AS we age, the needs of our skin change and we may notice our favourite foundation no longer seems to work as well.
So which is the best? In this article, we’ve tried and tested the best foundations for mature skin,
There’s no denying that our skin changes as we grow older, and with it our skincare needs.
That once-loved matte finish now settles into fine lines, or our go-to dewy look appears more oily than softly illuminating.
Our complexion also changes: it may become duller, with dry or flaky patches, dark spots can appear and skin can become more sensitive.
As elastin and collagen production decrease, so skin starts to lose its firmness and we start to notice sagging at the jawline, or deeper bags under our eyes.
That’s why you need a product specially formulated for mature skin – but there’s a lot of choice on the market.
We’ve put a number of leading brands to the test – read on for our top picks of the best foundations for mature skin.
Shoppers looking for hydration for the skin should also read our pick of the best moisturisers for mature skin.
How we tested these products
We tested the best foundations for mature skin with the help of an experienced beauty editor and a member of the Sun Shopping team.
Both tested the individual products over several days as part of their regular skincare routine, taking into account texture, ease of application, coverage and feel
Our beauty editor is in her 40s and tests new foundations regularly as part of her job and there isn’t a foundation formula she hasn’t tried.
On the other hand, our Sun Shopping tester is a newbie to foundation and was looking for a lighter look, rather than full coverage.
Both reviewers had noticed the signs of ageing on their skin, such as fine lines, dark spots, wrinkles and dryness, so were looking for foundations that could deal with those, as well as offer extra skincare benefits.
Best foundations for mature skin: at a glance
Best overall: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, £37 (was £45)
Armani’s iconic foundation remains our firm favourite – it’s flawless, radiant, feels silky-soft and lasts all day.
Better yet, it’s currently on sale at LookFantastic.
- Best overall: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
- Best value: Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup
- Best mid-range: No7 Restore & Renew Serum Foundation SPF30
- Best premium: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
11 best foundations for mature skin, tried and tested
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation,
£37 (was £47) from LookFantastic
Pros: Flawless finish, radiance-boosting
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 5/5
A modern beauty icon, this foundation is still a staple in the cosmetic bags of beauty editors and elite make-up artists, because 24 years after its launch, it’s like no other.
It achieves the impossible, combining a truly flawless, radiant and even coverage without any heaviness or caking on all types of complexions. Thus, I’ve gone through many bottles, coming back to it time and time again.
The formula is a true medium coverage you can build a little fuller to hide redness, dark spots and even blemishes without it looking noticeable.
And the finish is just like it says on the bottle, delivering a healthy (but not over the top) dose of luminosity to the skin.
What also sets this foundation apart for me is the feel of the coverage. Enriched with skin-loving glycerin for hydration, it’s weightless on the skin and beautifully silky soft to the touch.
Plus, I’m also giving it full marks for longevity. I don’t need powder on top to make it last all-day.
Size: 30ml, Coverage: Medium, Finish: Radiant, Shades: 36, SPF: No
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Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation, £52 from Boots
Pros: Hydrating formula, glow finish
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 4.5/5
It’ll come as no surprise that Chanel has a collection of first-class foundations, but this lightweight, glow-inducing coverage is a standout for mature skin, which naturally loses radiance over time.
It’s a medium coverage that I’d say sits on the lighter side. I need very little of the silky formula to even my skin tone and deliver luminosity thanks to magical, light-reflecting powders infused in the foundation.
However, on days when I do need a little more to neutralise imperfections it seamlessly layers to a medium coverage — still staying flawlessly natural looking.
It doesn’t sit in my fine lines or pores, thanks to polymer tech that fills them in and creates a smooth canvas — a little like a built-in primer. And, it stays put until I take it off in the evening.
With glycerol packed into the formula, it defends against dryness too, keeping the skin comfortably hydrated.
It comes in a wide range of shades, so there’s a bottle suitable for all skin tones.
