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The best foundations for mature skin that won’t sink into wrinkles
We asked 80 women to swap their beloved base products for these ones (spoiler: they’re never going back)
Our skin’s needs evolve as we get older, so it’s worth seeking out formulas that work with those changes. The best foundations for more mature skin will complement and boost your complexion rather than work against it.
So, the Good Housekeeping Institute recruited a panel of 70 women over forty to swap out their beloved base products for a range of ultra-hydrating, lightweight and light-reflecting alternatives to see what they thought. They tried them as part of their routine for a minimum of two weeks before giving us detailed feedback on everything from that all-important coverage to the feel on the skin, blend-ability and long-wear claims.
Best foundations for mature skin
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You’ll find a detailed breakdown of how we test below our reviews, along with everything to consider before you buy. And if these formulas aren't quite right for you, we've also got our guide to the best foundations for every skin type.
Clarins Double Serum Foundation
Clarins Double Serum Foundation
Score: 87/100
This was a firm favourite among our testers thanks to its skincare-infused formula that’s said to soften fine lines over time, plus it offers a flattering satin finish – which is great for dry or dull skin, especially as it matures. In the lab, this scored highly for providing lasting coverage, performing well in our pigment transfer tests before and after a four-hour period.
It was also the talk of the office during testing – colleagues on the panel were approaching our beauty experts to proudly display their glowy base, and many told us they’d bought a bottle for a friend or family member because they loved it so much. In an age of TikTok trends and too-good-to-be-true claims, it’s so reassuring to see a trusted brand with such heritage still launching game-changing formulations.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
Score: 84/100
Our panel loved the impressive coverage, yet lightweight finish, from this foundation and found a little went a long way. Many praised its ability to hide dark circles and pigmentation, with one tester telling us it delivered “an airbrushed appearance” that lasted from day to night without the need for touch-ups.
“It smoothed fine lines and wrinkles, didn’t leave a greasy residue, and wore well throughout the day,” said one panellist, while another described it as “light on the skin but with substance,” and many told it was easy to apply and blend. Coverage was repeatedly described as amazing considering the consistency, with one participant pointing out that “only half a pump was needed for full face coverage.”
Testers also applauded the packaging, with its robust glass bottle and mess-free dispenser and liked that the foundation layers well under bronzer and blush. “It glides on, the coverage is amazing, and it gives a professional finish – everyone commented how nice I looked,” was one satisfied customer’s verdict.
No7 Stay Perfect Foundation
No7 Stay Perfect Foundation
Score: 82/100
Lightweight, with a vitamin-packed formulation, this foundation feels almost like a “second skin,” according to one of our panellists. Testers told us it evened out tone and helped disguise blemishes or red patches without clinging to creases. “It’s very flattering on my mature skin,” another panel member said.
With hyaluronic acid for hydration and plumping, plus vitamins C, E, and A to help support the skin barrier and strengthen the skin in the long-term, the formula left panellists' complexions fresh, radiant and healthy-looking. A few noted that it didn’t transfer onto their clothes as other foundations have in the past, and every single person who tried it told us it sat nicely on the skin.
Some grumbled about the pump dispensing too much product, but our lab team told us that a slow and steady approach to pumping the lid will solve this.
Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin foundation 30ml
Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin foundation 30ml
Score: 79/100
This Lisa Eldridge foundation earned glowing reviews from our panel for its texture, finish and longevity. One tester praised the “perfect” consistency, which they said wasn’t too runny or too thick, noting it was “easy to achieve good coverage with a small amount of product.”
Many highlighted the exceptionally high pigment and spot-on shade matching – there are 43 shades available – which created a natural-to-medium, buildable payoff that felt invisible and breathable. “It feels lovely on the skin and gives you a gorgeous glow,” was how one panellist summed it up.
The packaging was also a hit, described as premium, luxurious and sturdy, although one person noted that the pump twisted loose and leaked when it was left on its side. So, be careful to store it standing up.
Trinny London BFF All Day
Trinny London BFF All Day
Score: 78/100
We’re a big fan of Trinny’s makeup and skincare products here at GH – the brand’s SPF is a beauty editor favourite in our offices. Her base formulations cleverly combine coverage with a boost of skincare goodness to save you time and money on your morning routine. This foundation’s coverage was consistently described as natural and skin-like by our testers. “It looks like my skin, only better,” said one, while another told us it “concealed small blemishes while appearing natural.”
The formula delivered long-lasting wear, with some noting it still looked flawless at bedtime. Lightweight yet effective, our testers said it was ideal for everyday use. We love the bottle’s bright silver and yellow design and travel-friendly pump, although some found the dispenser released more than needed per use.
Crucially, it scored highly for comfort on the skin. “It didn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles,” said one user, and most agreed it left their complexion looking even, smooth and fresh all day. This one really does live up to its name.
