The 15 Best Foundations for Mature Skin to Erase Fine Lines

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As we grow older, the best foundation for us may not necessarily be the one that was right for us years ago. Thanks to sun damage, slower collagen production, and the passage of time, the texture of our skin and the issues we deal with evolve. But do not worry: there are plenty of amazing foundations on the market that can still make your skin appear flawless, even if you’re dealing with new wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and dryness. The best foundations for mature skin camouflage and conceal any of your concerns while simultaneously addressing those issues over time.

Michele Shakeshaft, national pro artist for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, recommends looking for formulas infused with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to make sure the skin stays hydrated, shea butter to soothe the skin and keep moisture trapped, and squalane to smooth the skin. She also highlights skin-brightening mushroom extracts, antioxidant-rich vitamins A, C, and E to protect against free radicals (which can cause dark spots and wrinkles), and peptides for increased collagen protection. Another hot tip? Supplement a layer of your favorite SPF with a sunscreen-infused foundation to mitigate any further damage from UV rays, which can also lead to wrinkles and melasma.

While they can’t actually reverse the appearance of wrinkles, “foundations that are formulated to moisturize, plump, and help smooth the skin’s surface can soften the look of them,” says Shakeshaft. “Light, hydrating formulas are always better for mature skin,” adds celebrity makeup artist Katie Mellinger. “As we get older, we lose a lot of collagen in our skin, causing texture to become more visible (think pores) and our skin to become drier. Lighter formulas are less likely to settle into any texture imperfections, and hydrating formulas obviously aid with dryness,” she explains.

Here, discover a guide to the 15 best foundations for mature skin, according to these makeup artists and a dermatologist. We also combed through customer reviews and ingredient lists to find you some fan favorites as well as a few we love ourselves. Finding the perfect formula for you and your skin has never been easier.

Luminous Silk Foundation

“This is an overall good foundation for those seeking fuller coverage, but with a natural finish that doesn’t easily crease,” says dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf. It has titanium dioxide to protect against sun damage, glycerin to hydrate, and the brand’s special Micro-fil technology built-in to mold to the skin for seamless, buildable coverage.

Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, glycerin

Sizes: 0.1–1 fl. oz.

Shades: 40

Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “I was a broke college kid when I was introduced to this foundation, and a purchase has never made me happier. Forget the price tag; this foundation doesn't enhance textured skin or settle into fine lines. Instead, it offers a smooth, natural base that photographs well. Plus, the formula plays well with other products in my collection.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

Triple Fix Serum Foundation

Mellinger calls this a light-to-medium coverage foundation and praises its wide shade range “fit for every skin tone,” she notes. “It’s especially well-suited for mature skin thanks to its hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and avocado oil, which help retain skin’s moisture," she adds.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, avocado oil

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Shades: 35

Lys rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Lys reviewer said: “This is literally the perfect light weight foundation. My combination skin loves the velvety finish it dries down to. Nourishing yet not greasy.”

Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30

This foundation somehow manages to hydrate the skin all day, provide a remarkable amount of coverage, and look pretty undetectable. When applied on normal to dry skin, it never looks greasy—instead, it looks like you just have a post-facial glow.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, octinoxate, titanium dioxide

Size: 1.0 oz.

Shades: 21

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “Absolutely love this foundation on my mature skin. Very little settling in fine lines and wrinkles. Found the perfect color match and I’m telling you it does last all day.”

Intensive Serum Foundation SPF 40

Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Serum Foundation is one of Shakeshaft's favorite foundations for mature skin. "This moisturizing, serum-based formula offers a beautiful, hydrated finish and can build to a fuller coverage if needed,” she says. “It contains cordycep (or mushroom) extract that energizes dull skin and boosts the skin’s radiance and SPF 40 or 30, depending on the shade. High SPFs can alter darker pigments, so the SPF is uniquely adjusted in this formula to keep the deeper foundation shades color true.”

Key ingredients: Cordyceps extract, titanium dioxide

Size: 1 oz.

Shades: 27

Nordstrom rating: 3.9/5 stars

A Nordstrom said: “Now that I'm older and my skin has become dry, I thought I would give this a whirl and OMG! it's a game changer. It goes on smoothly, feels light, and gives me the coverage I need. I am more than happy!”

Flawless Finish Foundation

You really can’t beat the price of this $6 foundation, and it’s backed by over 26,000 reviews and an average 4.3-star rating on Amazon. Available in over 40 shades, it offers medium-to-full coverage and a semi-matte finish. Plus, the formula's star ingredient is glycerin, which can help hydrate and smooth fine lines.

Key ingredient: Glycerin

Size: 0.68 fl. oz.

Shades: 40

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been using this foundation on my mature skin for years. It’s long-lasting, doesn’t oxidize, and applies like a second skin. It does have a fragrance, but it dissipates once on the skin. Alabaster is my perfect shade….light with pink undertones. It’s fabulous! And so cheap!”

