Sadly with aging comes loss of volume and firmness, fine lines, wrinkles and signs of sun damage such as uneven pigmentation and collagen loss. Instead of burying our heads in the sand, let’s chat about the beauty experts favorite foundations for mature skin 2024.
I have been avoiding this post due to its time consuming nature. I am always on the hunt for the perfect foundation. I have tried many and I read over a dozen articles while preparing this post. You can read all of the articles that I referenced for this post here.
Both beauty experts and makeup artists believe foundation options for mature skin should be lightweight, and light-reflecting, with skin care benefits and hydrating properties. They should have enough coverage to cover redness, and brown spots, without being too thick and heavy or overly matte. A foundation with a heavy matte finish can settle into fine lines and pores and accentuate the negative. Use a concealer on dark spots before applying foundation if you need extra coverage. There are so many options available now. The best formulas contain skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E for added hydration, and sunscreen.
The overwhelming favorite from Armani Beauty is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation. It is oil free (which I like since I have combination skin). It is lightweight liquid foundation that is buildable with a dewy finish. It comes with a large shade range (43 shades) and is an Allure Best of Beauty award winner. I have tried this foundation. I like it but I don’t love it. I do love the Luminous Silk Face and Undereye Concealer. It is pricey but a little goes a long way.
A close second and on nearly everyone’s list, is the drugstore favorite, Loreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum. Its “lightweight blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and aloe vera” hydrates and helps skin look more even. It also has an SPF of 50, and comes in 30 shades.
Beauty Experts Favorite Foundations for Mature Skin 2024
Here is the rest of the pack. There are serum foundations, full-coverage foundations, some with a natural finish, or a radiant finish, and many with buildable coverage to mask the imperfections of aging skin. The list includes serum foundations, gel foundations, and a solid option. Absent are heavy matte foundations or powder foundations.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30
“medium-to-full, buildable-coverage foundation that delivers luminous color to your skin for up to 24 hours”
Chantecaille Gel Foundation
“oil-free gel foundation with a refreshing, lightweight texture and a unique formula with 60% water”
Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation
“delivers 16-hr coverage with a lightweight, natural-matte foundation finish. For normal, oily, and combination skin”
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick
“loaded with skin-nourishing ingredients like squalene for moisture and phytosphingosine for soothing the skin. This cream formula, which is available in 21 shades, melts into the skin”
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection
“long-wearing, lightweight foundation that builds from sheer to medium coverage in a wide range of universal hues that manifest the ultimate sublime skin standard”
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
“A long-lasting, weightless, hybrid skincare-foundation”
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint
“serum foundation with award-winning tinted serum with light, dewy coverage, mineral SPF, and potent levels of skincare ingredients”
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
“award-winning, oil-free liquid foundation that delivers buildable medium coverage and a luminous, glowy-skin finish for a natural makeup look”
Loreal Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
“formulated with SPF 50, Hydrating Serum and Vitamin B3”
Shop Favorite Foundations for Mature Skin
I am trying to incorporate more clean beauty items into my repertoire, and I know many of you are as well. If you have sensitive skin, or are concerned with absorbing harmful chemicals you might appreciate this list. Many of these are also on the most loved list so it is a win win.
