The best foundations for mature skin are key for a radiant, crease-free finish. Whether you prefer the lightweight feel of a skin tint or want full coverage glam, makeup artists say hydrating formulas won’t cake, crease, or settle into fine lines. “For older skin types, I love foundations with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, they help plump and give life to the skin,” says celebrity makeup artist Kasey Spickard.
Below, we tapped our network of testers with mature skin, along with professional makeup artists and board-certified dermatologists, for their tried-and-true favorites. After meticulous vetting, our top pick overall was the newly reformulated Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation. Our testers over 50 liked that it concealed while leaving a natural finish and provided long-wear coverage without seeping into lines. We also found drugstore options, ones with SPF that double as skin deva, and more.
Our top foundation for mature skin
- Best Overall: Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation, $69
- Best for Full Coverage: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation, $52
- Best With SPF: Ilia Muhteşem Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, $48
- Best for Dry Skin: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Serum Foundation SPF 50, $19
- Best for Wrinkles: Jones Road What the Foundation, $46
- Best for Over 50: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick, $68
- Best for Over 60: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, $52
Frequently asked questions
- What’s the best foundation type for mature skin?
- What ingredients to look for in a foundation for mature skin
- What to know about the different foundation finishes
- Is powder or liquid foundation better?
- How to hide wrinkles with makeup
- How we tested
- Meet the experts
Best Overall: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation
Nordstrom
Sephora
- Why we like it: Oil-free; highly buildable; hydrating; long-lasting
- What to note: Doesn’t contain any SPF
No matter your age—20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond—you’ll find Armani Beauty’s radiant, crease-free finish nothing short of stunning. Its buildable medium coverage formula has a natural, soft glow finish that actually looks like skin rather than a mask of it. That being said, both our tester and Laura Kay, a makeup expert and founder of Laura Kay London, recommend a light hand when applying this editor-reviewed Armani foundation. “The key rule to remember is less is more. Go for light-textured products, like this one, because anything too heavy can look quite aging,” she says. You’ll likely notice that when you choose a product that’s too heavy, it highlights what you’re essentially trying to avoid (read: those fine lines and wrinkles). Recently, the brand tweaked its iconic formula to include luminosity-boosting niacinamide, and it certainly lives up to the viral hype it’s been garnering. And did we mention it comes in a whopping 44 shades?
Glamour tester Charlotte Twine, 54, says:
“It gives a luxe experience from start to finish, so it feels like a treat. The gorgeous bottle and the perfect texture of the liquid—not too thick, not too creamy—just feels sumptuous. It spreads harika smoothly and quickly with my foundation brush, and it gives great coverage with a subtle sheen. This lasts pretty well throughout the day, even with my hot flashes. I suggest being careful with how much you put on—it did settle into my crow’s feet a little bit.” —Charlotte Twine, Glamour tester
Fast facts
- Skin types: All
- Coverage: Medium
- SPF: No
- Size: 1 oz.
- Shades: 44
- Ingredient highlight: Dimethicone
- Finish: Natural
- Creasing: None immediately, minimal throughout the day
- Oxidation: None
Best for Full Coverage: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation
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Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Medium Coverage Hydrating Foundation
Amazon
Ulta
- Why we like it: Cruelty-free; long-wearing; hydrating
- What to note: Expensive
If you need added coverage that won’t crease by midday (a common concern for many makeup wearers regardless of age), this pick from Charlotte Tilbury is worth the splurge. Its formula is technically medium coverage, as per the brand, but it layers seamlessly for a fuller effect without looking cakey. The key to this full-coverage foundation’s blurred effect is an extract derived from Bixa orellana (also known as achiote) seeds that smooths the appearance of enlarged pores and balances oil production, which the brand calls Bix-Activ. Though slightly mattifying, Charlotte Tilbury’s foundation won’t leave your skin feeling dry, thanks to skin-nourishing ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid and the brand’s Rose Complex, a combination of antioxidant-rich rosewater and rose oil.
Glamour’s Twine says:
“If you want a perfect canvas for your makeup without highlighting your fine lines, then Tilbury’s weightless formula is the way to go. Her products are simply the best for mature skin, and this foundation is no different. It provides wonderful coverage while giving luminosity, and showcases makeup like blush and bronzer flawlessly when you are going for a full beat.” —C.T.
Fast facts
- Skin types: All
- Coverage: Medium
- SPF: No
- Size: 1 oz.
