[Spring 2025 Update!] If you’ve been following along with my “Best in Beauty – Mature Edition” series, you already know by now that I am a bit of a beauty product addict. I have tried them all, and one thing I know for sure is that not every beauty product advertised on social media or TV is made for aging skin. Your foundation is the base on which your makeup look depends to make sure you have a smooth, even, radiant look. And let’s face it, as we age, with spots and veins and pores and dull skin, we need a good foundation base! The best foundation for mature skin is the one that works for your changing needs, not one that every 25-year-old Tik Tok influencer is pushing. I know, I say this a lot. There’s a reason!
More women over 50 are looking for products made for them. I have tried, tested, and used all these great foundations for aging skin. I will tell you why I like them, what situation they are best used for, and tips and tricks on how to apply them to get the best finish. Whether your skin is dry or oily, you need nothing more than a tinted moisturizer, or want a full coverage foundation, and everything in between, I am sharing the best foundations for mature skin that I use and love! And bonus: I have some tricks for you on applying foundation over 50+ that may change the way you look at makeup!
BTW, I try to only recommend cruelty-free products, it is very important to me, and I hope to you as well!
Note: I only recommend products I would use myself. If you purchase items through the links on my site, I might earn a small commission from the retailer. This is at no cost to you and does not increase your price for the item. Money earned from these commissions helps keep The Middle Girls running! Thank you for your support!
Foundation Makeup Tips for Mature Skin
What to Use Before Foundation Makeup
There are two important products I recommend using before putting foundation on mature skin.
Moisturizer
Even if your skin was oily in the past, (my hand is up!) you need to realize that because of hormonal changes, your skin needs much more protective moisture than it ever did before. The good news is that it is actually the secret to not looking crepey around your wrinkles and sagging skin! (Let’s be honest, we all have them to one degree or another.😉) You can apply the very best foundation for mature skin, but if you haven’t moisturized, it is going to cling and cake. Check out my favorites at Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin.
Primer
Primer is a silky smooth product you use over your moisturizer. It’s very lightweight, so don’t worry about piling on the products. Primer helps your makeup last longer, go on smooth as silk, and also lets you use less of your foundation product. (Especially if you are using one that is more expensive!) You can find out more about primers and the ones I use at Best Makeup Primer for Mature Skin.
How Much Foundation to Use
This one is important. Use a tiny amount of foundation. You can always add another layer if you want more coverage, but the fastest way to “cake face” is using too much to begin with. A pea-sized amount is a good start for most foundation formulas.
How to Apply Foundation on Aging Skin
Applying foundation to aging skin is totally different from how we did it when we were in our 20s and 30s. Slathering it on with our fingers and rubbing it in will not give you that flawless look you are going for. Older skin is so much less forgiving that way. Here are my top tips for how to apply foundation to mature skin.
Experiment with Different Tools
Like I said, rubbing foundation in with your fingers is not going to give you that airbrushed look. For me, there are two options. I use either a flat foundation brush when I want more coverage, or for every day, I use beauty sponges. You don’t have to buy expensive ones to experiment, you can find several affordable options and the beauty sponges I use at Best Makeup for Women Over 50+. Never heard of using a brush or a beauty sponge?
Using a Brush
- Apply a dot of foundation to the back of your hand, dip your brush in to get a small amount, then swirl and buff into your asking, starting from the nose and chin and working out. Keep buffing until it is well blended.
- If you are using a powder foundation, just apply with a large, fluffy brush in circular buffing motions.
Using a beauty sponge
- You can use a beauty sponge damp or dry. For a truly airbrushed look, dampen and squeeze out your sponge. Apply a dot of foundation to the back of your hand, dab your sponge to get a small amount, then dab onto your face, starting in the center and working out. Keep dabbing until well blended. A dry sponge will do the same thing but with heavier coverage. How do I do it? I start with a light layer of foundation with a damp sponge, allow to dry a minute, then dab the tiniest amount over any spots I want more coverage with a little more foundation and a dry beauty sponge.
- The cool thing about beauty sponges is that if you accidentally apply too much foundation for aging skin, you can use the other side of the sponge to dab off the excess.
Learn the 3-minute Rule
Allow layers of moisturizer, primer, and foundation to dry for 3 minutes between each one. That will ensure the best application, with the products blending nicely into each other.
Change Your Color (and Perhaps Formula) with the Seasons
Even though I am super careful about always wearing sunscreen, even in the winter, like most of us, my skin tends to lighten up in the colder months. So either have a winter bottle of your foundation a shade lighter than your summer shade or use this money-saving tip.
