RD.COM Makeup
Jill SchildhouseUpdated: Jan. 12, 2023
Wish you could turn back the clock? Find the best foundation for aging skin to give yourself an instant youthful glow.
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If you’re a serious makeup lover (you know, the kind who knows these 17 makeup tricks that make you look younger by heart), then you’ve probably already done your homework on the anti-aging creams dermatologists trust most, the best night creams for every skin type and the best retinol serums—not to mention knowing how to apply foundation to achieve a flawless look.
But as you get older, the “best” products change, and you need to seek out the best foundation for aging skin.
“The foundation formula we have always used may need to change or update as we age because our skin’s texture is changing,” explains makeup artist Erica Taylor, who has 25 years of experience and more than half a million followers on her beauty-focused TikTok. “Our collagen/elastin production slows, our natural oils lessen. The skin slackens and is thinner, causing fine lines with a side of larger pores—and then throw in some sun damage for fun!”
These things can make choosing a foundation a bit more complicated—select the wrong one and it can settle into those fine lines and make them look more pronounced, or it can look cakey on dry skin. Who wants that?
You could look at the best foundations for dry skin to avoid the caking, or the best primers to help smooth out your foundation, and many of them would likely work. But an even better idea is to shop specifically for the best foundation for mature skin.
(Psst—while you’re at it, follow these tips for surprisingly simple ways to look younger and outfit tricks that will make you look younger for the ultimate glow-up—and be sure to consult these tricks to look better in photos before your next shoot!)
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Best overall foundation for mature skin
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Flawless Foundation
Considered by many to be the holy grail of foundations, this best foundation for aging skin from Armani Beauty has racked up 2,000 five-star reviews on Sephora. Some reviewers praise the dewy finish it leaves behind, while others love how buildable it is.
A makeup-artist favorite, this lightweight formula was created specifically to give skin a silky finish without settling into fine lines. What more could your aging skin ask for from a foundation? For lasting results, don’t forget to incorporate a trusted anti-aging eye cream in your beauty routine.
Pros:
- Widely loved formula
- Patented Micro-fil technology
- Natural finish
- Medium coverage
Cons:
- Higher price point
- No SPF built-in
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Best budget foundation for mature skin
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup
If you’re blessed with a fairly even skin tone and don’t need a heavy hand when it comes to foundation application, choose Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup.
“This is a great lightweight, radiant, non-greasy formula containing vitamin E and antioxidants to protect and smooth skin,” says Taylor. “It has a similar look to the always popular Armani Luminous Silk. It’s my emergency drugstore go-to for my clients when I am in a rush, and it always works! Colors are adaptable as well with light-diffusing pigments and all-day hydration.”
Pros:
- Wallet-friendly price
- SPF 20 sunscreen
- Lots of color choices for every skin tone
Cons:
- Won’t provide full coverage (If you need more coverage in just a few spots, pair this best foundation for aging skin with this affordable Maybelline concealer that will make you look younger, according to 115,000 Amazon reviewers!)
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Best foundation for dry skin
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint Foundation
Recapture that beachy, dewy look from your youth with Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint. “This gives an instant, even hydrated glow,” says Taylor, who names this as her number one must-have. “Even the driest skin looks immediately revived. It contains squalane, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid—so it’s skincare and coverage in one and in a pinch you can put it on alone and go!” On top of all that, it even has an SPF 40 mineral sunblock—and our editors are obsessed with it, too.
Pros:
- An award-winning product that provides light coverage with a dewy finish
- Available in 30 shades
- SPF 40 sunscreen
- Fragrance-free
Cons:
- Takes 30-60 seconds for the formula to dry and adjust to its true tone
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Best foundation for mature skin on Amazon
L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
Looking for a true anti-aging multitasker that’s available with Amazon Prime one-day shipping? Add L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation to your cart, stat! “This is a medium, buildable coverage with a vitamin B3 serum that’s great for dry skin and is my beauty-on-a-budget go-to,” says Taylor. “It gives an instant glow and stays hydrated all day, plus has SPF 50 to protect.”