- Shades: 30
- Ingredient highlight: Hyaluronic acid, Rose Complex (rosewater, rose oil), Bix’Activ (Bixa orellana extract)
- Finish: Natural
- Creasing: None reported
- Oxidation: None reported
Best With SPF: Ilia Harika Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
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Ilia Muhteşem Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
Sephora
Nordstrom
- Why we like it: High SPF; wide range of shades; oil-free
- What to note: Formula can be runny
Ilia is known as one of the top-tier clean beauty brands—think mineral sunscreen filters and plant-based formulas—but its foundation serum hybrid takes it up a notch by combining makeup, skin deva, and SPF. (In fact, one Glamour staffer calls the Ilia Skin Tint one of her best beauty discoveries.) It’s packed with plant-based squalane and niacinamide, while the non-nano zinc oxide offers protection against both sun and pollution, making it a winner for sensitive skin. This high level of SPF is especially beneficial for mature skin, which is more prone to sun damage, dark spots, and loss of elasticity, helping to protect and maintain a more even, youthful-looking complexion over time.
Glamour’s Twine says:
“Ilia says this product is a skin tint with SPF 40, but it doesn’t have the consistency of a sunscreen like many skin tints do—it feels like a foundation. And it provided excellent coverage for my skin imperfections. My age spots were seriously taken down a notch. And with the serum’s nourishing skin deva ingredients, my skin had an amazing gleam and bounce when I wore it. But since it’s like a foundation, I needed a little time to beat it down and apply a bit of powder. I couldn’t exactly slap this on and zip out the door. That being said, I think it looks fabulous with colorful lipstick and eye makeup.” —C.T
Fast facts
- Skin types: All
- Coverage: Light
- SPF: 40
- Size: 1 oz.
- Shades: 30
- Ingredient highlight: Squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Finish: Radiant
- Creasing: None reported
- Oxidation: None reported
Best Drugstore: CoverGirl Simply Ageless Skin Perfector Essence
Covergirl Simply Ageless Skin Perfector Essence
Amazon
- Why we like it: Noncomedogenic; vegan; safe for sensitive skin
- What to note: No SPF; not full coverage
For those who take their sun protection seriously, it doesn’t get much better than CoverGirl’s dermatologist-approved option. Its flexible-coverage formula pairs encapsulated pigments with bakuchiol (a gentle retinol alternative) and tranexamic acid to hydrate, plump, and conceal all at evvel. This pick is noncomedogenic and fragrance-free, making it unlikely to cause irritation and safe for acne-prone skin.
Glamour contributor Dory Zayas, 40, says:
“This looks cool in the bottle, quite strange when you pump it out, and absolutely amazing on skin. It’s light as air, but it provides enough coverage to blur and smooth lines and wrinkles. It covered my redness and uneven tone, and lasted all day. It hydrates skin and contains tiny, pigmented capsules of skin tint that evenly blend and blur on your face.” —Dory Zayas, Glamour contributor
Fast facts
- Skin types: Sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, those with discoloration
- Coverage: Light
- SPF: No
- Size: 1 oz.
- Shades: 12
- Ingredient highlight: 0.5% bakuchiol and tranexamic acid
- Finish: Natural
- Creasing: None reported
- Oxidation: Minimal (color is darker in bottle and lightens post-application)
Best for Dry Skin: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Serum Foundation SPF 50
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Serum Foundation SPF 50
Amazon
- Why we like it: Hydrating, lightweight formula; smooths texture; comfortable wear
- What to note: Light coverage may not fully conceal discoloration
This serum-foundation hybrid isn’t like your usual skin tint. It delivers sheer-to-light coverage that evens tone without settling into fine lines or emphasizing texture, even if you have dry patches and deep lines. The formula is infused with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and vitamin B3 (niacinamide), which help improve skin’s moisture levels and support a smoother, more supple appearance over time. Its lightweight, fluid texture blends easily and leaves behind a natural, radiant finish that doesn’t feel tight or heavy. For those dealing with both dryness and dullness, it’s a reliable option for everyday wear that enhances skin rather than masking it.
Fast facts
- Skin types: Dry, mature
- Coverage: Sheer
- SPF: 50
- Size: 1 oz.
- Shades: 30
- Ingredient highlight: Glycerin, niacinamide
- Finish: Radiant
- Creasing: None reported
- Oxidation: None reported
Best for Wrinkles: Jones Road What the Foundation
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Jones Road What The Foundation
Shop Now
- Why we like it: Easy to apply; super-hydrating
- What to note: Not enough coverage for some
When Glamour editors put Bobbi Brown’s Jones Road to the test, the viral foundation did not disappoint. Available in a tub instead of a pump or tube—which can help you control the amount you apply—the brand’s What the Foundation formula glides on smoothly like a moisturizer, delivering subtle light-to-medium coverage that feels practically invisible. The formula also leans heavily on skin deva benefits. Sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, helps draw moisture into the skin and plump it up, which can soften the look of fine lines over time. Jojoba oil adds an extra layer of nourishment, helping to keep skin feeling supple and smooth throughout the day. Its lightweight texture is especially ülkü for mature skin, since it is less likely to settle into wrinkles or emphasize texture, and it layers easily without ever looking heavy or cakey. With that being said, you may need to put on a touch of concealer for fuller coverage.
