Best Makeup for Aging Skin Over 40,50 and 60 That Can Help Cover Wrinkles
Finding the right foundation for mature skin can be difficult. We want a powder foundation that doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles but provides enough coverage to cover our imperfections.
There was a time when a woman with aging skin in her 50s or 60s would never wear a powder foundation because it accentuated wrinkles, making the skin look worse. But nowadays, newer formulas are silkier, so you can get that flawless and radiant finish without worrying about getting a cakey look.
Powder foundation is a good option for oily or combination skin because it helps blur imperfections and absorbs excess oils. It can also help to prevent the polka dot pores look from appearing on your face after foundation application!
From drugstore to high-end, we’ve rounded up the best powder foundations for mature skin.
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If you’re curious (or in a hurry):
✅ This specific foundation is the most popular with our readers.
It’s a great powder foundation, and it gives light coverage! It’s available in 35 shades and has a lot of 5-star reviews.
Best Drugstore Foundation
L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Powder
This brilliant, finely milled formula contains skin tone-enhancing pearl pigments. It’s available in 16 shades, divided into warm, cool, and neutral. It’s great for mature skin because it gives a blurred effect and a natural, airbrushed look.
It has light coverage and is lightweight, so you won’t feel or look like you’re wearing a lot of makeup. Plus, it provides oil control, so your skin looks matte but natural.
The formula of this powder is super blendable, and it applies easily to the skin with a powder puff or brush.
It comes with a sponge applicator that you can use to apply and blend the product into your skin. I prefer to apply it with a dense and fluffy brush to get the most natural finish.
The best way to apply this powder is to start with a small amount and pat it gently onto the skin. Avoid rubbing or blending in circular motions, as this will move the product around too much without giving you enough coverage.
PRO TIP: Patting the powder with a brush helps create a blurred effect while minimizing the look of pores.
This powder is more suitable for oily skin with minor imperfections, as it doesn’t provide full coverage. If you have hyperpigmentation or redness, you may need a concealer or a medium to full-coverage powder foundation.
Overall, this is an affordable and great-quality powder foundation for mature skin.
It might cling to dry patches, so ensure your skin is moisturized before applying.
This powder is also great for touch-ups throughout the day, as it doesn’t look cakey.
It has good lasting power, too, and stays put for hours.
Pros:
– Lightweight
– Easily blendable
– Absorbs excess oils
– Available in 16 shades
Cons:
– Might cling to dry patches
– Not available in dark shades
Milani Conceal + Perfect Shine-Proof Powder
This lightweight, oil-free formula is available in 8 different shades. It’s one of the best drugstore powder foundations and has a creamy texture that blends easily into the skin.
It provides light to medium coverage and gives the skin a natural finish.
This powder is perfect for the days you want to get better-looking skin instantly. It helps blur the pores’ look and doesn’t emphasize wrinkles.
Pat it gently on the skin with a fluffy powder brush for light coverage. You can use a dense brush for more coverage.
It has a beautiful matte finish that lasts all day and is great for oily skin.
You can use it to set your foundation or BB cream for a long-lasting look or wear it alone for light coverage.
Pros:
– Lightweight
– Easily blendable
– Absorbs excess oils
– Gives a beautiful matte finish
Cons:
– Shade range could be better
– Does not provide full coverage
Best Foundation for Over 60
Dior Diorskin Forever Perfect Matte Powder Foundation
Some medium-coverage matte powders can make skin look dull and tired, but not this one from Dior. Thanks to its extra-velvety formula, it gives the skin a natural finish and makes it look flawless.
It’s finely milled and provides medium to full coverage to hide some skin imperfections.
The trick to getting a natural but airbrushed finish is applying it correctly. It comes with a sponge that has a velvety texture on one end and a spongy texture on the other.
Use the velvety side to get light coverage or to set your liquid foundation if you’re using one.
The spongy side is best for applying the powder in areas that need more coverage.
You can also apply the powder with one side of the applicator and blend it with the other to control the coverage.
For example, I dip the sponge in the powder and then use the velvety side to blend the product into the skin.
For better results, pat the powder gently on the skin and distribute the product in swiping motions.
Avoid using any circular motions, as this will make the product look patchy.
