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Finding the right foundation for your skin type can be difficult, especially if you have mature skin.

You may have noticed that your foundation gets stuck between fine lines and wrinkles, or that it appears to highlight your pores. However, without foundation, your skin may look dull, and your dark spots may appear glaringly obvious.

While mature skin is beautiful on its own because it reflects all of your life experiences and wisdom, there’s no harm in admitting that we all want our skin to look radiant and flawless at all times!

Don’t worry, because this is where we come in. We’ve compiled a list of the best foundations for mature skin that will give you that coveted youthful glow.

mature foundation

Credits: @freepik/FreePik

When Does Skin Become Mature?

While adults above the age of 40 are considered to have mature skin, your biological age and your ‘skin’ age may differ.

Some people’s skin exhibit symptoms of maturation sooner due to stress, smoking, nutrition, lack of sleep and even environmental variables like UV damage and pollution.

What Does Mature Skin Look Like?

mature foundation

Credits: @freepik/FreePik, @spukkato/FreePik

As we become older, our skin loses its bounce and suppleness because collagen production slows down and this usually begins at the age of 25.

As collagen production slows, your skin may become dry and dehydrated. You’ll notice tightness in your skin, especially after a shower, and applying matte or powder products appear to result in flaking.

You may also develop deep wrinkles and fine lines that are visible even when you do not move your face.

Hyperpigmentation and dark spots are also common in ageing skin, and the skin appears dull despite getting enough sleep.

You may also notice larger pores, giving your skin a textured and uneven appearance.

How to Choose the Right Foundation for Mature Skin?

mature foundation

Credits: @freepik/FreePik, @mombosschic/TikTok

Texture and Coverage

Foundations for mature skin should be lightweight and moisturising as anything thick will only settle into the lines.

This is why makeup artist Tony Tulve (@ttulvemakeup on Instagram) advocates using liquid foundations that work as your “second skin” and using minimum powder, as it can accentuate lines and texture.

While it may be tempting to go full coverage to cover your blemishes on mature skin, consider the texture of your neck to avoid a disconnection between the face and your neck. This can result in the much dreaded “mask” effect, commonly seen with mature skin.

Moreover, a full-coverage foundation may settle into fine lines to exaggerate textured skin, hence, foundations for mature skin should have a medium or light coverage.

Skincare Ingredients

Foundations are notorious for clogging pores and are known to hasten skin ageing with prolonged use. This is why it’s critical to look for foundations for mature skin should contain skincare ingredients that will deeply nourish your skin throughout the day.

Before that, check if the foundation is non-comedogenic, which means it contains no pore-clogging ingredients like acetylated lanolin, lauric acid, or stearyl heptanoate.

If you are unsure, a quick research of your chosen foundation using incidecoder.com will save you the heartache of purchasing the incorrect product.

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients you don’t want in your foundation, here are some of the key ingredients to look for in  foundations for mature skin:

  • Moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, green tea extra, and panthenol are among the first to look for, as these can increase your skin’s moisture level and prevent flakiness.
  • Vitamin E and niacinamide are also excellent ingredients for mature skin due to their ability to strengthen weakened skin barriers and protect the skin from environmental damage, making the foundation much safer for mature skin to wear for extended periods of time.
  • Additional ingredients in foundations, such as ginseng and caffeine, can provide the skin with the desired plumping effect to compensate for slowed collagen production in mature skin, which causes sagging and wrinkles.

Best Foundations for Mature Skin Under S to S

e.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation

e.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation mature foundations

This semi-matte foundation, formerly known as the Flawless Finish Foundation, is what we reach for when we want our base to look super natural with just a hint of glow.

It is highly blendable and silky smooth, providing medium to full coverage. Like all e.l.f. products, this foundation is not only vegan and cruelty-free, but it’s also very affordable. In fact, it’s the most cost-effective option in our selection today!

Not only that, but the Flawless Satin Foundation contains glycerin to hydrate and soften skin, making it one of the best foundations for mature skin. There are also 40 shades to choose from!

e.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation retails for S$9 (20ml) at e.l.f. e-shop and S$12.45 at Amazon.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation with Clay

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation with Clay mature foundation

While this is one of the most affordable foundation in our selection today, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation with Clay does not fall short of its competitors.