Beauty Experts Favorite Clean Foundations
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick
“loaded with skin-nourishing ingredients like squalene for moisture and phytosphingosine for soothing the skin. This cream formula, which is available in 21 shades, melts into the skin”
Chantecaille Gel Foundation
“oil-free gel foundation with a refreshing, lightweight texture and a unique formula with 60% water”
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint
Serum foundation
Jane Iredale-Hydropure Tinted Serum
“ultra-hydrating tinted serum with Hyaluronic Acid that helps plump, soothe, blur lines and even skin tone with sheer coverage”
Sisley Phyto-teint Nude
“fluid skin care foundation with an oil-free formula that helps you achieve an ultra-natural complexion and hydrated, energized skin”
Saie Slip Tint
“lightweight tinted moisturizer with 100% non-nano mineral zinc oxide broad spectrum SPF 35 and packed with a blend of nourishing and hydrating ingredients for sheer, dewy coverage”
Shop Best Clean Foundations
Beauty Experts Best Drugstore Foundations
I am going to head to Ulta tomorrow and pick up the Loreal
BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation SPF 15
“is the ultimate do-everything essential” great options for women of color
Colour-pop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Hydrating Foundation
“Hyaluronic Hydrating Foundation is a lightweight, hydrating foundation that delivers medium-buildable coverage with a natural skin-like finish”
CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation +Glow Serum “medium coverage skin tint and brightening glow serum with spf50”
Loreal True Match Super-Blendable Foundation
“medium coverage and formulated with up to 6 pigments for your most precise match”
Elf Flawless Finish Foundation
“highly blendable formula that goes on smooth as silk, providing medium-to-full coverage and weightless all-day wear. Added perks: it’s supercharged with glycerin to hydrate and soften your skin”
Shop Drugstore Foundation Favorites
A new product (to me) recommended by Kim and Juliette is Lumi Glotion. If your foundation needs a bit of radiance you can add a few drops. It is inexpensive and works great!
EDITORS NOTE PER REQUESTS:
Here is the link to the sweater, glasses and a similar scarf. You can always click shop my instagram at the top of the page as well.
Thank you for reading Beauty Experts Favorite Foundations for Mature Skin 2024. Consider your skin type when choosing your foundation. If you have dry skin opt for a formula with hydrating properties in a liquid or cream form. If your skin is oily, choose a lightweight or oil free formula. Have you tried any of the above formulas? If not please share your personal favorites.
Hey Pal – late to the party here, but when they discontinued my favorite Dermalogica tinted moisturizer, I went to Jones Road What the Foundation. I do like it, I don’t love it – I mix Saie Glowy Super Gel for some luminance. They are both clean brands. I did try the Armani and I didn’t like it. I also tried the La Mer and felt like it was chalky. That was a sad day… $$$$$ 🤑
And I do like the Miracle Balm and wear that instead of foundation when I’m not wearing makeup but want to look a little better. I only wear makeup when I leave the house, so products last me a long time.
Great post!!
Thanks for the extensive research on the best foundations for mature skin. I’m wondering when the Industry will realize the needs and the purchasing power of the mature women. When it comes to foundation less definetly more. Most days I just use a tint like tinted sunscreen or cc cream nude glow and spot conceal the pesky sun spots. Currently, I’m using hourglass vanish primer mixed with couple drops of foundation, any will do.
The primer is so fantastic that the work it does on hiding texture will compensate for the light coverage. I mix them in my hand and apply with my fingers like a cream, it takes me under 3 min to do my entire face and gives me porcelain skin. To finish, a spritz of urban decay all nighter and my makeup stays intact for the entire day
This is a few days late but I re read this post since there were so many product suggestions. Then I realized that no one mentioned setting powder. I find that some lighter foundations seem to disappear rather quickly. Perhaps this is another fun post? Or what are your thoughts? Perhaps I just expect too much from my make ip.
Thanks for all your posts, I’m a new comer and really enjoying it all.
Thank you for the time-consuming work that goes into a post with so much useful information. I currently use it CC but lately have found that it feels a little heavy. I think I’ll give the Loreal foundation a go. Thank you for always giving us such great info. You always look great and in the picture at the top of the post I see Summer’s smile. She has that pretty smile like her grandma
Karen B.
I like Lancôme Skin Feels Good. I add a tiny bit of Glotion, mix and apply. It’s the one I prefer now.
Look forward to each post.
I, too, love the sweater. Source?
Hi Cindy=
Love the picture of you at the top of the post! Many are talking about your clothes but I didn’t even notice because you look so great with your new hair style ,that beautiful lipstick,… You look so alive & fun!
Thanks for all the helpful suggestions!! Really is great to have some knowledge when shopping for make up so you know that you don’t have to go for the most expensive and still can achieve great results!
Hi Nancy
The hair style is actually not new it is just natural!
