It's safe to say that everyone wants smooth, radiant, and healthy-looking skin, right? Here's the catch: Starting in your twenties, collagen and elastin—the proteins that give your skin its bounce and firmness—begin to decline. Cue the inevitable signs of aging, like wrinkles, dryness, and thinning skin. While you can't stop the clock, you can find products that help your skin look its absolute best. Case in point: concealers for mature skin, primers for mature skin, and, of course, the best foundation for mature skin.
First, a reminder: Sonia Ramos, a beauty content creator known for her no-filter approach, reminds us that wrinkles and texture are natural, beautiful, and nothing to hide. That said, you likely want to feel your best, and that's where a really great foundation comes in. Makeup artist Erica Taylor recommends choosing skincare-infused foundations, explaining that today's formulas are packed with active ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to hydrate and plump the skin for a healthy, glowing finish.
With the global anti-aging product market projected to reach almost $110 billion in less than a decade, it's clear that brands are stepping up their game for shoppers in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. According to Taylor, these modern formulations are like "skincare with pigment," working to instantly enhance your complexion while supporting long-term skin health.
At Marie Claire, we put the top foundations for mature skin to the test. We tapped credible testers (read: women over 50) to try some of the market's best-selling products from brands like Giorgio Armani, Chanel, MAC, and Makeup by Mario to see how these formulations addressed dryness and avoided settling into fine lines. Their feedback, along with insights from makeup artists specializing in mature skin, helped us curate this list of the best foundations for anyone 40 and up.
Best Foundations for Mature Skin
- Best Overall Foundation for Mature Skin: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
- Best Foundation for Dull, Mature Skin: Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Natural Foundation
- Best Glow-Boosting Foundation for Mature Skin: Makeup by Mario Surrealskin Luminous Hydrating Foundation
- Best Full-Coverage Foundation for Mature Skin: Chanel Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear All Day Comfort Flawless Finish Foundation
- Best Long-Lasting Foundation for Mature Skin: Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Waterproof Foundation
Ask any celebrity, beauty editor, or makeup artist about their favorite foundation and chances are this cult-favorite formula will make the list. It's the classic white tee of foundations: versatile, timeless (going on 25 years now), and all-around flattering. Its secret? A buildable formula that works for all skin types, ages, and makeup skill levels, delivering natural, luminous coverage that still looks like skin. It easily conceals discoloration without clinging to dry patches, settling into fine lines, or leaving too luminous of a finish. Believe the hype—this foundation delivers.
Shades: 40
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Natural
What I Love: Lightweight, buildable coverage, Suitable for all skin types; Long-wearing; Wide shade range
What I Don’t: Expensive to be number one on the list; Slight fragrance
Review for MC: "This foundation is so hydrating and gives my skin a soft, filter-like finish. It blurs my wrinkles and feels amazing to wear all day." — Mindy Holender (56)
Mindy Holender applies Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation with a makeup sponge.
When aging occurs, slower cell turnover and reduced collagen production cause the skin to look dull, while sun exposure can contribute to a loss of radiance. But a really luminous foundation like this from Clé de Peau provides adequate coverage and a natural look thanks to its blend of skin-protecting antioxidants and amino acids that work to moisturize your skin, all while minimizing wrinkles.
Shades: 24
Coverage: Light-to-medium
Finish: Radiant
What I Love: Won't cake, even if you build it up; A little goes a long way
What I Don’t: The formula contains sunscreen, however for adequate skin protection, you'll need at least SPF 30
Review for MC: "As soon as I put this on my skin, I knew it was going to be my favorite foundation. It didn't disappoint throughout the day. I had three different people come up to me and compliment how great my skin looked. It's perfectly hydrating without being overdone, and it didn't settle, cake, or come off for a full 12 hours." — Heather Gagliano (56)
Heather Gagliano applies Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Natural Foundation on her face.
If there's one thing makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic masters, it's creating a red-carpet-worthy base. (Think: Every iconic Kim Kardashian makeup moment.) This foundation spreads easily over your skin and delivers a beautiful satin finish. It's infused with glycerin to lock in hydration and keep your skin feeling soft, while grapeseed oil brightens and protects. And for Dedivanovic's signature glow that can be seen in all his best looks? That comes from a barely-there pearl sheen that's invisible to the eye, but leaves a stunning, radiant finish.
Shades: 30
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Natural
What I Love: The natural-looking sheen thanks to the pearlescent pigment; Moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture in and prevent the foundation from settling into fine lines; Won't oxidize throughout the day
What I Don’t: Because of the ester component, it has a lot of 'slip', so you'll need to prime for it to stay in place all day
Review for MC: "This foundation feels incredibly light and breathable, like you're wearing nothing at all. It gives a radiant glow without looking greasy and is a great option for dry or normal skin. I love it on my 54-year-old skin because it's moisturizing without being cakey and stays super smooth." — Colleen Rutherford (54)
Colleen Rutherford applies Makeup by Mario Surrealskin Luminous Hydrating Foundation to her face.