Bobbi Brown Weightless Skin Foundation SPF15
Bobbi Brown Weightless Skin Foundation SPF15
Score: 77/100
Bobbi Brown’s foundation won strong approval from our panel for its lightweight serum-like texture and natural sheen. “I don’t feel like I’m wearing foundation and that’s a real plus point for me,” one person told us. Although you’ll still need to bolster it with a dedicated sunscreen underneath, it’s nice to know this one contains a little SPF to help protect against premature ageing of the skin, too.
Several testers noted its hydrating properties – “My skin felt way more moist than normal,” said one – admired the natural glow it gave. One person told us it didn’t need touching up throughout the day like other foundations they’ve used do. Many also appreciated its pleasant scent, though some felt fragrance wasn’t necessary. Overall, it delivered a polished, everyday finish that felt comfortable. “This will now be my go-to,” one tester told us.
Ilia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30
Ilia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30
Score: 77/100
Ilia’s skin tint wowed our panel with its ultra-light, serum-like texture that one person described as feeling “like nothing on the skin.” Packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane, and SPF 30, it doubles as skincare, keeping complexions hydrated and fresh all day.
The packaging, which comes with a pipette, divided opinion: premium and precise for some, fiddly for others. Overall, it’s a breathable, everyday formula. “It gave me a natural glow and didn’t feel like wearing foundation,” is how one panellist summed it up.
Score: 73/100
This foundation was a hit with our panel for its buildable coverage and luminous finish. One tester loved how it “blurred age spots and imperfections” while still feeling lightweight and natural. The creamy texture blended easily, sat comfortably on top of moisturiser and didn’t settle into fine lines, making it a great choice for anyone rich in laughter lines.
Hydration and the included SPF 45 are standout benefits, while the travel-friendly tube earned praise for its stylish look (though a few found it slightly messy to dispense). One tester told us it was a little thin for them, and the fragrance lost it points with some, but if you’re after something ultra-hydrating and lightweight that offers natural coverage, this this could be the base for you.
How we test the best foundations for mature skin
We reviewed a range of the market-leading brands of foundation with the help of 82 of our at-home testers (aged 40 and above) for a minimum of two weeks before asking them for detailed feedback on their experience, from ease of application to longevity and blend-ability. We also asked them to tell us whether the foundations smoothed out any fine lines and wrinkles as well as how comfortable they were to wear.
In the lab, we used our spectrophotometer to assess colour immediately after application and six hours later, giving us an indication of the foundation’s staying power. We also took hydration readings on our corneometer to assess how moisturising the product is on the skin.
Why trust The Good Housekeeping Institute?
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products for over 100 years, and we’ve analysed thousands of skincare, body care and makeup products in our beauty lab, from the best illuminating primers to the best day creams.
Our beauty testers are experts in skincare science and have worked in product development for leading beauty brands. They develop rigorous protocols to ensure we're analysing every formula against its claims in the lab. We also use our extensive panel, which spans all ages and skin types, to try them out at home and tell us their thoughts on the best foundations for mature skin.
Senior Beauty Writer, Florence Reeves-White, has been writing about beauty products for years, which includes trying them out herself at home and analysing the results of our lab tests to see which efficacy claims can be substantiated, and which are just too good to be true.
How to choose the best foundation for mature skin
“Always lean into luminosity and avoid anything that’s going to sit in fine lines or dry you out,” explains celebrity makeup artist, Chess Thornton.
“Choose something lightweight, hydrating and buildable over mattifying. If you’re particularly oily you can still make these work by using a pressed powder strategically in the T-zone instead of an all-over heavy base. I would recommend anything with a skin-like finish – as we get older, less is more is a good mantra for base products.”
Should those with mature skin go with a lighter or darker foundation?
“I would always say try and stay true to your skin colour,” Chess recommends. “But definitely avoid choosing a foundation that’s too dark as it could appear flat; at least with a shade lighter, you can always bring warmth and vibrancy back to the face with cream bronzer and blush.”
Which type of foundation is best for older skin?
“Skin tints are perfect for older skin as they’re normally infused with added skincare benefits, so you get that coverage without it settling into lines, while keeping the hydration and vibrancy,” Chess explains. “Typically, anything lightweight and buildable works best to keep skin looking plump and radiant.”
Verdict: the best foundations for older skin
If you’re looking for a foundation for mature skin that glides on and gives a great pigment pay-off (for targeted application), then our winner, the Clarins Double Serum Foundation, takes the crown. It’s lightweight while still providing coverage.
If you want a great value foundation packed with skincare boosting ingredients, opt for No7 Stay Perfect Foundation SPF30.
And if you’re looking for a foundation that’s breathable and feels good on the skin, Lisa Eldridge has done it again with the Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin foundation.
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
