High-end foundations get all the hype, but don’t sleep on the best drugstore foundations for mature skin. “Drugstore makeup has improved tremendously over the last several years, and many foundations now perform just as well as prestige formulas, especially when it comes to everyday wear,” says Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. They now include skin-supportive ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin. Trust us, the drugstore aisles are rife with formulas boasting elegant finishes and suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin—all at a great value.
Though pricier foundations can be ülkü for those with specific skin concerns (like rosacea) or who have trouble color-matching, “In many cases, consumers are paying more for packaging, branding, or luxury textures rather than significantly different performance,” Collins says. Want to put this theory to the test? Ahead, find six options—vetted by dermatologists, makeup artists, and Glamour editors—that suit different mature skin types, blur fine lines, address discoloration, and more.
Our top drugstore foundations for mature skin
- Best Overall: L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum, $7
- Best Full Coverage: CoverGirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Serum Foundation, $10
- Best with SPF: NYX Professional Makeup Buttermilk Glaze Soft Glow Skin Tint, $16
- Best for Over 50: Maybelline Lifter Plump & Glow Foundation, $12
- Best for Large Pores: e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter, $15
Best Overall: L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum
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L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Natural, skin-like finish | The dropper-style packaging can make it difficult to control how much product gets dispensed |
| Hydrating formula | The coverage is light and will not necessarily conceal dark spots or melasma with just one layer |
“This formula acts as a true makeup-skincare hybrid,” says pro makeup artist Nicole Walmsley. “While adding a veil of coverage, you’re also actively improving how your skin looks over time.” It offers sheer, radiant, buildable coverage that flatters mature skin, and Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director and founder of Facet Dermatology, also gives the formula her seal of approval. “The one percent hyaluronic acid sits high in the ingredient list, alongside glycerin, so the product genuinely behaves like a hydrating layer with pigment in it rather than a coverage product trying to also moisturize,” she says. Plus, the tint is delivered through iron oxides, which helps with hyperpigmentation,” Yadav says.
Glamour contributor Jenny Berg says:
“True to its name, this lightweight product feels more like a serum than a traditional foundation—and it can be a bit drippy as it’s applied. My advice? Drop a little product on your hand, swirl a brush through it, and then apply it to your face. Evvel it’s on, the foundation has a satiny, skin-like finish that has an instantly smoothing effect. And though this doesn’t offer heavy-duty coverage, it noticeably evens out the skin tone.” —Jenny Berg, Glamour contributor
Fast facts:
- Shades: 14
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, dimethicone, vitamin E, perlite
Best Full Coverage: CoverGirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Serum Foundation
CoverGirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Serum Foundation
Ulta
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Feels more lightweight and breathable than a traditional full-coverage foundation | The dewy finish may make oily or combination skin look shiny |
| Blends easily with fingers or a brush | It should be applied lightly around smile lines or on textured areas |
| Hydrating formula ülkü for dry, mature skin |
“What makes this work as a full-coverage option for mature skin is that it manages to deliver real coverage without the rigidity that usually comes with it,” Yadav says. “The formulation pulls in niacinamide and a peptide alongside humectants like glycerin and panthenol, which keep the texture flexible and emollient.” What’s more, she says, the creamy, cushiony base flexes with expression lines instead of settling into them. “This is best for normal-to-dry mature skin looking for medium coverage or full coverage that still feels comfortable,” says Yadav.
Glamour contributor Berg says:
“My skin is on the dry side, which makes the velvety, moisturizing texture of this skincare-foundation hybrid feel like a dream. Plus, it easily covers up that agonizing redness around my nose.” —J.B.
Fast facts:
- Shades: 12
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol, palmitoyle pentapeptide-4, vitamin E, hyaluronic complex
Best With SPF: NYX Professional Makeup Buttermilk Glaze Soft Glow Skin Tint
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NYX Professional Makeup Buttermilk Glaze Soft Glow Skin Tint
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Lightweight, comfortable texture that lets skin breathe | It’s fragranced, which may be irritating for particularly sensitive skin |
| Moisturizing | |
| Gives dull skin a subtle glow |
This SPF foundation has a lightweight texture that doesn’t settle into fine lines. “It’s a strong option for combining makeup and daily protection—especially for those who prefer a glowier finish,” Shah says. She adds that the sheer, breathable tint layers well over skin deva, and that the product’s radiant finish helps relieve dullness in aging skin. Best of all, because the formula is so comfortable on the skin, Shah says that it helps encourage daily use of SPF (layered on top of regular sunscreen, that is) and fits neatly into a streamlined skin deva regimen.
Glamour contributor Berg says:
“I used this on a recent trip to the Florida Keys—I also used sunscreen, of course, but I liked that this also has SPF 30 in it. Despite the humidity, it didn’t feel heavy on my skin or settle into pores, and it has a subtly glowy finish that doesn’t look shiny. Plus, it has a delicious, coconut-y smell—just the thing for an actual vacation or channeling OOO vibes.” —J.B.
Fast facts:
- Shades: 10
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, shea butter, mango butter, glycerin, dimethicone
Best for Over 50: Maybelline Lifter Plump & Glow Foundation
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Maybelline Lifter Plump & Glow Foundation
Ulta
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| The radiant, skin-like finish gives aging skin a dewy glow | The finish may be too luminous for oily skin types |
| buildable coverage | Some users report slight oxidation, particularly in the lighter shades |
| It’s infused with skin-boosting ingredients like niacinamide | |
| The 24 shades accommodate a wide range of skin tones and undertones |
“This formula is particularly suited for those over 50 because it focuses on hydration and has a plumping effect,” says Sandra Oska, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. She says the dewy finish gives aging skin a healthy vitality, while the formula provides long-term benefits for skin health. Infused with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, “It maximizes hydration and supports the skin barrier, making it especially well-suited for drier or more mature skin over 50 that benefits from added glow and flexibility,” she notes.
