Matte makeup isn't ideal for most older skin because heavy, matte formulas can settle into lines, making them look more prominent, and can appear flat or dry, whereas lightweight, hydrating, radiant, or satin-finish foundations that reflect light give a more youthful, plump, and luminous look by blurring imperfections and keeping skin supple. While traditional matte foundations are often avoided, some modern, skincare-infused matte formulas offer breathability and light-reflecting properties, but generally, dewy or satin finishes with hydrating ingredients are preferred for mature skin.
For mature skin, I would recommend luminous foundations. Matte will only sink into all the fine lines and wrinkles and make your skin look worse. A luminous finish is awesome for giving mature skin a boost of radiance while making it look more youthful.
Our Top Foundations for Mature Skin
This is because heavy makeup (particularly matte foundations) formulas can sit in wrinkles and creases causing them to look more pronounced. Instead, choosing a lightweight liquid foundation that looks more like a second skin, and applying it strictly only where you really need it, will give you a healthy radiant glow.
Matte foundation is known for its smooth, shine-free finish. But on dry or unbalanced skin, it can sometimes look more flaky than flawless. If you've been noticing that your base isn't sitting quite right—no matter how carefully you apply it—it might be a sign your skin needs a little extra prep before going matte.
Light to Medium Coverage: Dewy foundations typically offer more natural, buildable coverage, which is great for those who prefer a subtle look. It's perfect if you like a fresh, skin-like appearance rather than a full, matte mask.
While makeup can enhance beauty and boost confidence, giving your skin a break offers several benefits. From healing and preventing breakouts to improving hydration and promoting skin regeneration, makeup-free days are a valuable addition to your skincare routine.
Opt for dewy finish makeup
Mature skin tends to look dull. Choose products that offer a dewy and luminous finish to give your skin a more radiant appearance. Generally, liquid makeup is better suited for dewy finishes than other types of makeup because it offers better hydration.
The "3-1-1 Rule" for makeup (and liquids) in carry-on bags means containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, all fitting into 1 clear, quart-sized, resealable bag, with 1 bag allowed per passenger, ensuring security can easily see and access it during screening. This applies to liquid makeup (foundation, mascara, lip gloss) and other gels, creams, and aerosols, while solid cosmetics like powders or lipsticks in stick form are generally exempt.
Best foundation for wrinkles
L'Oréal Age Perfect Serum Foundation: As mentioned, this is formulated to hydrate and smooth the appearance of fine lines. ILIA Skin Rewind Blurring Foundation and Concealer Complexion Stick: This stick formula is praised for its ability to smooth over texture and not settle into lines.
Say no to powder!
For all makeup products for mature skin, including blush and eyeshadow, try to stick to creams, gels, and liquids. The more hydrated your skin, the younger it will look.
Explore expert-approved lotions and potions that are the next best thing to an in-office treatment.
How to Make Mature Skin Look Younger: Pro Makeup Tips That Actually Work
There's no single "number one," but Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation is consistently praised for mature skin (weightless, luminous finish), while Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance offers hydration, and L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Serum Foundation is a great affordable choice with SPF. Key features to look for are hydration, light-reflecting/glowy finishes, and formulas that don't settle into fine lines, with ingredients like niacinamide being beneficial for skin barrier repair.
If you have oily skin, matte makeup can help create balance by minimizing excess shine, especially in oily areas like the chin, forehead, and cheeks. Those with dry or mature skin, meanwhile, can benefit from dewy makeup, as it helps make the skin look more glowy, plump, and hydrated.
Tinted moisturizers for hydration and lightweight coverage
If you need coverage without drying out your skin, tinted moisturizer is your go-to. Tinted moisturizers have gained immense popularity in recent years as they combine the benefits of a lightweight foundation and a nourishing moisturizer all at once.
Tip 3: Pack Your Makeup
Some airports will require that all of your liquids fit in one clear plastic bag– TSA says that all of the liquids that you're traveling with in your carry-on must fit in 1 quart sized, clear, plastic, zipped bag– so it's smart to have that handled before departure.
Do creams, like concealer and lipstick still count as liquid? And what about lotions and gels? Unfortunately, it's not great news for the over-packers. The Department for Transport defines liquids as “including creams, lotions, oils, perfume, mascara and lip gloss”.
Yes, an older woman can wear mascara on her bottom lashes, but it often requires a lighter touch, a smudge-proof formula, and sometimes a softer color like brown, focusing on definition rather than heavy volume, as heavy application can accentuate fine lines or create a droopy look, while a light coat can open the eyes, but skipping it is also a great option if it doesn't flatter your features. The key is adapting the technique for mature skin by avoiding clumps and harshness.
For older eyes, flattering eyeshadow colors include soft neutrals like taupe, champagne, beige, and light browns, along with subtle pops of color such as peach, dusty rose, soft lilac, mossy green, or plum, focusing on matte or satin finishes to avoid settling into fine lines, and strategically using shimmer on the inner corner or center lid for brightness. The key is to create lift and brightness, using darker shades like soft browns or plums just on the outer lash line for definition, rather than heavy eyeliner.
Lines deepen on dehydrated skin, increasing the chance that foundation will settle in them. Find a hydrating serum and moisturiser to help counteract this. Additionally, a smoothing primer is your BFF! The primer will fill in lines and prevent your foundation from doing the same.
Although it may be counterintuitive, it is better to apply less makeup as you age, rather than more. You may feel like more lines and wrinkles need more coverage, but heavy foundations and cream blushes tend to sink into creases in the skin, thus exaggerating their appearance.
The flawless appearance of Korean skin is the result of a combination of factors: a diligent, multi-step skincare routine; innovative and gentle ingredients; a strong emphasis on sun protection; and a holistic approach to health and wellness.
It is true, expensive doesn't necessarily mean better. Many expensive products contain the same ingredients as less expensive ones (I'm looking at you, MUFE HD Powder) and everything depends on application. Even the greatest high end products will perform poorly with mediocre technique.