Just like skincare, choosing the right foundation for your skin can help address some of the common changes experienced with age, including fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and dullness. Doing so can not only help support skin health but can also help promote a more even, natural-looking finish.
“As we mature, our skin can dry out more easily, and we often have more fine lines and wrinkles, which is where excess makeup can settle in,” Rachel Goodwin, a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alanis Morissette, and Rose Byrne tells PEOPLE. To address the dryness often associated with mature skin types, Goodwin recommends hydrating well with skincare before applying foundation while also choosing lightweight, buildable formulas with hydrating ingredients, as this can “add luminosity and moisturize at the same time.”
To find the best foundations for mature skin, you’ll want to consider more than just hydration, though. It’s also important to consider formulas that don’t settle into the skin and create creasing along fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also wise to look for multitasking formulas that can provide mature skin with additional benefits such as brightening, environmental protection, and a finish that will work with — not against — your skin type.
With all of this in mind, our PEOPLE Tested team researched the best formulas on the market and applied 23 formulas in the lab before narrowing down our top picks.
Dior
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It features buildable coverage that smooths skin texture and hides redness.
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You only need a few dabs of formula to get good coverage.
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The formula feels lightweight on the skin and doesn’t ever crease or cling to the complexion.
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It comes in 45 shades, one of the most impressive shade ranges on our list.
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It features hydrating ingredients for added skincare benefits.
After testing 23 formulas, we found that the Dior Backstage Foundation is overall the best foundation for mature skin. Enriched with skin-nourishing squalane and hyaluronic acid, this formula works best on mature skin types more prone to dry skin, as it supports overall hydration while promoting a natural-looking glow. During the testing period, our testers were most impressed by how instantly it smoothed their skin’s texture and made redness disappear. With only a few dabs of foundation, they achieved a nice, even coverage that felt lightweight on the complexion and didn’t crease or cling in an uncomfortable way that can happen with some foundation formulas — one tester even raved, “This was, in all honesty, I think the best foundation I have used in my life. It immediately made an impressive change on my face. All I had to do was an application of one layer and my face looked as if I had it done professionally. Every person in the room also noticed the quick change.”
Additionally, in terms of how this foundation performs throughout the day, the same tester noted that it actually had an astonishing reversal effect on fine lines: “After a good amount of time, it settled very well into my skin. It even made my fine lines seem to evaporate. I actually feel like I looked so much younger.”
In addition to its skin-benefiting formula, the foundation also comes in 45 different shades, making it easier to color-match your skin tone. On top of that, it’s designed for use on both the face and the body, and, with its ability to cover up redness, you can use this to blur out blemishes on the neck, arms, and even the legs for more formal events, making it all the more versatile and worth the investment.
Price at time of publish: $43
Size: 1.7 oz. | Number of Shades: 45 | Key Ingredients: Squalane, hyaluronic acid
People / Jessica Juliao
Make Up For Ever
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The formula is lightweight and buildable, so you can customize your coverage based on your preferences and needs.
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Just one layer of foundation helps reduce the look of redness and evens out the complexion.
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It blends well with other makeup formulas and never creases or settles into wrinkles.
In addition to the Dior Backstage Foundation, we were also highly impressed by the Makeup Forever Reboot Active Care Revitalizing Foundation. This foundation formula has a lightweight and buildable coverage that allows you to customize your makeup look while also delivering anti-aging benefits. When applying this on for the first time, we found that just one layer of the Makeup Forever foundation works well at hiding the look of redness for a more even-looking complexion, so a little goes a long way (and you won’t be left feeling like you have a mask of foundation sitting on top of your skin).
The formula also features a blend of skin-nourishing ingredients, including camellia for restoring natural glow and mondo grass for supporting the skin’s protective barrier, as well as ginseng for stimulating collagen production, which can aid in reversing some of the premature signs of aging, such as a loss of suppleness. Our tester even noted that their skin looked and felt better after taking off the product: “When I took it off mid-afternoon, I noticed that my face felt very soft, smooth, and moisturized. Even the following morning, the skin on my face felt extra soft.”
Price at time of publish: $42
Size: 1.01 oz. | Number of Shades: 24 | Key Ingredients: Ginseng, camellia japonica, mondo grass
BLK/OPL
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The formula blends nicely into the complexion without clinging to any dry patches.
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You only need a few drops of foundation to hide hyperpigmentation for a more even-looking skin tone.
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The foundation costs less than $15.
