What To Look For In A Foundation If You Have Mature Skin

Choosing the right foundation for mature skin can be a minefield. With so many brands, finishes, and levels of coverage on the market, finding the perfect product can feel overwhelming. That's why Women spoke exclusively with makeup artist Caroline Hernandez, for her pro tips on getting it right every time.

Before we get into shade selection and ingredients, Hernandez suggests focusing on finish. Just like there comes a time to adjust your skincare routine to cater to mature skin, you may need to deviate from your classic finish. Older skin won't look its best under anything too matte, but it won't look great with something too reflective, either. "The drier foundations are usually a little heavier and will exaggerate the lines on the skin, whereas the more reflective ones will bounce light off the surface making the creases in the lines on the face appear darker and more prominent," she explains. That means avoiding drying, powder foundations, or liquids that boast reflective properties. For lighter coverage and plenty of moisture, try a tinted moisturizer or CC Cream. "[They will] give you a similar payoff, a gentle radiance, rather than a highly reflective glow," she says, recommending ILIA's Super Serum Skin Tint. 

When it comes to applying your foundation, no matter the formula, Hernandez champions using a brush. "After application, wipe the brush clean with tissue or a towel and buff over the skin again," she suggests. "It will ensure that the product is fully blended into the skin."

Mature skin likes foundation with skincare benefits, as it cares for your skin as you wear it. For those who like medium coverage stick foundations, Caroline Hernandez likes the ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick. "It has a buildable medium coverage and is packed full [of] ceramides," she says. "[It will] help firm, soften, and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles."

If you prefer liquid foundation, Hernandez recommends Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation. "This formula contains Niacinamide, which is a form of Vitamin B that helps to smooth and brighten skin," she informs us. But if cream foundation is more your thing, Mob Beauty's Blurring Ceramide Cream Foundation may be better, as it includes hyaluronic acid and Ceramide 2. "Products that contain hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture, plump the skin and reduce the look of fine lines," Hernandez shares. "Ceramide 2 decreases epidermal water loss while strengthening the skin barrier." A few other skincare ingredients to look out for include jojoba or argan oil for hydration, peptides to stimulate collagen, and Vitamins C and E to protect the skin from free radicals. One of the most important things your foundation should contain though? Sunblock. SPF products should be worn daily (yes, even all winter long) to protect the skin from UV rays.

There are also ingredients to avoid, such as synthetic fragrances, alcohol, and sodium lauryl sulfate, which can cause irritation and dryness.

It's somewhat tempting to choose a foundation that's different from your skin tone, but Caroline Hernandez suggests matching it as closely as possible. "I always choose a foundation true to the color of the skin, though if the skin has lost its vibrancy, then consider using products to perk the skin tone up," she says. If you need help, color theory can help tailor your makeup to your skin tone.

To bring warmth and brightness to your complexion, Hernandez notes that cream blushes and bronzers over foundation can be mature skin's best friend, as they're not drying and have a natural-looking finish. Hernandez likes the ILIA Multi-Stick. "This product is packed full of beneficial ingredients and comes in both natural and luminous finishes," she says. She also recommends Nudestix's Nudies Matte + Glow Core, noting, "This, too, is packed full of ingredients to benefit the skin, such as peptides, ceramides, and Vitamin E."

Other ways to perfect your foundation include using a Q-Tip if it settles into fine lines. "Run this along any lines that look heavy ... Right after, gently pat this area to soften where you've just removed the excess," she suggests. You can also use a blurring primer, such as Murad Targeted Wrinkle Corrector, on top for a diffused effect. "I use it mostly on top of my makeup and it's like a miracle filler," Hernandez shares.