This powder foundation can give the skin a beautiful medium to full coverage when applied correctly. It looks great in photos, too, so it’s perfect for special occasions. It’s available in 8 shades, and it’s worth the price!
Pros:
– Provides medium to full coverage
– Long-lasting
– Natural finish
Cons:
– Not enough shades
Best Powder Foundation for Mature Skin Over 50
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Turn Up The Base Versatile Powder Foundation
This powder contains Rice Silk Powder which helps create a smooth appearance.
It blurs the look of fine lines and wrinkles and has a unique creamy formula that is very comfortable to wear.
The shade range is impressive, with 32 different shades to choose from.
You can build up the coverage easily, and it’s perfect for those who want the light to medium coverage look.
It has a natural matte finish that doesn’t look heavy or dry on the skin.
The best way to apply it is with a sponge or a dense, fluffy brush. Start patting it where you need more coverage, and then blend outwards.
Avoid rubbing the powder in circular motions, as this will make it look patchy.
I like to build coverage by adding a second layer to get a more polished look. However, I’ve found that it might look cakey if you add more than three layers, so keep it light for the best results.
The price is reasonable, so it’s worth the investment.
Pros:
– Lightweight
– Doesn’t settle into fine lines
– 32 shades available
Cons:
– Not suitable for full coverage looks
Best Full Coverage Foundation
Lancôme DUAL FINISH – Multi-tasking Longwear Powder Foundation
Most full-coverage foundations can look drying and heavy on mature skin. They might also accentuate smile lines and wrinkles, making you look older.
When you want medium to full coverage, try this powder foundation from Lancôme.
It has a lightweight formula that does look cakey and offers a shine-free matte look.
It doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles, making it suitable for older mature skin.
You can apply it using the puff with it, but you can also use a fluffy brush to get lighter coverage.
It’s available in 11 shades, and I wish they could extend the shade range to include more skin tones.
Despite the matte finish, it doesn’t look dull and works well for dry skin. Make sure to moisturize your skin, give your moisturizer some time to sink in, and apply the powder foundation.
To get a long-lasting look, you can apply it on top of a primer which helps to prevent the foundation from separating.
Choose a primer that works best for mature skin. Avoid heavy primers as they might emphasize fine lines and wrinkles. Check out this list of the best primers for older skin for more suggestions.
Pro:
– Provides medium to full coverage
– Lightweight formula
– Long-lasting
Cons:
– Limited shade range
Best Natural Looking Powder Foundation
CLINIQUE Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder
This oil-free formula gives the skin a matte finish with natural sheer coverage. It makes the face looks smooth and even, which makes it a great powder foundation for aging skin.
It is perfect for someone who doesn’t want a lot of coverage but still needs a lightweight powder to even out the skin tone.
It’s a great choice for a quick everyday minimal makeup look.
You can apply it with a dense brush or a sponge instead of a powder puff to get more coverage.
It doesn’t keep the skin shine-free for many hours, so you might need to touch it up every few hours. It depends on how oily your skin is.
The shade range could be better as it only includes ten shades.
Pros:
– Lightweight formula
– Natural finish
– Sheer coverage
Cons:
– Limited shade range
MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder
This slow-baked powder provides a beautiful satin finish that looks like your skin but better.
It’s a great choice for people who prefer a natural look, as it provides light coverage.
It’s not shimmery or dewy but also not matte and doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles.
You can apply it with a brush for sheer coverage or with a sponge to get more coverage.
It might not be the best choice for oily skin, as it doesn’t provide enough oil control.
I tried the shade ‘light plus’, a pale golden beige, and unfortunately, it oxidized on me. I noticed that it turned orange after one hour of wear, so I needed to get a lighter shade.
Pros:
– Satin finish
– Natural-looking coverage
– Doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles
Cons:
– Not suitable for oily skin
– Oxidizes on some skin tones.
TIP: While setting powders to differ from powder foundations, you can use a setting powder alone to even out your skin tone and get a natural look. For more suggestions, check this guide on the best setting powders for mature skin.
bareMinerals BAREPRO 16-HR Skin-Perfecting Powder Foundation
This one is for you if you want a talc-free powder foundation with light to medium coverage.