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None that we could find.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on foundation to achieve excellent coverage. When testing different formulas to find the best foundations for mature skin, our PEOPLE Tested team took the BLK/OPL True Color Pore Perfecting Liquid Foundation out for a spin and found that despite its under $15 price, it’s totally comparable to its more expensive counterparts. Enhanced with vitamins C and E, this foundation provides the skin with deep nourishment and a brightening effect for softer, smoother, more radiant skin.
Designed specifically with deep complexions in mind, we found that this foundation blends nicely into the complexion without clinging to any dry patches for an even, natural-looking finish. Additionally, all you need is a few drops of foundation to hide any indication of hyperpigmentation, too.
Price at time of publish: $14.12
Size: 1 oz. | Number of Shades: 12 | Key Ingredients: Vitamins C and E
BareMinerals
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The formula feels lightweight and effectively blurs skin imperfections.
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It features broad spectrum SPF 20 for added sun protection.
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It’s designed with squalane, which can fight free radicals and protect the skin against environmental aggressors.
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The foundation blends seamlessly when using a brush, but it’s not as effective when using a sponge applicator.
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It has a more watery consistency, which might not be ideal for some preferences.
If you prefer mineral sunscreen and are looking for a formula that can enhance mature complexions, look no further than the BareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Foundation. This protective foundation features broad spectrum SPF 20 along with free radical-fighting squalane to help fight off the aging effects of the sun and other environmental aggressors such as pollution. We love that it has an ultra-lightweight texture that blurs the look of blemishes without feeling thick or cakey on the complexion for a natural, barely-there look and feel. In fact, one tester made a point to note how surprised they were at how well it actually created a blurring effect, just as the product packaging promised.
Additionally, this foundation’s lightweight texture helps it blend more seamlessly with other makeup formulas such as concealer, powder, and blush. However, while testing this out, we found that it blends into the skin much better with a brush rather than a sponge.
Price at time of publish: $39
Size: 1 oz. | Number of Shades: 30 | Key Ingredients: SPF 20, squalane
Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
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Features a lightweight serum-like texture that absorbs into the skin while providing a subtle yet buildable tint.
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It’s formulated with potent anti-aging ingredients to nourish and support mature skin types.
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The foundation has a more natural-looking finish, so it’s great for someone who doesn’t love wearing foundation but wants a little bit of coverage.
For those who don’t love wearing foundation but want a little bit of coverage, a serum foundation is the ultimate happy medium. While testing the Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation, we found that the lightweight serum-like texture absorbs quickly into the complexion for a subtle foundation you can build upon until you reach your desired coverage.
And, just like skincare serums, this foundation features a collection of beneficial ingredients, including cordyceps and ginseng for boosting skin radiance, vitamin E for protecting against sun damage and other environmental aggressors such as pollution and free radicals, which can lead to increased signs of aging on the skin. On top of that, it’s formulated with SPF 40, providing notable protection against the sun’s UV rays (this is the second highest sun protection factor of our winners).
Of note: We found that using a sponge delivered a much better application than the brush did. Once our tester achieved her desired level of coverage, she said that the redness on her cheeks, which she is usually self-conscious of, was adequately covered.
Price at time of publish: $77
Size: 1 oz. | Number of Shades: 23 | Key Ingredients: SPF 40, cordyceps, ginseng, vitamin E
Ulta
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It provides a buildable coverage that evens out the skin’s complexion and helps hide blemishes, including dark spots.
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It features a lightweight satin-matte finish that provides coverage without feeling caked on.
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Since the texture is a mix of satin and matte, it works well at minimizing the look of pores.
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The formula isn’t fortified with many skincare actives, so it’s not ideal for those looking for hydrating benefits.
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The shade range isn’t the most inclusive.
To hide the look of dark spots, we recommend the Chanel Ultra Le Teint Flawless Finish Foundation. While testing this formula, we found that its lightweight coverage helps prevent that feeling of cakiness, but it also has enough color to hide dark spots and other blemishes. On top of that, the formula finish is somewhere between satin and matte, which helped blur the look of pores on our complexion. We found it to be a cinch to blend into the skin (especially with a sponge) and that it left a very natural, smooth finish behind.
Since it’s not the most hydration-focused formula on our list and has a slight matte finish, it’s also a good pick for oily complexions, too (but may not be as loved by those with dry skin). However, our tester noted that the foundation did not settle into the dry patches around her nose and didn’t settle into her wrinkles, either.
Finally, while there are 35 shades available, there are very few dark shades which may make shade-matching difficult for those with darker skin tones.
