The 10 Best Drugstore Foundations for Mature Skin That Won't Break the Bank
"Remember, the goal is to enhance, not cover, your unique features," says makeup artist Allie Renee.
Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
We all have different expectations of our foundation: Some prefer sheer coverage, others full; some want a dewy finish, and others natural. But when you have mature skin, perhaps the most important quality is finding a hydrating formula that won't exacerbate wrinkles, spots, and texture. Although there are excellent foundations for mature skin for all budgets, don't sleep on what's right at the drugstore.
The Best Drugstore Foundations for Mature Skin
"You can absolutely find a high-quality foundation that caters to the unique needs of mature skin, such as hydration, anti-aging benefits, and a smooth, even finish that isn’t cakey—even at the drugstore," says celebrity makeup artist Allie Renee. "Many foundations are formulated specifically with mature skin in mind and can provide a beautiful result without breaking the bank."
To prove it, we've gathered the 10 best drugstore foundations for mature skin, with expert picks from Renee and top-reviewed products. Find your new go-to below.
Pros
- Skincare ingredients
Cons
- Some reviewers said it has a sunscreen smell
Makeup artist Allie Renee is a fan of this formula, saying it "is hydrating and has a luminous, radiant finish. I like it because it reflects light in a flattering way which enhances a natural glow and blurs the appearance of fine lines and imperfections."
Number of shades: 30
Finish: Radiant
Customer Review:
"This is the best foundation ever for mature skin! It glides onto skin, doesn't settle into lines or wrinkles, makes skin look radiant, even, and beautiful! The color range is fantastic! It's a bit hard to find - I finally found the full shade range at Walmart. I'm a young 70 with fair skin and I wear Rose Ivory 15. " —Marmar
Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Reviewers noted the shades aren't listed with undertones
Renee says this hydrating, medium-coverage foundation is "a great option for a natural, dewy finish that won’t settle into fine lines or create a cakey appearance."
Number of shades: 23
Finish: Dewy
Customer Review:
"This is great for mature dry skin, I have plenty of luxury foundations and keep reaching for this!" —TnAngel
Pros
- Moisturizing ingredients
Cons
- Limited shade range
Although the shade range could certainly stand to be improved, Renee is impressed with the skincare ingredients in this Revlon foundation, which are "aimed specifically at improving skin elasticity in maturing skin."
Number of shades: 12
Finish: Natural
Customer Review:
"I have used this product for over 10 years. It has great coverage, makes my skin feel great. And it has SPF so when I’m outside I don’t worry about the sun damaging my skin" —pattycakes
COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Skin Perfector Essence Foundation
Pros
- Helps improve skin's appearance with continued use
Cons
- Takes a little bit of work to blend properly
Inspired by a certain prestige brand, this foundation features little droplets of pigment suspended in a clear skincare essence; once blended together on your skin, you get sheer, even coverage that also plumps up fine lines and hydrates. There's a small shade range, but we've found that the shades are fairly flexible and blend in well because they're so sheer.
Number of shades: 8
Finish: Natural
Customer Review:
"I am 54, and I stopped using any heavy foundation years ago, but even light foundations were starting to feel too heavy and settle into any lines. I have really good skin (thanks to my mom’s genetics :-) and staying out of the sun a lot!), so I wanted to try this with the hopes it would feel more weightless but give me some tint/coverage. I really like it! I use my fingers to apply it, but will try a brush next time I use it to see if there is any difference, but using my fingers works fine. It blends so well and lasts. Feels like I’m not wearing foundation." —DukeGal19
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Some reviewers said it wasn't as long-wearing as they hoped
E.l.f. delivers a medium-coverage, buildable foundation that still refreshes skin thanks to 1% Hydrating Hibiscus Complex. And with a whopping 36 shades—divided into warm, cool, and neutral undertones—you're sure to find your match.
Number of shades: 36
Finish: Satin
Customer Review:
"I am surprised. I normally buy more high dollar foundation and serums because of my mature skin and also rosacea prone skin. I bought this trying to find something easy for the summer for when I needed coverage. A little goes a long way. I apply with brush and it goes on smoothly and not cakey at all if you really use just a little." —Mag311
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation
Pros
- Has vitamins A, C, and E and SPF 15
Cons
- Some reviewers said the finish was drier than expected
A serum foundation is generally a great choice for mature skin as it guarantees a more moisturizing formula and skincare ingredients. This one from No7 does just that and offers a bit more coverage than some other serum foundation options.
