What type of foundation is best for mature skin?
Similar to the best primers for mature skin, a dewy formula is recommended for mature skin. “Matte foundation makes skin look too dry and emphasizes texture by settling into creases,” says Robin Black, a makeup artist and founder of Beauty Is Boring. “Instead I prefer to use a glowy, natural-finish foundation.” It makes for a more low-maintenance look — think no-makeup makeup versus one that requires touch-ups. Another good option is foundation sticks, which, depending on the formula, can be creamy and easy to blend.
Celebrity makeup artist Autumn Moultrie agrees that a lightweight foundation is best. “Anything reflective will deflect wrinkles and add a glow.”
Is powder or liquid foundation better?
Liquid foundations tend to be better than powder foundations for aging skin. “I tell my clients to look for thin-consistency foundations like serums or liquids, since they tend to have higher concentrations of hydrating ingredients in them,” says Jenny Patinkin, a professional makeup artist and founder of a beauty brand by the same name. “They’re also more likely to offer lightweight coverage that won’t sink into and accentuate fine lines or enlarged pores,” she says. Look for keywords like glowy, dewy, radiant, or illuminating, meaning the foundation is going to have light-reflective properties that give the optical illusion of smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin, she suggests.
How to hide wrinkles with makeup
Though we’d never suggest anyone needs to hide their wrinkles, makeup artists did give us some pointers for softening lines:
- Hydrate: Start with a hydrating primer—one containing ingredients like vitamin E or hyaluronic acid—to “prep your canvas.” This ensures your foundation glides on smoothly and stays put for longer.
- Choose the right foundation: Remember, liquids (including serums) and creams tend to be better for those with aging skin, as these are typically more hydrating and less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
- Apply with fingers or a foundation brush: “I suggest applying with fingers or a brush, then blotting [with a damp makeup sponge] to lift away any excess product,” says Patinkin. This extra step helps eliminate any little streaks, plus improves wear time.
- Don’t use too much product: “The worst thing you can do is slather on makeup,” says Kay. “By trying to camouflage your skin, you will do the opposite and draw attention to your imperfections even more.”
- Skip powders: If you’re using a setting product, opt for a setting spray over a setting powder. Powders can dull your glow, says Patinkin. They can also settle into those fine lines and wrinkles you’re trying to hide.
What ingredients to look for in a foundation for mature skin
Look for a formula that’s not too thick or too dry, as those tend to find their way into fine lines—your one-way ticket to looking even older than you are, says celebrity makeup artist Sabrina Bedrani. Shade range and knowing how to match your foundation to your skin tone are crucial too, since this ensures the color blends well.
Peep the packaging or ingredient list for things like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, which offer hydrating and soothing properties. Keep an eye out for buzzwords like hydrating, moisturising, reflective, radiant, or dewy too. “Additionally, you should look for foundations with antioxidant ingredients to help promote collagen synthesis and aid in protection from oxidative damage,” says Dr. Green.
Foundation finish types—what to know
There are three basic foundation finish types that refer to the way the end result looks on your skin.
- Natural: As the name suggests, this finish most closely resembles that of your natural skin. It’s sort of a happy medium between dewy and matte.
- Matte: A matte finish is shine-free and may offer more coverage, since these formulas tend to offer buildable coverage. In general, matte finishes are ideal for those with oily or combination skin.
- Dewy: Sometimes referred to as radiant, a dewy finish lends a healthy glow. These formulas usually have hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and are the best foundations for dry skin. They may, however, cause excess oil production in those with oily or combination skin, especially in the acne-prone.
What’s the best way to apply foundation to mature skin?
The best way to apply foundation on mature skin is to start with a prepped face. You’ll want to apply the best moisturiser for mature skin, since you’re already at a disadvantage—no matter how good your foundation is. “Allow your moisturiser (including your eye cream) or your BB cream for mature skin to fully absorb before applying your foundation,” says Black. Then, to avoid the foundation’s creasing into your wrinkles (or caking), tap on a makeup primer and a concealer for mature skin, she adds. “Primer, especially formulas that are designed for more mature skin, can help keep everything smooth,” she says, nodding to formulas with lifting or firming properties.
Once you’re ready to go, use a makeup brush to blend the foundation onto skin towards your neck (no telltale lines here!). Then “press your face lightly with clean palms,” says Black, who recommends patting a little into your ears as well. “The gentle pressure and warmth from your hands will help the foundation fuse with your skin for a more even, less textured look.”