Size: 30ml, Coverage: Light-Medium, Finish: Satin, Shades: 41, SPF: No
Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation
Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation, £34 from Sephora
Pros: Feels like second skin, natural finish
Cons: Not for those who want to conceal imperfections
Rating: 4.5/5
With a beauty philosophy that revolves around enhancing natural beauty and not covering it up, it’s no surprise Glossier’s foundation is an 89 per cent skincare-led formulation that imparts breathable, natural-looking coverage.
It’s an innovative formulation that works especially well on mature skin because each pigment is coated in amino acids.
In simple terms, this means it fuses with your skin and flexes with its texture so it never sits in lines or creases, always looking impeccable.
For daywear, I like to buff a little veil over my complexion for coverage that looks like a better version of my skin: one that oozes a healthy glow.
And when I feel like I need a little more to reduce redness and soften dark spots, I build it up to a medium coverage with the help of a buffing brush.
Going back to its whopping skincare infusion, it’s the nourishment it also gives the skin that makes it a top pick for dry, mature skin. Hydration comes courtesy of squalane and glycerin packed in the formula that feels like a drink for thirsty skin.
The formula is also teamed with plant extracts that control shine, so you’ll find there’s no chance of it going patchy or having to top up during the day. You can expect it to last the day like it always does for me.
Size: 30ml, Coverage: Light to medium, Finish: Dewy, Shades: 32, SPF: No
Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid Foundation
Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid Foundation, £42 from Boots
Pros: Radiant skin, silky texture, added SPF
Cons: Can’t vouch for firming claims, lack of darker shades
Rating: 4/5
Made especially with mature skin in mind, this is another radiance-boosting foundation that aims to restore the skin’s youthful glow — both instantly with pigmented coverage and over time with added skincare.
The first thing you notice about this formulation is its creamy, silky texture and how well it glides over the skin, blends and builds. I was left with such a natural, soft-focus finish — both blurring the look of lines and supplying luminosity to the skin.
It balances redness with little coverage and doesn’t completely conceal dark spots, but rather softens the look of them. It keeps skin looking ‘real’ without any heaviness or noticeable cover-up, too.
A combination of plant extracts and hydrating actives work together to plump, nourish and protect the skin, making it feel like skincare rather than a typical foundation to me; it’s super light, breathable and ultra-comfortable.
Plus, with added antioxidants and SPF15 to protect the skin from environmental factors like pollution and the sun’s rays, it ticks so many boxes.
If you’re looking for extra protection against the sunshine, head to our best sun creams round-up.
Size: 30ml, Coverage: Medium, Finish: Satin, Shades: 24, SPF: 15
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation
SPF20, £31.20 (was £39) from Sephora
Pros: Large shade selection, mattifying and radiance-boosting
Cons: Oily T-zones will still need powder
Rating: 4/5
This bestselling foundation for Clinique is ideal for combination or oily skin types, as its satin matte finish leaves behind an all-over radiance, as well as keeping shine at bay where needed.
Clinique calls it full coverage, but I’d say it’s more of a medium that you can build up easily for those days when you need a little extra, without it looking heavy or caking.
What makes this foundation stand out is the serum component of the formula. The skincare-coverage hybrid has been infused with a cocktail of skin-loving superstars, including hydration-boosting hyaluronic acid, brightening vitamin C and salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation.
This means the radiance it gives isn’t just cosmetic. With ongoing use, the antioxidants work to reduce the look of dark spots as well as protect your skin from further hyperpigmentation.
While I can’t vouch for it lasting the 24 hours it promises (as who really needs it to last that long?), I can say from morning to evening it stayed almost flawless. Its longevity is another big plus point.
Size: 30ml, Coverage: Full, Finish: Satin matte, Shades: 42, SPF: 20
Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color Correcting Foundation
Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color Correcting Foundation, £23.48 (was £27) from QVC
Pros: Powder fit for mature skin, neutralises redness
Cons: Not widely available
Rating: 4/5
A much-loved baked powder foundation from across the pond, this is by US make-up artist Laura Geller whose beauty brand is not as mainstream here in the UK as it is in the US. Yet, you’ll find a top selection at QVC, including this bestseller.
I should first state that I’m not a fan of powder foundations, as I find most of them too drying, making me feel like I’m wearing a mask. They usually cake, look uneven or migrate into lines by midday on me. Not this one though.
Instead, the marbleised powder has a creaminess that applies evenly when buffed outwards and upwards from the middle of the face. It neutralised my redness with just a light dusting and softened the look of my age spots.
You can layer it seamlessly too, but it does require a brush with denser bristles on areas where you need more coverage.
The finish isn’t flat looking either, thanks to the multi-colours that both colour-correct and brighten the skin, perking up dull, tired-looking tones, all while still staying natural-looking and not sitting in creases.
Best of all, it’s infused with hydrating ingredients, so it feels very light on my skin, without any dreaded tightness I often experience with other formulas.
This also works very well as a finishing powder on top of a liquid foundation for the ultimate ‘occasion’ make-up that’s locked in place.
Used alone, it now has a place among my staples for daywear when a speedy buff-and-go routine is called for.
Size: 9g, Coverage: Light to medium, Finish: Semi-matte, Shades: 9, SPF: No
No7 Restore & Renew Serum Foundation SPF30
No7 Restore & Renew Serum Foundation SPF30, £21.95 from Boots
Pros: Infused with skincare, high SPF
Cons: Range needs more shades
Rating: 4/5
Just like the day cream with the same name from the highstreet beauty brand, this is a foundation designed for mature skin and it shows.
It’s a serum foundation that’s pumped with some of the best skin-rejuvenating actives that target visible signs of ageing: vitamin C for skin brightening, peptides for plumping and ceramides for nourishment.
These are just some of the powerful skincare ingredients that provide an instant smoother canvas for pigments and work overtime to renew the skin.
Speaking of pigments, the foundation provides such a sheer glow to my skin with just one pump, but sometimes I like to add another for more of a light-medium finish that hides those telltale signs of ageing.
It has an impressive staying power too; on my skin, it stays fresh looking 9-5, without migrating into pores or lines.
This is simply one of the best serum foundations on the beauty shelves, and at such a purse-friendly price, it’s a win-win.
Size: 30ml, Coverage: Light to medium, Finish: Radiant, Shades: 18, SPF: 30
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick, £35 from Space NK
Pros: Soft-focus, glowing finish, very natural
Cons: Not for concealing imperfections
Rating: 4/5
Dubbed ‘the queen of the glow’, it’s no surprise make-up genius Charlotte Tilbury’s newest coverage gave my skin a lit-from-within luminosity.
It comes in a handy stick that’s easy to use – simply swipe and buff out with your fingers.
I love how speedy and effortless the application is, but it’s practical too. I can carry it around in my handbag for on-the-go touch-ups or travel with it, as it’s not a liquid.
The coverage is sheer, so it’s not a typical foundation. I find it’s more like a real-life glow filter thanks to its pearlescent pigments that give skin radiance and it evens skin tone so is ideal for everyday wear.
It blurs the look of lines, wrinkles and open pores naturally, but if you’re looking to hide prominent imperfections, you’ll need to team it with a concealer to do so.
Like many of the brand’s foundations, it features hydrating actives ideal for mature skin, this time in the form of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E that pack a moisturising punch.
These ingredients allow the skin to feel smooth and plump, and give the coverage a weightless all-day feel, too.
Size: 9g, Coverage: Sheer to light, Finish: Dewy, Shades: 20, SPF: No
Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup
Maybelline Instant Anti Age Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup, £12.99 from Boots
Pros: Great value
Cons: Small shade selection, slightly sticky
Rating: 4/5
Maybelline may be the go-to for purse-friendly make-up finds, but the budget beauty brand has a string of offerings that compete in performance with luxury brands, including the now iconic Eraser Multi-Use Concealer.
If you love the eye-brightener as much as I do, you’ll also love this lookalike made for the complexion. It has the same built-in sponge applicator, only larger, that makes application as easy as gliding on and buffing out with fingertips.
Just like its name suggests, it’s a multi-use product that can be used as a glow-boosting primer, concealer, highlighter or a light all-over base for the ‘no make-up make-up’ effect. It’s the latter I like to use it for, as it imparts a sheer coverage that can be built up to a natural-looking light one.
What makes it ideal for mature skin is it doesn’t sit in pores or fine lines. It just lightly evens out the skin tone, including redness, while not masking it. So, this isn’t for you if you’re looking for a base that conceals your skin.
It also feels light and hydrating, thanks to the infusion of hyaluronic acid, although there is a slight tackiness to it. But this makes it a great primer for added glow if you want to use it under a heavier foundation.
Size: 20ml, Coverage: Sheer-light, Finish: Dewy, Shades: 7, SPF: No
Estee Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup
Estee Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup, £39.50 from Look Fantastic
Pros: Both radiant and matte finish, high SPF
Cons: Sheer finish is not for everyone
Rating: 4/5
The iconic Double Wear Foundation needs no introduction with its medium to full budge-proof coverage, but you may not be familiar with this newer version that offers a more natural, very light finish with the same longevity.
A word of warning; this is sheer just as the bottle states, so don’t expect the same coverage as the original. But, that’s what I’m drawn to. It’s skin-like for that au naturel effect that’s so authentic for day-to-day wear.
Evening the skin tone rather than covering it up, you will need concealer layered on more noticeable blemishes and discolouration if you wish to disguise them.
I especially like to use this in the summer, as its oil-free formula also mattifies in all the right places controlling excess oil in the warmer months. It doesn’t even move on my complexion in a sweaty gym session or workout class either.
Plus, it’s loaded with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to hydrate like a light moisturiser that skin soaks up leaving behind an undetectable, natural and velvety finish — perfect for mature skin that needs all the moisture it can get.
Size: 30ml, Coverage: Sheer, Finish: Matte, Shades: 27, SPF: 20
Lumene Invisible Illumination Serum In Foundation
Lumene Invisible Illumination Serum In Foundation, £39.90
Pros: Buildable coverage, brightening, SPF 30, contains skincare ingredients, currently half price
Cons: Only 10 shades, the light finish will not suit everybody
Rating: 4/5
This is perhaps more skincare than foundation, in that the ingredients it contains help nourish and protect your skin.
It provides light coverage and is available in 10 shades. You can also apply more to build the coverage, though one layer was fine for me.
Light-reflecting particles and Nordic Willowherb, have a brightening effect. I also like that it contains hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen to plump and support my skin.
The finish was barely there – my skin but smoother – and I’ll definitely continue to use it.
This is very light though so if you are looking to cover freckles or redness, it’s probably not going to be enough for you.
Size: 30ml, Coverage: Light, Finish: Dewy, Shades: 10, SPF: 30
What ingredients to look for in foundations for mature skin
When selecting a foundation, look for a hydrating formula with skincare ingredients.
A cheap and cheerful product isn’t going to cut it the way it once did; you want your foundation to work hard for you as well as look good.
Go for those containing added extras to help skin hold on to its firmness and elasticity.
For example, vitamin C boosts collagen production. It also brightens and offers some protection against UV rays.
Retinol promotes skin cell turnover, getting rid of dullness and revealing younger skin beneath.
It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, promotes collagen production and reduces inflammation, so helping with breakouts and acne.
Peptides support collagen and elastin production, so improving skin firmness, while ceramides (fats) help keep skin moisturised and smooth.
They also reduce irritation and protect the skin from environmental damage.
Other additions to look out for include everybody’s favourite hyaluronic acid – which keeps skin looking plump by holding moisture in – and niacinamide, which helps smooth the skin, reducing the appearance of pores and ages spots.
Is matte or dewy foundation better for mature skin?
While there is a lot to be said for wearing the foundation that makes you feel the most confident, the type of finish should be considered.
On older skin, matte can look dry. Even when it applies well it has a tendency to slip into fine lines and wrinkles, making them more pronounced due to the build up of product there.
A dewy foundation adds a glow, as well as making your skin appear more hydrated. However it can add too much shine, especially for oily skin.
If this is the case with you then try a semi-matte or satin finish foundation.
How to apply foundation for mature skin
Sometimes less is more and this certainly applies to mature skin.
Full coverage foundation can look too heavy, so consider a lighter product. Build the coverage to a level that suits you while still appearing natural.
Go for products with added skincare benefits, or even choose a hybrid that’s more skincare than foundation, such as the Lumene Invisible Illumination Serum In Foundation we reviewed above or a CC cream.
Applying foundation only to those areas of your face that need it also produces a lighter effect.
And when it comes to the application itself, a brush or sponge is good, though the latter is more blendable, resulting in an even finish.
Finally, complete your base with a touch of concealer.
How to prep mature skin for foundation
Hydrated skin is essential for smooth coverage when it comes to foundation.
The best moisturisers for mature skin contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C and niacinamide.
We love Trinny London Bounce Back Intense Peptide Moisturiser. This contains hyaluronic acid, peptides for increased firmness and squalane for a healthy skin barrier.
Don’t forget to apply an eye cream, which helps smooth the delicate skin under your eyes as well as add moisture.
After that and before applying your foundation, you might want to use a primer to reduce the appearance of fine lines – such as Miracle Blur also from Trinny London, much loved by beauty fans and a bestseller since its launch.
Where to buy these foundations in the UK
Foundations are sold in a range of high-street shops and online.
Anywhere that sells make-up will sell foundations, including department stores, such as John Lewis and pharmacy chains such as Boots and Superdrug.
You’ll also find them in shops like Next, M&S and Primark.
Even larger supermarkets will stock a limited selection of less expensive brands, such as Maybelline.
Our favourite beauty websites include LookFantastic, Cult Beauty and Sephora and they all offer a great selection of foundations.
Individual brand websites are also worth a look and don’t forget Amazon, which stocks thousands of different beauty products.
For Laura Geller products, check out QVC, which carries a great selection.
The foundations in our round-up came from:
How much do foundations for mature skin cost?
There are foundations to suit all budgets, from those available for just a few pounds to the eye-wateringly expensive.
The higher the price point the more you can expect from your foundation.
Some contain extra ingredients to benefit your skin and they are going to cost more, as will products from designer brands such as Chanel and Dior.
The cheapest foundation we tested was Maybelline at under £10 and the most expensive was by Chanel, coming in at just under £45.
For those in the mid-price range, expect to pay around £20 – £30.
There are always special offers to be had though so it’s worth keeping an eye out for those.
If you’re after a specific brand then take a look at their website as they may be offering discounts not found elsewhere. Some also offer a discount off your first order when you sign up to their newsletter.
The Verdict: What is the best foundation for mature skin?
For our beauty editor, the best foundation for mature skin has to be Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation.
She is a big fan of its buildable coverage and luminous finish, and has purchased many bottles over the years.
“It achieves the impossible, combining a truly flawless, radiant and even coverage without any heaviness or caking on all types of complexions,” she says.
Lumene Invisible Illumination Serum In Foundation gets the vote of our Sun Shopping reviewer.
“I love that this contains vegan collagen and hyaluronic acid to support and hydrate my skin, and SPF 30 to protect it from sun damage.
“I find it easy to apply and as a newcomer to wearing foundation I like the light finish – though you can build the coverage if you wish.”
