The 6 Best Foundations for Aging Skin, According to a Professional Makeup Artist

When it comes to choosing the best foundation for our skin types, we all have our own struggles. Those with oily complexions have to seek out formulas that won’t turn their faces into a veritable makeup Slip ‘N Slide^®. People who are prone to acne look for products that won’t exacerbate any existing skin issues while effectively covering blemishes. And if you have aging skin, you know that you have both skin type and texture to contend with.

“Mature skin tends to lose hydration as it ages,” says Julia Dalton-Brush, veteran makeup artist and founder of B3Balm^TM Skincare. “It can [also] have wrinkles, and heavier makeup likes to sit in the wrinkles.” However, that’s not to say that all foundations will look flaky or build up in lines if you have mature skin. Dalton-Brush notes that thoroughly prepping your face with a good skincare routine is essential before slicking on foundation. She also recommends applying foundation with a beautyblender^® ($20) or Alcone^® sponges ($24 for 12), which layer on a balanced amount of product and create a seamless, line-free finish.

Aabove all else, of course, you need to use a foundation formula that’s compatible with aging skin. Here, discover six of the best foundations for mature complexions. 

Danessa Myricks^® Vision Cream Cover ($28), a foundation-concealer hybrid, is Dalton-Brush’s go-to formula. “For mature skin, I take a tiny, pea-sized drop of the foundation, and add one to three drops of B3 Balm Astraea^TM Facial Oil ($35) to sheer it down and add a nice luminescence,” she explains. She then either uses her fingers or a disposable sponge to apply the range of 29 shades to her clients. 

If you’re someone who craves a diverse range of hues in a foundation line, check out Make Up For Ever^® Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($43). The medium-coverage formula comes in 50 shades, with a wide range of undertones from red and yellow to pink and peach. “It will give mature skin coverage without looking cakey,” notes Dalton-Brush. The formula also contains hyaluronic spheres, which help hydrate, and silica powders to blur the look of lines and wrinkles.

Giorgio Armani^® Luminous Silk Foundation ($64) has been a cult favorite ever since its launch in 2001, and for good reason: the lightweight foundation sits delicately on all skin types and imparts a gorgeous, well, luminosity that never looks glittery, just fresh. 

Hiding wrinkles is literally the goal of IT Cosmetics^® Bye Bye Lines^® Foundation ($38). The lightweight formula feels more like a serum than a traditional foundation, and is loaded with anti-aging ingredients to boot. Expect firming peptides, moisturizing hyaluronic acid, collagen, and a bevy of vitamins to deliver serious nourishment to your skin with every application — without sitting in your lines.

While you might be wary of airbrush makeup (after all, it sounds so high maintenance!), you should really give it a shot. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that this kind of technology gives you über-precise control over how much foundation you apply. “The beauty of airbrush is that it sprays and sits perfectly on top of the skin, allowing skin to look like skin,” explains Dalton-Brush. She prefers using the Temptu^® Airbrush Foundation ($10) on her clients, giving an extra spray where more coverage is needed. 

Don’t be fooled — despite its full coverage and richer texture, NARS^® Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation ($49) is surprisingly lightweight and buildable. It lasts all day, won’t settle into lines, and offers a gorgeous satin finish that adds a youthful glow to your skin.