The best foundations for mature skin

Say bye-bye to heavy, cakey foundations and welcome flawless formulas that’ll give your face an instant lift

Jul 12, 2023 9:00am

Over the years, you'll start to find that the same foundation you used in your twenties or thirties doesn't quite cut it any more.

So, while we can't escape the changes our skin will go through, we can choose products that don't exaggerate our issues and instead, make us feel confident.

After applying a hydrating serum or moisturiser for glowing skin, a great foundation is the base of all good makeup looks. If you're noticing your skin has become drier, more lined, or prone to pigmentation, then it might be time to switch your base to a product that suits your personal concerns.

Nourishing foundation formulas are better for mature skin, so here's some visibly plumping and hydrating beauties that promise not to settle into fine lines. Read on to consult our guide to the best foundation for mature skin in NZ.

Which type of foundation would be most suitable for a mature skin?

When choosing a foundation for the more mature skin, there are several things you might want to consider:

1. Hydration: Your skin will become drier as you age, so look for a foundation that is moisturising and hydrating. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, aloe vera and squalene will help keep your skin hydrated through the day, so look for products that contain them.

From left to right: Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation, $23.49, from Chemist Warehouse, L'Oreal Age Perfect Serum Foundation, $27.37, from Chemist Warehouse, bareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Foundation, $71, from Mecca.

2. Coverage: Heavy or thick foundations can make mature skin look dull and cakey and settle into your fine lines and wrinkles. Instead look for foundations that have a lightweight formula with coverage.

From left to right: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation, $86, from Mecca, Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation, $86, from Sephora, Clarins Skin Illusion Velvet Foundation, $72, from Life Pharmacy, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $119, from Sephora.

3. Anti-aging properties: There are several ingredients you should look out for that have anti-aging benefits to help improve the texture and appearance of mature skin, these include: hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamin C.

From left to right: Max Factor Miracle Pure Foundation, $48.99, from Farmers, Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation, $160, from Life Pharmacy, Revlon Age Defying 3X Foundation, $48, from Chemist Warehouse, L'Oreal True Match Serum Foundation, $27.74, from Chemist Warehouse.

4. SPF: Sun damage is a major contributor to aging skin, so choosing a foundation that has an SPF in it can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. The SPF in foundation is nowhere near as effective as an SPF on its own though. Always apply a sunscreen product and then a foundation with SPF for another layer of protection.