The best foundation for mature skin will leave your face flawless and glowing

Our makeup needs change as we age, which is why finding the best foundation for mature skin becomes more important as the years pass. I've covered the cosmetics industry for more than a decade and, for most of those years, my foundation philosophy was simple: the fuller the coverage, the better. My skin needed to look poreless, filtered and as smooth as a mannequin’s. While my friends and colleagues obsessed over dewy finishes and no-makeup makeup, I stood firmly in the matte-or-die camp, remaining loyal to the best foundations that could withstand a heatwave, a crying session and, quite possibly, the apocalypse.

But, as with many things — my tolerance for alcohol, my ability to stay up all night — now that I'm in my 40s, my foundation preferences have shifted. Instead of reaching for the heaviest, most opaque formulas, I now find myself gravitating toward those same dewy, lightweight foundations I avoided in the past. I'm finding that the best foundations for mature skin are hydrating enough to smooth out fine lines but still fully capable of covering a rogue blemish, dark spot or under-eye circle. To be clear, I'm not against matte or full-coverage foundations, but as my skin ages, I care more about the overall formula and product texture than how much it can fully camouflage.

Aside from the fact that dehydrated, menopausal skin simply responds better to lighter-weight, hydrating foundations; part of my switch has to do with wearing less makeup in general, a common trend for women as they get older. Don't get me wrong, foundations are still a staple in my makeup bag — and, as it turns out, they may even be helping to protect my skin too.

Celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau has a sun protection philosophy that actually goes hand-in-hand with regular foundation wear. During a recent facial, she told me how, over the years, she noticed many of her 50+ clients in Dallas had fewer wrinkles than those in New England. She realized it was most likely because of their makeup routines — a penchant for wearing foundation nearly 24-7 (even immediately post-facial) helped shield her Dallas clients' skin from sun damage. “I recommend everyone wear foundation no matter what, because it acts as an extension of your sunblock — it's layering and protecting your skin,” Rouleau explained. “I always tell people that foundation, even if it’s not labeled with SPF, still has [sun protecting qualities] in it because of the iron oxides, which is what gives the coverage and the opaqueness.” And, while foundation will never be a replacement for sunscreen, Rouleau's theory does hold weight: Research shows that, when used in tandem with SPF products, foundations help protect your face from skin cancer. The more you know!

When tracking down the best foundation for mature skin, I put my decades-long relationship with this type of makeup to good use and rounded up the formulas that actually deliver — especially for skin that's over 40 and no longer tolerates anything cakey, drying or overly matte.

Whether you're after a stick that doubles as concealer, a balm that blurs without feeling heavy or a super splurgy skin-care-meets-makeup hybrid, these are the foundations that smooth, glowify and never settle into fine lines.

Table of Contents

The best foundations of 2025

How we tested

Other foundations that didn't make the cut

What to look for in a foundation

Foundation FAQ

The best foundation for mature skin

Other foundations for mature skin we love

How we tested

In order to curate the ultimate list of foundations, I tested over two dozen products and spent hours swatching, blending and wearing foundations from the most known, classic brands to online cult favorites. I paid careful attention to find those that matched perfectly with my skin tone and those that were completely off, no matter what the shade (I tested several shades from each brand).

Overall, I looked at shade range, finish, texture, feel on my skin, quality of ingredients, scent, longevity of wear time and price point. I also considered how each product held up under different conditions, like temperature, humidity, all-day errands and long, boring days in front of a laptop.

Other foundations that didn't make the cut

During testing, I came across far more good foundations than bad ones — ultimately my choice came down to picky personal preferences and little details that might not bother someone less experienced with foundation. For instance, Saie’s Glowy Super Skin Foundation has a beautiful finish, but it was just too liquid-y for my liking. KVD’s Good Apple Serum Foundation seemingly had potential, but I could not get the shade match right no matter how many times I tried — it kept leaning too orange on my skin. Then there was Polite Society’s More Than a Pretty Face Skin-Caring Foundation, which had a lovely and smooth texture once it was on, but the packaging was a non-stop struggle and the lid was super difficult to remove.

What to look for in a foundation for mature skin

Coverage: It's subjective, but there are some rules

This one’s a personal choice. Some of us want to look like a glazed donut, while others prefer that ultra matte, mannequin-esque finish from my early years. If you’re still in your full-coverage era, I salute you, but with mature skin, you'll still want to use foundation with buildable formulas that let you customize your coverage, preferably with added skin care ingredients.

Shade range: The more, the better, period

Any brand that doesn’t offer a wide variety of tones (and undertones!) in 2025 needs to get with the program. It's important to note that shade matching is not a one color fits all: I've found that I’m in the light category in some brands but in the medium camp in others. Finding your match might involve a little trial and error, but once you do, you’re gold.

Skin type: Oily? Dry? Somewhere in between?

Your foundation should work with your skin, not against it. If you’re oily, look for oil-free formulas that won’t slide off your face by lunch. If you’re dry or dehydrated, you probably want to stay away from the mattes, but also reach for something hydrating with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or squalane. And if your skin is sensitive or reactive, fragrance-free is your friend.

Budget

If you wear foundation every day, you want something that not only works, but works within your budget. There are plenty of amazing drugstore options (hello, to my L’Oreal Paris pick above), and splurgy picks if you’re feeling bougie.

Foundation FAQ

How do I choose the right foundation shade?

The absolute best way to accurately find your foundation shade is to test in natural light on your jawline, as that area is the best indicator of your natural complexion overall. As a rule, your perfect shade should blend seamlessly with the skin on your face — and neck.

What is the difference between matte and dewy finishes?

Matte foundations control shine and are ideal for oily skin. Dewy foundations create a radiant, hydrated look, perfect for dry or mature skin. Satin finishes tend to be ideal for most skin types as they are a balance between matte and dewy.

How do I make my foundation last all day?

Starting with a primer is always a good idea (I also suggest this for eye makeup). Find one that's suited to your skin type, and then finish with a setting spray and/or powder to lock everything in.

Can I also use my foundation as concealer?

Absolutely! For quick fixes, you can use a small amount of foundation on problem areas and blend it with a brush or your fingertips.

Is it OK to mix foundations?

Yes! Mixing formulas can help you customize your ideal shade or finish. For example, blend a dewy formula with a matte one for a more natural, satin-like finish.