"The Best Foundations for Mature Skin, According to Makeup Artists"

March 20, 2020

Just as the moisturizer you used in your 20s and 30s likely needs an upgrade once you hit your 40s and beyond, the same is true of foundation. “As we age, our skin becomes drier and thinner while also losing collagen and elasticity,” explains makeup artist Gita Bass (her clients include Toni Collette, Laura Dern, and Debra Messing). “That, combined with the long-term effects of gravity and sun exposure, causes sagging, fine lines, as well as hyperpigmentation.” The other feature that tends to shift with the passage of time is the tint of our complexion. “A lot of people lose color in their face as they age; their color can become more sallow,” adds makeup artist Sandy Linter. Luckily, though, a plethora of foundation options exists to accommodate these mature-skin needs, as is evidenced by the following recommendations from nine makeup artists, which include a charmeuse-like liquid, a cushion compact, and a creamy stick. (Most of these run above $50, it should be noted, but our experts emphasized the quality ingredients in their picks, which they say are more important to invest in as we age.) While how you apply your chosen one — whether with fingers, brush, Beautyblender, or what have you — really comes down to personal preference (and, frankly, time), there are, according to makeup artist Tamah Krinsky (whose clients include Gillian Anderson and Keri Russell), a few cardinal foundation rules to keep in mind. First: “No matter how you apply it, keep the product sheer and blend, blend, blend, making sure you get into the folds around the nose, under your eyes, and between the brows,” she says. And, start small: “A dime-size amount is usually more than enough for the whole face … you’re not trying to cover your face in makeup; you’re evening out your skin tone.” Finally, every expert we consulted here stressed that it’s key to start with a well-moisturized face: “If your skin is dry underneath,” says makeup artist Fulvia Farolfi, “there is no foundation that will work.” Best overall foundation for mature skin Best hydrating foundation for mature skin A longtime under-the-radar favorite among beauty-world insiders, Krinsky loves Koh Gen Do’s creamy formula — especially for mature skin that can often skew drier. “If your foundation dries you out even more, it will just bring out lines and wrinkles,” explains Barose. “The hydration and moisture of this formula keep skin looking fresh.” To help foundation look even better, Krinsky suggests spending extra time on your skin-care prep: “Give yourself a little facial massage. It feels great, wakes your skin up, and gives your products time to absorb before you start your makeup.” If you want to go a step further still, invest in a great primer like Tatcha’s Silk Canvas Protective Primer — according to Bromhead, it “blurs fine lines, fills any large pores, and gives the foundation something to hang on to.”

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