It blends easily into the skin and creates a natural matte finish.
I like to apply it by buffing it gently with a dense brush. You can also pat it for more coverage, but the buffing technique works best for a natural finish.
It doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles and lasts well on the skin without separating.
The shade range is quite impressive and includes 35 shades.
Pros:
– Talc-free formula
– Natural matte finish
– Blends easily into the skin
– Long-lasting
Cons:
– Might look cakey if you apply too much.
Best for Oily Skin:
Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Setting Powder
This is an ideal option if you have oily skin and want a light coverage everyday foundation.
It comes in ten shades and mainly works as a setting powder. You can also use it as a light coverage powder foundation.
It blurs the pores, doesn’t settle into fine lines, and controls oils throughout the day. It’s also oil-free and finely milled.
Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s worth it because it can last all day, even in high humidity and heat.
I don’t use this powder when I want full coverage, as it might look cakey if you apply too much. I keep it for days when I want a natural look.
For best results, pat it gently with the makeup sponge on the skin. Blending it in circular motions won’t give good results as it’s thin.
Pros:
– Lightweight formula
– Long-lasting
– Controls oils and shine
Cons:
– Doesn’t give full coverage.
FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation
This powder foundation is ideal for oily and combination as it mattifies and controls shine during the day.
It has a soft, smooth formula that doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles. It gives light coverage, so it’s great for those who want a minimal makeup look.
For better results, apply this foundation with a light hand. It might look cakey if you apply too much.
The shade range is great, with 50 shades, so finding the perfect match shouldn’t be difficult.
Pros:
– Mattifying finish
– Lightweight formula
– Long-lasting
– Great shade range
Cons:
– Not suitable for dry skin.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation
This powder foundation gives the skin light coverage and a beautiful matte finish.
You can layer it if you need more coverage in certain areas. It blends well and is also long-lasting.
It also has an amazing variety of shades, making it suitable for different skin tones.
The shade range is not as good as the Fenty powder foundation, but it still has a decent selection.
The powder is quite thin and silky; you can apply it with a brush or sponge. I like to pat it on with a dense brush for the most coverage.
It doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles, so it’s a good choice for mature skin. Make sure to use a small amount and layer it if you need more coverage. Applying too much at once can make it look cakey.
Pros:
– Lightweight formula
– Long-lasting
– Blurs imperfections
Cons:
– Can look cakey if you apply too much
Best for Dry Skin:
Gucci Poudre De Beauté Mat Naturel Beauty Setting Powder
If you have dry skin but still like powders, try this one from Gucci. It has micro-reflecting powders to provide a smooth application for a radiant complexion.
This powder is very smooth and firmly pressed. It blurs the skin without making it look cakey or heavy.
Because of its lightweight formula, applying this powder with a sponge instead of a brush is best.
I’ve found that brushes tend to apply too much, making this powder look heavy on the skin.
It works well for mature skin as it doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
Like many luxury products, this powder has a pleasant smell. It’s available in 11 shades that can suit many different skin tones.
It provides light coverage, and it’s also long-lasting.
Pros:
– Radiant finish
– Lightweight formula
Cons:
– None
Best Sweat-Proof Powder Foundation:
Urban Decay Stay Naked The Fix Powder Foundation
This silky powder formula has moringa seed oil which is hydrating and helps protect the skin.
It doesn’t look cakey or heavy, even on dry skin, and gives a beautiful matte finish.
You can apply it with a fluffy brush to get light coverage, or you can tap it with a sponge. It blends easily into the skin and doesn’t emphasize fine lines or wrinkles.
This powder foundation offers light to medium coverage and is lightweight, making it a great foundation for the hot summertime.
It is available in 9 shades which is not bad, but it might be a bit limiting.
Pros:
– Long-lasting
– Lightweight
Cons:
– Limited shade range
Best Mineral Powder Foundation
Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation REFILL SPF 20/15
This mineral powder foundation has a great formula for mature skin because it contains micronized minerals.
It feels very lightweight and blends beautifully into the skin without settling into wrinkles or emphasizing dry patches.
This foundation enhances your complexion while giving you a matte light to medium coverage. It looks natural but gives enough coverage to make your imperfections less visible.
