With Mature Skin in Mind, These Foundations Blur, Smooth, and Hydrate Fine Lines (2025)

“This is an overall good foundation for those seeking fuller coverage, but with a natural finish that doesn’t easily crease,” says dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf. It has titanium dioxide to protect against sun damage, glycerin to hydrate, and the brand’s special Micro-fil technology built-in to mold to the skin for seamless, buildable coverage.

Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, glycerin

Sizes: 0.1–1 fl. oz.

Shades: 40

Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “I was a broke college kid when I was introduced to this foundation, and a purchase has never made me happier. Forget the price tag; this foundation smooths textured skin and doesn’t settle into fine lines. And it offers a glowy, natural base that photographs well. Plus, the formula plays well with other products in my collection.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

Everything about Danessa Myricks’ beauty offerings is designed to mimic a healthy, natural yet glam glow. No need to worry about the formula settling into lines and wrinkles, as its lightweight texture delivers a surge of moisture via squalane and ceramides to cushion the skin. Plus, it offers a luminous dry-down and just-woke-up freshness that doesn't look cakey or heavy.

Key ingredients: Ceramides, squalane

Size: 1.58 fl oz

Shades: 20

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I could entrust my entire makeup routine to Danessa Myricks because she understands that makeup should enhance without feeling too heavy or overly matte. This serum foundation offers buildable, breathable coverage that looks better as the hours pass by.”—NP

Mellinger calls this a light-to-medium coverage foundation and praises its wide shade range “fit for every skin tone,” she notes. Not only is it extremely buildable, but it’s also infused with serum.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, avocado oil

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Shades: 35

Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars

Our expert says: “It’s especially well-suited for mature skin thanks to its hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and avocado oil, which help retain skin’s moisture.”—Mellinger

If you’d rather be wearing serum than a foundation, this formula is for you. Made with 25 active skin care ingredients, it gives skin a veil of hydration, protects from free radicals, and brightens skin tone all while providing a flawless base.

Key ingredients: Cordyceps extract, titanium dioxide

Size: 1 oz.

Shades: 27

Nordstrom rating: 3.9/5 stars

An ELLE expert says: “This moisturizing, serum-based formula offers a beautiful, hydrated finish and can build to a fuller coverage if needed. It contains cordyceps (or mushroom) extract that energizes dull skin and boosts the skin’s radiance and SPF 40 or 30, depending on the shade. High SPFs can alter darker pigments, so the SPF is uniquely adjusted in this formula to keep the deeper foundation shades color true.”—Shakeshaft

Available in 12 shades, this mineral-based formula features zinc oxide and titanium oxide to block harmful UV rays and a few oil-absorbing ingredients to help keep excess sebum at bay. That said, it’s designed to work for all skin types and shouldn’t dry you out, even if you have a naturally dry complexion. Plus, it’s noncomedogenic, so it shouldn’t cause breakouts.

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium oxide, kaolin clay, mica

Size: .35 oz.

Shades: 11

Good Mineral rating: 5/5 stars

Our expert says: “This is a great powder option for mature skin as it doesn’t set into the skin or pores. Instead, it creates a physical protective barrier on the skin that prevents caking and allows you to build the amount of coverage you want.”—Graf

Crafted specifically for mature skin, this beloved drugstore foundation aims to smooth, plump, firm, and brighten all in one. There’s hydrating hyaluronic acid and panthenol for suppleness, niacinamide to shrink pores, and vitamin C for evening out tone and boosting collagen production. It’s also meant to offer a radiant finish, making it great for anyone who prefers lighter coverage.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, panthenol, niacinamide, vitamin C

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Shades: 15

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I am a 70 year-young woman with wrinkles. I have to be careful which foundation I use, because I have laugh lines and a combination of dry/oily places on my face. I LOVE that Covergirl partied with Olay, because the outcome is stellar! This is a light foundation yet covers any dark spots and applies evenly. It does not cake in creases yet covers seamlessly! It stays for 24 hours if you need it that long. Great product. It is all I purchase for foundation needs.”

Sad truth: pimples can crop up at nearly any age, even when you’re far beyond your hormonal teenage years. For those with aging, acne-prone skin, a moisturizing yet lightweight foundation is your best bet. According to customers, its creamy texture is easily buildable and blends effortlessly to cover stubborn blemishes.

Key ingredients: Squalane, aloe extract, jojoba oil, shea butter

Size: 0.71 fl. oz.

Shades: 12

Koh Gen Do rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our expert says: “This one contains one of my favorite anti-aging ingredients, squalane, which will also help with pesky adult acne as it can help balance sebum production, is noncomedogenic, and won’t feel heavy on the skin. Additionally, aloe extract, jojoba oil, and shea butter help moisturize the skin to keep it looking supple.”—Mellinger

Dr. Graf suggests that those who prefer minimal coverage should reach for a hydrating BB cream—like this one from bareMinerals. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and squalane to deeply nourish and fortify the skin barrier. Even better, it contains SPF 30—or the minimum amount of sun protection advised to be used daily by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane

Size: 1.18 fl. oz.

Shades: 20

Amazon rating:

An Amazon reviewer says:

“If you are struggling with extreme redness or hyperpigmentation showing through the foundation, you can try using a color corrector and a concealer in those targeted areas,” says Shakeshaft. “Color correctors are a gift from heaven when trying to correct color that is in such contrast to the natural skin tone.” Featuring over 21,000 five-star reviews, It Cosmetics’ formula helps camouflage imperfections while using nourishing hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to quench and blur pores. What’s more, it has SPF 50+ and antioxidant-rich vitamin E to combat free radical damage that can lead to wrinkles.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E

Size: 1.08 fl. oz.

