Foundations For Mature Skin: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to make-up, we can all agree that foundation can make or break your look; but as we age, we need to update our skills and foundation formulas to fit with our skin’s evolving needs.

Choosing the best foundation for mature skin

Since skin’s needs change as you age, so too should your foundation. From more hydration to lighter formulas, here’s what you should look for in a foundation for mature skin:

Foundation colours

Rachael Masih, Clarins Training Manager, says, “When choosing a foundation colour, watch out for oxidation. Foundation reacts to the oils in your skin and its exposure to oxygen can make the foundation appear darker throughout the day – so allow for this before you buy.”

Adding: “Also, match foundation to your jawline because it needs to blend with your neck. Avoid matching to the centre of your face, or another body part such as the hand.”

Lightweight formulas

A key factor in choosing the best foundation for mature skin is formula. You want to stick to hydrating formulas because as hormone levels dip, your skin gets drier. Choose a water-based or liquid formula that has hydrating ingredients, like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Foundations that have sheer coverage and a dewy, luminous finish work best with women who are concerned about lines, wrinkles and wrinkles above the lip.

Avoid matte formulas altogether. Thicker, matte foundations are usually made to provide fuller coverage, which means they’re packed with pigment that can eventually get cakey and settle into fine lines and wrinkles, causing them to look more pronounced.

“Less is more” coverage

When it comes to coverage, a good rule of thumb is to take a “less is more” approach and choose fluid-thin liquid foundation formulas. Full-coverage foundation is typically heavy and thick, which can exaggerate fine lines and wrinkles. 

The same is true for concealers. When it comes to undereye concealer, you need a formula that will give you coverage but without looking cakey or dry. Liquid formulas are your go-to – try the Everlasting Concealer, £23, which hides dark circles, brightens the eyes and blends into the skin thanks to its ultra-light texture.

Read: How To Conceal Dark Circles According To Experts

Built-in anti-ageing properties

Skin at any age is beautiful and deserves to be celebrated. Yet while you can’t do anything to stop the ageing process, by opting for skincare products that are specially formulated for over 50s, you can combat common problems faced by mature skin. 

Foundation for mature skin with anti-ageing properties tends to be more moisturising and offer smoother coverage. Try the Everlasting Youth Fluid, £38, a medium coverage foundation that is super-hydrating while allowing the skin to breathe, so you can see and feel that youthful glow.

Undertone

Whatever your skin hue, it can look ashy, dull and lacklustre, so it needs warming up to give off a more youthful visage. For a beauty boost that doesn’t wash off or come from the sun, it might be worth adding a few drops of a glow booster, £23 to your regular moisturiser to give skin some warmth.  

Masih also recommends adding a tinted primer. She says, “Correcting the undertone is key to getting foundation basics right; the Mattifying SOS Primer, £30,50 will colour correct any hyperpigmentation, dark or sun spots caused by UV damage or hormonal changes like menopause. Or the Peach will help to cover any purplish veins and broken capillaries.” 

Warmer skin tones tend to look younger, so choose a foundation shade with yellow undertones, which warms up the skin without making it look ashen. Use our interactive foundation finder tool to find the perfect shade for your skin. 

Tips to apply foundation on mature skin

Choosing the best foundation for mature skin is one thing, applying it correctly is another. Avoid common make-up mistakes with these tips to apply foundation on mature skin:

1. Follow the right foundation regime

Step 1.  The best way to flawlessly apply foundation is to prep your skin properly. Moisture is key, so always make sure you start with a hydrating moisturiser, like the Nutri-Lumiere Day Emulsion, £95 – a lightweight, non-greasy, oil-infused emulsion that revitalises, nourishes and restores radiance to nutrient-depleted skin. For a richer, more sensorial moisturiser, choose the Nutri-Lumiere Day Cream, £95 which intensely nourishes and restores skin’s radiance.

Step 2.  Find the primer right for your skin’s needs. One Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, £30 sells every 20-minutes, the reason why? It blurs fine lines, wrinkles, and pores to create the perfect canvas for your foundation. 

Step 3.  Apply your chosen foundation – see tips below. 

Step 4.  Correct any extra redness, blemishes or sun spots with a dab of concealer. 

Step 5.  Set make-up with an aloe-enriched mist to help hold it in place.  

2. Use a foundation brush for a pro-finish

On photoshoots and film sets make-up artists use the correct tools for the job for a flawless finish, so it makes sense for us to employ the same techniques at home. 

A foundation brush, £26 will really refine your technique – so choose one that can be used with a liquid, cream or powder formulation. 

A synthetic version is not only cruelty-free – but the bristles are super soft and specially designed to blend the product brilliantly – so foundation looks like second-skin and not cakey. 

If you’re after full coverage, try a flat brush. This will push the product into the skin, hiding any flaws, redness or problem areas. 

While a flared shape has different sized hairs and it stipples – buffing the product into the skin for a more natural finish. 

At the end of the day, the best foundation for mature skin will enhance your natural beauty, not disguise it. 

We say: own your beauty, inside and out. Be confident in your skin by giving it the targeted pro-ageing nourishment it needs, and the best tools and products look your best, glowiest self.