best foundations for mature skin

The 5 Best Foundations for Mature Skin: Approved by beauty specialists

As our skin matures, it has different needs, especially when it comes to makeup. Foundation, a staple in most makeup routines, is used to enhance the natural beauty of mature skin. However, finding the right foundation can be a daunting task. 

In this blog, we will explore why mature skin has different needs, what types of foundations are best suited for it, and reveal the top five foundations that work wonders for mature skin


Jump to Review


Why Does Mature Skin Have Different Needs When It Comes to Makeup, Especially Foundation?

Mature skin tends to be drier and less elastic, with more pronounced fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. These changes require a foundation that not only provides coverage but also hydrates and enhances the skin’s natural radiance without settling into wrinkles. The right foundation can make a significant difference in how youthful and vibrant the skin looks.

IMAGE OF THE BEST FOUN DATIONS FOR MATURE SKIN


What Type of Foundation is Best for Mature Skin?

For mature skin, hydrating and lightweight foundations are ideal. These types of foundations help to maintain moisture levels, ensuring the skin looks plump and healthy. Look for foundations that contain skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants. These components not only provide coverage but also offer skincare benefits, addressing issues like dryness and loss of firmness. 

Should Mature Skin Use Liquid or Cream Foundation?

Liquid and cream foundations are both excellent choices for mature skin, but the decision often comes down to personal preference and skin type. Liquid foundations tend to be lighter and are often easier to blend, making them suitable for those with drier skin. Cream foundations, on the other hand, offer more coverage and are great for evening out skin tone and texture. Both types can provide hydration and a smooth finish if formulated correctly.

Is Matte or Dewy Foundation Better for Mature Skin?

We usually recommend dewy foundations for mature skin as they give you that radiant glow and help to diminish the appearance of fine lines and dryness. Matte foundations can sometimes make the skin look flat and emphasise wrinkles. However, if you prefer a matte finish, look for formulations that include hydrating ingredients to avoid a dry, cakey look.

Should You Use Powder Over Foundation on Mature Skin?

Using powder over foundation on mature skin should be done sparingly. While powder can help set makeup and reduce shine, it can also emphasise fine lines and create a dry appearance. If you do use powder, opt for a lightweight, translucent formula and apply it only to areas where it's absolutely necessary, such as the T-zone.


Best Foundations for Mature Skin

Choosing a foundation that does not settle into wrinkles is essential for a smooth and youthful appearance. Foundations with a lightweight and buildable formula are less likely to cake or settle into fine lines. We’ve chosen our top 5 foundations considering factors like skin type, coverage, and finish, so there is something for everyone! 

Here are some of the best foundations for mature skin that have been tried and tested on our customers:

1. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation

We absolutely love the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation because it’s like a skincare and makeup miracle in one bottle. This foundation has become our go-to for mature skin, offering a beautiful, radiant finish that feels natural, almost like a second skin. It effortlessly evens out skin tone, has medium-buildable coverage, and corrects imperfections, all while keeping our skin hydrated and plump, thanks to its infusion of hyaluronic acid and mandelic acid. Plus, it  sets perfectly without settling into fine lines, and with SPF 25, it’s got us covered for a day out in the sun. The best part? It stays fresh and transfer-free all day long, so we never have to worry about touch-ups.

  1. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation 30ml
    Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation 30ml
    As low as £33.00 Regular Price £39.50

2. Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid SPF15 Foundation 30ml

We can’t get enough of the Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid SPF15 Foundation, and it’s become a staple in makeup routines for mature skin. This illuminating and firming foundation feels like a treat, combining the best of Clarins’ makeup and skincare expertise. It’s enriched with chicory leaf, oat sugars, and red jania, which work together to lift, hydrate, and smooth the skin. We love how it provides a youthful, glowing finish that doesn’t settle into fine lines, thanks to its skin tone optimising complex with coated pearls. The medium coverage is perfect for an all-day, natural look.