Loves-You-Back 3in1 Mineral Powder Foundation

Available in 12 shades, this mineral-based formula features zinc oxide and titanium oxide to block harmful UV rays and a few oil-absorbing ingredients to help keep excess sebum at bay. That said, it’s designed to work for all skin types and shouldn’t dry you out, even if you have a naturally dry complexion. “This is a great powder option for mature skin as it doesn’t set into the skin or pores," explains Dr. Graf. “Instead, it creates a physical protective barrier on the skin that prevents caking and allows you to build the amount of coverage you want.” Plus, it’s noncomedogenic, so it shouldn’t cause breakouts.

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium oxide, kaolin clay, mica

Size: 11

Shades: .35 oz.

Good Mineral rating: 5/5 stars

A Good Mineral reviewer said: “I Iike that I can’t feel the makeup on my face and it doesn’t transfer. A little goes a long way too. It covers hyperpigmentation very well, and it doesn’t look powdery or dusty. This will been my only foundation from now on. ”

Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation

Crafted specifically for mature skin, this beloved drugstore foundation aims to smooth, plump, firm, and brighten all in one. There’s hydrating hyaluronic acid and panthenol for suppleness, niacinamide to shrink pores, and vitamin C for evening out tone and boosting collagen production. It’s also meant to offer a radiant finish, making it great for anyone who prefers lighter coverage.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, panthenol, niacinamide, vitamin C

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Shades: 15

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I am a 70 year-young woman with wrinkles. I have to be careful which foundation I use, because I have laugh lines and a combination of dry/oily places on my face. I LOVE that Covergirl partied with Olay, because the outcome is stellar! This is a light foundation yet covers any dark spots and applies evenly. It does not cake in creases yet covers seamlessly! It stays for 24 hours if you need it that long. Great product. It is all I purchase for foundation needs.”

Moisture Foundation

Sad truth: pimples can crop up at nearly any age, even when you’re far beyond your hormonal teenage years. For those with aging, acne-prone skin, a moisturizing yet lightweight foundation is your best bet. “This one contains one of my favorite anti-aging ingredients, squalane, which will also help with pesky adult acne as it can help balance sebum production, is noncomedogenic, and won’t feel heavy on the skin,” Mellinger explains. “Additionally, aloe extract, jojoba oil, and shea butter help moisturize the skin to keep it looking supple.” According to customers, its creamy texture is easily buildable and blends effortlessly to cover stubborn blemishes.

Key ingredients: Squalane, aloe extract, jojoba oil, shea butter

Size: 0.71 fl. oz.

Shades: 12

Koh Gen Do rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Koh Gen Do reviewer said: “This is a really nice moisturizing foundation for those with dry and mature skin. I live in the midwest and the winters are brutal with dry skin. It gives a natural finish with medium coverage. It doesnt accentuate pores, wrinkles or any dry patches.”

Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

Dr. Graf suggests that those who prefer minimal coverage should reach for a hydrating BB cream—like this one from bareMinerals. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and squalane to deeply nourish and fortify the skin barrier. Even better, it contains SPF 30—or the minimum amount of sun protection advised to be used daily by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane

Size: 1.18 fl. oz.

Shades: 20

Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “This is the best thing ever. Hydrates your skin while adding tint that serves as foundation. Also a little goes a long way, so you don’t have to apply a lot to cover your whole face. It lasts all day long. This is amazing, get it!”

Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

“If you are struggling with extreme redness or hyperpigmentation showing through the foundation, you can try using a color corrector and a concealer in those targeted areas,” says Shakeshaft. “Color correctors are a gift from heaven when trying to correct color that is in such contrast to the natural skin tone.” Featuring over 21,000 five-star reviews, It Cosmetics’ formula helps camouflage imperfections while using nourishing hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to quench and blur pores. What’s more, it has SPF 50+ and antioxidant-rich vitamin E to combat free radical damage that can lead to wrinkles.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E

Size: 1.08 fl. oz.

Shades: 22

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m not a makeup person but thought I should have some nice stuff for special occasions. I did some research on the best makeup for mature skin and found this. It really is great stuff! Full coverage but not heavy, cakey, or oily. It stays on too! I might even get a second lighter shade for my ‘winter’ skin.”

Forever Matte Skin Care Foundation SPF 15

Oily, mature skin types, this one’s for you. Dior’s Forever Matte Foundation helps prevent shininess, but it also includes stearic acid to help lock in moisture so you won’t look dry or cakey. For sun protection, it includes titanium dioxide and octisalate, the latter of which also improves the product’s resistance to water and sweat for lasting coverage.

Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, octisalate, stearic acid

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Shades: 42

Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This foundation is hands-down the best! It controls my oils, makes my skin shine-free, and blurs out my pores! It makes my skin look so perfect but also natural at the same time! It lasts all day, and you only need a little bit! I highly recommend it!”

Vital Skin Foundation Stick

If something portable and multipurpose is what you’re after, Westman Atelier’s top-rated foundation stick is just what your makeup bag needs. Built for blending, contouring, and concealing, this makeup artist-designed formula helps keep mature skin hydrated and healthy with veggie-derived squalane, coconut oil, and barrier-boosting berryflux vita. As for the finish, expect to get buildable, lightweight coverage that’s radiant and natural-looking.

