We all age every day, and eventually, it starts to show on our faces. Pores start getting bigger, while moisture and luminosity can be harder to maintain. These are a few of the problems every woman deals with in her life. But that doesn’t mean we can’t fix these things and look insanely fabulous! I asked other makeup professionals for the best foundations for mature skin to lift, cover, improve, and help you obtain the skin you want.

First Things First

The better your skin looks, the better your makeup will look. Having a morning and nighttime routine for skincare is key. With regular moisturizing, exfoliating, and even a little retinol (everyone has a different skin type, so be sure to ask your aesthetician or dermatologist what a good routine would be for you), your skin will be gorgeous, and your makeup will knock ‘em dead!

Make sure you start and finish your day by taking care of your skin, especially the delicate skin on your face and neck. That starts by always (ALWAYS!) using either a moisturizing cream with a built-in SPF or by applying an actual sunscreen to your face. Our favorites are EltaMD SPF 40  and Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer with SPF 30 Sunscreen. Either will work to both moisturize your neck and face while protecting from the harmful rays of the sun throughout the day. 

It’s also important to end your day with a quality skincare routine. Make sure you wash away the remnants of the day using a quality cleanser, followed up with another moisturizing and/or anti-aging treatment. I’m prone to adult acne, so several years ago I asked my dermatologist which cleanser she preferred, and I was surprised to find out she uses a simple soap with salicylic acid. I like Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash but have found it can be a bit abrasive on my skin. You might consider something a little more gentle if you have sensitive skin so you don’t experience overdrying or redness. We recommend CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. If you want to also include wrinkle control into your evening routine, follow either option with an anti-aging product like Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Max Moisturizer.  

Preparation is Key

Skin prep is essential when applying foundation. When your face is prepped, plump, and happy, your makeup glides on effortlessly to make your skin look fresh and supple. However, each skin type is prepared in different ways.

For normal to dry skin, always moisturize prior to application and even dampen your makeup sponge or brush to work in the foundation. If you feel like your complexion is a bit on the oily side, snag a primer such as Dermalogica’s Hydrablur or Smashbox’s Photo Finish. A primer can be good for all skin types, but it’s great for oilier skin because it minimizes pores and blurs imperfections while ensuring the foundation stays in place and lasts longer.

Makeup for Women Over 50: The 7 Best Foundations for Mature Skin

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick, $50

This foundation is formulated with a unique transparent base, and that’s expertly combined with your undertone to even out and correct the complexion and lines.

Diorskin Nude Air Serum Foundation, $53

This foundation has a weightless, ultra-fluid serum that enhances your complexion. It has oils that evaporate, and the formula leaves a non-noticeable film of makeup on the skin. The formula is enriched with soft-focus agents and glazed pigments that produce an even, glowing complexion.

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation, $68

This is a long-wearing, customizable foundation that will build from sheer to medium coverage in a wide range of universal colors. 

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Foundation, $65

This foundation will give you a youthful-looking complexion. It is lightweight on the skin while still delivering medium coverage with a naturally luminous finish. This foundation helps blur imperfections and even out skin tone; its moisture-rich hydra-pigments expertly lock in moisture whilst providing long-wear color with skin-smoothing properties. It works to diminish signs of aging day after day.

Juvia’s Place I Am Magic Foundation, $20

This is a lightweight yet lasting coverage that lasts all day. It also has a velvety finish that never looks like you dipped your face in Bisquick.

Laura Mercier Flawless Lumière Foundation, $48

You will look luminous in any light with this foundation. It uses a potent blend of vitamin C to illuminate skin and a rare mushroom extract to power 15 hours of hydration. This results in brighter, healthier-looking skin instantly and over time. 

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation, $64

This foundation is oil-free and helps deliver medium coverage and a gorgeous glowy-skin finish for a natural makeup look.

There you have it – the best foundations for mature skin – as recommended by makeup professionals. Which will you try?

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