Let's address the elephant in the room: a matte formulation might seem like the opposite of what's recommended for mature skin, I know. But this isn't your typical matte foundation. Unlike others that accentuate dry patches, this one glides on beautifully, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. Its lightweight formula, infused with just a touch of powder, evens out texture and blurs pores, delivering a natural-looking matte finish that's anything but dull.
Shades: 34
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte
What I Love: Soft matte look that doesn't feel heavy or flat; All-day wear
What I Don’t: Because it's matte, you'll really need to prep your skin beforehand with moisture
Review for MC: "This provides great coverage with just a small amount and feels lightweight on my skin. Although it has a matte finish, it still looks natural and skin-like without looking flat. I wouldn't use it daily, but it's perfect for events. Just be sure to prep with a good moisturizer for the best results!" — Jackie Witherow (76)
Jackie Witherow applies Chanel Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear All Day Comfort Flawless Finish Foundation to her face.
Want to cover up all your sun spots? Blur your pores and wrinkles? Oh, and actually improve your skin's texture over time? Consider this your sign to add the Laura Mercier Real Flawless foundation to your cart—i.e., the longest-lasting, waterproof formula on this list. Filled with antioxidant-rich ingredients to protect your skin against free-radical damage and infused with camellia seed oil for a boost of moisture, it strikes the perfect balance between a matte and radiant finish.
Shades: 30
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Natural
What I Love: The formula blends into the skin easily; Lightweight formula
What I Don’t: Must prep beforehand with a rich moisturizer so it doesn't settle into fine lines
Review for MC: "Hydrating and dewy, this foundation gives me that my-skin-but-better look. It's lightweight, blurs imperfections beautifully, and wears all day without settling into my fine lines." — Mindy Holender (56)
Mindy Holender applies Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Waterproof Foundation to her face.
If your goal is to blur pores, brighten your complexion, and hydrate your skin without feeling like you have too much glow, check out Charlotte Tilbury's Beautiful Skin Foundation. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw moisture into your skin, resulting in a plumper, more hydrated complexion, while rose oil has antioxidant and brightening properties. Apply using your fingers or a damp beauty blender, building up in areas where you'd like extra coverage.
Shades: 30
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Natural
What I Love: Covers discoloration while allowing your natural skin to still peek through; Not too glowy, the skin looks healthy and youthful
What I Don’t: It's a bit of a thicker formulation, so for the best application, use a damp sponge or your fingers
Review for MC: "This CT foundation has a natural, lightweight finish that gives my skin a dewy, radiant glow. It sits beautifully, enhancing my skin without feeling heavy." — Mindy Holender (56)
Mindy Holender applies Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Medium Coverage Liquid Foundation with a brush.
Other Foundations for Mature Skin I Love
Every makeup artist I spoke with agrees that a lightweight foundation is ideal for mature skin types, thanks to its thinner, more flexible texture that moves with your skin and prevents dryness or fine lines from being accentuated. This viral YSL formula feels weightless, yet delivers buildable coverage that conceals redness, age spots, and dark circles. Packed with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, it attracts and locks in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated, plump, and smooth throughout the day.
Shades: 20
Coverage: Light-to-medium
Finish: Radiant
What I Love: Totally buildable formula; Plumps and hydrates skin with humectants
What I Don’t: Heavily fragranced
Customer Review: "Been hunting for a great foundation on my maturing skin (43 yo), this is the ONLY foundation I have found that doesn’t crease, pill, or enhance the texture!" — Sephora
These days, makeup formulations incorporate a ton of good-for-your-skin ingredients, but Kosas takes it to another level. Case in point: Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation. Taylor recommends the brand for mature skin, explaining, "You don't want makeup with a little bit of skincare thrown in; you want skincare with pigment." This foundation delivers on that promise, as it features—take a breath—brightening niacinamide, soothing squalane, plumping hyaluronic acid, firming caffeine, and anti-aging peptides.
Shades: 36
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Natural
What I Love: Clean ingredients; Blurring texture; Jam-packed with skin-brightening and hydrating ingredients
What I Don’t: Some testers noted redness after use, make sure to do a patch test
Customer Review: "Not only does the color suit my skin color but my face feels moisturized all day when I wear it. A must-have for anyone looking for that perfect undertone match, especially olive-skinned gals. And the moisture is excellent for extremely mature skin, 59+." — Sephora
There are very few foundations that I'd spend this much money on, but Sisley, per usual, doesn't disappoint. Blending the best of the French luxury brand's skincare with makeup, this foundation covers any texture and discoloration on the outside, while it works underneath at a cellular level to slow signs of aging. It uses an ingredient called adenosine which works to help produce collagen, resulting in skin firmness and elasticity. Between the anti-aging ingredients and luminous finish, you're bound to have the most radiant and smooth skin ever.