I rarely leave comments,although I read your blog daily. Please tell me how you styled your hair in your latest post. You are stunning!
I taped my hairstylist doing it so I will be sharing a post soon.
I have an allergy to sun screens. The only one I tolerate is Clinique. It has a tinted oil base and gives a light coverage on its own, and is a mineral based( which is why I can use it).
I use Aveda Mineral Tinted Moisturizer. It comes with a sun screen option ,which I wish all makeup products did. It is also tolerated by my extremely sensitive skin.
Thank you for your makeup article…although I doubt I could tolerate any of them.
PS Clinique gives sample bottles to try
. I found this helpful to rule out sensitivities.
Hi Peggy
Great tip thanks!!
I’ve simplified my routine and now uses CC cream. It gives me everything I need in one swipe. I like the IT and L’Oreal. I also use a touch of the Glotion for that little highlight. I have Dior foundation if going somewhere special but now find it heavy in comparison.
Hi Joanna
I have worn the dior, the it (using currently), Chanel, bare minerals etc. I think my real issue is I prefer a light coverage but the darn dark spots and divits are so hard to cover.
Cindy, I am not confident using a cream foundation, so was very happy discovering Jane Iredale mineral powder. The primer is excellent and feels so silky. Once I have lightly brushed on the powder, there’s a radiance about my skin…hard to explain but it’s there.
I can find the products locally which is helpful. I use the lipsticks and blush as well.
I have taken good care of my skin…you only get one face ! …without spending a lot of money. Aveeno daytime face cream with SPF, Lise Watier at night , after using makeup remover wipes and a light wash with good quality soap. Lines seem to be only on my upper lip…frustrating , but a common issue. Otherwise , I am benefiting from a Mum who had very good skin. I am nearly 74 and live near the water, so the air is moist. I experienced dry skin for 25 years in Alberta, so am happy to be back home. I agree with others about your new photo…lovely!
Hi Cath
I wish I had taken good care of my skin…way too many hours baking in the sun when I was young.
Me too, Cindy. But seeing the way you manage things now – there’s hope for us all. LOVE those glasses. Off to Peepers!
P S Your photo is one of your best so far!
I absolutely agree!
Thank you so much! Trust me the light has to be just right for those closeups or else they are scary!!!
Thank you for all of the recommendations. I just went shopping last week for foundation & makeup as I need to prepare for a family party. Even though there are so many good choices these days I stuck with my tried and true Bare Minerals complexion rescue over Bare Minerals Primer. Goes on lightly but you can add more in layers for more coverage.
Hi Maggi
I used bare minerals for years and it is one of my favorites. It also does not cost an arm and a leg.
I LOVE the photo of you! Keep moving in this looser direction; it is lovely.
Hi Jean Marie
I wore my hair like that for years!! I did not change my cut at all. My hairdresser showed me how to style it. Whether I can repeat it will be the question!!
I am 75 but have good skin due to 20 years of sunblock, vitamin c, and Tretinoin use every day. I love the Chanel # one foundation with camellia oil. It has gotten obscenely expensive, but it is the best foundation I have ever used. It gives a nice natural finish that keeps looking better and better as the day goes on. I apply it with a Beauty Blender sponge for a nice medium finish.
Hi Pam
I like that one as well. I guess I just keep looking for the miracle cure!! I use Retin A every day as well.
Thank you for all you do to make me and my environment were beautiful.
I love your glasses could you please share information about them
I agree! Super cute and unique! Hopefully you can share who makes these and where you purchased them-,thanks Cindy!
Hi Carrie
I added the link to everything at the bottom of the page. The glasses are peepers readers!
Hi Mae
They are readers from Peepers. Here is the link to the readers
https://cindyhattersleydesign.com/shop-my-instagram/
Hi Mae
They are readers from Peepers. I shared the link. You can always click on shop my instagram under the shop link at the top of the page as well.
