Wrinkles, under-eye bags and age spots may take time to reverse, but they can easily be covered up in an instant with the help of a good foundation — some of which actually contain ingredients to help reduce these aging facial flaws. But finding one that won’t look cakey, won’t sink into fine lines and won’t break the bank can be a chore. That’s why we rounded up 12 picks for the best foundation for women over 50 including the ones that do double duty without doubling the price tag.
What to look for in a foundation for women over 50
Whether you are on the hunt for a classic drugstore find like the best Revlon foundation for mature skin, or want to try out a more trendy pick like Kosas, besides settling on a texture and consistency that you are happy with, finding a color that works best with your skin tone is key. (Click through to learn more about your skin’s tone and undertone.)
The best foundation for women over 50 will also include hydrating properties. “Most importantly, women should look for foundations that are moisturizing,” encourages New York City-based celebrity makeup artist, Sharon Gjieli. “I like to remind my clients that grapes become raisins when they’re dehydrated — and the same goes for our skin.”
One ingredient to look for in your foundation: Hyaluronic acid. “Hyaluronic acid is naturally created by the body to help cells retain water,” explains dermatologist Melanie Palm, MD. “When used topically, it attracts water molecules to the skin, locking moisture into skin cells.” This hydration not only helps aid dry skin, but can help plump and smooth wrinkles and fine lines.
“Products that have hyaluronic acid, squalene and peptides are all great for rehydrating skin,” explains Gjieli. “Also great? A foundation with SPF to help prevent future damage.”
And there’s more! Have age spots, skin redness or oily skin? There’s a foundation made just for you:
The Best Foundation for Women Over 50
Celebrity makeup artist’s tips on applying foundation to mature skin
When applying foundation on mature skin, it’s not just about the brand or fomulation — it’s also about the technique and coverage. Gjieli says to look for foundations that have a lighter coverage, as heavy and more pigmented foundations can sometimes seep into fine lines and make them appear more visible. “Less is more,” she says when it comes to choosing your coverage level.
When choosing your shade, it’s best to go off of your neck and jawline, which are often a slightly different color than your face. By doing this, it will create a more flawless finish without harsh lines of demarcation.
“I find that my over-50 clients tend to ask for darker foundation shades to ‘add some color’ to their faces, and I cannot stress enough how this will add years to your look. In fact, your face should look slightly washed out when you first apply your foundation (since you will be blurring out any discoloration); adding blush and bronzer after the foundation will achieve the color you’re looking for,” explains Gjieli.
Apply your foundation in light, round, buffing movements, says Gjieli, rather than using sharp movements. “It’s better to start with a little and build it up if needed.”
Our Top Foundation Picks for Aging Skin
Keep scrolling for our favorite foundations for women over 50.
Best overall foundation
Ilia
Why we like it
- Expert-recommended
- Serum formula
- Non-drying
Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint is not just loved by us, it comes highly recommended by makeup artists and other experts, including Gjieli. “My favorite foundation for everyday use is the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint, which is actually a tinted serum. It helps treat your skin while offering coverage and sun protection,” she says. “The coverage is light, but buildable, yet somehow it does a great job at evening out skin tones without too much pigment, while adding a soft glow.”
The key ingredients are hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, niacinamide (great for discoloration, acne and eczema) and non-nano zinc oxide. As majority of women over 50 deal with the constant frustration of dry, flaky skin, this tinted serum is a no-brainer — and was an easy overall winner of the best foundation for women over 50.
Best skincare-infused Foundation
Why we like it
- Packed full of clean skincare ingredients
- Wide shade range
- Lightweight and natural coverage
- Wide shade range
The reason we love Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving SPF Foundation? It’s packed with skin-repairing heroes like niacinamide (helps smooth and even skin tone), caffeine (speeds circulation for a gorgoues glow), olive-derived squalane (balances moisture levels), arnica (soothes irritation), peptides (plumps), hyaluronic acid (hydrates)and more! So you’re not just getting a flawless finish, but your skin will look better even when not wearing it.
It’s also recommended by Gjieli: “For nightime/dressier days, I love the Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation. It has ingredients that are hydrating, it has SPF and the coverage is more opaque for a more ‘made up’ look.”
Best skincare-infused drugstore Foundation
Revlon/Ulta
Why we like it
- Helps skin elasticity
- Skincare and foundation in 1
- Improves skin overtime
The only thing we love more than the affordable price of this foundation (less than $11!), is the quality of the formulation. Some of the note-worthy ingredients that are especially great for mature skin: squalane and hyaluronic acid, which offer potent hydration to skin. Our favorite feature? You should see improvement in your skin with consistent wear for four weeks.