Glamour’s Zayas says:
“I really like the feel and look of this foundation. I first used a brush, then pressed my face into my hands to melt the product into my skin. I don’t know if I love that there isn’t a pump applicator, but I do appreciate that there is less product waste with this delivery system.” —D.Z.
Fast facts
- Skin types: TK
- Coverage: Light to medium
- SPF: No
- Size: 1.14 oz.
- Shades: 16
- Ingredient highlight: Sodium hyaluronate, jojoba oil
- Finish: Natural
- Creasing: None reported
- Oxidation: None reported
Best for Women Over 50: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick
Sephora
Nordstrom
- Why we like it: Doubles as a concealer; portable
- What to note: Not especially hygienic; requires a brush for best application
This foundation stick from Westman Atelier may be solid, but it’s surprisingly creamy. “It applies like a dream with a brush and has a gorgeously refined texture,” says Suzy Gerstein, a celebrity makeup artist, who likes to pair it with the brand’s Lit Up Highlighter Stick. She uses the highlighter first in dry areas of the face, like the cheeks, “as a sort of primer to ensure that it lies smoothly over any texture,” she says. What makes it especially well-suited for women over 50 is its balance of seamless coverage, buildable texture, and comforting, hydrating ingredients. Its creamy, satin-like finish is tag-teamed with a skin-plumping trio of squalane, phytosphingosine (a moisture-sealing lipid), and Berryflux Vita, an active derived from raspberry cell cultures that helps boost skin hydration and elasticity. It also layers beautifully, so you can build coverage around the nose or chin without overwhelming more delicate areas of the face.
Glamour tester Helen Bonzulak, 56, says:
“I really enjoy using this product and find myself reaching for it again and again. I like that I can throw it in my bag without worrying about spills. I swipe a bit of the cream foundation stick directly on my face (a little stripe on each: forehead, cheeks, and chin), and then blend with a damp beauty blender. It gives me a kaç satiny finish and is comfortable on my skin.” —Helen Bonzulak, Glamour tester
Fast facts
- Skin types: All
- Coverage: Medium
- SPF: No
- Size: 1 oz.
- Shades: 20
- Ingredient highlight: Vegetable-derived squalane, phytosphingosine, Berryflux Vita
- Finish: Natural
- Creasing: None reported
- Oxidation: None reported
Best for Women Over 60: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
Sephora
- Why we like it: Luxe packaging and formulation; full, buildable coverage; soft-matte, smoothing finish; wide shade range
- What to note: Can cling to dry patches—prep well if you have drier skin
Estée Lauder’s Double Wear has long been a cult favorite, and recent updates make it more flexible, breathable, and buildable, which is key for mature skin that needs coverage without heaviness. While skin over 60 often leans drier and more textured, this formula’s upgraded soft-matte finish creates a subtle blurred, diffused-focus effect that helps minimize the look of fine lines, uneven tone, and enlarged pores without settling into creases when properly prepped. Its extended wear means it won’t break down or turn greasy throughout the day. This is especially helpful for maintaining a smooth, even complexion without frequent touch-ups. With 57 shades, it also offers one of the most inclusive ranges on the market. Overall, it’s a strong choice for women over 60 who want reliable, longer-lasting coverage that evens tone and softens texture, especially for events or long days. Just be mühlet to start with a hydrating skincare base to prevent it from catching on dryness.
Glamour’s Bonzulak says:
“This product has the classic formula most people will associate with the word foundation. I applied it to the back of my hand and used a damp makeup sponge to apply it to my face. After testing, I would classify it as a medium-coverage, buildable foundation with a powdery finish. I was üstün happy with how my makeup looked and plan to use this product next time I have a special event or photos taken. Something to note: I don’t think I would reach for this product unless I had a lot of time to perfect the skin prep, setting, and other elements of my makeup (such as contour and highlight). The formula product held up well throughout the day and did not feel heavy. I almost forgot I had such a full face of makeup on, until I saw myself in the mirror.” —H.B.
Fast facts
- Skin types: Combo, oily
- Coverage: Medium to full
- SPF: No
- Size: 1 oz.