Because of its mattifying liquid formula that controls shine and blurs pores, this foundation is ideal for normal to oily skin.

Its soft and creamy texture also makes it easy to blend while remaining lightweight, giving you a natural and seamless finish that lasts all day.

One tip is to not use too much foundation from the bottle because the consistency is runny and a little goes a long way with this.

If you’re not a fan of the dewy makeup look, this is one of the most wallet-friendly foundations for mature skin that will become your new go-to!

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation with Clay (30ml) retails for S$24.50 at Maybelline e-shop and S$24.75 at Watsons.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint

Following in the footsteps of the Maybelline foundation, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint is another option that’s easy on the wallet.

This hydrating tint is formulated with hyaluronic acid, one of the best ingredients for mature skin, which can provide instant moisture to your skin while improving suppleness over time.

Its water gel-based texture also provides a smooth, fresh, natural finish that does not clog pores or settle into fine lines.

If you’re lucky enough to find a match from one of the 10 available shades, this is definitely one of top foundations for mature skin!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint (30ml) retails for S$21.97 and is available at Amazon.

Sephora Collection Best Skin Ever Foundation

mature foundation

With its vast 50-shade spectrum and light-to-medium coverage, this budget-friendly foundation is definitely worth checking out.

It provides a long-lasting second skin effect while perfectly concealing flaws to create a smooth, even complexion.

With all the nourishing ingredients included, such as anti-pollution algae and natural hyaluronic acid, which moisturises your skin and works as a barrier against external aggressions like blue light and pollution, you’re truly getting a good bang for your buck.

Sephora Collection Best Skin Ever Foundation retails for S$31 (25ml) at Sephora.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation mature foundations

This drugstore foundation is not to be undermined with its lightweight and creamy texture that feels luxurious on the skin and provides a long-lasting medium coverage with a glowing finish.

It is specifically formulated for normal to dry and mature skin due to its watery texture and radiant finish that doesn’t emphasise any dry patches, fine lines or pores and lasts up to eight hours.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation retails for S$28.39 and is available at Amazon.

Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Oil-Free Hydra Foundation

Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Oil-Free Hydra Foundation mature foundations

This foundation contains hyaluronic acid, the number one hydrating ingredient that provides mature skin with the extra moisture it requires.

For those who want a skin-like look without the shine and dewiness, this foundation provides medium to full coverage with a natural matte finish.

Its oil-free formula also prevents it from settling into pores and fine lines while minimising their visibility without caking or creasing.

What makes this one of our favourite foundations for mature skin is that it’s ethically made and if you’re looking for a vegan and cruelty-free option that will last up to 24 hours without needing to be touched up!

Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Oil-Free Hydra Foundation (30ml) retails for S$48.42 and is available at Amazon and US$43 (~S$57.61) at Smashbox e-shop.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare

mature foundation

This is the foundation to use if you have mature skin with large pores and unwanted skin texture and is lauded as the best hydrating liquid foundation in our most recent Daily Vanity Beauty Awards.

The IT Cosmetics foundation, as the name suggests, is the go-to for the #NoMakeupMakeupLook, acting more like a tinted serum than a foundation.

The buildable formula evens out and brightens your skin without making you look like you’re wearing makeup.

As one of our recommended foundations for mature skin, it contains hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin E to reduce the appearance of pores and texture while increasing skin hydration. It also claims to improve the appearance of bare skin in just two weeks!

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare retails for S$58 on Selfridges, S$71 (30ml) at Sephora, and S$67.08 on Amazon.

Clinique Even Better™ Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Clinique Even Better™ Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 mature foundation

If dark spots are your main concern, we recommend trying the Clinique Even Better™ Makeup Broad Spectrum, which contains vitamin C and antioxidants in its ingredient list, to actively lighten pigmentations caused by acne, age, and sun damage with visible results in four to six weeks.

This dermatologist-developed foundation is also gentle on all skin types and has a creamy, hydrating formula to smooth the skin and provide an even, brighter skin tone.