Use a drugstore foundation 2 shades lighter than your normal shade, and mix it in with your regular foundation to lighten it for the winter. You will not have to buy a separate bottle, and you will still have all the great elements of the higher-quality product.
Remember Less is More
I can’t say this one enough. Start out with a tiny amount of foundation. If you want more coverage, let dry a minute then add another light layer. And pro tip: Don’t use foundation around your eyes. Ladies our age tend to use concealer anyway, and the more products you use, the higher the chance of creasing and bringing attention to lines.
Best Foundation for Mature Skin
Tarte Skin Treat
I love this as my everyday foundation for mature skin. It’s lightweight, has some extra sunscreen in there for you, is cruelty-free free and blends so nicely. It also has skin-healthy ingredients and has 12-hour wear. According to their website,
- 100% saw an immediate improvement in skin texture
- 97% said skin felt smoother & softer instantly
- 91% said pores & fine lines were minimized after 4 weeks
I use a damp beauty sponge to apply this over my favorite tinted moisturizer. (See below). Ok, technically, this is a tinted moisturizer. But I feel like it is more of a lightweight foundation. This one is great for normal to oily skin, but if your skin is pretty dry, or you want more coverage? Keep scrolling! Some reviews?
5 ⭐️- “Love This! I love how light weight it feels on my skin, that it has SPF in it, and not only am I getting coverage but protecting my skin with this foundation. I just put it on like a face lotion and go about my routine. Simple to use, light weight but medium and build able coverage.”
5 ⭐️- “Perfect medium coverage tinted moisturizer. This is one of my favorite beauty products. The texture is light and smooth, and it is highly moisturizing. I love that it has non-toxic mineral SPF. The coverage is also exactly what I was looking for – covers imperfections and evens tone but is not thick or unnatural like most foundation OR sheer and pointless like other tinted moisturizers. I would say it’s a medium coverage with the perfect texture.”
Best Full Coverage Foundation for Mature Skin
Il Makiage Woke Up Like This
This is the best full-coverage foundation for mature skin. Il Makiage is newer on the scene, but in a few short years, this foundation is the most reviewed on the internet! Special optically-corrective powders blur your skin’s imperfections, and it has tons of nourishing and moisturizing ingredients.
Join the celebrity women over 50 who swear by this foundation for mature skin, including Melissa Joan Hart, Melora Hardin, and Jackee Harry. Vogue finds that the Il Makiage Foundation “lasts so beautifully throughout the day and controls oil and shine without looking thick or caked.”
They also have a 30-day try it at home money-back guarantee. Make sure you apply this with a light hand and add a layer if necessary. You will get cakiness if you try to do a heavy layer, but that is true of all foundations. I found this one works great with a flat foundation brush, but a damp sponge works as well for a more natural look. Great all around foundation for older women!
This is the #1 most reviewed foundation online!
Some reviews?
5 ⭐️- “For years I only used MAC studio fix. Ever since I tried this foundation my face looks soo much smoother and flawless. Superior quality! I am 67 years old and never had my skin look so fresh.”
5 ⭐️- “I just had my 60th birthday ordering this foundation was my gift to myself after being perfectly content for the last 30 years with another brand. My skin has changed so why not my make up? Over the last few weeks, I have heard noticeably more comments regarding my appearance, how nice I look, how my skin is glowing. ”
5 ⭐️- “I’ve never really been a make up person, but having Lupus I will often need that coverage on certain days. The way that this product was able to match my skin to right foundation, was a game changer. I am fully impressed and all in 🤩 used it on my 50th birthday.”
IT Cosmetics Your Skin but Better
This is the original CC cream. CC means color correction, and that’s what it does, It uses color correction to diffuse scars, redness, and dark circles. It has a cult following and is one of the best foundations for mature skin. Why? It’s a foundation, anti-aging serum, and 50+ sunscreen all in one! They advertise this as a full coverage foundation, but I find if you use a damp beauty sponge to apply it you can use it for both light to full coverage looks. Even my daughter uses this foundation because it adapts to so many skin textures!
