8 best foundations for mature skin: Formulas that deliver hydration and added radiance
By Suzanne Baum March 23, 2023
Embracing our look as we get older can involve making tweaks to our skincare and make-up routine to ensure that, as our skin matures, the products and ingredients we’re using will still match our needs.
With everything from pigmentation and wrinkles to middle-aged acne and enlarged pores becoming possible areas that we may want to address, finding the best foundation for our skin as it evolves is a must. After all, the right product can make all the difference when it comes to flattering the skin and helping it really glow.
So, how do you choose which foundations are best suited to mature skin? Although some of the tried-and-tested formulas in our round-up are aimed at specific skin issues, experts recommend choosing a product with multifunctional properties that will target all areas.
Obviously, finding a foundation that provides maximum coverage and the right shade is extremely important, but make sure that moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalane, which mimic the skin’s natural oils, also feature – hydrating the skin is important as we age and helps foundation sit nicely on the skin, without caking, or drying out the skin barrier.
With more options than ever before, we know it can be overwhelming finding the best foundation that’s going to work for your mature skin – so, we’re here to help, with our guide to the best options.
How we tested
We went face to face with these foundations to see if they were easy to apply, comfortable to wear, long-lasting, provided the right kind of coverage and, most importantly, gave a youthful appearance to the skin. We applied each one in the morning, on top of our usual skincare routine, minus a primer, to see how well they fared alone. These are the foundations that stood out.
Best for sensitive skin: Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation
What we like about this product most is that it is so soothing to the face and, being our best pick for sensitive complexions, it’s perfect for everything from menopausal skin to post-operative.
The original formula was created by a doctor for burn patients to use, so that explains why this foundation produces such great coverage. Our 49-year-old tester had numerous breakouts at the time of testing and found that, as well as covering these up, this foundation worked well as a [skin renewal] product too. This is because the breathable formula is able to get to work without irritating the skin underneath it.
Our tester only had to use two pumps of the product to see results, and it was easy to apply with fingers, so you won’t need a brush to blend it out. This could also be a good go-to foundation if you have regular laser treatments, owing to the fact it can create a flawless glow while also covering up any red patches resulting from facial treatments.
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