Not to mention that it is sweat, humidity, and water-resistant, as well as non-comedogenic, making it one of the most suitable foundations for mature skin!

Clinique Even Better™ Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 (30ml) retails for S$58 at iShopChangi and Tangs, as well as S$66 at Sephora.

Estée Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturising Foundation SPF 45

Estée Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturising Foundation SPF 45 mature foundation

This foundation received 4.5 out of 5 stars on Estée Launder’s website and was named the winner of the Glamour Beauty Awards 2020 as the best lightweight foundation, and we think it definitely deserves to be on our list of the best foundations for mature skin.

If you’re prone to skin redness and have a weakened skin barrier, the Estée Launder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturising Foundation is infused with IonCharged Water Complex, probiotic technology, and chia-seed extract to soothe visible redness and irritation while also protecting the skin against pollution with antioxidants.

Furthermore, it offers a medium-to-full coverage that can be built up to even out skin tone and conceal redness, dark spots, and imperfections, leaving your base makeup looking plump and hydrated.

Not to mention, it offers one of the highest broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection in a foundation at SPF 45. Because of its functions in makeup, skincare, makeup, and sun care, this is truly one of our holy grails of all-in-one foundations for mature skin.

Estée Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturising Foundation SPF 45 (35ml) retails at S$52.99 and is available at Amazon.

Best Foundations for Mature Skin From S to S

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation

mature foundation

The Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation does exactly what its name implies: it gives you beautiful skin!

The foundation is packed with hyaluronic acid to instantly hydrate your skin, improving its smoothness and brightness over time, making it a must-have for mature skin.

It comes in 30 different colours and provides medium coverage, giving your skin an invisible, flawless finish. Who wouldn’t want to find foundations for mature skin that can conceal their skin concerns while also nourishing their skin?

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation retails for S$62 at Selfridges and S$82 (30ml) at Sephora.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

mature foundation

If you have oily skin, dewy foundations may be the bane of your existence, but matte foundations can look dry and cakey. This is where the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation comes in.

With its astounding 50-shade spectrum, buildable medium-to-full coverage, and soft matte finish, it has gone viral for all the right reasons.

It is one of the best foundations for mature skin that are oily since it instantly makes any skin look smooth, pore-diffused, and shine-free. The climate-adaptive technology also prolongs the wear time as it combats heat, sweat, and shine, making it the perfect foundation for Singapore’s humid climate.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation (32ml) retails for S$62 at Sephora and S$54.13 at Amazon.

Tarte Shape Tape Cloud Coverage

mature foundation

Cloud Coverage could not be a more appropriate name for this foundation because of its light-as-air formula that does not settle into wrinkles and pores.

It offers medium-to-heavy coverage with a bouncy, cloud-like texture that feels light and airy on your face and leaves a natural matte finish.

Tape™ technology also smooths and blurs blemishes for a soft-focus effect, making it one of the most ideal foundations for mature skin and for those who dislike the heavy feeling of base makeup.

Tarte Shape Tape Cloud Coverage retails for S$63 (30ml) at Sephora.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 mature foundations

The Super Serum Skin Tint is a clean foundation that has already picked up several awards, and it is about to become our favourite too!

With skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and plant-based squalane in the formula, it is clinically proven to improve the appearance of dryness, blemishes, redness, wrinkles, and uneven tone over time.

The skin tint is designed to be applied to clean skin as a do-it-all SPF with non-nano zinc oxide added to protect your skin from UV rays, blue light, and pollution, all of which cause skin ageing.

You may be surprised that the tint alone is all you need without any additional skincare, but if your skin is particularly dry, we recommend using a silicone-free moisturiser.

One thing we like about ILIA is how attentive the company is to its customers. If you’re not sure which shade will look best on you, you can send a selfie to their website and get a personalised recommendation!

As if that weren’t enough, the skin tint is also vegan, non-comedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin. A potent blend of makeup, skincare, and SPF in one seamless step, it’s truly one of our top recommendations in foundations for mature skin.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 retails (30ml) for S$82 at Amazon and S$76 on Shopee.

