Top foundations for mature skin to put your best face forward

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A good foundation can leave skin with a flawless appearance while enhancing your features. There’s one for every decade, but what may look great on 30 to 40-year-old skin may not be the right fit for those heading into their 60s, 70s and 80s. The differences are subtle, but once you find the perfect coverage for your age and skin type, the look will certainly be sensational.

When it comes to finding the right formula for you, consider your skin type and the time of year — lighter formulations for warmer temperatures, while a little more moisture may work better for colder months. Plus, you should be looking for a foundation with SPF or pairing it with a good sunscreen regardless of the time of year, notes dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll of Compass Dermatology in Toronto.

“I always recommend looking for a product with a broad-spectrum sunscreen and an SPF of at least 30,” says Carroll. “That’s why I recommend pairing your foundation with a dedicated sunscreen, like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer face sunscreen or Aveeno Protect and Smooth Face Mineral Sunscreen for optimal protection.”

How does foundation differentiate between the ages? “As we age, our skin’s needs change. In your 20s and 30s, look for lightweight, oil-free foundations that won’t clog pores. In your 40s and 50s, opt for moisturizing foundations that address fine lines and wrinkles,” recommends Carroll. 

“A lot of my clients who are concerned with aging skin want a foundation that is comfortable and lightweight while offering good coverage,” says Chanel Cruz, Calgary-based Shoppers Beauty Pro. One key ingredient to look for in a foundation is hyaluronic acid, which can be beneficial for mature skin because it is hydrating and helps your makeup to better grip your skin. Powders can also settle into fine lines and wrinkles, which is why we recommend liquid formulas instead. 

Here’s a selection of the best foundations for mature skin to consider.

Best waterproof: Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation Best affordable: e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation Best SPF: Estée Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Foundation SPF 45 Best shade range: Bobbi Brown Weightless Skin Foundation Best drugstore: L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Hydrating Serum Foundation Best vegan: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation Best fragrance-free: Uoma Say What?! Foundation Bonus – Best primer for mature skin: Benefit The POREfessional Primer

One of your best allies for flawless skin is Fenty Beauty’s Soft’Lit Foundation, which provides light, luminous, all-day coverage that manages to look as fresh at the end of the day as it did when first put on. Used in conjunction with Fenty Skin’s Fat Water Toner (which helps refine pores and even out the complexion) you’ll notice a difference immediately when you gently smooth this on your face. It’s hydrating, waterproof and delivers a naturally radiant finish. 

Features: For all skin types; 50 shades to choose from. Price: $54 Where to buy: Sephora | Fenty Beauty

A good recommendation from a girlfriend of mine, this liquid foundation offers lightweight medium coverage with a semi-matte finish. It seamlessly smooths onto skin in a silky layer for all-day wear. One of its biggest perks is that it’s supercharged with glycerin to hydrate and soften skin, especially more mature skin. Best of all, it rings in under $10. 

Features: All e.l.f. products are 100% cruelty-free and vegan.  Price: $8 Where to buy: e.l.f Cosmetics | Walmart | Amazon

A moisturizing foundation with SPF 45 that absolutely loves your skin, leaving it looking flawless and glowing. The Estée Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Foundation is infused with a probiotic technology that helps soothe visible redness and irritation. It provides all-day hydration and 12-hour wear, plus it’s non-caking and crease-resistant.

Features: For all skin types. Available in 28 shades. Price: $73 Where to buy: Estée Lauder | Sephora

This foundation checks off all the boxes: long-wearing yet lightweight, oil-controlling yet hydrating, with 24-hour wear resulting in a totally natural look. It’s also waterproof and sweat/humid resistant not to mention fade resistant, non-caking and helps reduce the look of pores. 

Features: Available in 53 undertone-correct shades with SPF 15. Price: $77 Where to buy: Bobbi Brown | Sephora

This foundation has been carefully formulated and infused with vitamin B3 for mature skin, offering a delightful lightweight coverage especially for sensitive skin. It provides a luminous, natural finish that doesn’t settle and leaves the skin looking radiant. 

Features: It smooths on the skin effortlessly, leaving a natural finish. Price: From $15 Where to buy: Amazon

This liquid foundation is weightless, long-wearing, hypoallergenic and made with fermented arnica that helps reduce redness and skin irritation. It features a proprietary blend of antioxidants and is vegan and cruelty-free. It seamlessly blurs and smooths all over the skin for a natural, luminous talent that wears all day.

Features: Serum-like texture comes in 51 shades. Price: $67 Where to buy: Sephora

This foundation offers skincare and makeup all in one to help simplify your routine. Fragrance-free, the foundation delivers a natural matte finish to help fake a good night’s rest. This brand has six different formulations that cater to all different skin types and tones. 

Features: Buildable coverage available in 51 shades. Price: $50 Where to buy: Shoppers Drug Mart 

Primer: Benefit The POREfessional Primer

For the perfect finish prior to applying foundation, look to this pore-minimizing primer. It goes on softly, almost like baby powder on your skin, and gently gives you an even glow. Follow up foundation with some face powder and you’re good to go for hours of wear. 

Features: Minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines for smoother skin. Available in three sizes: mini, value and standard. Price: $47 Where to buy: Sephora | Shoppers Drug Mart | Amazon

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