Pros:
- Over 14,000 reviews and a 4.3-star average
- Comes in 30 shades
- Built-in SPF 50 sun protection
Cons:
- May be too moisturizing for oily or combination skin—best for drier skin
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Best foundation for sensitive skin
It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation
One of the best attributes a foundation can offer mature skin is a brightening formula, and that’s where It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation (pardon the pun) shines.
“It gives a sheer-to-medium cover and instant luminous glow,” says Taylor. “It’s full of skin-loving ingredients—a proprietary mix of 90% skincare serum fused with illuminating pigments to even out skin while protecting with an SPF of 40. It contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and green tea as some stand-out anti-aging ingredients, and I highly recommend it for sensitive skin.”
Pros:
- Developed with dermatologists’ ingredient and skincare expertise
- Available in 22 shades
- Provides 24 hours of skin hydration
- SPF 40 sun protection
Cons:
- There is a fragrance, and not everyone loves it
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Best foundation shade range
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation
Just as important as finding the best foundation for aging skin? Finding one that matches your skin tone. With 42 different shades available, this Bobbi Brown formulation truly has something for everyone.
The oil-free formula allows you to build coverage while maintaining a hydrated glow (you can thank moisturizing glycerin for that!) and providing a natural finish. It contains light-reflective ingredients that make skin luminescent, helping it to look younger and healthier. If oily skin is a problem, try these moisturizers for oily skin as well.
Pros:
- 42 shades available
- Oil-free formula
- Buildable coverage
- SPF 15 sunscreen
Cons:
- The glass bottle is heavy
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Best full-coverage foundation for mature skin
Stila Stay All Day Foundation and Concealer
If dark spots are your issue, you need a top-notch concealer in your makeup bag. This skincare solution from Stila is a two-for-one deal: The top of the lid contains a concealer, and the actual bottle houses the foundation. Using the two products together means you’ll get fuller coverage and can layer more on the darker areas of your skin to help diminish their appearance.
Reviewers say this “smooth” and “silky” multitasker is fantastic on dry skin, and love that they don’t have to search high and low for two different products to achieve the perfect effect.
Pros:
- Buildable coverage that’s water-resistant
- Foundation and concealer in one bottle
- Great for dry skin
Cons:
- The applicator may take some getting used to
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What to consider when buying foundation for aging skin
First thing first: Taylor says to look for a radiant or hydrating liquid or cream formula that integrates plumping skincare benefits. “Some of my favorite ingredients are ceramides niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E and squalene,” she says. “And physical sunscreen is a major plus for me.”
On the flip side, Taylor recommends staying away from powder or matte finish foundations and products claiming to be oil-free or oil-minimizing. “Matte textures are typically oil absorbing and do not reflect light,” she explains. “Foundation powder or matte formulas can dull skin and maximize the appearance of texture, like wrinkles, dry skin and pores.”
Even if you choose the right foundation, you may still not achieve the results you desire. Why? There is no makeup that can appear smooth on dead flaky skin, so proper skin prep is essential to the process.
“As we mature, we do not naturally turn over our skin as often,” says Taylor. “It’s important that we help this process along using blends of gentle up to more aggressive acids and or retinoids to resurface the skin. What you use can vary due to sensitivity levels—from gentle enzyme exfoliants to tretinoins. The smoother and more hydrated we can get our texture, the smoother the makeup will be!”
How we found the best foundation for aging skin
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQs
What kind of foundation is best for older skin?
Consider options that have a fresh or natural finish says Lenny Royal, a professional makeup artist and senior manager at Trinny London. That said, not all skin ages the same way. It’s possible that some women may still have oilier skin while experiencing other signs of aging (like dark spots). Because of this, you should use these tips as guidelines, but also keep your specific complexion in mind.
What foundation does not settle into wrinkles?