Shades: 20
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Natural-radiant
What I Love: Uses ingredients to slow signs of aging at a cellular level; Leaves a radiant finish on your skin
What I Don’t: There needs to be more of a range in terms of shades
Customer Review: "This foundation is amazing. It is indeed true 'makeup skincare.' I am a woman of color and in my mid-50s—I take care of my skin. This foundation has a solid medium to full coverage. I do not use a primer. I use my fingers and with a pump and a half, cover my full face. My face feels light with a glow! Lasted about 6 hours in a humid area. Did not transfer and created a flawless canvas." — Sisley
This viral new launch from ABH has been flying off shelves thanks to its airbrushed-like results (check out its application on mature skin). The secret lies in its velvet-matte finish, which blurs texture and evens skin tone while a boost of hyaluronic acid keeps it from looking dull or flat. The superstar humectant delivers hydration and a subtle plumping effect, leaving your skin with the perfect balance of smoothness and a hint of healthy-looking radiance.
Shades: 25
Coverage: Medium-to-full
Finish: Velvet-matte
What I Love: Leaves skin looking like a filter; Long-wearing; Has smoothing effects without leaving skin flat and dull
What I Don’t: Because of its virality, it sells out quickly
Customer Review: "The formula is long-lasting and stays put all day without smudging, even in humid conditions. What I love most is how it gives my skin a natural, radiant glow while still maintaining that beautiful matte finish. It truly feels like a second skin—lightweight, smooth, and flawless. The coverage is buildable, so it works well for both everyday wear and special occasions." — Anastasia Beverly Hills
Jones Road has become synonymous with creating high-performance products for mature skin, thanks to its moisture-first formulas. Take its signature foundation, What the Foundation, for example. It's packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, alongside superstar moisturizers and barrier-protecting antioxidants—all key players Taylor recommends in a foundation for mature skin. Best of all, it's so hydrating that you can skip moisturizer beforehand. For best results, apply with your fingers and build up coverage as needed.
Shades: 16
Coverage: Light-to-medium
Finish: Radiant
What I Love: Puts skincare at the forefront; Easy-to-use color-matching guide
What I Don’t: Product often separates in containers so you'll have to mix it up; Not enough coverage for those looking to hide a lot of discoloration
Customer Review: "I was very doubtful at first - the hype seemed a bit much. But I’ve tried several products now and What the foundation is definitely my favorite! It gives me exactly what I want from a natural-looking foundation plus my skin feels hydrated and fresh all day. It’s not too cover-up-y which I love, but makes my skin look smooth and glowy. Will buy again!" — Jones Road
Finding a foundation that works for mature skin often means splurging on high-quality formulas that deliver on ingredients, coverage, and finish. However, this drugstore gem holds its own on all fronts. It's packed with smoothing silicone to blur texture, niacinamide to refine it over time, and antioxidants for added skin benefits—but best of all, it includes SPF 50 to guard against the biggest aging factor, sun damage. Its serum-cream texture feels like skincare, echoing makeup artist Vincent Ford's tip: "Foundations with a serum consistency are easier to blend and offer skincare benefits."
Shades: 15
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Radiant
What I Love: SPF 50 provides adequate sun protection; Super affordable
What I Don’t: Certain shades are often sold out
Customer Review: "I have spent obscene amounts of money on foundations and although they are lovely, I decided to hunt down an excellent drugstore foundation. This one is the winner for me after trying about 20 different drugstore foundations—really. This creates a flawless look and lasts all day for me. I have good skin but I am 70 years old so, you know, not flawless skin—but this makes my skin look radiant and really good." — Ulta
Before you gasp at the price tag, keep in mind this isn't just a foundation—it's a foundation and concealer. You're getting a two-in-one product packed with anti-aging ingredients and impressive coverage. The formula features retinyl palmitate, a gentle form of retinol that encourages cell renewal, while barrier-supporting ingredients keep your skin moisturized and healthy. Testers note that the product lasts for an extraordinarily long time, with many using the same bottle for over two years and counting, thanks to how little is needed to cover discoloration and texture. (Just be sure to check the expiration date!)
Shades: 16
Coverage: Full
Finish: Natural, radiant
What I Love: Contains barrier-supporting and cell-communicating ingredients; A little goes a long way
What I Don’t: You'll need to apply a stronger SPF for adequate sun protection
Customer Review: "I am 100% happy with this foundation, my complexion looks even, bright, and creamy and that is exactly what I wanted plus it feels so good on my face. You need a very small amount to cover the whole face, a dot on the forehead, a dot on the nose, and chin, one on each cheek, and one midway between the jaw and cheekbones and that's it. This makeup gets better as the day goes on, so no need to reapply ever." — Nordstrom
What Type of Foundation Is Best for Mature Skin?