- Shades: 57
- Ingredient highlight: Dimethicone
- Finish: Matte
- Creasing: Minimal (prep with skin deva beforehand to prevent)
- Oxidation: None reported
Best Shade Range: Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation
Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation
Sephora
- Why we like it: Wide range of shades; vegan formula
- What to note: Expensive
Sure, brands can pump out 50+ shades of one foundation, but when they’re mostly variations of beige with deeper tones sprinkled in, it defeats the point. For the most inclusive shade range, Moultrie, who works with celebrities like Viola Davis, recommends this buildable-coverage foundation from Pat McGrath. With its 36 shades, you’re bound to find your match. It has a weightless, serum-like texture and is infused with hydrating ingredients like glycerin that help keep skin feeling comfortable and smooth throughout the day. The formula also helps subtly blur the look of pores and fine lines while maintaining a natural, skin-like finish.
Glamour tester Regina Hickerson, 59, says:
“The coverage is great; however, the consistency is very loose—almost like water. It mixed extremely well with my other products and gave a dewy finish before applying my powder, resulting in the desired matte finish. The application stayed on all day, and I didn’t have to reapply. This is a great product if you’re looking for a smooth, professional look!” —Regina Hickerson, Glamour tester
Fast facts
- Skin types: All
- Coverage: Medium
- SPF: No
- Size: 1.18 oz.
- Shades: 36
- Ingredient highlight: Glycerin amino acids
- Finish: Natural
- Creasing: None reported
- Oxidation: None reported
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best foundation type 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. Other good options are foundation sticks, which, depending on the formula, can be creamy and easy to blend.
Celebrity makeup artist Moutrie agrees that a lightweight foundation is best. “Anything reflective will deflect wrinkles and add a glow.”
But what exactly puts you in the camp of someone who should look for a product meant for “aging skin”? Most people spot signs of aging skin like loss of elasticity and a less supple or duller appearance in their 30s, says makeup expert Kay. “Our skin—the body’s largest organ—can become thinner, less plump, and saggy because the body’s ability to repair cells slows down as we grow older,” she says. So, switching up your makeup routine to compliment your age can really help you get that flawless, dewy finish.
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 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. Also keep an eye out for buzzwords like hydrating, moisturizing, reflective, radiant, or dewy. “Additionally, you should look for foundations with antioxidant ingredients to help promote collagen synthesis and protect from oxidative damage,” says Dr. Green.
What to know about the different types of foundation finishes
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 be buildable. In general, matte finishes are ülkü for those with oily or combination skin.
Dewy: Sometimes referred to as radiant, a dewy finish lends a healthy glow. A dewy formula is generally the move for mature skin. “[It] gives a more plump, reflective glow, which I find flattering,” says Grogan. These formulas usually have hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and are great for dry skin. They may, however, cause excess oil production in those with oily or combination skin, especially in the acne-prone.
Spickard adds that you’ll want to find a “Goldilocks formula” that doesn’t lean too far on either end of the spectrum. “You don’t want something that is too dewy because that is going to look greasy and highlight wrinkles, but you don’t want something matte, either. As skin ages, it often looks dull and flat, and a matte foundation will just emphasize that,” he explains. “I like a natural-finish foundation with a bit of luminosity, but nothing that’s overly dewy.”
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: “Having your skin properly hydrated and prepped for makeup is key here,” says celebrity makeup artist Julianna “Jewels” Grogan. Before applying any base product, Grogan says you’ll want to apply a serum or moisturizer first, and then allow it to fully absorb. “This way it has time to nourish the skin and then create a barrier of sorts,” she says. Then go in 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: When applying your foundation, Grogan notes to take a targeted, “less is more” approach. “Only cover the areas which you really need coverage, and then blend what’s already on your face using your hands, a brush, or sponge,” she explains. Spickard adds that using a formula with coverage that sits somewhere between light and medium “so you don’t overload the skin with product, causing it to sit in the wrinkles.”“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 mist 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.
How we tested
First, we looked at product labels to see what kinds of skin-boosting ingredients were in each formula. Then, our testers with mature skin wore the product, applying each formula in various ways—fingers, makeup brushes, and sponges—to test its prowess over long 12-hour days, noting any caking, creasing, fading, and overall signs of wear. Testers noted if the coverage helped blur or smooth fine lines, conceal dark spots or hyperpigmentation, and boost overall radiance. Finally, we lathered up with our go-to cleansers to see how thoroughly and efficiently each foundation washed off. The ones that made the list were loved by makeup professionals, dermatologists, and women over 40.
Meet the experts
- Laura Kay, a makeup expert and founder of Laura Kay London
- Sabrina Bedrani, a celebrity makeup artist
- Robin Black, a makeup artist and founder of Beauty Is Boring
- Autumn Moultrie, a celebrity makeup artist
- Suzy Gerstein, a celebrity makeup artist
- Kasey Spickard, a celebrity makeup artist
- Julianna “Jewels” Grogan, a celebrity makeup artist
- Jenny Patinkin, a professional makeup artist and founder of a beauty brand by the same name.