Light Coverage Foundation for Older Women
Ilia Skin Tint
The best light coverage foundation for mature skin that I have found is Ilia Skin Tint. It has mineral SPF 40, nourishing healthy skin ingredients, and leaves you with a dewy glow. (Most of us need that to liven up dull, aging skin!) This foundation is light coverage, so don’t expect it to be the right choice for those who want a full coverage look. But I love using this when I am having a casual weekend, particularly if I’m out in the sun. It has won no less than 18 awards, from Allure, Oprah, Prevention Magazine, and more! According to their website, in a clinical study, 90% of women found their lines and wrinkles reduced. It’s super gentle for sensitive skin, doesn’t make you break out, and is super hydrating.
Some Reviews?
5 ⭐️- Best stuff ever!
I have tried EVERYTHING in the tinted serum category. This is a miracle for my skin. I have post menopause skin, rosacea, wrinkles, brown spots and large pores. This gives me a natural look and good coverage. My skin feels dewy and moisturized.
5 ⭐️- Obsessed with the finish
I’m 48. I hate how foundation looks on me but also need a bit of evening out. This makes my skin look bouncier and fresh and glowy in the best way. It’s a game changer.
5 ⭐️- I am so happy with my purchase. First time ever I get compliments on my skin and I’m 57 years old. I am thrilled at How my skin looks after I apply the serum and I can tell my skin is getting better after every use.
Drmtlgy Tinted Moisturizer
So, I am in love with DRMTLGY and its products. Their under-eye concealer is my fav product on the planet,(have you ever heard of an under-eye concealer with SPF???) and I am in love with this tinted moisturizer. I use this as my first layer, then let it dry and add a light layer of foundation with a dry beauty sponge! Perfect everyday coverage! Plus, extra SPF! It’s also got hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and a high concentration of niacinamide (vitamin B3). Anti-aging, light coverage, and sun protection triple threat!
Best Drugstore Foundation for Mature Skin
e.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation
If you want the best drugstore foundation for mature skin, how about one that just costs $6? This blendable foundation with a soft satin finish has over 27,ooo 5 star reviews on Amazon. You can find this in most discount and even grocery stores as well, but your shade selection will be much better online. I find it to be medium coverage with hydrating ingredients, perfect for aging skin. This is also one of the few cruelty-free drugstore brands as well!
Best Makeup Foundation for Oily Skin
Tarte Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Foundation
The best foundation for mature skin that tends to the oilier side is without a doubt, IMO, Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation. This dries to a natural matte finish, so it doesn’t get cakey but keeps the shine under control. It has great, buildable coverage, feels light as mousse, and according to their website, (And I agree!):
- 100% agreed it reduces the appearance of pores
- 100% agreed it reduces the appearance of fine lines
- 100% agreed it doesn’t look or feel cakey
- 100% agreed it makes skin look smooth & flawless
- 100% agreed it covers redness & imperfections
I apply this with a damp beauty sponge. Make sure you have properly moisturized beforehand, and you will find the finish so flawless! I use this in the summer, or whenever I travel to warmer climates.
Best Powder Foundation for Mature Skin
Laura Geller Balance and Brighten Powder Foundation
I don’t know if you’ve seen the commercials about the Laura Geller Powder Foundation. I stopped using powder foundations years ago, because they tend to accentuate lines and pores. But then, there is this… If you have dull skin but want a light to medium coverage, this color-correcting powder foundation is nothing like you would think. It has awards from the National Rosacea Society and the Psoriasis Foundation because this is the best powder foundation for problem skin. And, it is dermatologist approved to be used following skin treatments that might leave your skin tender. And it works. You just sweep it on with a big, fluffy brush. No cakiness, no creasing, just a natural look that evens out your skin tone and brightens your complexion. Best powder foundation out there. Go watch the video on their website. Need convincing?
Laura Geller Foundation Reviews
‘This has to be the easiest and most complimentary makeup foundation I have ever used. I simply love it. And I’ve been around a long time!”
“Best lightweight clean coverage for senior skin.”
“For me, this foundation has made it possible to wear makeup again! I had given up I tried this. It is easy to apply and doesn’t require a degree to do it!!!”
“I’m very happy with this foundation; it evens my skin tone but it doesn’t travel to my wrinkles and crinkles! I was concerned about using a powder formulation since my skin is dry and I hate that cakey look. However, this just provides a nice light coverage that still looks natural.”
So that’s it! In my opinion, tried and tested by me (You’re welcome, that cost bucks!) the best foundation for mature skin, in every category! Remember, makeup is there to help us feel confident, and to help us express ourselves. Learn to enjoy it with the right products and tools! Check out my post on How to Boost Confidence, Self Respect, and Self Esteem!
Feel free to share this post with others who might also love to know my favorite picks for face lotions for aging skin!
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