The best foundations for mature skin should prioritize hydration and skincare benefits, featuring ingredients such as peptides, amino acids, humectants, and emollients. These ingredients help address concerns like fine lines, dryness, and uneven texture, providing a natural, healthy-looking finish without settling into fine lines.
Lightweight formulas are ideal, as they blend seamlessly, allowing for a smooth base. Makeup artist Natalie Dresher agrees, saying she prefers thinner formulas for a more natural look, while Ramos highlights that liquid foundations "blend like butter." Look for formulas that offer buildable coverage that allow you to address areas of concern like sun spots or rosacea without looking heavy or cakey. Ultimately, the goal is to find a foundation that enhances your skin with the most natural finish, while offering major moisture and skincare benefits.
How to Prevent Foundation from Settling Into Wrinkles
For anyone with wrinkles or fine lines, Ford emphasizes the importance of a good skincare routine before applying your makeup. Begin by exfoliating to smooth your skin, which helps makeup from clinging to dead skin cells and texture.
After exfoliation, hydrate your skin with a lightweight moisturizer, followed by a hydrating primer to create a smooth surface. This prepares the skin for foundation, making it easier for the product to glide on without settling into fine lines. Ford says that if you have drier skin, a face oil will work too.
Finally, use a light hand when applying foundation, as too much can highlight texture and fine lines. By applying the foundation sparingly, your skin will maintain a natural look while ensuring the foundation doesn't cake up throughout the day.
How to Apply Foundation on Mature Skin
The tool you use to apply foundation will impact the intensity of coverage, with makeup brushes providing fuller coverage and a makeup sponge giving a more natural finish. Ramos suggests applying your foundation with a brush, focusing on the areas that need extra coverage, and then using a Beauty Blender to press the product into the skin for a seamless look. However, Ford says another application method to consider is your fingers: "The warmth and texture of your fingers will create a more natural finish."
Dresher advises applying foundation with a light hand and using downward strokes to prevent streaks and ensure even coverage. This method not only creates a smooth base but also prevents the product from settling into fine lines.
Why Trust Marie Claire?
Siena Gagliano is a New York-based beauty editor and writer specializing in digital features, trend stories, and shopping roundups. In her prior role, she was an editor at Cosmopolitan, focusing on beauty commerce and SEO-driven content. She spoke with makeup artists and experts about the newest and trendiest in the beauty space to compile this list of the best foundations for mature skin on the market.
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.
How We Tested
Women aged 40+ were tapped to go through a rigorous testing period where they reviewed dozens of foundations. After determining the top picks alongside makeup experts, they tested each foundation for its blurring effects, ingredient profiles, finish, texture, and feel to determine this list of the 13 best foundations for mature skin. They also evaluated customer reviews and best-selling products across our favorite retailers.
Meet the Experts
Erica Taylor has been in the cosmetic industry for over 26 years working for top brands; MAC, Laura Mercier, Benefit Cosmetics & Trish McEvoy. She is a professional makeup artist and mom of three living in New York. Erica majored in art education in college, initially aspiring to be an art teacher but instead, decided to search for a career that would allow her to be more creative. In 2021, she started sharing her makeup tips and techniques for any age on her social media and has quickly become a trusted expert to her more than 3 million engaged followers. In 2023 and 2024 she was named L'Oreal Paris League of Experts and continues to be a major authoritative figure in the beauty and skincare space.
With almost two decades of experience as a makeup artist, Vincent Ford soon discovered a passion for photography. He found that his makeup expertise enhanced his photography skills, while being a beauty photographer made him a better makeup artist. Ford's career has taken him around the globe, working across the US, Europe, and the Middle East. He shares his work and tips with his combined audience of over 1 million people across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Sonia Ramos, a 47-year-old content creator, aims to shift beauty standards with her no-filter approach. Through her honest reviews, makeup tutorials, and skincare tips, Ramos empowers her audience to embrace their natural beauty. Her content resonates with people of all ages, particularly those seeking real, relatable advice on enhancing their skin and makeup routines.
Natalie Dresher is a highly sought-after makeup artist based in Miami and NYC, with over 10 years of experience in makeup artistry. Her impressive client roster includes notable names such as Remi Bader, Serena Kerrigan, Dylan Mulvaney, Jess Vestal, Gia Guidice, and more. Natalie's expertise has been recognized by leading makeup brands where she has served as the lead artist for influencer and editor-focused events and activations. In addition to her work with influencers and celebrities, Natalie has showcased her talent backstage at NYFW and Miami Swim Week for prestigious high-fashion brands.
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