Make Up For Ever Reboot Foundation

mature foundation

This lightweight liquid foundation addresses skin concerns such as dullness and sagging caused by ageing, fatigue, and pollution with Active Care Matrix Complex, a smart biopolymer structure that treats your skin’s surface like a face mask.

It contains redsnow extract, which brightens the skin, and ginseng, which firms and plumps it. Furthermore, the silky formula offers buildable light to medium coverage with an ultra-luminescent finish.

Make Up For Ever Reboot Foundation retails for S$73 (30ml) at Sephora and Make Up For Ever e-shop, and S$46.90 on iShopChangi.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation mature foundations

The Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation is literally #lifeproof, making it one of the best foundations for mature skin for today’s busy ladies.

Even in the hottest weather, this velvety matte foundation remains completely retouch-free once applied.

The formulation of the Lancôme foundation contains colour-true NAI pigments that keep the skin’s PH level stable, allowing the colours to stay true all day without caking or creasing.

The Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation comes in 20 shades and will continue to be our top pick for days when we just want our base makeup to look flawless all day!

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation retails for S$71 on iShopChangi and S$81 and is available at Lancôme e-shop, and S$80 at Sephora.

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation

mature foundation

This is one of our go-to foundations for mature skin that are dull as it contains 70% skincare ingredients as well as peptides and tumeric to improve complexion. Using it on a regular basis will make your skin look radiant, even when you’re not wearing the foundation.

The NARS Light Reflecting Foundation is also popular among influencers and celebrities because of its Photochromic Technology, which is a “photo-friendly” powder that adjusts complexion tone in response to the intensity of light so that your skin never looks washed out in flash lighting.

In real life, it gives you a soft-blur finish, making you look picture-perfect on camera, as if you’re using a beauty filter.

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation retails for S$80 (30ml) at Sephora, Tangs and NARS e-shop

Best Foundations for Mature Skin Above S

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation mature foundation

If you’ve been looking for foundations for mature skin, you’ve probably come across the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation.

The foundation provides a radiant, skin-like effect on the skin due to the unique Micro-fil technology, which allows the foundation to lay flat on the skin’s surface rather than coating on like a mask.

It is ideal for mature skin because it provides medium-buildable coverage while remaining lightweight and, as the name implies, silky.

The 40-shade range also makes it a versatile option, and you will undoubtedly find a foundation match that is perfect for your skin!

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (30ml) retails for S$92 at Zalora.

CHANEL Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation Hydration and Longwear

CHANEL Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation Hydration and Longwear mature foundation

CHANEL’s Healthy Glow Foundation Hydration and Longwear remains as one of our cult favourite foundations for mature skin due to its composition that reduces skin concerns commonly found on mature skin, such as blemishes, fine lines, and visible pores.

With a water content of more than 40%, this ultralight emulsion formula hydrates the skin throughout the day, keeping the skin’s outermost layer hydrated, so you don’t have to worry about flakiness for dry skin.

The best thing about this foundation is that even after 12 hours, your skin will be glowing, with a smoothed out, refined complexion that looks essentially flawless.

It is also non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) and dermatologist-tested, making it suitable for even sensitive skin.

CHANEL’s Healthy Glow Foundation Hydration and Longwear (30ml) retails for S$101 and is available at CHANEL e-shop.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation mature foundation

Distinguished by its innovative Light-Adjusting Technology, this is one of our most recommended foundations for mature skin as it addresses the three common skin ageing concerns: fine lines, uneven skin tone, and hydration loss.

The formula contains a blend of transparent pearls, microcrystals, and advanced optical filters that adapt to any lighting condition, giving your skin a balanced and luminous appearance no matter where you are. This means no more jump scares in flash photos!

For dry and dull mature skin, the Smooth Trio Complex in this foundation will attract and retain moisture to the skin, while the mandarin peel extract improves the skin’s brightness with long-term wear.

Despite its high moisture content, the foundation’s medium to full coverage is completely budge-proof.