  1. Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid SPF15 Foundation 30ml
    Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid SPF15 Foundation 30ml
    Rating:
    96%
    As low as £34.00 Regular Price £40.00

3. Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge on Cream Makeup

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Cream Makeup is a dream come true for those who have drier skin and prefer creamy foundations with more coverage. Infused with micronised diamond powder, this foundation reflects light, instantly diminishing the appearance of discolorations and fine lines. It glides on effortlessly, giving our skin a perfectly even, radiant finish that looks and feels luxurious. The light-reflecting formula scatters light to diffuse imperfections, making fine lines, pores, blemishes, scars, and dark spots seem to disappear!

  1. Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge on Cream Makeup
    Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge on Cream Makeup
    As low as £25.50 Regular Price £30.00

4. Clarins Tinted Oleo-Serum 30ml

This is for those who are looking for light coverage, but want to improve skin health. The Clarins Tinted Oleo-Serum for its perfect fusion of skincare and makeup. This lightweight serum with a tint uses mineral pigments, dry vegetable oils, and ceramides to nourish and strengthen the skin's barrier. Its fluid texture glides effortlessly, offering buildable coverage that enhances radiance without shine. With 98% natural ingredients, including the Tri Oleo Complex, organic jojoba, and hazelnut oils, it provides essential hydration and prevents dehydration. Protective ceramides fortify the skin’s barrier, making it progressively more supple and luminous with consistent use.

  1. Clarins Tinted Oleo-Serum 30ml
    Clarins Tinted Oleo-Serum 30ml
    As low as £33.00 Regular Price £39.00

5. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Nude Foundation 40ml

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Nude Foundation for its perfect balance of lightweight coverage and long-lasting matte finish, especially for mature skin with oily or combination types. This super-lightweight liquid foundation provides a ‘second-skin’ feel, delivering a bare-faced ‘no-makeup’ effect that’s incredibly discreet. It glides on effortlessly, minimising the appearance of pores and leaving behind a sheer, matte texture that lasts up to 24 hours. With its water and sweat-resistant formula, this foundation ensures that your skin feels like it can breathe while staying flawless all day. 

  1. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Nude Foundation 40ml
    Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Nude Foundation 40ml
    As low as £29.50 Regular Price £35.00


Top Tip: It's all in the skincare

When it comes to applying foundation on mature skin, skincare is absolutely essential. Proper skincare preps the skin by providing the necessary hydration and creating a smooth, even canvas, which is crucial for foundation application. Well-moisturised skin allows the foundation to blend seamlessly, preventing it from settling into fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, a good skincare routine strengthens the skin's barrier, enhances its natural radiance, and ensures that makeup looks fresh and lasts longer. Incorporating products with hydrating and nourishing ingredients can make a significant difference, leading to a flawless and youthful complexion.


FAQ'S

Is BB Cream Better Than Foundation for Mature Skin?

BB creams can be a great alternative to traditional foundations for mature skin. They provide light coverage, hydration, and often include beneficial skincare ingredients. BB creams are perfect for a more natural, everyday look and are less likely to settle into wrinkles!

What Makeup Should I Avoid for Mature Skin?

Mature skin should avoid heavy, cakey foundations and powders that can settle into fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, steer clear of matte foundations that can accentuate dryness and texture. Products with harsh ingredients or those that dry out the skin should also be avoided.

What can I use instead of foundation for mature skin?

Instead of foundation, you can use BB creams or tinted moisturisers for mature skin. BB creams provide light coverage with added skincare benefits like hydration and sun protection, while tinted moisturisers offer a sheer, natural finish that enhances skin tone and keeps the skin moisturised.


Finding the right foundation for mature skin involves understanding the unique needs of ageing skin and selecting products that enhance its natural beauty. Whether you opt for a hydrating liquid foundation, a creamy formula, or a BB cream, the goal is to achieve a smooth, radiant finish that does not settle into fine lines. With the right foundation, mature skin can look youthful, vibrant, and beautiful.