I’ve used Dr.Hauschka skin products for years now. I’m 75 and have added Perbelle CC for needed coverage around my eyes. I live in Denver and have dry skin. Dr. Hauschka’s tinted day cream moisturizes and provides light coverage. My dry skin loves it! I also use Dr. H’s cleansing cream every night. .Thanks for all your research Cindy. I read your blog religiously.
Hi Heidi
Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Heidi
I have heard many who love that line. I must try it!!
Cindy, first of all you look great! Love the photo. I love Il Makiage- you get it online and you have to complete a questionnaire and then send you the color for your skin type. If you don’t like it, you can return it at no charge. I’ve had people ask me what I use. Feels so natural and covers all the aging spots, etc. Let me know if you try it!
Hi Mary
I will check it out…thank you so much!
Hi Mary
Sounds like I need to try Makiage!
Thank you for your topic today. It was very informative. Do you have any tips about picking out a shade that will match. Thanks.
Hi Rory
Many of the online sources provide matching services.
Thanks for all the great suggestions. I use Naura Bisse sheer cream as a foundation. A bit spendy but you only need a small amount so it lasts a long time. Nice hydration with just a bit of coverage. Cindy, I love the scarf and sweater you are wearing in the photo. Can you please share where you purchasesd both? I have white hair and have a difficult time wearing white. You look beautiful in the sweater and scarf
Hi Becky
I added the link to the sweater and a similar scarf. That scarf is several years old.
Thank you for gathering this much needed boost for older skin types. I’ve used many I’m over 80 and really like Bobby Brown’s Jones Road cosmetics. I feel my skin looks alive and feels so good.
Hi Lee
I love the concept of Bobbie Browns new line. Love her eyeshadows, pencils etc. Unfortunately the micracle balm is too oily for my combination skin. I wish I could wear it!
After trying many foundations through the years, I keep coming back to La Mer. I absolutely love it and will stop trying to replace it. They have a huge range of shades and I found one perfect for my skin tone. Yes, it’s pricey, but you use one pump for the entire face and neck and the bottle lasts a very long time.
Hi Lisa
I have not tried La Mer, I am afraid I might like it!!
I was so happy to see the Giorgio Armani foundation at the top of the list. I have been using it for about two years now and it is amazing. Sheer and lightweight but covers all imperfections including the ones on my nose from mohs surgery. It is pricey but so worth it. I’m 70 years old and as you can imagine I have tried many foundations. This one is a keeper!
Hi Madeline
I have used the Armani foundation as well and it is quite good. It was head and tails above the others. I will probably go back to it. I am searching for the impossible I think
I can’t say enough nice things about Perbelle CC cream. It has no tint so there is no matching your skin tone to worry about. It leaves your face luminous, dewy and “blurred”. A little goes a long way and it is buildable. I’m on my fourth tube.
A beauty blogger suggested mixing primer with foundation – it worked! One less step and primer really does make a difference. I like Dior Touch Eclat, you only need a small pump, so it lasts a long time. The primer seems to make the foundation go on more smoothly than just foundation.
PS – I have tried the ELF foundation – often wear it as my everyday base. Only downside is that the range of colors is limited. I have the “Snow” which is a little too light for my fair skin.
Sorry, I got my names mixed up – the primer I use is YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer.
Great!!
Dior Forever Skin Glow is a great option. It is not cheap but a little goes a long way, it lasts all day, and comes in a wide range of shades. A good investment for sure, especially for dry skin.
Thank you for doing so much research!! I wanted to let you know that my now 79 year old mother many ears ago called me to rave about a foundation that was better than anything and sent me a tube!! I adore this foundation and it is IT CC Cream 50+. It makes your skin look flawlwsss, comfortable to wear and helps my skin improve it’s texture and has a 50+ sunscreen with many other anti-aging benefits!!! You must give it a try!!
Please Please Please get an ad free option. I will pay.
ads are so distracting- but if you install an ad blocker you will not see them. hope this helps
Thank you for all the time you invested in this post. I am gathering that you have not decided upon a favorite. If you do will you let us know? Also, what is the top you have on in the picture at the top of the post. You look adorable!!