As one of our favourite foundations for mature skin, its SPF 30 protection adds an extra layer of defence against UV rays, which are the enemy of mature skin due to their ability to rapidly deteriorate the skin’s condition.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation (30ml) retails for S$80 and is available at Tangs and Sephora.

Dior Forever No-Transfer 24H Matte Foundation SPF 15

Dior Forever Matte Foundation SPF 15 mature foundations

You can be confident that your base makeup will not slip even on the busiest of work days thanks to the 24-hour transfer-proof wear of the Dior Forever Matte Foundation.

The medium coverage matte finish ensures that your makeup base is smooth and free of pores, as well as resistant to heat and humidity, even on Singapore’s hottest days.

Foundations for mature skin should always include skincare ingredients. In Dior Forever Matte Foundation, key ingredients such as iris extract protects against oxidation, while rose extract refines skin texture and wild pansy extract promotes healthy-looking skin.

Dior Forever Matte Foundation SPF 15 (30ml) retails for S$99 and is available at Sephora and Dior e-shop.

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick mature foundations

As a true Singaporean, you will definitely appreciate the convenience that the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick offers as one of the most portable foundations for mature skin in the market.

It provides on-the-go coverage that makes touch-ups a breeze, as well as medium to full buildable coverage that allows you to customize the level of coverage.

The Skin Foundation Stick has a natural finish that mimics the appearance of healthy skin tone and texture while remaining lightweight.

If you think a stick foundation will be too dry, think again. It contains key ingredients like olive extract and shea butter, which leave the skin feeling moisturised.

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick (9g) retails for S$88 and is available at Takashimaya e-shop.

Best Foundations for Mature Skin Under 0

Sisley Sisleÿa Le Teint Anti-Aging Foundation

Sisley Sisleÿa Le Teint Anti-Aging Foundation mature foundation

If you’re a fan of Sisley skincare, which employs the science of phyto-cosmetology or, in layman’s terms, the adaptive, protective and regenerative ability of plants, then this foundation is your new must-have!

Soy peptide, vitamin E acetate, and cherry blossom extract are just a few of the anti-ageing ingredients included in the foundation to revitalise mature skin and promote a youthful appearance.

We love using the Le Teint Anti-Aging Foundation on days when fatigue and wrinkles are especially visible on our faces for a smooth, youthful glow that lasts up to eight hours.

Sisley Sisleÿa Le Teint Anti-Aging Foundation (30ml) retails for S$215 at Sisley e-shop.

Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Foundation

mature foundation

With vitamin C, E, and caffeine, Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Foundation addresses fine lines and wrinkles on mature skin.

Despite being a matte foundation, it does not get cakey or dry, instead providing a soft and silky feel.

The microsphere powder creates a soft-focus finish by blurring flaws and making the skin feel smoother over time. If you have oily or combination skin, this luxurious foundation will not disappoint.

Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Foundation retails for S$146 (30ml) at Tangs and Sephora.

Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation SPF 40

mature foundation

We’ve heard repeatedly about how important wearing sunscreen is and how it’s the number one enemy of ageing.

Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation has an impressive SPF of 40 to give you a second layer of UV protection from your sunscreen.

It is also termed as a serum foundation because of its lightweight serum-esque texture despite offering medium-full coverage with zero cakiness.

Its ingredient list is also uniquely extracted from watermelon, apple and lychee seed, providing full moisture and coverage on the skin for up to 12 hours even in humidity, making it one of the most hydrating foundations for mature skin!

Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation SPF 40 retails for S$110 (30ml) at Sephora and Tangs, and S$98 at iShopChangi.

La Mer The Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation

mature foundation

The La Mer Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation, which is infused with the brand’s hero ingredient, Miracle Broth, which includes soothing fermented sea kelp, enhances the skin’s natural beauty with its weightless, luminous formula.

If you’re a fan of the La Mer skincare line, this is one of the game-changing foundations for mature skin as it doubles as a skin treatment with similar effects. It improves the appearance of skin by healing it from within and smoothing out any visible imperfections.

La Mer The Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation retails for S$240 (30ml) at Sephora and La Mer e-shop, and S$220 at iShopChangi.