This $12 Drugstore Foundation Is Makeup Artist-Approved For Mature Skin

There are four main pillars when selecting a foundation for mature skin, says Joanna Schlip, makeup artist to Christina Applegate, Denise Richards, and Ellen Pompeo: A lightweight luminous finish, the right color match, SPF, and hydration.

But before you even get to foundation, it's important you're prepping your skin correctly first. "Exfoliate and moisturize the skin before applying any makeup," says Schlip. "This will ensure you have a good foundation for your foundation." Jo Strettell, L'Oréal Paris Consulting Makeup Artist recommends a hydrating serum and moisturizer together to help "create a smooth surface that allows for the makeup to glide on evenly."

Okay, now you're ready to choose your foundation. "Look for a lightweight, moisturizing product to avoid it from settling into the wrinkles and crow's feet," says Schlip. She finds that mature skin is much drier and heavier formulas like to settle into those fine lines and make it appear even more parched. And while you may think that the most full coverage would be best—Schlip says that less is more when it comes to foundation and recommends choosing one with the "bare minimum of coverage." She also suggests going one shade warmer than your skin tone to counteract the loss of natural color skin loses as it ages.

As for how you apply your foundation, there are a few ways to go about it. For celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes that's with a brush. "Brushes give you a more even and airbrushed appearance and are more sanitary than sponges," he says. He recommends putting the foundation on the back of your hand or a flat, sanitary surface and sweeping it back and forth across your skin. Try a synthetic, duo-fiber stippling brush such as the #68 foundation brush from Barnes' line.

For a more soft-focused, light finish, try a sponge. "A damp makeup sponge adds luminosity," says Marc Reagan, Director of Global Education, Artistry & Events at Hourglass. Who wouldn't want some added glow? "Tap and press makeup sponge to evenly blend."

And if you're used to a full-coverage finish, look for a brush with densely packed bristles, such as the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush. Reagan suggests using circular motions to blend.

Ahead, eight makeup artists unzip their kits and reveal the best foundations for mature skin they've come to rely on over the years.