with.
I highly recommend this well-respected brand when it comes to products that deliver beautifully natural-looking skin.
For the SPF : It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Foundation SPF 40, $44. CC stands for color correcting which is exactly what this formula does. It delivers medium coverage that is formulated with a brightening glow serum that gives a beautiful healthy glow! Oh, and the high SPF of 40 is a huge bonus. I have yet to use an It Cosmetics product I didn’t love!
Best overall: Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation, $52. This formula has been around for a looong time and so its longevity speaks for itself. With around 49 shade options, a buildable full coverage, and natural matte finish, it’s just one the best that money can buy. It does contain SPF of 15, which I wish could be higher, but nobody or foundation is perfect right??
A great thing about Sephora’s website is that you can put in what your needs are when it comes to a foundation formula on their sidebar here. You can choose from concerns, finish, formulation, etc to find your perfect fit of suggestions!
And if you do not own a fabulous brush to apply your perfect foundation with, let me suggest one. The Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Foundation brush, $28 mimics the shape of the fingers and applies liquids and creams like a dream!! At $28, I think this brush is a steal and will make the application process much more fun.
3 Drugstore Foundations
For the minimalist : Neutrogena Healthy Skin Serum Foundation, $16 is one that blurs imperfections with Pro Vitamin B5 and provides light coverage that looks lovely and natural. This skincare-like formula is also really great those that struggle with sensitive skin.
For the SPF: L’Oreal Age Perfect Serum Foundation, $13 is one I have talked about a lot since it came out. This foundation was made specifically with mature women in mind as it evens skin tone with natural, radiant coverage that does not settle into lines. And the super high SPF of 50 is a wonderful addition. This is a home run foundation I recommend everyone try at this price point.
Best overall: Maybelline Fit Me matte + poreless and Maybelline Fit Me dewy + smooth, $7 are some of the best formulas I’ve found for normal to dry and normal to oily skin at such an affordable price.
Maybelline gives you options depending on your skin type but the finishes are so good. It’s non-comedogenic and fragrance-free formula gives a lightweight but amazing coverage that evens skin tone like that of a prestige brand.
In Case You Missed It
Beth is back from Paris and is asking us to step outside our fashion comfort zone. Click the title or image below to read the article.
Thanks for the recommendations on foundations for mature skin. Could you follow up with how to pick the right color? I am paralyzed in making that decision — especially in a drug store where testing might not be an option. I am so afraid of the foundation being too much or too little.
I was coming down the comments to ask the exact same question! Never wear make-up but at 44 I’m starting to want a tinted moisturizer type and am curious about the Loreal Age Perfect – but worried about wasting a bunch of money if I keep getting the wrong color.
For years I used Lacome tinted moisturizer with SPF50. Then they stopped making it. I tried L’oreal age perfect but after two tubes I didn’t get the right color because I couldn’t try it. So I went to Macy’s and found a perfect match at Estee Lauder. I am very happy with their Futurist Hydra Rescue moisturizing make up SPF45. I’m going to order the brush you suggested I’m not pleased with my flat one. Thanks for your helpful ideas
Interesting read. I find that I really like the L’Oreal foundation in the tube the best. I have tried some more expensive brands but the L’Oreal tube works the best for me. Once I found the right color.
I always love posts on foundations and I like that you gave choices of different price points. As someone else mentioned earlier , I would also enjoy a future post on how to choose the correct foundation color for my skin tone. Thanks for all you do!