Best powder foundation
Make Up For Ever
Buy from Make Up For Ever, $43
Why we like it
- Blurring
- Clean Ingredients
- Water-resistant, sweat-proof and smudge-proof
Time was that powdered foundations left a cakey and flaky look that settled in to fine lines to exacerbate them rather than cover them. But you won’t find those results with the Make Up For Ever HD Skin Matte Velvet which is why we love it. The pros of a powder is that it come in a compact making touch-ups on the go a breeze, and application mess-free. Plus, despite it being a powder, it is silky and smooth and doesn’t cake. We still recommend sticking to a serum or liquid foundation if you do have especially dry skin, but for those with normal, oily or combination skin, this powder is a perfect option and will last even on hot, sweat-producing days.
Best drugstore foundation
L’Oreal
Why we like it
- Affordable
- Long-lasting
- Buildable coverage
L’Oreal has always been a favorite of ours when it comes to affordable makeup that can easily be found at the drugstore. The finish of their Infallible Fresh Wear 24 Hour Foundation feels as smooth as a high end formula, but at a $12 price-point. What makes it great for mature skin? Its breathable texture won’t clog your pores.
Best shade-range foundation
Fenty Beauty/Sephora
Why we like it
- Wide variety of shades
- Long-lasting
- Climate adaptive technology
If you feel like you can never find your exact shade of foundation–there’s always just something off–we have found the solution for you. Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation comes in a whopping 50 shades!
It even features a climate adaptive technology, meaning that no matter what weather you’re bracing for, your foundation will stay in place and last all day. According the the brand, it “flexes with your skin in every environment to absorb oil instantly, reduce shine and leave a matte finish. (It’s) Non-drying, and sweat- and humidity- resistant.” Win-win to us!
Best foundation for redness
Haus Labs
Why we like it
- Great for sensitive skin
- Targets redness and irritation
- Camouflages discoloration
The star ingredient in Haus Labs foundation, Bioferment 7 Complex, is rich in skin-soothing antioxidants to tackle any inflammation and redness on the skin, making it a great choice for women over 50 who struggle with sensitive skin, rashiness or rosacea. Other key anti-aging ingredients: fermented arnica (it heals skin), fermented green tea (calms redness and kills bacteria) and marine algae (reduces fine lines), just to name a few.
Best lightweight foundation
IT Cosmetics
Why we like it
- Smooths wrinkles and fine lines
- Creamy
- SPF 50
The creamy formula of the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Foundation provides full coverage while still feeling lightweight and breathable. We love this option for women over 50, as cream formula often leave behind a more dewy finish. Plus, they blend more easily into skin to hide fine lines and smooth wrinkles. It’s infused with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, providing hydration and evening out skin tone while protecting skin with SPF 50+.
Best for discoloration foundation
NYX/Ulta Beauty
Why we like it
- Affordable
- Blurring
- Contains natural ingredients
This foundation by NYX is made with glycerin, matcha and niacinamide — all ingredients that help to smooth and even out the skin tone. Great whether you’re dealing with dark spots, melasma, uneven skin tone or scars. And this one can be found at your local drugstore for just $14.
Best foundation for dark spots
Clinique
Why we like it
- Dermatologist-developed
- Reduces dark spots
- Evens skin tone
Clinique’s Even Better foundation is a tried-and-true beauty staple, especially for women over over 50. It’s made for all skin types and comes in 50 different shades. Not only does it glide onto the skin, it leaves an airbrush-like finish that looks like you put a filter on your face. The best part is that after 12 weeks of consistent, daily wear, it is said to reduce the pesky dark spots that come with aging and sun exposure.
Best full coverage foundation
Charlotte Tilbury
Buy from Charlotte Tilbury, $49
Why we like it
- Lightweight but full coverage
- Boosts hydration
- Minimizes wrinkles
As Gjieli says, less is really more when it comes to foundation coverage for mature skin; Heavy, cakey formulas will only draw more attention to your aging concerns. But if you’re having one of those days where you feel like you need a heavier coverage to conceal lines, discoloration, spots and more, but still want a lightweight feel, Charlotte Tilbury’s AIRbrush Flawless Filter Foundation will do the trick. It leaves a soft, airbrushed look while still covering your blemishes, redness and dark spots. And, it claims to boost skin moisture by 216% in 1 hour — a huge bonus for women over 50.
Best foundation for oily skin
Maybelline/Ulta
Why we like it
- Affordable
- Oil-free
- Dermatologist and allergy tested
Another classic we couldn’t leave out is Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless liquid foundation. Those of us who tend more towards the oilier side, should steer clear of makeup made with oil — as they say, don’t add fuel to the fire! This foundation is oil-free and provides a matte finish, essential for oilier skin. And, it’s only $10 at your local drugstore.
For more beauty products to shop that are great for women over 50, click through these stories:
The 11 Best Lipsticks for Older Women
Makeup Artists Pick the Best BB Creams for Women Over 50 — One Will Make *You* Glow
Ditch the Salon With These At-Home Nail Kits for Women Over 50
