Words by Jennifer George
Though we firmly believe there are no strict rules when it comes to make-up, it’s undeniable that as we age, we might be looking for different formulas and finishes to suit our changing skin. As time passes, laughter lines may deepen, signs of summers spent in the sunshine may manifest as pigmentation and dark spots, and as collagen and elastin levels diminish, so can volume and plumpness. When it comes to foundations, you want to find a product that will compliment whilst it covers, not highlight any insecurities.
“As our skin matures, it tends to get more dehydrated”, says Bobbi Brown Pro Artist Hollie Burke, “so I’d highly recommend a foundation formula that is super hydrating and gives a soft glow to the skin.” Further to that, she adds, lines and creases may, of course, start appearing, “so having a formula that doesn’t sit in them, or cake is the best option.”
Here are some of our favourite foundations that flatter the skin, no matter your age.
“I absolutely love this foundation,” says Burke, and we’re inclined to agree. “It’s a skincare foundation hybrid, packed full of lots of gorgeous ingredients to rejuvenate the skin’s appearance.” Aka – perfect for more mature skin. An added bonus, she says, is its high SPF (40), “which is always important, all year round.”
We could just say that this foundation does what it says on the tin, but we’ll give you a little more than that. Glow-boosting but not greasy, a brightening rose complex and hyaluronic acid ensure your skin stays hydrated and happy while wearing this formula, which is available in a wide range of shades (and undertones). The finish is glowy, radiant, and undoubtedly beautiful.
Chanel’s Les Beiges collection is all about natural-looking, healthy finishes, and this formula is no different. A super silky texture, it swathes the skin in a light-reflecting layer of coverage that is long wear, protective and hydrating. The result is radiant beyond belief, without going into shiny territory. It feels so comfortable on your skin that you’ll forget you’re wearing foundation at all.
This formula isn’t technically a foundation, but – forgive us – we had to include them. A hybrid serum-foundation-skin tint product, the lightweight liquid is packed with skincare ingredients (Tsubaki oil for hydration, ginseng for brightening) and glides on beautifully to leave a veil of coverage that will even out skin tone, brighten the complexion and boost skin health whilst it’s on there too.
A legendary formula in the make-up world, this oil-free foundation is beloved by all age groups but works especially well on mature skin thanks to Micro-fil technology, which lifts, sculpts, brightens and hydrates (all words someone with mature skin wants to hear). A medium coverage, it can be built up to something a little sturdier if that’s the finish you’re after and is available in forty shades.
If you’re someone who takes your skincare super seriously, it would be silly to follow that with anything less than exceptional when it comes to caring for your complexion. This concealer-cum-foundation is bolstered by La Prairie’s elasticity-boosting and skin-lifting anti-ageing properties, packed into a creamy and rich texture. It’s a great option for anyone wanting to spot-cover blemishes or dark spots.
If you’re after a lightweight finish just to even things out and perk things up, this might be the foundation for you. It’s super moisturising so great if you suffer from dehydration, which can happen as we age, leaving a radiant, natural sheen of pigment across the skin.
Another low-coverage option is this quite adorably packaged skin tint by Dolce & Gabbana. Their entire make-up range is infused with skin-enhancing Italian ingredients, like the radiance-giving Cilento blueberries in this formula. The finish is glowy, blurring and buildable.
If you’re worried about cakey make-up highlighting wrinkles and texture on more mature skin, what you need is a product that is lightweight and light-reflecting. This foundation comes with a kabuki brush that helps you to really massage it, giving an amazing second-skin like, smooth finish.
Easily applied with your fingers for a natural-looking finish, this creamy formula has Clé de Peau Beaute’s exclusive ‘skin-empowering illuminator’ as the star ingredient, a science-backed booster that offers long-lasting radiance to the complexion.
Finding the right skincare is like finding the perfect jeans – tough, but worth it. Lucky for you, we’ve done the hard part. Discover our top picks and formulas for combination skin.
Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, have mature skin, or balancing combination skin, the right foundation makes all the difference. We’ve rounded up the best formulas to give you the finish you’ve been looking for.
