Michelle Rostamian
The best foundation for mature skin can seem like an impossible find, given that 'mature' looks different on everyone. Alongside your natural skin type, be it dry or oily, you may have concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, dehydration, and general loss of skin elasticity to consider.
Happily, there are foundations on the market that are made with mature skin in mind, boasting quality formulas that contain skin-first ingredients. Whether you're looking to blur enlarged pores, conceal pigmentation or make those teeny tiny forehead lines a little less noticeable, there exists the best foundation for every skin type, including yours.
The best foundations for mature skin, chosen by a beauty expert
Shade range: 29
First impressions? The texture is gorgeous — more like a serum than a foundation, with that silky, fluid slip that feels instantly hydrating. I applied it with fingers first (my usual test) and was pleasantly surprised by how easily it blended — no streaks, no catching on dry patches, and no heavy settling into fine lines around the eyes or mouth. On my drier, more mature skin, that’s a big win. The finish is softly luminous but maybe a bit too shiny in some areas. It feels more like a skincare step than makeup, and the infusion of botanical oils makes sense — my skin feels comfortable rather than tight or flaky. Coverage-wise, it’s definitely on the sheer side — enough to even out redness and give a healthy tint, but not enough to disguise blemishes or pigmentation completely. I’d call it the ideal ‘working from home’ foundation. It layers well, though, so you can build up in areas that need more help without losing that fresh-skin look.
Buy it if: You want lightweight coverage with a skincare feel
Pros
- Weightless, skin-enhancing coverage that feels like skincare
- Comfortable on dry or mature skin
- Subtle radiance without exaggerating texture
Cons
- Light coverage won’t satisfy those who prefer a fuller base
- SPF is a nice bonus but not high enough to skip separate sun protection
Shade range: 30
I was excited to try this, as I adore most of Sculpted products. And it didn’t disappoint. Applied with the included sponge, the foundation blends beautifully — the cream disappears into my skin, leaving a second-skin effect that gives off a subtle glow rather than a foil finish. It’s feels denser than I expected, so go lightly, but not so heavy that it drags on the skin. I used it on one side of my face first (a classic habit) and immediately liked how it softened my pores and diffused the unevenness. The glow it gives is natural, not dewy-wet. Coverage is buildable. A single layer evens out the tone and gives a polished, airy glow; a second layer adds more coverage in trouble zones without turning flat or cakey. I did find it best to work in small areas — the cream cures slightly as it sets, so blending outward quickly helps avoid patchy edges.
I wore it through a full day (meetings, indoor + window light), and it held up surprisingly well. My skin never felt tight or dry, and the finish mellowed softly rather than fading into bare patches. I did notice a minor shift in slightly oily zones (around my nose), but nothing dramatic or patchy. A quick blot revived it without disturbing the look. The cushion format also means less waste and travel-friendliness, which is a bonus if you’re on the move.
Buy it if: You want sheer-to-medium coverage with a dewy, skin-like finish
Pros
- Creamy cushion delivers a soft glow without visible texture
- Buildable coverage that stays skin-like
- Comfortable on drier or more mature skin
Cons
- Slight shine in oilier zones might need blotting
- Cushion format limits shade depth/variety for extremely deep skin tones
Shade range: 30
First thing to mention is that I got two ‘your skin looks great’ comments within just a few hours of wearing this. Could this be down to the added kefir+ ferment and niacinamide, both known for supporting the skin barrier and improving texture over time? Possibly. But let’s back track; the texture is runny but easy to control, and it almost melts into my skin. I tend to use a brush for precision, but it blends just as smoothly with fingers or a sponge — no patchiness, streaks or obvious edges, just a magical, even veil that becomes part of the skin. The finish is softly radiant rather than shiny or greasy, which makes it a good middle ground if you like a bit of glow without full dewy gloss. It also feels comfortable and lightly hydrating, so by the end of the day, my skin still feels like skin, not makeup.
Coverage is light to medium — enough to even tone and give skin a smoother, more rested appearance without masking it, but you’ll still see your freckles or pigmentation peeking through. The shade range is wide, though undertones lean slightly cool, so a swatch test in daylight is best. I wear one pump for a light, everyday base, and it layers cleanly if I need a touch more coverage. The only drawback is that at £49, it’s firmly in premium territory. Price aside, it’s a standout option for anyone who wants skin that looks genuinely well cared for — not just well covered.
Buy it if: You have normal to dry or combination skin that prefers a smooth, natural finish with a hint of radiance. Ideal for anyone looking for skincare benefits built into their base.
Pros
- Lightweight, skincare-like texture that blends seamlessly with an elegant finish that flatters real skin
- Comfortable all-day wear with even fade
Cons
- Coverage is light to medium - not suited to those who prefer full coverage
- High price point compared to similar radiant formulas
Shade range: 30
From the first pump, this foundation feels weighty — a thick, creamy texture that demands a bit of finesse. I applied it with a damp sponge and loved how the rich pigment melted into my skin without dragging. The colour match was good — I picked a shade that instantly neutralised redness without leaving me looking flat or lifeless. Over the first hour, it looked polished and full-coverage. The finish was matte with just enough softness to avoid the dreaded ‘powder cake’ look. I appreciated that it didn’t emphasise fine lines or settle in creases immediately — a relief for mature skin. After several hours of wear, the foundation’s longevity shone through. The coverage held up well, only softening slightly on the sides of my nose. I had to blot once — not unexpected for thicker formulas — but it stayed intact and didn’t slide off into patches.