It’s available in 26 shades, and it’s also 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
It has an SPF too, which helps to protect from sun damage. However, always wear a separate sunscreen first if you’re going out in the sun. Makeup with added sunscreen may not be enough to protect your face.
The only downside with this powder foundation is that it’s sold in a refill form, so you must put it in a refillable compact.
Pros:
– 100% vegan and cruelty-free
– Light to medium coverage
Cons:
– Sold in a refill form
Best Cream to Powder Foundation for Mature Skin
Milani CONCEAL + PERFECT SMOOTH FINISH CREAM TO POWDER
This foundation is one of the best cream foundations for older skin.
It has a creamy texture that’s easy to apply with your fingers or a sponge. It blends well and gives a beautiful finish that looks cakey on the skin.
It provides medium coverage, and you can add more layers for full coverage. Make sure to work in thin layers, as it can look cakey if you apply too much.
There are 22 shades available, so finding your shade range can be easy.
Pros:
– Creamy texture
– Medium coverage
– Wide shade range
Cons:
– Can look cakey if you apply too much
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the best powder foundation for mature skin. The two main things you need to consider when picking out a new foundation are the formula and the type of coverage you prefer.
If you want a smoothing light to medium coverage, try the ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Powder Foundation. It comes in sleek packaging that’s great for travel, so you can keep it in your makeup bag for touch-ups.
If your mature skin is more oily, choose a mattifying foundation like the MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation Or the FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation.
For dry skin, the Gucci Poudre De Beauté Mat Naturel Beauty Setting Powder provides a smooth application and a radiant complexion.
As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more sensitive to sun damage. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen, as it’s an important part of your skincare routine. Protecting your skin from harmful rays helps to prevent wrinkles and age spots.
In addition to my powder foundation, I always keep one or two Cotton Swabs in the inside zip pocket of my purse.
Cotton swabs help to remove any makeup that might get stuck in fine lines and wrinkles.
FAQ
What to Look For in a Powder Foundation for Mature Skin
A light formula
There are many powder foundations, but if you have mature skin, it is best to pick a lightweight formula. This will give your skin the necessary coverage without making wrinkles more pronounced.
Thick formulas can look cakey and heavy on the skin, making you look older.
Good ingredients
You can also look for powders with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps to give the skin the hydration it needs.
Other ingredients like niacinamide or moringa seed oil can help to provide anti-aging benefits.
A natural and satin finish
If you want a dewy, radiant look, focus on satin finish foundations instead.
Dewy foundations can make your wrinkles look worse and emphasize the size of your pores.
Powder foundations with satin or semi-matte finishes have been designed to give your skin a natural-looking appearance.
Is Liquid or Powder Foundation Better for Aging Skin?
The difference between liquid and powder foundations is the formula. There was a time when a woman with mature skin would never wear a powder foundation because it accentuated fine lines.
Nowadays, a woman in her 40s, 50s, or 60s can wear a powder foundation without worrying about getting that cakey look. The formulas are silkier and don’t accentuate wrinkles or laugh lines, so you get the flawless finish every woman wants!
A powder foundation can be a great choice if you have oily skin. It helps to blur your pores while mattifying your skin throughout the day.
On the other side, if you have dry, mature skin and if you’re having some issues with the foundation settling into your wrinkles, go for a liquid formula. Here is a guide on the best foundations for dry skin over 40.
Choose a lightweight liquid foundation for dry skin and avoid full coverage or heavy foundations.
Does Powder Foundation Make You Look Older?
Powder foundation doesn’t make you look older if you use the right one for your skin type. Choose a powder with a lightweight formula that blends well into the skin without settling into fine lines and wrinkles.
Avoid heavy formulas, as they can make you look older. If you have dry skin, look for a satin finish powder, as it will prevent your skin from looking dry.
How Do You Make Powder Foundation Not Look Cakey?
Make sure your skin is moisturized and well-prepared before applying powder foundation. Makeup can look cakey on top of dry and textured skin, so apply a lightweight moisturizer first.
When applying powder foundation, start with a small amount of product and blend until there are no harsh lines. Avoid rubbing the powder into your skin, as this can make your foundation look cakey. Pat the powder gently into the skin and add more if needed.
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