Price at time of publish: $65
Size: 1 oz. | Number of Shades: 35 | Key Ingredients: Not listed
People / Tamara Staples
Sephora
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The formula features 59 different shades.
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It has a shine-free and matte finish that creates a look of radiance without promoting excess oil production.
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The formula is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores.
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Despite having an ultra-lightweight texture, it’s highly pigmented so you still get good coverage.
Foundation is a hit or miss with oily skin types, especially if you don’t like a full-coverage formula. After testing several options, we found that the best foundation for oily skin is the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, which boasts an ultra-lightweight feel but is still highly pigmented so you get good coverage while letting the skin breathe.
This foundation has a shine-free and matte finish, too, which can help address excess oil production on the complexion without masking too much of your glow. It also comes in nearly 60 different shades, so it’s easy to find your match and create a natural, barely-there finish.
Our tester described the finish as “my skin but slightly better” and noticed that there was a blurring effect in her T-zone which softened the overall look of texture on her complexion. She also did not notice any settling of the product in her fine lines.
Price at time of publish: $40
Number of Shades: 59 | Key Ingredients: Not listed
People / Tamara Staples
Sephora
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It provides the skin with a slightly matted effect without completely masking radiance.
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The formula has a smooth, lightweight consistency that is easy to apply to the complexion and blends well with other makeup formulas.
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It has a barely-there feel but still has enough pigment to blur blemishes for a more even-looking complexion.
Lightweight foundations don’t always provide the best coverage, but the Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation beats the odds. This foundation formula features a lighter consistency with enough pigment to blur the look of blemishes and provide a more even complexion. Its smooth, lightweight consistency also makes it easy to apply to the complexion and blend with other makeup products so that you can elevate your complexion without it looking like you have a lot of makeup on.
While testing this designer foundation, we found that it’s an excellent pick for dry and oily skin types since it has a slight mattifying effect but still boosts skin radiance for an overall glow.
Price at time of publish: $69
Size: 1 oz. | Number of Shades: 40 | Key Ingredients: Not listed
Gucci
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It provides enough pigmented coverage to blur dark spots and blemishes while remaining breathable on the skin.
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The formula has excellent staying power and doesn’t transfer when using blotting papers.
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We only needed one layer of product to achieve even coverage, so a little goes a long way.
The Gucci Éternité de Beauté SPF Foundation is our top pick for the best blurring foundation for dry skin because it features a lightweight yet highly pigmented formula that can blur the look of blemishes with just one layer of product. The luxury foundation also has excellent staying power, and when we used blotting papers to test its transferability, it didn’t budge.
Additionally, this foundation comes with a side of skincare perks and features ingredients such as black rose oil and hyaluronic acid for boosting skin hydration and supporting some of the moisture loss experienced with age. It also has bamboo powder for shine control and is formulated with SPF 15 for some added sun protection. And, although it comes with a higher price tag than other options on our list, we only needed one layer of foundation to mask dark circles and blemishes, so a little goes a long way and is sure to last a while.
Price at time of publish: $69
Size: 1 oz. | Number of Shades: 40 | Key Ingredients: Black rose oil, hyaluronic acid, bamboo powder, SPF 15
Sephora
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The formula features hyaluronic acid to support moisture loss in mature skin types.
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It also has skin-strengthening and protecting ingredients that help reverse some of the side effects of aging.
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It works well at blurring hyperpigmentation and redness.
Moisture loss is a common skincare woe in aging skin. To combat that, look for a foundation formulated with hyaluronic acid to deliver a hydration boost upon application. Our top pick for this category is the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare because it features hyaluronic acid along with aloe vera extract for soothing, vitamin E for protecting against environmental aggressors, and vitamin B5 for its deep hydration and skin softening perks.
While testing this formula, we found that despite its lightweight and breathable coverage, it is pigmented enough to address hyperpigmentation and redness with just a few swipes of foundation. And, although it can cling to dry patches on the skin, using a hydrating primer before application can help prevent this from occurring (and the overall hydrating benefits of the formula can address those dry patches, too). Our tester also stated that perhaps if she had exfoliated, the visible skin flaking wouldn’t have been as noticeable. All in all, she felt that the foundation gave her a fresh, dewy look and that her skin looked “healthy” after application.
Price at time of publish: $46
Size: 1 oz. | Number of Shades: 40 | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, vitamins E and B5
Sephora
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It’s formulated with deeply nourishing ingredients, including shea butter and jojoba oil.
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Despite its heavier moisturizing ingredients, it still feels light on the skin.
