The 13 Best Foundations for Mature Skin, Ranked by a Beauty Editor

First launched back in 2000, there’s a reason why Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation has stood the test of time – and garnered a cult following along the way. In just a few pumps it makes light work of covering age spots, redness and blemishes without creasing in fine lines and wrinkles. See the Micro-Fil technology as the cherry-on-top, naturally brightening the complexion for a radiant and glowy finish. We have every expectation that it will still be sitting here triumphantly in another 20 years. 

As we now know, hyaluronic acid is great to look for in a foundation for mature skin and with Charlotte’s magic formula the much-loved ingredient takes centre stage. Expect skin to remain moisturised and hydrated throughout the day, with the added Rose Complex blend targeting dullness, dryness, pigmentation and dark circles. For a super natural finish, use a blending sponge and gradually build onto the areas that need a little extra coverage. 

An oil-free gel foundation with an ultra lightweight texture and radiant finish. The buildable formula provides adjustable coverage and is enriched with soothing ingredients like aloe, chamomile and green tea to minimise redness and irritation. It’s also one of Soh’s go-to products when working with mature skin. “The gel texture is lovely and nourishing so it creates a beautifully hydrated base.”

Not only is hyaluronic acid on hand for dehydrated skin in need of a little TLC, you’ll also find a trio of natural oils including noni fruit extract – FYI Miranda Kerr drinks its juice every day for a youthful complexion. The medium-to-full coverage foundation blends into the skin like a dream and light-diffusing powders create the perfect radiant finish. So. Much. Yes.

Beauty doesn’t need to break the bank, and here is a perfect example. It’s a great one for everyday wear as, much like skincare, it can be applied quickly and easily onto the face with your fingers in the morning or on the go. If you like natural-looking coverage with a slightly dewy finish, look no further.

World class makeup artist and founder Gucci Westman was inspired by what she was looking for and couldn’t find in a foundation when developing this product. As a rosacea sufferer, it was important for clean skin soothing ingredients, such as coconut oil and camellia seed oil, to feature in an easy-to-use creamy stick formula. In a recent interview with Goop, Westman said: “Real skin is never just one colour, so to get that effect, I use two shades of my foundation stick. I use number 3 as concealer to even out my skin where it’s red around my nose from my rosacea, or sometimes between my brows and along my chin. I use number 4 as foundation over larger areas when I have an important meeting.”

Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid and three types of vitamin C work to reduce dark spots, discolouration, age spots, and blemish marks every time you wear Clinique’s clever concoction. For those with oily skin on the lookout for a full coverage foundation that will not budge, you’ve just met your match.

Skin loving ingredients like soy peptide, white willow extracts, chlorella and cherry blossom are at the helm of Sisley’s light-coverage foundation. The super moisturising blend softens lines and wrinkles while boosting skin's natural radiance and firmness –  prepare for the onslaught of compliments.

This foundation is loved by all ages and skin types for good reason. Infused with biomimetic oat, milk thistle and cacao peptides to defend against pollution and blue light, the buildable formula seeks to improve the general appearance of skin, even after it’s removed. The light-reflecting technology is just the ticket for giving the skin a healthy and natural allover radiance. 

Anything world renowned make-up artist Bobbi Brown touches turns to gold, and the foundation from her newest venture Jones Road is no different. Ingredients like Jojoba Oil and Sodium Hyaluronate play there part in plumping and hydrating the complexion while the buildable light-medium coverage gives a your-skin-but-better finish. 

Featuring a blend of mandarin-peel extract, light-adjusting technology, luminous pearls, and microcrystals, this foundation refines skin texture, reduces the look of hyperpigmentation, and smooths fine lines. It’s also water-, transfer-, and crease-resistant making it the perfect pick for party season.

Hyaluronic acid and herbal Squalane create a natural barrier that locks moisture into the skin while Niacinamide brightens dark spots and smoothes fine lines. It feels exceptionally weightless on the skin – so much so, you won’t even realise you’re wearing base make-up at all. For any areas that need a little extra coverage, go in with a slightly heavier duty concealer like the Ilia Beauty True Skin Serum Concealer. 

Matte foundations are harder to come by these days—current makeup trends are all about glow and radiance. However, if you have oily skin and are prone to shine, then a matte foundation is your best bet for keeping skin looking fresh and even all day long. This lightweight formula prevents shine without looking dry or cakey.