Makeup for Women Over 50: The 9 Best Foundations

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 essential 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 that 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 9 Best Foundations for Mature Skin

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick, $50

This foundation is formulated with a unique transparent base that combines expertly with your undertone. This helps to even out and correct the complexion and lines on your face.

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation, $68

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

bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15, $32

A skin-improving loose mineral foundation with lightweight, buildable coverage and a natural luminous finish.

Juvia’s Place I Am Magic Foundation, $20

Juvia’s Place gives a lightweight 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, $49

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. 

Lancôme Absolue Bx SPF 18 Radiant & Replenishing Foundation, $69

Replenished skin is achieved with this Pro-xylene enriched formula that helps restore essential moisture and skin tonicity. Your complexion will appear flawlessly even and line-free, and you can achieve moderate to full coverage. This is ideal for normal to dry skin types.

True Color Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation, $10.95

True Color foundation masks blemishes and under-eye circles, sculpts cheekbones and defines your features. It is perfect for highlighting, contouring, touch-ups, and seamless full-coverage applications.

Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation, $46

Designed to mimic the look and feel of skin, this powder provides sheer, buildable coverage with a semi-matte finish. Ideal for all skin tones, its weightless formula glides on smooth and never irritates skin.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $64

Giorgio Armani’s hydrating fluid glides on seamlessly with a silky texture and all-day, buildable coverage. As seen in the press, you can capture the glow of perfect skin with this award-winning foundation. Luminous Silk foundation features an exclusive micro-fil technology and is weightless that it redefines foundation.

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

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