The best foundations for mature skin, from £9.99

As any regular make-up wearer may know, finding the best foundations for mature skin can make your look. Choose the wrong foundation for your skin, and it may result in your complexion looking dull and flat, and you can even end up making yourself look older. As our skin ages, it’s more important than ever to choose the right makeup for older women so it stays looking plumped and hydrated.

As we age our complexion can become dryer as our skin produces less oil, which can accentuate fine lines and wrinkles. Dehydrated skin can also lead to a dull-looking complexion. You’ll therefore want to opt for a foundation that gives a radiant finish and has hydrating ingredients, so it doesn’t sit into fine lines or grab onto dry patches. Steer away from anything too heavy, as this can make your skin appear flat and dull — we want to achieve a flawless and healthy-looking glow. Choosing a lighter foundation and adding coverage with your go-to concealer and favourite bronzer for mature skin is the best way to achieve a natural yet flawless finish.

Best foundations for mature skin at a glance:

• Best overall: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation - view on LookFantastic
• Best for full coverage: Avon True Colour Power Stay 24 Hour Longwear Foundation - view on Avon
• Best for a smooth finish: No7 Lift & Luminate TRIPLE ACTION Serum Foundation - view on Boots
• Best for all skin tones: Fenty Beauty PRO FILT'R Soft Matte Longwear Foundation - view on Boots

Don’t forget, before applying foundation, make sure you have a suitable primer for mature skin, as this will create an even base and help it stay on throughout the day.

So, whether you’re after the best foundations for mature skin at an affordable price, a BB cream or CC cream or you don’t mind splashing the cash on a premium foundation, we’ve found the best ones to help you achieve a radiant, natural finish.

The best foundations for mature skin

What's the best way to prep mature skin before applying foundation?

We made sure to ask the experts for their best tips on how to achieve a youthful glow with foundation. We spoke to qualified health practitioner and skin specialist, Tammy Richards, at dispensary brand PureOptical and Hannah Lally, Avon UK's Head of Beauty.

Established in 1886, prestige make-up brand Avon knows a thing or two about make-up and have been a trusted source of inspiration and expertise for women of all ages for many years.

“When shopping for foundations for mature skin, it is common practice for consumers to jump straight into believing product claims and neglect to consider their base,” says Tammy.

"Foundations for mature skin and concealers can sit in fine lines, especially around the forehead (‘number 11s’) and eyes (‘crow’s feet’). A primer that includes silicone will work to disguise fine lines and serve as a base for foundation to lay, without sinking."

Tammy also recommends using a primer with SPF included as a must. "A primer with an SPF is a great option. No matter what time of year it is, SPF should always be worn. It is one of the best (and most affordable) anti-ageing ingredients out there.”

A great SPF option would be the NARS Cosmetics Radiance Primer with SPF35. As well as helping to give even coverage and improve the longevity of your make-up. It will help protect your skin from the sun and revitalise dull and fatigued skin.

"When wearing a foundation at any age, preparation is key," Hannah says. "Always start by applying your moisturiser and primer to a freshly cleansed face, allowing each product to sink into the skin before you apply foundation. When you take the time to prep your skin, you’ll notice your foundation glides on smoother and lasts longer.

"Add a couple of pumps to the back of your hand and apply with a fluffy buffing brush. Start in the centre of the face and work your way outwards to achieve a natural look."

For a silicone-free hydrating option that will help nourish your skin, we'd recommend the Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Hydrating Primer. If you're on the hunt for the perfect concealer for mature skin, take a look at our recommendations.

To set your foundation, we'd recommend a face powder for mature skin.

How do I find the right foundation shade?

Many make-up brands such as No7, Charlotte Tilbury, and Avon have Foundation Finders on their websites to help find the right shade for you. Alternatively, you can go to your local beauty counter to have your make-up shade match found in person.

If however, you have a beloved foundation that's been discontinued or are looking to try the best foundations for mature skin similar to your favourite, you can use Findation to find your match across multiple brands by simply using your existing foundation shade as reference.

Finding the right shade to suit your skin tone in a new buy can be difficult, but this nifty website should help so you don't need to buy and test, wasting money on deceivingly wrong shades. Also, remember, if you purchase a premium foundation, a lot of brands will allow you to swap the product if you do happen to pick up the completely wrong shade.

Marianna 'Maz' Manson is a digital writer at Closer, Yours and heat. She's the resident expert on Celebs Go Dating, Made in Chelsea, Gogglebox and First Dates.