Powder foundations are great, but not for those with aging skin, since they usually settle into wrinkles. Thick, full-coverage foundations can do the same. “A liquid foundation that’s on the thinner side is usually preferable,” says celebrity makeup artist Beck Wainner. “You may also want to consider hydrating formulas. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E are ingredients to watch out for—they can help moisturize.” Wainner also suggests options that have SPF in them for an added benefit.
Sources:
- Erica Taylor, makeup artist
- Lenny Royal, professional makeup artist and senior manager at Trinny London.
- Beck Wainner, celebrity makeup artist
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Originally Published: April 06, 2022
Jill Schildhouse
As an editor-at-large for Reader's Digest, Jill Schildhouse regularly covers travel, wellness, food, beauty, consumer products and product reviews. She has more than 20 years of experience as an award-winning lifestyle writer and editor, and she frequently contributes to Travel + Leisure, Bride’s, Southern Living, Taste of Home and Insider. Jill has traveled to 36 countries and is always planning her next domestic or overseas adventure.
I'm an experienced makeup enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of various cosmetic products and their applications. Over the years, I've delved into the intricacies of makeup artistry, skincare, and the dynamic needs of aging skin. My expertise is rooted in both practical experience and a deep knowledge of the science behind skincare and cosmetic formulations.
In the article from RD.COM dated January 12, 2023, the focus is on finding the best foundation for aging skin. The makeup artist interviewed, Erica Taylor, emphasizes the importance of adapting one's foundation as the skin ages due to changes in texture, collagen production, and natural oils. Let's break down the information and explore the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Changes in Aging Skin:
- Collagen/Elastin Production Slows
- Natural Oils Lessen
- Skin Slackens and Thins
- Fine Lines and Larger Pores Develop
- Sun Damage Occurs
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Considerations for Choosing Foundation for Aging Skin:
- Avoid settling into fine lines
- Prevent a cakey appearance on dry skin
- Look for a radiant or hydrating liquid or cream formula
- Incorporate plumping skincare benefits
- Use ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, and squalene
- Prefer foundations with physical sunscreen (SPF)
- Stay away from powder or matte finish foundations, which can emphasize texture and dryness
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Recommended Foundations for Aging Skin:
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Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Flawless Foundation:
- Pros: Widely loved formula, patented Micro-fil technology, natural finish, medium coverage
- Cons: Higher price point, no SPF built-in
-
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup:
- Pros: Wallet-friendly price, SPF 20 sunscreen, adaptable colors
- Cons: Won't provide full coverage
-
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint Foundation:
- Pros: Dewy finish, skincare benefits (squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid), SPF 40 sunscreen
- Cons: Takes time to dry and adjust to true tone
-
L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation:
- Pros: Medium, buildable coverage, vitamin B3 serum, SPF 50 sun protection
- Cons: May be too moisturizing for oily or combination skin
-
It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation:
- Pros: Brightening formula, sheer-to-medium coverage, luminous glow, skincare ingredients, SPF 40 sun protection
- Cons: Fragrance may be a downside
-
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation:
- Pros: 42 shades available, oil-free formula, buildable coverage, SPF 15 sunscreen
- Cons: Glass bottle is heavy
-
Stila Stay All Day Foundation and Concealer:
- Pros: Buildable coverage, water-resistant, foundation and concealer in one
- Cons: Applicator may take some getting used to
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Additional Tips:
- Look for foundations with a fresh or natural finish
- Avoid powder foundations and matte finish products
- Consider hydrating formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E
- Proper skin preparation is essential, including exfoliation with gentle acids or retinoids to improve texture
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Expert Opinions:
- Erica Taylor, Makeup Artist
- Lenny Royal, Professional Makeup Artist, and Senior Manager at Trinny London
- Beck Wainner, Celebrity Makeup Artist
This comprehensive overview provides valuable insights into the considerations for selecting the best foundation for aging skin, backed by expert advice and specific product recommendations.