Glamour contributor Berg says:
“This has a cushiony exture that spreads and blends easily—it’s not thick (read: prone to getting cakey), but it is a little less runny than some of the more serum-like formulas on this list. I used one layer of coverage, which had a light, luminous effect. Overall, it brightened and evened out my complexion—including the under-eye area—though I will confess: this one was a bit tough for me to color-match.” —J.B.
Fast facts:
- Shades: 24
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin, peptides, green tea extract, dimethicone
Best for Large Pores: E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
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E.L.F. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
Ulta
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Gives the skin a blurred effect that helps minimize pores | When worn alone, the product’s coverage is too sheer to minimize age spots or discoloration |
| The versatile product can be layered under foundation, mixed with foundation, or worn on its own | It can emphasize texture if too much product is applied |
“This is not a traditional foundation, but that’s exactly why it works here,” Shah says of e.l.f.’s glass-skin-effect formula. “It acts as a blurring, glow-boosting base or topper, diffusing the look of pores with light reflection rather than heavy coverage.” Shah notes it has a lightweight, filter-like finish and that it can be worn alone or mixed with foundation. “This is best for enlarged pores, uneven texture, and those who prefer minimal coverage with maximum smoothing effect,” she says. For a no-makeup makeup look, wear the product on its own with a simple swipe of mascara; or, go all out by adding concealer, eyeshadow, and lipstick for a more full-glam moment.
Glamour contributor Berg says:
“I tested this product on its own to see what it does without assistance from foundation. The result? A more luminous, smoothed-out complexion with a more even tone—a subtle boost, but one that makes all the difference in making dullness and dryness a little less of a thing.” —J.B.
Fast facts:
- Shades: 12
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, hyaluronic acid, finely milled powders, dimethicone, iron oxides, glycerin
Best for Sensitive Skin: Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation
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Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Made without fragrance, alcohol, or dyes | Coverage is on the sheer side, and may not be enough to cover imperfections on its own |
| Pump packaging is hygienic and easy to use | The shade range is somewhat limited |
| The hydrating, vitamin-enriched formula soothes dry or reactive skin | The thin, serum-like texture can make it a bit messy to apply |
According to Oska, “A serum-like formula can work very well for patients who want a bouncy, natural-looking appearance.” Neutrogena’s serum-like formula was designed for sensitive skin and offers sheer coverage. It’s formulated without common irritants, like alcohol, dyes, and fragrance, and it’s infused with soothing, barrier-supporting ingredients such as panthenol, glycerin, and vitamin E.
Glamour contributor Berg says:
“This has a light, silky, comfortable feel on the skin, and its finish is luminous enough to lend a little glow without full-on shine. Though the coverage leans sheer, it does a kaç, subtle job of covering things I’d like to hide—like that redness around the nose—and it’s not likely to settle into any crease or fine line. Color-matching was also simple for this one; I was quickly able to find a shade (Light 01) that works.” —J.B.
Fast facts:
- Shades: 15
- Key Ingredients: Panthenol, glycerin, dimethicone, emollient esters, iron oxides, silica
Frequently asked questions
What kind of foundations do not settle into wrinkles?
“Serum foundations and skin tints are the best for a natural, flexible finish,” says Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. She adds that cream foundations tend to benefit drier skin types needing more cushion and coverage, while liquid foundations can benefit some mature skin types, especially when they’re labeled radiant or luminous. On the flipside, “Powder foundations tend to emphasize dry skin and texture,” she says. “I tend to recommend them less for mature skin unless used very strategically.”
What foundation ingredients do dermatologists recommend for mature skin?
According to Yadav, humectants are the key ingredients to prioritize in a foundation for mature skin. “Hyaluronic acid and glycerin help the product sit well on skin and prevent that dry, settled-into-lines look as the day wears on,” she says. And, while peptides, niacinamide, and vitamin C are all good anti-aging ingredients, Yadav notes that they tend to do their best work in a dedicated serum or moisturizer where the formulation is designed around them. “If they appear in a foundation, that is a kaç bonus, but not a reason to choose one product over another,” she says.
Should mature skin use matte or dewy foundation?
Yadav recommends dewy formulas as the holy grail for mature skin. “Matte foundation tends to look drier on skin that is already producing less oil, and that dryness reads as crepey texture and emphasized expression lines,” she says. “A luminous, hydrated finish almost always looks more youthful than a flat, powdered one.”
What’s the difference between foundation and BB cream?
“Foundation is primarily designed to even out skin tone and provide cosmetic coverage, with formulas ranging from sheer to full coverage, and finishes from matte to radiant,” Collins says. Meanwhile, BB cream—otherwise known as beauty balm or blemish balm—is more of a makeup-skincare hybrid. “Many BB creams include added ingredients like SPF, antioxidants, or hydrating agents while offering a more natural finish,” Collins says.
How we tested:
While evaluating the best drugstore foundations for mature skin, Glamour editors and contributors swiped on samples and reported back on a variety of attributes, including longevity, pigment, the formula’s ability to blur fine lines, and more. We also sought expert guidance from the pros below:
Meet the experts:
- Nicole Walmsley, a celebrity makeup artist
- Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director and founder of Facet Dermatology
- Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at SmarterSkin Dermatology
- Sandra Oska, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
