12 Ideal Structure for Mature Skin That Won't Resolve Into Wrinkles

Vogue’s Favorite Foundations for Wrinkles & Aging Skin

In This Article

Best Overall: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Best Tinted Serum: L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Foundation

Best Radiant-Finish: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation Hydration and Longwear

Best Powder Foundation: BareMinerals Loose Powder Foundation

Best Matte: Prada Reveal Skin Optimizing Refillable Soft Matte Foundation

Best Lightweight Oil Foundation: Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops

Best Stick Foundation: Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

Best Cream: Jones Road What The Foundation

Best Smoothing: Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation

Best Budge-Proof: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Liquid Makeup Foundation

Best With SPF: Clinique Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation

Best Satin Finish: Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30

Best Primer for Aging Skin: Saie Glowy Super Gel

Best Face Mist: Avène Thermal Spring Water

Best Makeup Brush: Clé de Peau High Coverage Foundation Brush

Best Sponge: Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge

Best Concealer for Mature Skin: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Concealer Pen

Best Setting Powder: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

Discover More Beauty Recommendations From Vogue Shopping

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

What is a makeup look without its base? The best foundations for mature skin set the tone and create the canvas for all the products to come—whether its an illuminating highlighter or a sun-kissed blush. And for those looking to whisk away the signs of aging, a foundation that’s formulated for mature skin can be the makeup-counter equivalent of the fountain of youth. (With a bit of glam on top.)

The best foundations for women over 50 typically contain a skin-smoothing balance of skincare-grade ingredients, and their texture would make Goldilocks proud. Not too dewy, nor too matte—not too sheer, nor too mask-like—the formulas ahead have been hand-selected by celebrity makeup artists. Whether serums, sticks, powders, or balms call your skin type’s name, there’s a perfect makeup base for your mature complexion in the mix below. Ahead, a look at what celebrity makeup artists recommend for every occasion, skin type, and concern.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation Hydration and Longwear

Reveal Skin-Optimizing Refillable Soft Matte Foundation

Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation

So you’ve discovered your favorite foundation, above, but you’re still a bit unsure how to apply it. If we’ve learned anything in recent years, it’s that technique makes all the difference.

“A key to looking youthful as we age is avoiding heavy or cakey makeup; less is definitely more here,” says Baraf. “You can use thin layers of product to build in places if need be. Most important is layering your gorgeous skin care underneath your foundation to ensure your foundation melts into your skin and looks fresh.”

To make your foundation look like a second skin, the right moisturizer, primer, and perhaps a glow-boosting serum can be helpful even before applying the foundation. Next, Dalí-Trites says to “mist your foundation brush or sponge with a hydrating face mist; this will help add an extra layer of hydration, allowing the foundation to best glide onto the skin and blend seamlessly.”

How to Set Foundation So It Doesn’t Settle in Wrinkles

Rising temperatures, important events, and minimizing shine are some of the reasons to learn how to properly set foundation for mature skin. After foundation, you can apply concealer to the undereye area (or wherever else) before dusting on a light veil of powder—especially to the T-zone and around the mouth. Caution against using too much, though. “If you need to take away some shine, use translucent powder sparingly,” says Kinjo. “Overpowdering makes your skin look dry.” And there you have it—a flawless makeup base.

As with other skin-care products, experts recommend picking a foundation with multifunctional, skin-loving properties. “I look for a foundation that targets the concerns of mature skin, such as loss of radiance, uneven skin tone, and moisture balance,” says Dalí-Trites. The right level of hydration ensures that the formula melts into skin without caking or creasing.

To find your correct foundation shade, best practice is to match to the jawline and neck for consistency. Those of us who have varying shades around our face can splurge on two foundation shades, or rely on concealer for color-correcting.

Does mature skin need a specific type of foundation?

“In my opinion, mature skin requires specific types of foundation,” says celebrity makeup artist Marquis Ward, whose clients include Abbott Elementary’s Sheryl Lee Ralph. For mature clients, he opts for lightweight, hydrating, and buildable liquid or cream foundations. “These formulas are more forgiving on fine lines and wrinkles compared to heavy, matte foundations, which can emphasize texture and dryness,” he says. He also recommends looking for products with skincare benefits, like hyaluronic acid for hydration or light-reflecting particles to add a youthful glow.

As a rule of thumb, celebrity makeup artist Miho Suzuki recommends waiting 10 to 20 minutes after applying skincare to apply a foundation. “Allow time for the skin to absorb your serum or moisturizer,” she says. “This will create a nice, even base so the foundation goes on smoothly.” For any age group, Suzuki recommends applying a scant amount of foundation to avoid caking—she typically uses three pea-sized drops, which she applies in steps to cover the whole face. “For each step, I apply with a big flat brush and work it in with a damp sponge,” she says. “This process will help remove any excess and create a thin layer of foundation.” After the foundation has been applied, Suzuki recommends applying concealer to any areas that need extra coverage—though a light touch is always best. “For mature skin, I would avoid heavy concealer under the eyes where the skin is very thin or on any wrinkles,” she says.