One quirk: the foundation is deeply pigmented, and I felt it looked too orange for my skin tone. A little goes a long way, and in some areas, I had to sheer it out a lot. Also, its formulation requires skin that has been prepped properly — hydration, light serum, good primer — or risk that tight ‘painted on’ sensation.
Buy it if: You want a full-coverage base for long days or events, when you need your base to stay put through heat, humidity, and anything else life throws at your skin.
Pros
- Excellent coverage
- Long wear, holds up through a full day while staying elegant
Cons
- It’s thick and heavy — best for days you want full impact, not for barely there moments
- It’s not ideal for very dry or minimal makeup days — it’s more suited for a night out look than a Sunday errand run
Shade range: 22
This one sits somewhere between skincare and makeup. It’s part of Avon’s Anew range, so it’s designed to do a bit more than just even out your skin tone. The formula includes the brand’s Protinol™ technology, which is meant to help support collagen and keep skin feeling a little firmer over time. It also has SPF 30 built in — handy if you’re not always great at remembering a separate sunscreen.
The texture is smooth and light, and it blends easily with fingers or a brush. Coverage is medium, enough to even out skin tone and soften fine lines, but not enough to completely disguise redness or pigmentation. The finish surprised me - I was expecting something more luminous, but it sits in a natural-to-satin territory: not shiny, but not matte either. On my combination skin, it stays in place for most of the day. While the collagen-boosting claim is hard to measure, after a week of wear, my skin felt a little smoother, which is a decent result for a product in this price bracket. It’s a solid, no-fuss foundation that does what it says: even tone, comfortably wear all day. It’s not transformative, but it’s reliable and sensibly priced — the sort of everyday base you’ll happily finish.
Buy it if: You have normal to combination skin that prefers a velvety smooth finish and doesn’t want anything too mask-like
Pros
- A comfortable, lightweight texture that blends easily, without settling into lines
- Good value for a mid-range, treatment-style foundation with added SPF 30
Cons
- The undertone range could be broader
- Can become slightly shiny on oilier skin by midday
- Collagen-boosting benefits are gradual, not instant
Charley Williams-Howitt is a 47-year-old beauty editor who has noticed a difference in her skin’s texture and tone since entering mid-life - with a lot more redness and pigmentation on certain parts of her face, as well as dryness that hasn’t shown itself previously. She is always on the lookout for a moisturising foundation that gives even coverage without feeling heavy on her skin, and added credible skincare properties are an extra bonus.
How we tested the best foundations for mature skin
To edit down our recommendations for mid-life foundations we tested across real-life conditions, over several days and in different environments. The goal is to see how it wears, not just how it applies. We also considered texture and movement - a foundation that stays pliable is generally more flattering; Does it settle into fine lines after an hour or two? Does it cling to dry patches or accentuate pores? And finally, coverage should be natural with a hydrating finish. It needs to feel comfortable.
We looked at each foundation's ingredient list first and foremost. If it had notable ingredients that worked to alleviate some of the main concerns this skin type deals with (fine lines, excess dryness or oiliness, sun spots, and thin skin), it passed our initial review. Beyond this, we looked at each foundation's consistency and considered how well it performed on dryness, oiliness, and sensitivity. The best cream foundations are often a better shout for mature skin than powders, for example, and took into account the coverage level of each foundation, as well as base type as this can vary between foundation vs CC cream, for example. Finally, we checked how long it lasted on the skin, and whether it had a liquid, cream, or powder formula.
How to pick the best foundation for mature skin
Finding the best foundation for mature skin isn't an easy task, but knowing what to look for is helpful. Here's what our experts recommend taking into account while shopping:
- Your skin type: If you need skincare for dry skin, you'll want to look for a foundation formula that also replenishes moisture, says Manuel Espinoza, StyleSeat makeup artist. If you're sporting oily skin, look for words like "oil-free," "matte," and "longwear" on your foundation. You may also consider using a powder foundation, as this can help mitigate oil production throughout the day, Espinoza notes. Sensitive-skinned folks should be mindful of choosing a non-comedogenic formula that's free of possible irritants like fragrance.
- Product texture: When it comes to product type, Kristen Fortier, makeup artist and Product Innovation Lead for Crunchi Cosmetics, recommends a liquid foundation, as they're typically easier to apply, buildable, and won't settle into fine lines and wrinkles. "Stick foundations tend to be too heavy for mature skin and powder foundations will typically dry the skin out too much and/or cause the skin to look flat,” she says.
- Ingredients: For dry, dehydrated skin, look for a formula that contains hyaluronic acid. "Hyaluronic acid is great in foundations and for mature skin types because it increases the skin's moisture while also helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles," notes Espinoza. Fortier also recommends seeking out mushroom extract, glycerin, aloe, and jojoba oil. "These ingredients provide powerful antioxidants, restore hydration, and promote an even skin tone – not to mention, they also leave the skin feeling and looking radiant," she notes.
- Ease of application: Fortier says that for mature skin types (and all skin types, really), you'll want to look for a foundation that's easy to blend. For mature skin, you should avoid a foundation that causes you to tug on the skin. When it comes time to apply, she recommends applying a small amount of foundation at a time, building up on only the areas that need more coverage to avoid creasing. "Typically, when the foundation is settling in fine lines it is due to the use of way too much product," warns Fortier. Remember: Less is always more!