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It doesn’t settle into the complexion, so you never have to worry about creasing.
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Considering the amount of product you get, this is an expensive formula.
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There are only 10 shades available.
For dry skin types, the Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation can help nourish the complexion while providing enough coverage to target all types of blemishes, including redness, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. Formulated with jojoba oil, squalane, and shea butter, this foundation has a rich and hydrating finish without feeling too heavy on the complexion, so you get ample moisture and a barely-there feel.
While testing this foundation, we were impressed by its light texture and how well it stayed on the skin. Because of this, we noticed that the foundation doesn’t crease on the complexion (even on areas with fine lines) and instead provides an overall smoothing effect.
We can’t ignore that this foundation only has 10 shades available and is the most expensive on this last at $96 per bottle, making it not a very inclusive formula across the board.
Price at time of publish: $96
Size: 1.01 oz. | Number of Shades: 10 | Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, olive squalane, shea butter
Sephora
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It boasts thin, lightweight coverage that layers nicely on the complexion for a buildable finish.
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The formula features SPF 25 for added sun protection, plus tons of mature skin-benefiting ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
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Since it has a light texture and sun protection, it’s a great pick for spring and summer months.
The best buildable foundation for mature skin during our testing was, by far, the Kosas Skin Improving Foundation, which features SPF 25 and lots of skin-benefiting ingredients that counteract the effects of aging on the skin. While testing this foundation out, we first noted its thin and lightweight coverage, which layers nicely on the complexion and allows you to create a more customized finish, whether you prefer a light tint or medium coverage.
Formulated with niacinamide to boost brightness, peptides and hyaluronic acid to plump the skin, and a blend of arnica, squalane, and provitamin B5 to soothe, the foundation essentially doubles as a face serum and makeup to support healthy skin while also providing customizable coverage.
Price at time of publish: $42
Size: 1 oz. | Number of Shades: 36 | Key Ingredients: SPF 25, niacinamide, ceramides, squalane, arnica, provitamin B5, peptides, hyaluronic acid, artemisia flower extract
People / Jessica Juliao
Sephora
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The formula has a more fluid consistency, which absorbs evenly onto the skin and provides a natural-looking finish.
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It’s lightweight enough that you don’t feel like you have anything on, though it still provides plenty of coverage.
If you prefer a natural-looking finish, we were most impressed by the Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation. This formula features lots of skincare ingredients that support skin health, including algae extract to reduce moisture loss, Polynesian seawater to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, and cacao peptides to blur the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
We love this formula for its fluid consistency, which makes it easier to work into the skin and provides a more natural-looking finish. And because it has a lightweight consistency, we didn’t feel like we had anything on, though it still provides plenty of coverage to even out the skin tone.
Price at time of publish: $50
Size: 1 oz. | Number of Shades: 36 | Key Ingredients: Algae Extract, Polynesian seawater, biomimetic oat, Japanese, Lilyturf, cacao peptides, milk thistle
People / Tamara Staples
Pat McGrath
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Its silky, satin finish provides a glow without looking greasy.
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The foundation doesn’t settle into the complexion, so it doesn’t fall into fine lines and wrinkles.
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The formula has a light and creamy consistency, making it easy to apply to the complexion and blend for a more natural look.
After testing several options, the Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection foundation is our top pick for the best foundation with a satin finish. We loved our experience with this formula because it provides a nice silky glow without looking greasy. Additionally, we did not noticed any creasing in fine lines, on the nasolabial folds, or near the chin.
Since the formula is on the lightweight side, one layer is quite faint, but its buildable consistency makes it possible to customize the converge you need. However, our tester noted that she would still need a concealer to cover dark circles or blemishes as even a few layers couldn’t provide the coverage she needed.
Price at time of publish: $69
Size: 1.18 oz. | Number of Shades: 36 | Key Ingredients: Not listed
Amazon
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The lightweight coverage is buildable enough to achieve light to medium coverage.
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It’s formulated with SPF 45 for added sun protection — the highest on this list.
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When applied with a sponge, the foundation goes on smoothly and is highly blendable for a more natural finish.
If you’re looking for the best foundation with SPF, we recommend the Estée Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Foundation with SPF 45, which is the highest on our list. In addition to providing ample sun protection, this formula features chia seed extract, probiotics, and an IonCharged water complex to support plenty of hydration for dry skin types. In addition to all of these benefits, we love that this foundation has a creamy and smooth texture that is easy to apply and highly blendable with an applicator sponge.