“Liquid foundations are the most versatile and effective for mature skin—especially those with a satin or dewy finish,” Ward says. “They provide hydration and blend well without settling into fine lines.” He adds that serum-based foundations are another excellent choice for mature skin since they tend to combine skincare and makeup benefits. “Avoid overly matte foundations, as they can make the skin look dull and emphasize texture,” he reiterates.

How to Prevent Foundation from Settling Into Wrinkles

“These steps have saved my life and have prevented foundation from settling into my clients’ fine lines and wrinkles,” Ward says:

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All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

What is a makeup look without its base? The best foundations for mature skin set the tone and create the canvas for all the products to come—whether its an illuminating highlighter or a sun-kissed blush. And for those looking to whisk away the signs of aging, a foundation that’s formulated for mature skin can be the makeup-counter equivalent of the fountain of youth. (With a bit of glam on top.)

The best foundations for women over 50 typically contain a skin-smoothing balance of skincare-grade ingredients, and their texture would make Goldilocks proud. Not too dewy, nor too matte—not too sheer, nor too mask-like—the formulas ahead have been hand-selected by celebrity makeup artists. Whether serums, sticks, powders, or balms call your skin type’s name, there’s a perfect makeup base for your mature complexion in the mix below. Ahead, a look at what celebrity makeup artists recommend for every occasion, skin type, and concern.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation Hydration and Longwear

Reveal Skin-Optimizing Refillable Soft Matte Foundation

Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation

So you’ve discovered your favorite foundation, above, but you’re still a bit unsure how to apply it. If we’ve learned anything in recent years, it’s that technique makes all the difference.

“A key to looking youthful as we age is avoiding heavy or cakey makeup; less is definitely more here,” says Baraf. “You can use thin layers of product to build in places if need be. Most important is layering your gorgeous skin care underneath your foundation to ensure your foundation melts into your skin and looks fresh.”

To make your foundation look like a second skin, the right moisturizer, primer, and perhaps a glow-boosting serum can be helpful even before applying the foundation. Next, Dalí-Trites says to “mist your foundation brush or sponge with a hydrating face mist; this will help add an extra layer of hydration, allowing the foundation to best glide onto the skin and blend seamlessly.”

How to Set Foundation So It Doesn’t Settle in Wrinkles

Rising temperatures, important events, and minimizing shine are some of the reasons to learn how to properly set foundation for mature skin. After foundation, you can apply concealer to the undereye area (or wherever else) before dusting on a light veil of powder—especially to the T-zone and around the mouth. Caution against using too much, though. “If you need to take away some shine, use translucent powder sparingly,” says Kinjo. “Overpowdering makes your skin look dry.” And there you have it—a flawless makeup base.

As with other skin-care products, experts recommend picking a foundation with multifunctional, skin-loving properties. “I look for a foundation that targets the concerns of mature skin, such as loss of radiance, uneven skin tone, and moisture balance,” says Dalí-Trites. The right level of hydration ensures that the formula melts into skin without caking or creasing.

To find your correct foundation shade, best practice is to match to the jawline and neck for consistency. Those of us who have varying shades around our face can splurge on two foundation shades, or rely on concealer for color-correcting.

Does mature skin need a specific type of foundation?

“In my opinion, mature skin requires specific types of foundation,” says celebrity makeup artist Marquis Ward, whose clients include Abbott Elementary’s Sheryl Lee Ralph. For mature clients, he opts for lightweight, hydrating, and buildable liquid or cream foundations. “These formulas are more forgiving on fine lines and wrinkles compared to heavy, matte foundations, which can emphasize texture and dryness,” he says. He also recommends looking for products with skincare benefits, like hyaluronic acid for hydration or light-reflecting particles to add a youthful glow.

As a rule of thumb, celebrity makeup artist Miho Suzuki recommends waiting 10 to 20 minutes after applying skincare to apply a foundation. “Allow time for the skin to absorb your serum or moisturizer,” she says. “This will create a nice, even base so the foundation goes on smoothly.” For any age group, Suzuki recommends applying a scant amount of foundation to avoid caking—she typically uses three pea-sized drops, which she applies in steps to cover the whole face. “For each step, I apply with a big flat brush and work it in with a damp sponge,” she says. “This process will help remove any excess and create a thin layer of foundation.” After the foundation has been applied, Suzuki recommends applying concealer to any areas that need extra coverage—though a light touch is always best. “For mature skin, I would avoid heavy concealer under the eyes where the skin is very thin or on any wrinkles,” she says.

