The 7 Best Foundations For Mature Skin, Tested And Expert-Approved By Our Beauty Editors

A firm favourite with the A-List, this wonder product is a must-have in any beauty junkie's arsenal. Not only does it blur imperfections, but it lights up your skin to give you that post-holiday glow. It's also one of the best foundation for mature skin and one of the best foundations for dry skin, too. One Boots reviewer wrote, "This is the best foundation out there. My skin looks flawless when I apply this foundation doesn’t set into my wrinkles. Can’t live without!" High praise.

Ruby Hammer global makeup artist and beauty expert, founder of Ruby Hammer beauty says: 'Armani Luminous Silk is great in every light, natural, studio, night and day… made for professionals it just works! I have had this in my kit. Oil free, this contains micro-fill technology to help brighten and blur the skin, improving texture whilst glycerin provides long lasting hydration.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'The multi-award winning foundation is as lightweight as they come and offers a medium coverage which can be built up to impart a covetable natural-looking second skin finish. I still remember the first time I picked up a bottle at duty free many (many) moons ago, having instantly fallen in love with its silky-smooth velvety finish which, to my surprise, sat perfectly fine on my bumpy, acne-ridden face. Breathable, long-lasting and primed to cater to suit-all with an extensive 40 wide shade range, it's no wonder this OG is still a winner. And, like many of the newer foundations now available on the market which are infused with skincare ingredients, this classic has long put skin first that to the inclusion of glycerin (a hero ingredient that helps to lock in long-lasting moisture) and an oil-free base to hydrate and maintain comfort-levels to enjoy all day wear. Celebrities who are also reported to love this formulation include Megan Markle who is 43 and Elizabeth Moss who is 42, suggesting that this could be a great option for those entering into their 40's and beyond - it really is an excellent choice as it doesn't settle in fine lines.

Shade range: 40
Coverage: Medium, Buildable
Finish: Satin
Size: 30ml

This lightweight foundation adds beautiful radiance and luminosity to your skin as well as buildable coverage and sun protection - it's a real all-rounder.

Ruby Hammer global makeup artist and beauty expert, founder of Ruby Hammer beauty says:  
'I love the Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation, which has a strong claim of 24 hour wear. This is very long-lasting - however I haven’t worn it for the full 24 hours… I like my bed!. I love that it is water and transfer resistant perfect for hot flushes, humid weather or just being generally rushed. It contains hyaluronic acid, argan oil, safflower extract and glycerin to nourish the skin whilst providing cover. With all foundations you need an excellent skin prep, thoroughly cleansing and hydrating allowing the time for it to sink in. Fingers are lovely for dotting on foundation just where you need it whereas a sponge or brush are best for a more uniform application. Starting from the centre of the face working outwards, thinning out as you get to the edges of the face. Always work in thin layers, as you can always build up and reapply where more coverage is required. The less you apply, the less likely it is to shift, crack or cake.'

Shade range: 28
Coverage: Buildable
Finish: Satin
Size: 30ml

If you're after a full coverage (but beautifully light) foundation for mature skin then the Sisely Phyto Teint Nude could be an excellent option. It's expensive, yes, but the rave reviews aren't to be ignored. Expect a fresh, lightweight texture that feels comfortable and lasts for hours.

YouTuber and Beauty Blogger Stephanie Marie says: 'I want a smoothing, natural looking foundation that builds up to full coverage - but I don't want it to settle in fine lines. For natural, flattering looking coverage for mature skin look to the Sisley Paris Phyto-Teint Nude. It's an alcohol free foundation (meaning it's non drying) and I am always stunned by the natural, smooth look I get from such a tiny amount of product. At least if you're spending this much for a luxury foundation you get a lot for your money. It doesn't set too quickly where you can't blend it out - there's time to work with it. There's also a pleasant, expensive, floral scent to this at first but this dies down throughout the day. After I apply this the finish is very natural and smooth, skin-like and dewy and after I set with translucent powder it has a soft, radiant matte finish. It's somewhere in between a soft matte and a satin finish. I do get some shine break-through when I don't wear a primer but the coverage and smoothness does last all day. It doesn't settle into my pores or lines.'

Shade range: 16
Coverage: Full
Finish: Satin matte
Size: 30ml

A skin tint is the perfect way to mesh the complexion perfecting prowess of a foundation with skincare ingredients - there's a reason why Google searches for 'skin tint' are up 114%. U Beauty's offering is a go-to among those with mature skin types and those with combination skin.

Verity Clark, acting beauty director, says: 'Science-first skincare brand Ubeauty takes innovation seriously - peruse the clinical testing and white paper (a rarity for a beauty brand) if you so wish. Something called SIREN technology is the secret to the brand’s sell out success. Seriously, those moisturisers fly off the shelves. All you need to know is that each of the products is very, very hydrating. The same principle has been applied to the Super Tinted Hydrator which has garnered high praise from those with mature skin types. The skincare/makeup hybrid is essentially a tinted version of the best selling moisturiser. Coverage is sheer, almost imperceptible, but my god you’ll glow (not shine, don’t panic). Avocado and grapeseed oils plus hyaluronic acid feed skin with good stuff and you’re left with that much coveted skincare status of looking well rested. Yes, it’s eye-wateringly expensive but, in my experience, a little really does go a long way and the compliments you’ll receive go some way to justifying the cost. "My over 60 year old skin looks flawless. I never expected a tinted moisturiser to work so well," writes on Harrods customer, telling you all you need to know.'