Our tester did note that just one layer looked more like a tinted sunscreen (a.k.a. it was quite sheer), but that a second layer offered better coverage and helped to masque redness and blemishes. She even raved, “It gave a natural appearance and looked like I had a healthy glow from a recent trip to the beach.”
Price at time of publish: $51
Size: 1.2 oz. | Number of Shades: 28 | Key Ingredients: SPF 45, chia seed extract, probiotics, IonCharged water complex
Others We Tested
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Long Wear Foundation: While testing the best foundations for mature skin, we also tried the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Long Wear Foundation, which has a long-wear formula and provides ample coverage. The formula is a good choice for those shopping for a full coverage foundation with a matte finish — though it is a little thick and heavy as a result. Additionally, it’s enhanced with the brand’s Replexium serum, which can reduce the look of wrinkles with regular use, making it a top pick for those shopping for skincare-enhanced foundations, too.
- Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick: If you are looking for a stick foundation, we also tried the Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick and, while it didn’t make our “best” list, we still like it enough to recommend for those who prefer the convenience of a stick formula and also want something that effectively targets redness. It is formulated with squalane to protect against moisture loss, phytosphingosine to calm the complexion, and Berryflux Vita to boost hydration, which can help reduce the effects of aging on the skin, too.
- L’Oréal Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation: For another budget-friendly option, we tested the L’Oréal Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation, which is formulated with vitamin B3 and acts as a hydrating serum with lightweight coverage. The foundation also features SPF 50, providing signifiant sun protection against harmful UV rays. While it was a little too sheer for our liking, this would be a fantastic option for those looking for more of a skin tint with an under $20 price tag.
What to Look For in Foundations for Mature Skin
Hydrating Ingredients
When shopping for the best foundations for mature skin types, Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist, says to start by looking for hydrating ingredients to support the skin. “As we age, we lose moisture in the skin, so it is especially important to use a product that has ingredients that are humectants such as hyaluronic acid to boost moisture in the skin,” she explains. For a formula rich in hydration, consider the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare, which features hyaluronic acid as well as other hydrating and nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera extract, vitamin E, and vitamin B5. The Gucci Éternité de Beauté SPF Foundation is another excellent option for a foundation with hyaluronic acid as it supports deep hydration.
Liquid Foundations
While you could technically try a stick or powder foundation, Dr. Garshick recommends opting for liquid foundation as it’s better suited for mature skin types. “Liquid foundations tend to be preferred for mature skin when compared to powder foundations as they help to offer a more dewy, healthy look,” she explains. Additionally, Garshick notes that matte makeup is more prone to accentuating wrinkles and creases, while liquid foundations can help blur textural changes that you might experience with age.
Multitasking Formulas
It’s also worth looking at multitasking formulas so you can get coverage while also reaping the benefits of skincare ingredients. “While foundations do not necessarily replace skincare, it can help to use a product that also has other skincare benefits, such as antioxidants to help protect the skin against free radical damage and SPF to help provide protection against UV rays throughout the day,” Dr. Garshick notes.
For the best multitasking formulas, we recommend the Estée Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Foundation, which features SPF 45 for added sun protection. We also love the Kosas Skin Improving Foundation with SPF, which includes several nourishing skincare ingredients, including squalane, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, provitamin B5, and peptides.
How We Tested
To find the best foundations for mature skin, we researched dozens of options before narrowing our list down to 23 formulas for lab testing, where we tested their color payoff, coverage, and finish on testers 35 years and older. While in the lab, we also considered the application process and tested each formula with both makeup brushes and sponges, using each application method on opposite sides of our faces to compare the finishes and determine whether they streak, pill, or settle into areas on the skin.
We also considered any added skincare benefits and whether the foundation had a visible marked effect on the skin’s overall tone and texture. We even used a moisture reader both before and after application to decipher whether the foundation delivered added hydration. Finally, we used blotting papers to determine how oily the foundation made our skin (if at all) and if there was notable product transfer.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. To find the best foundations for mature skin, Jessie first thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s experiences with each product, carefully considering their consistency, finish, and how well they blend for a natural finish. She also considered the skincare ingredients and how they support mature skin types, including formulas with more nourishing and protective formulations.
Meet Our Experts
- Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist in both Manhattan, New York and Englewood, NJ at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. She is also an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell – New York Presbyterian Medical Center.
- Rachel Goodwin is a celebrity makeup artist who boasts clients such as Alanis Morissette, Rose Byrne, and Sarah Michelle Gellar.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