“Liquid foundations are the most versatile and effective for mature skin—especially those with a satin or dewy finish,” Ward says. “They provide hydration and blend well without settling into fine lines.” He adds that serum-based foundations are another excellent choice for mature skin since they tend to combine skincare and makeup benefits. “Avoid overly matte foundations, as they can make the skin look dull and emphasize texture,” he reiterates.

How to Prevent Foundation from Settling Into Wrinkles

“These steps have saved my life and have prevented foundation from settling into my clients’ fine lines and wrinkles,” Ward says:

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

What is a makeup look without its base? The best foundations for mature skin set the tone and create the canvas for all the products to come—whether its an illuminating highlighter or a sun-kissed blush. And for those looking to whisk away the signs of aging, a foundation that’s formulated for mature skin can be the makeup-counter equivalent of the fountain of youth. (With a bit of glam on top.)

The best foundations for women over 50 typically contain a skin-smoothing balance of skincare-grade ingredients, and their texture would make Goldilocks proud. Not too dewy, nor too matte—not too sheer, nor too mask-like—the formulas ahead have been hand-selected by celebrity makeup artists. Whether serums, sticks, powders, or balms call your skin type’s name, there’s a perfect makeup base for your mature complexion in the mix below. Ahead, a look at what celebrity makeup artists recommend for every occasion, skin type, and concern.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation Hydration and Longwear

Reveal Skin-Optimizing Refillable Soft Matte Foundation

Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation

So you’ve discovered your favorite foundation, above, but you’re still a bit unsure how to apply it. If we’ve learned anything in recent years, it’s that technique makes all the difference.

“A key to looking youthful as we age is avoiding heavy or cakey makeup; less is definitely more here,” says Baraf. “You can use thin layers of product to build in places if need be. Most important is layering your gorgeous skin care underneath your foundation to ensure your foundation melts into your skin and looks fresh.”

To make your foundation look like a second skin, the right moisturizer, primer, and perhaps a glow-boosting serum can be helpful even before applying the foundation. Next, Dalí-Trites says to “mist your foundation brush or sponge with a hydrating face mist; this will help add an extra layer of hydration, allowing the foundation to best glide onto the skin and blend seamlessly.”

How to Set Foundation So It Doesn’t Settle in Wrinkles

Rising temperatures, important events, and minimizing shine are some of the reasons to learn how to properly set foundation for mature skin. After foundation, you can apply concealer to the undereye area (or wherever else) before dusting on a light veil of powder—especially to the T-zone and around the mouth. Caution against using too much, though. “If you need to take away some shine, use translucent powder sparingly,” says Kinjo. “Overpowdering makes your skin look dry.” And there you have it—a flawless makeup base.

As with other skin-care products, experts recommend picking a foundation with multifunctional, skin-loving properties. “I look for a foundation that targets the concerns of mature skin, such as loss of radiance, uneven skin tone, and moisture balance,” says Dalí-Trites. The right level of hydration ensures that the formula melts into skin without caking or creasing.

To find your correct foundation shade, best practice is to match to the jawline and neck for consistency. Those of us who have varying shades around our face can splurge on two foundation shades, or rely on concealer for color-correcting.

Does mature skin need a specific type of foundation?

“In my opinion, mature skin requires specific types of foundation,” says celebrity makeup artist Marquis Ward, whose clients include Abbott Elementary’s Sheryl Lee Ralph. For mature clients, he opts for lightweight, hydrating, and buildable liquid or cream foundations. “These formulas are more forgiving on fine lines and wrinkles compared to heavy, matte foundations, which can emphasize texture and dryness,” he says. He also recommends looking for products with skincare benefits, like hyaluronic acid for hydration or light-reflecting particles to add a youthful glow.

As a rule of thumb, celebrity makeup artist Miho Suzuki recommends waiting 10 to 20 minutes after applying skincare to apply a foundation. “Allow time for the skin to absorb your serum or moisturizer,” she says. “This will create a nice, even base so the foundation goes on smoothly.” For any age group, Suzuki recommends applying a scant amount of foundation to avoid caking—she typically uses three pea-sized drops, which she applies in steps to cover the whole face. “For each step, I apply with a big flat brush and work it in with a damp sponge,” she says. “This process will help remove any excess and create a thin layer of foundation.” After the foundation has been applied, Suzuki recommends applying concealer to any areas that need extra coverage—though a light touch is always best. “For mature skin, I would avoid heavy concealer under the eyes where the skin is very thin or on any wrinkles,” she says.

“Liquid foundations are the most versatile and effective for mature skin—especially those with a satin or dewy finish,” Ward says. “They provide hydration and blend well without settling into fine lines.” He adds that serum-based foundations are another excellent choice for mature skin since they tend to combine skincare and makeup benefits. “Avoid overly matte foundations, as they can make the skin look dull and emphasize texture,” he reiterates.

How to Prevent Foundation from Settling Into Wrinkles

“These steps have saved my life and have prevented foundation from settling into my clients’ fine lines and wrinkles,” Ward says: