The 12 Best Foundations for Mature Skin, Loved by Testers and Dermatologists

Radiance-boosting formulas that bring out your beauty.

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Best foundations for mature skin collaged against pink and purple gradient background

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

If you’re starting to notice sun spots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or less elasticity in your skin, you might be developing what dermatologists call "mature skin." As the name suggests, it's natural for your skin to mature as you grow older, but genetics, as well as how much exposure your skin gets to the sun or pollution can make it mature faster too. But the good news is, if you're experiencing any of these concerns, there are products that can help—including foundations that blur, hydrate, and even help counter some of the environmental causes of skin aging.

That's why board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, recommends that you look for a foundation that has active ingredients, like antioxidants and moisturizing agents. “Look for an antioxidant formula to [help] stimulate collagen formulation, help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and lighten discoloration and hyperpigmentation,” she says. While coverage level is a matter of personal preference, those with mature skin might want to blur texture and blend discoloration with a formula that doesn't settle into fine lines or accentuate dry patches.

So which ones are best? To find out, we conducted extensive research on highly-rated options before selecting 23 to put to the test. We evaluated each one based on its coverage level, ingredients, finish, shade range, application, and look on the skin. Keep reading to see which ones impressed us the most. 

Best Overall

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

Sephora

Our Ratings
  • Coverage
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Wear
    5/5
  • Finish
    5/5
  • Transfer Resistance
    5/5
What We Like
  • Blurs the appearance of texture and fine lines

  • Lightweight 

  • Easy to blend

  • Buildable 

  • Skin-like finish 

  • Extensive shade range

  • Covers redness and dark spots effectively 

What We Don't Like
  • Not ideal for those that want full-coverage  

Out of all the foundations we tested, this one impressed us the most across each of the attributes we evaluated them on: coverage level, ingredients, finish, shade range, application, and look on the skin. From a super-lightweight, liquid consistency, and effortless blendability, to buildable coverage and a gorgeous, natural-looking finish, this foundation is an all-around pleasure to use. 

In testing, we found that it blended across our face evenly and streak-free with both a sponge and a brush, and while it only boasts medium coverage, it covered breakouts and dark spots almost entirely. The formula is also buildable, so you can layer it up to achieve your desired coverage, and it also does a great job of blurring the appearance of fine lines and skin texture. It looks and feels extremely balanced when you put it on too: it’s not dry and it doesn’t cling to dry patches, but it’s also not oily or overly radiant so it creates a truly natural-looking finish. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid and squalane, two ingredients that help to keep the skin moisturized. Lastly, we’re impressed with the shade range. Comprised of 43 shades that are nicely dispersed across the depth and undertone spectrums, you’re bound to find a shade that matches your complexion.

Coverage: Medium | Shades: 43 | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: No 

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation

Sephora

Our Ratings
  • Coverage
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Wear
    5/5
  • Finish
    5/5
  • Transfer Resistance
    5/5
What We Like
  • Seamless application and blendability 

  • Doesn’t settle into fine lines 

  • Buildable 

  • Lightweight 

  • Moisturizing feel on the skin

What We Don't Like
  • Only comes in 10 shades 

We loved this foundation almost as much as our best overall pick, but because of the limited shade range of just 10, it’s coming in as our runner-up. Still, given how beautiful this formula is, we hope the brand extends the shade offering so more people can experience the goodness. Formulated with a moisturizing blend of jojoba oil, olive squalane, and shea butter, it felt nice and hydrating on the skin without crossing over into greasy or heavy territory. The lightweight consistency blended in quickly and without creating streaks, and we were impressed by its buildability and how well it covered redness and hyperpigmentation. What's more, it didn’t cling to dry areas, nor did it settle into fine lines—a serious win when looking for a foundation to work on mature skin. Once applied, our skin looked smooth, healthy, and radiant.

Coverage: Medium | Shades: 10 | Finish: Luminous | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Best Full-Coverage

Gucci Full Coverage Luminous Matte Finish Foundation

Gucci Éternité de Beauté SPF Foundation

Gucci 

Our Ratings
  • Coverage
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Wear
    4.6/5
  • Finish
    5/5
  • Transfer Resistance
    4.9/5
What We Like
  • One layer provides full, even coverage 

  • Lightweight 

  • Buildable 

  • Blurring 

  • Extensive shade range

What We Don't Like
  • Fragrance is relatively strong 

A lot of matte, full-coverage foundations can look heavy on the skin and emphasize fine lines and texture, but not this one—we were pleasantly surprised by how beautiful it looked on mature skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and black rose oil to moisturize, as well as bamboo powder to absorb shine, this foundation is a great option for people with mature skin who prefer a matte finish. It’s completely matte and non-greasy, but it’s not drying, which is key to it looking and feeling great on the skin all day long. Just one layer provides full-on coverage that nicely covers hyperpigmentation, and we also loved that it had a blurring effect on pores and skin texture. Despite boasting full coverage, it’s lightweight and totally comfortable once it dries. In addition to how well it covers and how beautiful and non-chalky the matte finish looks, we also appreciate that it comes in a fantastic shade range that extends from very fair to very dark and includes a variety of undertones. 

The one thing we don’t love about this option is that it has a relatively strong floral fragrance that a lot of luxury brands use in their products. This isn’t ideal if you have sensitive skin, but if you don’t mind fragranced makeup, we think you’ll love this foundation from Gucci.

Coverage: Full | Shades: 40 | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: No 

Best with SPF

Kosas Revealer Foundation SPF 25

Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25

Sephora

Our Ratings
  • Coverage
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Wear
    4.7/5
  • Finish
    5/5
  • Transfer Resistance
    4.3/5
What We Like
  • Full of soothing and hydrating ingredients

  • Natural finish

  • Extensive shade range 

  • Buildable

  • Lightweight, liquid texture

  • Blurring

What We Don't Like
  • Could have better transfer-resistance

Although it’s important to apply a separate sunscreen underneath your makeup for adequate sun protection, some added protection via a foundation with SPF is nice to have. This one is excellent because it has a lightweight, liquid consistency that’s effortless to blend onto the skin, provides buildable coverage, and has a natural, skin-like finish. We also like that it contains hydrating ingredients (including hyaluronic acid, squalane, and peptides) and soothing and brightening ingredients (like arnica, caffeine, and niacinamide). 

During our test, we were impressed by how nicely this product covered redness and how well it seemed to blur the appearance of pores and fine lines. We preferred blending it out with a foundation brush to maximize the coverage since a sponge absorbed a decent amount of the liquidy formula, but if you prefer a more sheer application, applying it with a sponge is the way to go. We did find that it transferred more than other foundations during our transfer test with a blotting sheet, but we think this would be mitigated a bit by setting it in place with a light layer of powder. All-in-all, it’s a beautiful foundation and a great option for those seeking a product that contains SPF.

Coverage: Medium | Shades: 36 | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Luminous

Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation

Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation

Sephora

Our Ratings
  • Coverage
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Wear
    5/5
  • Finish
    5/5
  • Transfer Resistance
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight, liquid consistency 

  • Skin-like finish

  • Looks undetectable on the skin 

  • Blurring 

  • Extensive shade range

What We Don't Like
  • Could be more buildable 

A long-time favorite among makeup artists and Byrdie editors alike, it’s no surprise that this iconic foundation impressed us during our test on mature skin. With a weightless, liquid consistency, it glides on and blends into the skin seamlessly, creating a veil of medium coverage that looks truly undetectable. It works to blur the appearance of texture and blemishes, and we love that it has nice coverage but it also lets your natural skin peek through a bit. The formula is slightly buildable, though it’s worth noting that you’re not going to be able to build it up for a super opaque coverage. 

Perhaps what makes it stand out from competitors is the finish. It’s like what natural skin would look like on a really great skin day—even with a hint of radiance. It feels hydrating without bordering on greasy, making it a perfectly balanced pick for those with mature skin who want to look like themselves but with an elevated glow.

Coverage: Medium | Shades: 40 | Finish: Natural/luminous | Cruelty-Free: No 

Best Matte

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Foundation

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Sephora

Our Ratings
  • Coverage
    4/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Wear
    4.6/5
  • Finish
    5/5
  • Transfer Resistance
    4.9/5
What We Like
  • Crease-resistant 

  • Matte finish isn’t too dry or chalky

  • Buildable  

  • Lightweight 

  • Very extensive shade range

What We Don't Like
  • Coverage could be better 

  • Dries down fast which requires quick blending 

As our skin gets older, it loses moisture which, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, can cause your skin to feel dry and flaky. Because of this, many people with mature skin experience dry patches and a lack of radiance, though of course, this isn’t the case for everyone. If you have oily skin, experience some greasiness in your T-zone throughout the day, or simply prefer matte makeup, this foundation from Fenty Beauty is an excellent choice. 

With a lightweight texture, one layer works to even out discoloration and provide a soft matte finish that doesn’t look or feel too thick or dry. The brand advertises it as a full-coverage foundation, and while we found it to be more of a true medium-coverage option, it can be built up slightly. Also, note that it dries down and sets on the skin quickly, so you’ll want to work on small areas of your face at a time. Once applied, it looks soft and smooth on the skin and best of all, it’s crease-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about it emphasizing fine lines or wrinkles.

Coverage: Medium to full | Shades: 60 | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Natural Finish

Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

Sephora

Our Ratings
  • Coverage
    4.6/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Wear
    5/5
  • Finish
    4.7/5
  • Transfer Resistance
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight 

  • Skin-like finish 

  • Melts into skin quickly 

  • Blurring 

  • Extensive shade range 

What We Don't Like
  • Might not be long-lasting on oily skin

This foundation from Nars is perfect for those who want to achieve an even-looking complexion without mattifying it or adding a ton of shine. With a truly natural, skin-like finish, it works to blur the appearance of texture and discoloration without appearing heavy or mask-like. We loved that the fluid consistency melted into the skin in seconds before setting down and feeling undetectable on the face. It didn’t accentuate fine lines or dryness, rather it created an overall more blurred and even-looking skin tone. Once applied, it held up well during our transfer test where we used a blotting sheet to see how much product and oil came off the skin. We’re continuing to test the wear, though it’s worth noting that some online reviewers say it only holds up on an oily T-zone for a few hours before breaking up. However, if you have balanced or dry skin, this shouldn’t be an issue for you. 

Although other products we tested come in more shades, this one does come in an extensive range that offers options for very pale skin, very dark skin, and everything in between. If you’re looking for a great everyday foundation that will even your skin tone while maintaining a natural-looking appearance, we highly recommend this one.

Coverage: Sheer | Shade Range: 10 shades | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Read Full Review: The Nars Light Reflecting Foundation Gives My Skin a Hydrated, Healthy Glow 

Best Hydrating

Make Up For Ever Reboot Active Care Foundation

Make Up For Ever Reboot Active Care Revitalizing Foundation

Sephora

Our Ratings
  • Coverage
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Wear
    5/5
  • Finish
    5/5
  • Transfer Resistance
    4.7/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight 

  • Blends quickly 

  • Buildable 

  • Beautiful radiant finish

What We Don't Like
  • Can emphasize pores 

  • Shade range could be better

If you’re dealing with dry skin and you’re looking for a foundation that will feel moisturizing and will also make your skin look hydrated, this one from Makeup Forever is a great choice. It’s formulated with moisturizing glycerin and ginseng which can help with collagen production, and the lightweight, water-rich texture feels incredibly soft and hydrating. The consistency is very blendable, and we loved that just one pump added an even layer of light coverage to the skin. One layer worked to cancel out redness and create a radiant-looking complexion, though you can build it up slightly to offer more coverage in specific areas. 

We noticed that it did subtly emphasize the appearance of pores, which is not uncommon for dewy, light-reflective foundations, but we think setting the T-zone with powder can help mitigate this. As for the shade range, we appreciate that it extends from light to deep, but we do wish there were more options for fair skin and dark skin, as well as more diversity in terms of undertones. But if you can find a shade that matches your skin tone and you’re in the market for a radiance-boosting product, this one performs nicely and provides a beautiful glow.

Coverage: Light | Shades: 22 | Finish: Radiant | Cruelty-Free: No 

Best Long-Wearing

Chanel Ultra Le Teint Flawless Finish Foundation

Chanel Ultra Le Teint Flawless Finish Foundation

Ulta

Our Ratings
  • Coverage
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Wear
    5/5
  • Finish
    4.6/5
  • Transfer Resistance
    4.8/5
What We Like
  • Crease-resistant 

  • Easy to blend 

  • Provides excellent coverage 

  • Buildable 

  • Blurring

What We Don't Like
  • Can feel slightly heavy 

If you’re looking for a foundation that will last all day long, and that you can rely on during a special event, we highly recommend checking out this one from Chanel. While we’re still doing further testing for longevity, we’re confident it’s a solid choice because of its glowing online reviews for wear time and how crease-resistant and transfer-resistant it was when we tested it.

The liquid formula blends out with ease, providing excellent covering abilities and a soft matte finish. It applied nicely with both a sponge and a brush, but we found that using a damp sponge worked the best to achieve the most even coverage and a more natural-looking result. We loved how seamless and blurring it looked on the skin (it softened the appearance of pores nicely), and we were quite impressed that it didn’t settle into fine lines or emphasize dryness. Two pumps provided pretty full coverage across the face, though we were able to build it up even more in specific areas where needed. Once applied and set down, it created an air-brushed finish that looked soft and matte but not dry

Out of the foundations we tested, this one was among the heaviest in terms of how it felt on the skin, but take that with a grain of salt because this was marginal—it didn’t feel heavy per se, it just didn’t feel as weightless as other options. Overall, we think it looked gorgeous on mature skin and we recommend it for anyone looking for longevity out of their foundation.

Coverage: Full | Shades: 35 | Finish: Soft matte | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Dark Skin Tones

Blk/Opl True Color Pore Perfecting Liquid Foundation

BLK/OPL True Color Pore Perfecting Liquid Foundation

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Coverage
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Wear
    5/5
  • Finish
    4.8/5
  • Transfer Resistance
    4.6/5
What We Like
  • Buildable 

  • Blurs the appearance of pores 

  • Affordable

  • Crease-resistant 

  • Easy to blend

What We Don't Like
  • Nothing

While we’re impressed with the shade ranges of most products on our list, it’s no secret that makeup has long lacked options for those with deep and dark skin tones. If you have deep or dark skin and you struggle to find a perfect shade match, we absolutely recommend trying this pick—it’s fantastic. The texture is lightweight and easy to blend with both a sponge and a brush, and we loved how seamless and skin-like it looked. It offers light to medium coverage that lets your natural skin shine through a bit, but it still does an excellent job at concealing blemishes and creating an overall more even skin tone. Plus, we did notice that it’s buildable. 

Once applied, it looked slightly dewy but not at all greasy. It made a noticeable improvement in the appearance of pores and texture, and it didn’t settle into lines or cling to dryness. It performed like a high-end foundation, so for a fraction of the cost, we can’t recommend it enough.

Coverage: Light to medium | Shades: 12 | Finish: Dewy | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Best Lightweight

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation

Sephora

Our Ratings
  • Coverage
    4.6/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Wear
    4.5/5
  • Finish
    4.8/5
  • Transfer Resistance
    4.3/5
What We Like
  • Quick and easy to blend

  • Weightless, liquid consistency 

  • Crease-resistant

  • Beautiful satin finish  

What We Don't Like
  • Can emphasize pores a bit 

  • Transfers 

Though modern foundations are lightyears better than ones from the past in terms of their feel on the skin, some still do feel like heavy makeup. If you’re super sensitive to the feeling of product on your skin, this option from Pat McGrath Labs is right up your alley. The consistency resembles that of a serum—it’s a bit thicker than water but not as thick as a lotion. The completely weightless texture blends out quickly and evenly with a sponge and a brush, and we loved how the medium coverage formula evened out the skin without creating a cakey look. It’s not the most buildable option we tested, but you can add a second layer for a bit more coverage without it looking or feeling even the slightest bit heavy. 

The natural finish has a bit of radiance to it which is great for adding some glow back to mature skin types, but you won’t have to worry about it becoming too oily. During testing, we loved that it didn’t settle into creases, though we did notice that it settled a bit into enlarged pores. However, this can be remedied by finishing your look off with a layer of powder. We also recommend setting it with powder because it did transfer during our blotting test. Despite very minor grievances, this one impressed us and we definitely recommend it for those seeking a super-lightweight option.

Coverage: Medium | Shades: 36 | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: No 

Best Stick

Westman Atelier Vital Skin

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick

Violet Grey

Our Ratings
  • Coverage
    4.6/5
  • Feel
    4.7/5
  • Wear
    4.5/5
  • Finish
    4.3/5
  • Transfer Resistance
    4/5
What We Like
  • Buildable 

  • Formulated with squalane for moisture 

  • Inclusive shade range

  • Looks smooth over texture

  • Crease-resistant 

What We Don't Like
  • Transfers 

  • Can become oily quickly 

Foundation sticks are great for people who are on the go or for those who prefer quick, easy, and mess-free foundation application. While a lot of stick formulas can feel a bit stiff and dry, this one is emollient and moisturizing thanks to the inclusion of squalane in the formula. It’s also easy to blend. It has medium coverage that’s buildable and looks smooth on the skin, and we found that it blended out the most seamlessly with our fingertips or a sponge. We also appreciated that it didn’t emphasize skin texture or settle into lines. It did transfer during our blotting test, but we believe a layer of powder would help prevent transfer during wear.

If you tend to get greasy, this one might not be ideal for you because it does turn a bit oily in the T-zone, though it’s an excellent choice for dry and balanced mature skin types because of this moisture and radiance. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use stick that offers nice coverage and a natural, radiant finish, this one is definitely worth giving a try.

Coverage: Medium | Shades: 21 | Finish: Natural/radiant | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Where We Stand

Out of all the foundations for mature skin that we tested, our favorite is the Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation thanks to the lightweight texture, natural finish, blurring capabilities, and extensive shade range. If you’re looking for an option formulated with hydrating and soothing ingredients (and SPF protection), the Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25 is the perfect choice. 

How We Tested

To find out which options outperform their competition, we conducted extensive research on highly rated options before selecting nearly two dozen to put to the test. We evaluated each one based on its coverage level, ingredients, finish, shade range, application, and look on the skin. We also turned to online reviews and expert recommendations to gather more information on performance and formulations.

Person applying Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25 in mirror

Byrdie / Joy Kim

Testing in Progress

One of the most important factors when considering a foundation is the wear time and how it feels on the skin throughout the day. We've sent our top picks out for long-term testing where we’re also evaluating each product for these factors. Results will be updated to reflect these insights as soon as they're available. Still, based on our research we suggest Chanel Ultra Le Teint Flawless Finish Foundation if you're looking for a great long-wearing foundation.

What to Look for in Foundation for Mature Skin

  • Ingredients: Although you can get moisture and antioxidant benefits from your moisturizer before foundation application, Dr. Green recommends seeking out a formula that contains moisturizing ingredients and antioxidants, like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide, as well. The Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25 is a nice option because it contains niacinamide, peptides, squalane, and Provitamin B5 (a humectant). (You can also look for anti-aging foundation formulas, too.)
  • Texture: According to makeup artist Jenny Patinkin, a foundation that’s thinner and lighter in texture will help to best camouflage any blemishes without sinking into lines or large pores that you’re trying to detract attention from. The Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation and the Makeup Forever Reboot Active Care Revitalizing Foundation have the most lightweight textures out of the ones we tested. 
  • Finish: Luminous or radiant finishes can sometimes be a bit too glowy for more mature skin, whereas matte ones can tend to look flat and dry, says Patinkin. Of course, this will vary depending on your specific skin and your preference, but for a nice middle ground, she recommends opting for one with a radiant finish, like the Makeup Forever Reboot Active Care Revitalizing Foundation
FAQ
  • How do you apply foundation for mature skin?

    When it comes to mature or aging skin, Patinkin says it's best to use a patting or tapping motion to achieve a flawless application. “The stretching and tugging that can happen when using fingers or a brush can not only accelerate the further breakdown of collagen and elastin, but when the skin stretches during application, it will naturally bounce back in place and carry the makeup with it," she says. "This is what causes creasing and settling."

  • Is mineral foundation good for mature skin?

    Patinkin suggests avoiding foundations with mineral-based formulas if you have mature skin. “They tend to have a heavier level of coverage and a higher powder content, both of which can end up accentuating the age-related changes we want to camouflage, such as enlarged pores or fine lines.”

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She’s been using and testing foundations for more than 10 years, and she’s tried almost every single one on this list for herself. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty. 

For this story, contributors spoke to experts to discuss important things to consider when looking to purchase foundations for mature skin. Those experts include:  

  • Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with a practice in New York City. She's a frequent media contributor and skincare expert.
  • Jenny Patinkin, a celebrity makeup artist, beauty expert, and entrepreneur known for her eco-friendly and age-aware approach to beauty.
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. Wong QYA, Chew FT. Defining skin aging and its risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2021 Nov 11;11(1):22075. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-01573-z. PMID: 34764376; PMCID: PMC8586245.

  2. Song, K. C., Chang, T. S., Lee, H., Kim, J., Park, J. H., & Hwang, G. S. (2012). Processed Panax ginseng, Sun Ginseng Increases Type I Collagen by Regulating MMP-1 and TIMP-1 Expression in Human Dermal Fibroblasts. Journal of ginseng research, 36(1), 61–67. https://doi.org/10.5142/jgr.2012.36.1.61

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