Key ingredients: Squalane, coconut oil

Size: 0.31 oz.

Shades: 21

Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I have mature skin and have been looking for a new foundation for over a year since mine was discontinued. This foundation applied like butter and melted into my skin. Color match was perfect, covered hormonal acne, and lasted through a day of teaching 13 year-olds (teaching can be sweaty). New foundation search is over. I found a winner.”

Makeup Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation

I’m in my late 20s and struggle with dry, flaky patches and some discoloration—and I swear by this affordable foundation. It offers medium coverage that flawlessly hides my dark spots without feeling heavy like many full-coverage alternatives—and it includes a touch of SPF. Since it has glycerin and dimethicone, it also feels silky to the touch while locking in moisture and strengthening the skin barrier—all of which are benefits for aging skin, too. Case in point: dozens of reviewers say it worked well for their mature complexions.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, dimethicone

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Shades: 12

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Before finding this treasure, I was spending a lot more at Sephora on foundation. This was amazing for my normal to dry 50+ skin. I get a lot of compliments on how radiant my skin looks (I also moisturize twice daily, and exfoliate two to three times weekly). I think this makeup is a great value for the money, and I hope it stays around for a long time.”

Best Skin Days SPF 30

Prefer foundation that provides a barely-there look? “I love this formula for those who are foundation-averse but still need a bit of coverage to even out pigmentation,” says Mellinger. “It offers super light coverage, is super hydrating, and completely error-proof—simply use your fingers and blend out well. Not only does it contain SPF 30, but it also has vitamin C and rosa damascena extract that both boost collagen for plumping effects."

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamin C, rosa damascena

Size: 1.2 fl. oz.

Shades: 12

Iris&Romeo rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Iris&Romeo reviewer said: “Best make up of all time. My skin feels replenished when I put it on.”

Super Serum Skin Tint

Ilia’s clean makeup products are all about protecting and enhancing the skin, including its popular Super Serum Skin Tint. The fragrance- and oil-free formula is meant to be safe for sensitive complexions, packed with nourishing hyaluronic acid, niacimamide, and squalane. Additionally, zinc oxide helps block harmful UV rays while fighting against pollution.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacimamide, squalane, zinc oxide

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Shades: 30

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I never write reviews but I have to say, and pardon my French, this product is f***ing incredible. It is so light and breathable yet it looks like I’ve been airbrushed. The glow is dewy and perfect. The color matches my skin perfectly. And it really does leave skin better after wearing. I get pimples from normal makeup and have sensitive skin. Zero issues with this product whatsoever. It feels like I’m wearing nothing.”

What are the best types of foundations for mature skin?

“I prefer liquid foundations for mature skin as they tend to be lighter in texture, and we are usually trying to minimize texture,” says Mellinger. “However, cream foundations can be used if either sheered with a damp sponge or blended properly with a brush. Cream foundations, by nature, contain more hydrating ingredients, which can look really beautiful on dry skin. You just want to be careful not to go too heavy with a cream foundation, as it will pile into fine lines and wrinkles,” she adds.

For those who prefer lighter coverage, Dr. Graf recommends using a BB or CC cream, which “can deliver moisturizing ingredients to the skin,” she mentions.

Still, she says you don’t need to rule out powder foundations altogether as long as you know what you’re looking for. “While some powder formulas can be too drying for mature skin, certain powder foundations are great options and specifically formulated to work with mature skin,” she notes.

What’s the best way to apply foundation for mature skin?

First things first, don’t forget to prep your skin. “Think of your face as the canvas for your makeup,” says Dr. Graf. “Treating your skin to the best of your ability beforehand makes application easier, and the results look better. Use a hydrating moisturizer and a primer specifically designed for your skin concerns, like redness or pore size. Once the moisturizer with an SPF and smoothing primer are applied, the foundation is ready to be stippled on.”

With liquid formulas, Mellinger advises “applying foundation with a brush and then sheering out with a damp sponge,” she says. “Some tinted moisturizers or serums can simply be applied and blended well with your fingers, but those tend to be much lighter in coverage with more room for error.”

“If you like to wear foundation on the full face, first apply a transparent layer all over, then build coverage only where you feel like you need it,” adds Shakeshaft. “Going straight in with a full coverage all over tends to look heavy, it doesn’t wear as long, as is more prone to settling into fine lines and wrinkles.”

Don’t prefer a glowy look? Dust on a transparent layer of powder atop your liquid foundation to help reduce shine, suggests Shakeshaft.

Meet the Experts

Katie Mellinger is a fashion & celebrity makeup artist.

Michele Shakeshaft is a Washington, D.C.-based makeup artist and National Pro Artist for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

Dr. Jeannette Graf is a board-certified dermatologist and the assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, New York.

Why Trust ELLE Beauty

Sam Peters is a seasoned commerce writer and editor with over five years of experience covering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle topics. Carol Lee is an experienced beauty writer at ELLE.com. For this roundup, they consulted a dermatologist and two professional makeup artists about the best foundations for mature skin and how to choose them. They also considered a range of top-rated foundations on the market, evaluating each on their ingredients offered and customer feedback.

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