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 when 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 base makeup that addresses issues that aging skin faces, 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 and leans on the drier end, 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 creases 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 regarding 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 celebrity makeup artists and Allure 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.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation, $69
- Most Hydrating: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation, $65
- Best With SPF: Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation SPF 40, $77
- Best Dewy Finish: Nars Light Reflecting Foundation, $50
- For People Who Don’t Love Foundation: Iris&Romeo Best Skin Days SPF 30, $48
- Best Drugstore Pick: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation, $17
- Easy Application: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick, $48
- Makeup Royalty: Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Skin Foundation, $69
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.