Number of shades: 18
Finish: Radiant
Customer Review:
"A truly awesome foundation. It looks transparent and light, with a slight glow, yet is heavy enough to cover imperfections and even out skin. Looks amazing and lasts all day. So inexpensive, yet feels very high end. Love that it comes in a glass bottle. It's a keeper!"
Pros
- Lasts up to 24 hours
Cons
- Fewer shades than the Pro-Matte version
A lit-from-within glow is ageless, and this foundation helps you get it in just a minute or two. It covers and conceals while adding just the right amount of radiance (in other words, you won't look glittery).
Number of shades: 12
Finish: Glowy
Customer Review:
"I am 59 years old and this is my absolute favorite foundation. My daughter says my skin looks airbrushed!" —PCF13
Mineral Fusion Age-Defying Pressed Powder Foundation
Pros
- Talc-free
Cons
- Doesn't come with a sponge or applicator
Powder generally settles into wrinkles, but some are better than others in this regard. Mineral Fusion's is triple-milled, so it's extra smooth on the skin. It also has added skincare ingredients similar to the liquid formulas on this list. Use it as your base or for touch-ups when shine takes over.
Number of shades: 22
Finish: Satin-matte
Customer Review:
"This is my second purchase of this pressed powder. It goes on smoothly like a liquid, but doesn't settle into fine lines. It gives even coverage. I love that it travels well, isn't messy or dusty, and is so easy to reapply. I do like to apply it over a fresh layer of sunscreen so that extra moisture layer has hydrated my skin." —Susan E.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Treatment Foundation Makeup SPF 18
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Some reviewers said the built-in sponge gets messy after too many uses
This instantly blurring foundation applies ultra-smooth thanks to a built-in sponge (you simply twist it up until the product appears, then sweep it directly onto your skin). The targeted delivery system also makes it great for use as a concealer.
Number of shades: 16
Finish: Natural
Customer Review:
"This stuff smoothes out your skin and makes your skin almost appear flawless. I've been using this for years. Love that it has some sun protection. It applies seamlessly with no streaking. A little goes a long way." —Dogmom
Pros
- Waterproof and sweat-proof
Cons
- Some reviewers said it isn't as long-lasting as they expected
For a medium-to-full coverage option, try this foundation from Milani that also has a matte—but not drying—finish. The shade range is impressive, and so is the coverage.
Number of Shades: 38
Finish: Natural matte
Customer Review:
"This has been my mom’s favorite for almost 3 years now, she always tell me how lightweight it is and that it covers everything she wants with not much effort so I tried it and she was NOT WRONG!" —Aria
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should You Look for in a Foundation for Mature Skin?
Renee recommends looking for "a balanced foundation that allows the skin to feel comfortable without emphasizing texture or fine lines on the complexion, as this will ultimately achieve a smooth, natural-looking finish."
The key to striking that balance, she says, is finding one that satisfies both "personal preferences as well as addressing the specific needs of mature skin. Remember, the goal is to enhance, not cover, your unique features."
In general, here's what the makeup artist recommends:
- Choose hydrating formulas: "Opt for foundations that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, as these can help maintain skin's plumpness and minimize the look of fine lines."
- Go for buildable coverage: "Choose lightweight, buildable formulas that offer good coverage without feeling too heavy on the skin."
- Add skincare benefits: "Many foundation formulations contain anti-aging benefits such as peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants which can help improve skin texture, elasticity, and appearance of fine lines."
Can You Wear Matte Foundation If You Have Mature Skin?
Matte foundations can make mature skin appear drier and exacerbate the look of fine lines. Instead, "Look for a dewy, radiant, or satin finish," recommends Renee. "These types of finishes will give your skin a youthful glow without emphasizing texture or dryness." That being said, if you have mature skin that still leans oily, you may be able to wear a matte-finish foundation.
Looking for More Makeup Recommendations for Mature Skin?
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.
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