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

While celebrities appear to have flawless, almost airbrushed skin, it’d be naive to think they woke up with such clear complexions. But it’s easy to forget that they typically have access to a literal glam squad, with a roster of makeup artists, estheticians, and dermatologists on speed dial to ensure they look top-notch on and off the red carpet. 

The majority of us can’t afford to hire a team of professionals to touch up our makeup on the fly (however, we would love to be able to), but getting insider information from a celebrity makeup artist is the next best thing. We spoke to Nydia Figueroa, the brains behind the beauty of Victoria’s Secret runway models and Miss Universe contestants, and Rebecca Restrepo, makeup artist to stars like Debra Messing, Kerry Washington, and more, to share their secrets about how to achieve a dewy, near-perfect base at an older age.

But finding makeup for mature skin in particular can be an added challenge to the already daunting task of matching your evolving complexion, so we break down how to find the right foundation, with the best products loved by the pros.

Prep your skin first

While the type of foundation you choose is important, it’s also critical to prep your skin for makeup beforehand. According to Figueroa, starting with a deeply hydrating oil or moisturizer is key. “Using a formula that’s not too heavy or greasy will plump your skin and give it a beautiful glow,” she explains. Don’t forget to treat your under-eye area, where makeup tends to settle into fine lines easily.

If your skin is oily or you need your makeup to last for the entire day, don’t forget to use a makeup primer next to ensure your foundation has something to grip onto. Not only will it extend the longevity of your look, but it’ll also create a smoother base for makeup application. “The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is a gel formula that helps with hydration and minimizes texture,” Figueroa says.

How to find the best foundation for mature skin

If fine lines, age spots, or uneven texture are your main skin concerns, picking a formula that works with your skin instead of against it is step one. Figueroa recommends staying away from powder foundations that may settle into lines if applied too liberally — this is a common mistake that can make wrinkles appear more prominent. Instead, opt for a buildable, moisturizing formula in a liquid or cream.

“Liquid foundations help keep your skin hydrated,” she explains. “Plus they won’t enhance any texture or fine lines on the skin.” Stick foundations tend to be too heavy and look unnatural, however, she says they’re great to use for spot correcting or concealing. Restrepo recommends going for a skin tint if you don’t need a ton of coverage, as they often include beneficial ingredients like moisturizing squalane and hyaluronic acid as well as a sheer swath of color. 

How to apply foundation to mature skin

Thankfully, to achieve an airbrushed look, you don’t need a toolbox full of expensive brushes, powder puffs, or sponges. Figueroa’s main tip for mature skin is to take it easy with how much product you use. “A little goes a long way,” she warns. Too much foundation can look cakey and emphasize skin texture, wrinkles, or blemishes, and it can also cause your skin to look oily (and not in that dewy, glassy skin kind of way). 

If you prefer to apply your makeup sans tools, like Restrepo does, use your hands to gently smooth the product onto your face and neck. “The heat of your hands warms the foundation and makes it look silkier on your skin,” she explains. Or, you can use a small amount of foundation and apply it either with little stippling motions or in small circles with a dense foundation brush. This ensures even coverage, allowing you to build it as you wish. 

Sometimes, it’s just too late: You’ve already applied way too much foundation and you look a little silly. Don’t worry, you won’t have to start over. Figueroa says you can fix this by “wetting a makeup sponge with your favorite setting spray and blending out the product, which sheers it out while locking it in.”

Still feel like it’s too heavy? “Use a water mist spray on your face and then use a tissue to gently pat off excess foundation,” Restrepo suggests. “It can be done as much as you need until your skin looks and feels silky again.”

The main goal of foundation is to even out your overall skin tone, but it can be complemented with a concealer to brighten or spot correct any dark circles or blemishes. “I often use the 80/20 method,” Restrepo explains. About 80 percent of the makeup she applies to create a flawless base is a skin tint, while the last 20 percent is concealer “to touch up discoloration and blemishes that need a bit more coverage.”

Powder isn’t typically recommended for dry skin or fine lines, as it has a tendency to exacerbate issues, but it can provide a sheer swath of color and help set your base. “I tend to only powder areas where there is shine [like the nose or chin],” Figueroa says. She recommends using a puff to gently press powder into any oily areas, as brushing it on can move around your foundation. 

But not everyone has dry skin, so Restrepo recommends also using blotting paper to soak up excess oil as the day goes on. “Some women at a mature age get shiny as the day wears on,” she says. “Use blotting papers on any shiny areas to reduce the appearance of oil, but don’t go overboard.” Blotting all over can dry out your skin rather than just reduce shine. 

Whether you’re looking for something light to wear on an everyday basis or a foundation that goes full glam, here are some of Figueroa’s and Restrepo’s favorite foundations for aging skin. 

The Best Foundations for Mature Skin

*Denotes paid placement.