Shades: 22

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m not a makeup person but thought I should have some nice stuff for special occasions. I did some research on the best makeup for mature skin and found this. It really is great stuff! Full coverage but not heavy, cakey, or oily. It stays on too! I might even get a second lighter shade for my ‘winter’ skin.”

Oily, mature skin types, this one’s for you. Dior’s Forever Matte Foundation helps prevent shininess, but it also includes stearic acid to help lock in moisture so you won’t look dry or cakey. For sun protection, it includes titanium dioxide and octisalate, the latter of which also improves the product’s resistance to water and sweat for lasting coverage.

Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, octisalate, stearic acid

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Shades: 42

Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This foundation is hands-down the best! It controls my oils, makes my skin shine-free, and blurs out my pores! It makes my skin look so perfect but also natural at the same time! It lasts all day, and you only need a little bit! I highly recommend it!”

If something portable and multipurpose is what you’re after, Westman Atelier’s top-rated foundation stick is just what your makeup bag needs. Built for blending, contouring, and concealing, this makeup artist-designed formula helps keep mature skin hydrated and healthy with veggie-derived squalane, coconut oil, and barrier-boosting berryflux vita. As for the finish, expect to get buildable, lightweight coverage that’s radiant and natural-looking.

Key ingredients: Squalane, coconut oil

Size: 0.31 oz.

Shades: 21

Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I have mature skin and have been looking for a new foundation for over a year since mine was discontinued. This foundation applied like butter and melted into my skin. Color match was perfect, covered hormonal acne, and lasted through a day of teaching 13 year-olds (teaching can be sweaty). New foundation search is over. I found a winner.”

I’m in my late 20s and struggle with dry, flaky patches and some discoloration—and I swear by this affordable foundation. It offers medium coverage that flawlessly hides my dark spots without feeling heavy like many full-coverage alternatives—and it includes a touch of SPF. Since it has glycerin and dimethicone, it also feels silky to the touch while locking in moisture and strengthening the skin barrier—all of which are benefits for aging skin, too. Case in point: dozens of reviewers say it worked well for their mature complexions.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, dimethicone

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Shades: 12

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Before finding this treasure, I was spending a lot more at Sephora on foundation. This was amazing for my normal to dry 50+ skin. I get a lot of compliments on how radiant my skin looks (I also moisturize twice daily, and exfoliate two to three times weekly). I think this makeup is a great value for the money, and I hope it stays around for a long time.”

Prefer foundation that provides a barely-there look? This formula provides lightweight coverage but still evens out skin. Plus, ingredients like vitamin C help brighten.

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamin C, rosa damascena

Size: 1.2 fl. oz.

Shades: 12

Iris&Romeo rating: 4.7/5 stars

Our expert says: “I love this formula for those who are foundation-averse but still need a bit of coverage to even out pigmentation. It offers super light coverage, is super hydrating, and completely error-proof—simply use your fingers and blend out well. Not only does it contain SPF 30, but it also has vitamin C and rosa damascena extract that both boost collagen for plumping effects.” -—Mellinger

Ilia’s clean makeup products are all about protecting and enhancing the skin, including its popular Super Serum Skin Tint. The fragrance- and oil-free formula is meant to be safe for sensitive complexions, packed with nourishing hyaluronic acid, niacinamamide, and squalane. Additionally, zinc oxide helps block harmful UV rays while fighting against pollution.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacimamide, squalane, zinc oxide

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Shades: 30

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I never write reviews but I have to say, and pardon my French, this product is f***ing incredible. It is so light and breathable yet it looks like I’ve been airbrushed. The glow is dewy and perfect. The color matches my skin perfectly. And it really does leave skin better after wearing. I get pimples from normal makeup and have sensitive skin. Zero issues with this product whatsoever. It feels like I’m wearing nothing.”

“I prefer liquid foundations for mature skin as they tend to be lighter in texture, and we are usually trying to minimize texture,” says Mellinger. “However, cream foundations can be used if either sheered with a damp sponge or blended properly with a brush. Cream foundations, by nature, contain more hydrating ingredients, which can look really beautiful on dry skin. You just want to be careful not to go too heavy with a cream foundation, as it will pile into fine lines and wrinkles,” she adds.

For those who prefer lighter coverage, Dr. Graf recommends using a BB or CC cream, which “can deliver moisturizing ingredients to the skin,” she mentions.

Still, she says you don’t need to rule out powder foundations altogether as long as you know what you’re looking for. “While some powder formulas can be too drying for mature skin, certain powder foundations are great options and specifically formulated to work with mature skin,” she notes.

First things first, don’t forget to prep your skin. “Think of your face as the canvas for your makeup,” says Dr. Graf. “Treating your skin to the best of your ability beforehand makes application easier, and the results look better. Use a hydrating moisturizer and a primer specifically designed for your skin concerns, like redness or pore size. Once the moisturizer with an SPF and smoothing primer are applied, the foundation is ready to be stippled on.”

With liquid formulas, Mellinger advises “applying foundation with a brush and then sheering out with a damp sponge,” she says. “Some tinted moisturizers or serums can simply be applied and blended well with your fingers, but those tend to be much lighter in coverage with more room for error.”

“If you like to wear foundation on the full face, first apply a sheer layer all over, then build coverage only where you feel like you need it,” adds Shakeshaft. “Going straight in with a full coverage all over tends to look heavy, it doesn’t wear as long, and is more prone to settling into fine lines and wrinkles.”

Don’t prefer a glowy look? Dust on a sheer layer of powder atop your liquid foundation to help reduce shine, suggests Shakeshaft.

Katie Mellinger is a fashion & celebrity makeup artist.

Michele Shakeshaft is a Washington, D.C.-based makeup artist and National Pro Artist for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

Dr. Jeannette Graf is a board-certified dermatologist and the assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, New York.