Shade range: 10
Coverage: Sheer
Finish: Dewy
Size: 30ml

Ultimately, the Unreal Skin Glow has been formulated to create a 'soft focus, blurred glow that looks natural, refreshed and rested.'For this one, Tilbury has trademarked the term 'light mapping mesh tech' which, she says, allows for a ring light effect - there's her 'soft-focus blurring, smoothing emollients and glow moisture mesh formed from hyaluronic acid and pearlescent pigments' to thank for that. Sienna Miller, 42, is a huge fan, describing it as "the skin you have when you come back from holiday."

Rachael Martin, beauty editor, says: 'When this one first did the rounds in the office we were, to say the least, slightly apprehensive. One swatch across my hand revealed what looked like a glittery, almost iridescent pigment. Considering it's aimed at those who prefer no to minimal foundation, it all felt a little overwhelming. In fact, I had to double check the packaging to ensure it wasn't actually a highlighter I was about to blend all over my face. Yet when I was brave enough to apply it properly I was pleasantly surprised. The pigment melted into my skin beautifully, improving the overall tone and texture with just a few swipes. It felt comfortable too, and played well over my skincare. As for those aforementioned pearlescent pigments? Well, they were working hard. Although erring on the more subtle side of sparkly it's helpful to note that this formulation is a glittery one. And there's no getting away from it. If you don't mind a touch of shimmer then that's all well and good but if, like me, you err on the oilier side, then you may not want quite so much added luminosity. That said, with a bit of trial and error, I was impressed with the overall finish. Teamed with a touch of concealer and a dusting of of setting power my complexion looked brighter and more radiant. I was keen to see how this one looked on my mums skin, however. She's in her late 50s and, although her skin is relatively good, she does have some lines and age spots. Well, this foundation really comes into its own when more mature skin types are considered. Mum used a fluffy brush to apply this and her complexion looked considerably more glow-laden and healthy - no settling in fine lines. The luminosity that I feared was too much appeared more muted and natural. Her verdict? "Easy to use with very lovely, natural results." She's sold!'

Shade range: 20
Coverage: Light-medium
Finish: Sheer
Size: 10g

Lisa Eldridge is well known for her prowess in the beauty sphere - her newly launched skin tint ticks boxes and is an excellent option for mature skin types thanks to the myriad of plumping and perfecting ingredients - think glycerine to moisturise and omega fatty acids to bolster the skin barrier in the long run. It's also a good foundation for those prone to acne.

Cassie Steer, freelance beauty editor, says: '"Your skin but better" is a phrase bandied about rather loosely in the beauty world but makeup maven Lisa Eldridge has absolutely nailed the kind of smooth, luminous, even skin that alludes to a certain lifestyle where you have the luxury of carving out time for ‘self-care’ whilst supping on golden mylk and gua sha-ing the bejesus out of a mere suggestion of dullness. She’s also got the tones (with 18 all-encompassing shades) just-so; I’m T3 which is one of the few pale shades I’ve tried that is neither too pink or too yellow. I also love that whilst it’s packed with 78% skincare ingredients to soothe and hydrate, my skin isn’t left feeling greasy. It doesn't gather in fine lines or slide off during the day. Did I mention I love it?'

Shade range: 18
Coverage: Light
Finish: Natural
Size: 30ml

Another day, another excellent skin tint foundation. Hourglass know a thing or two about creating a candlelight glow on the skin, and the new Hydrating Skin Tint definitely doesn't disappoint. The lightweight, hydrating formula melts into the skin to provide an even yet sheer coverage ideal for dry and dehydrated skin types.

Rachael Martin, beauty editor, says: 'If you're after a "your skin but better" finish then you've come to the right place.The Hourglass Veil hydrating skin tint contains squalane, meadowfoam seed oil and a rambutan blend, which 'work to provide nourishment and leave skin feeling smooth.' And, I can confirm, it does just that. I use the warmth of my finger tips and blend it in like a moisturiser - it's creamy and easy to work with. It also "sets" quickly leaving it feeling virtually undetectable on the skin - this is great for me as I hate to feel like I'm wearing anything on my skin. If I have any pesky spots or blemishes I'll use a concealer as well - the coverage is enough to even out skin tone, but not enough to cover spots. As it's so light on the skin I would say that you may need a little top-up during the day - especially if you're oilier around the t-zone. Use SpaceNK's handy shade matching service if you need a hand choosing a colour.'

Shade range: 18
Coverage: Light
Finish: Luminous
Size: 30ml