The best kind of foundation is one that works with our complexion, not against it. For instance, if you want to apply a base but don't want it to cling to dry patches or settle into creases, that's a fair request, and thus you need a foundation suited for mature skin.
It's not necessarily a simple thing to find – a lot of foundations can look patchy, separate or exacerbate wrinkles. They might cling to dry patches, fail to conceal redness or worse, exacerbate shine. The right foundation for mature skin should hydrate, balance and illuminate, all the while looking and feeling natural.
If you are a little bit over the search for the one – especially in the midst of skin changes as you age, we've done the ground work and found 10 of the best foundations for mature skin below.
What should mature skin look for in a foundation?
This will depend on your individual skin type, but most mature complexions should be using a base with a cream, gel or fluid consistency (powders or mattifying liquids run the risk of exacerbating fine lines). Look for hydrating ingredients, buildable coverage and a natural to luminous finish. Those with oilier skin types might prefer a velvet finish to control shine without flattening the skin.
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk
A cult formula for a reason, Luminous Silk delivers perfect-looking coverage that’s radiant, smooth and long-wearing. It doesn’t settle, crease or oxidise, either.
Ellis Faas Skin Veil Foundation
This formula is incredible if you want medium to full coverage that looks natural. It’s very creamy, easy to blend and can be applied with your fingers.
Merit The Minimalist Complexion Perfecting Stick
The Minimalist is designed to provide coverage that works in real life. It’s oil-free but very creamy, slightly sheer and can be used all over or to spot conceal.
Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation
According to my mum, this is the best foundation of all time. It's creamy and has a beautiful velvet texture that sits comfortably on the skin, never settling into creases or fine lines while maintaining a nice radiance. The coverage is also full without being mask-like.
CHANEL Beauty Sublimage L’Essence De Teint
If you want a foundation formula with a serum-like consistency and plenty of luxurious skincare benefits, this is the one to try. Enriched with vanilla plantifolia, plant oils and light reflecting particles, it goes on like cashmere, illuminating the skin for a soft-focused finish.
Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation
This formula is oil-free, light and cooling on the skin but full of plant extracts to calm and soothe. It's perfect for perimenopausal or menopausal skin too as it's hydrating but controls excessive shine.
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation and Concealer stick
This stick is super creamy – it melts into the skin like butter. The coverage is buildable, the finish is natural and it’s full of skincare ingredients to increase moisture.
Jones Road What The Foundation
Jones Road is the new brainchild of Bobbi Brown and is geared towards grown ups who don't want to mess around with complicated makeup. What The Foundation is a bouncy gel-cream that's sheer in terms of coverage but buildable. It sinks into the skin, almost like a moisturiser, instead of sitting on top, assuring natural looking coverage and no settling.
Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick
The texture of this is so softening and creamy it has to be tried to be believed. It's super comfortable and has a blurring effect that minimises the look of discolouration, large pores and texture, while the creamy consistency melts effortlessly into the skin.
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Images: @ellisfaas, meritbeauty.com
