It’s no secret that our skin changes as we get older. And whether yours becomes more lined, more sensitive or more prone to pigmentation, it’s smart to switch to a base product that suits your concerns.
For some, this may mean finding a foundation that plumps the complexion with a serious boost of hydration. For others, it could be a mattifying, pore-filling tinted moisturiser that smooths out texture.
Lucky for us, we’ve got a database of reviews from women of all ages and skin concerns to help us find the right match for you.
So if you’re on the hunt for a new foundation that fits the ‘my skin isn’t what it used to be’ bill, you’ve come to the right place.
The everyday gem: Max Factor Miracle Second Skin
Best for: A natural finish with added luminosity
“This is a very nice foundation! It blends out very nicely and dries down, while still giving a slight glow to the skin. It doesn’t cling to dry patches or accentuate my fine lines and texture either. I set this down with powder and after doing an 8 hour shift at work, it still looked really nice.” – JMenz
$31.95 at Priceline
Read more Max Factor Miracle Second Skin reviews
The luxe buy: Yves Saint Laurent Youth Liberator Serum Foundation
Best for: Long-lasting coverage and comfort
“The foundation is so easy to apply and feels very silky. One can easily build up coverage and this is a great benefit. The radiance is beautiful and I feel like it has taken a few years off me! The lasting power is great, even on warm days and I find that it is not necessary to apply any powder which I sometimes do with other liquid foundations.” -Roxymisha
$98 at David Jones
Read more Yves Saint Laurent Youth Liberator Serum Foundation reviews
The dry skin saviour: Estée Lauder Perfectionist Youth Infusing Makeup SPF 25
Best for: Fresh and plump skin that looks like skin
“I use this as my everyday foundation. It feels quite lightweight and comfortable, yet it provides light to medium coverage with enough light reflecting particles to camouflage fine lines and minor imperfections. I’m quite skeptical about the anti-aging properties, but regardless of those claims, this foundation offers a nice dewy natural finish and decent wear time, and the shade range caters for neutral undertones (which can be difficult to find in other foundations).” – yummy cake
$78 at Adore Beauty
Read more Estée Lauder Perfectionist Youth Infusing Makeup SPF 25 reviews
The pore-eraser: Maybelline New York FIT me! Matte + Poreless Foundation
Best for: A blurred and matte finish
“I was shocked by how beautiful my skin looked and how easy to blend. It has a medium coverage and adds an airbrushed effect to the skin, my skin looked flawless. The color selection is fantastic and I had no problem to find my perfect shade. This foundation has the quality of a high-end one with a drugstore price.” – Omyara
$10.97 (half price right now!) at Chemist Warehouse
Read more Maybelline New York FIT me! Matte + Poreless Foundation reviews
The full coverage favourite: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream
Best for: Hydration and glow without compromising coverage
“What I love about this product is that it gives my skin such an even, hydrated finish. I have dry skin and it’s not easy finding a product that doesn’t get patchy. The consistency is really smooth and it goes on so easily. I apply with my fingers and I find that one layer with concealer over any blemishes leaves me with a perfect base. It doesn’t oxidise and really brightens up my complexion. I get so many compliments when I am wearing this!” – Eskimo82
$63 at Sephora
Read more IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream reviews
What’s your favourite foundation? Have you tried any of the above?
My skin has definitely changed as I age.
Only tried the It CC which was way too thick and I couldn’t find a colour match or blend it with lighteners. Expensive mistake! My skin is definitely drying out even in warm weather as I age. Oil free or matte finishes feel tight and dry and drag along my skin when applying even with a primer.
Haven’t tried those listed. Do like one that is very lightweight and sheer (or can be sheered out to skin like effect) and has skincare benefits (hydrating). That’s it.
Some here I’d like to try once we get out of lockdown.
I’ve not tried any of the above but really interested in the serum foundations, the YSL youth liberator foundation looks amazing. I usually wear a tinted moisturiser with a spf in it for everyday but when I need a more full coverage foundation I have a beautiful Ciate one from Mecca.
I’ve not tried any of them
At 55, I can still wear mineral powder. If that changes, I’ll stick to IZ tinted sunscreen or a tinted moisturiser.
Good to know for the future.
Ive found that im not really using foundation much at all now. Im using BB Creams more then anything. I would like to try the it cosmetics CC Cream though.
The YSL serum foundation sounds so nice!
Such a good variety of Foundations for Mature Skin, really like The pore-eraser: Maybelline New York FIT me! Matte + Poreless Foundation it is so good to use and so very affordable. At the moment I am using Revlon ColorStay Light Cover Foundation 12Hr SPF30 240 Medium Beige.
Wouldn’t mind trying the IT cosmetics one!
I’d love to try the estee lauder one with it’s spf25
Yes I’ve tried the IT and the Maybelline – both were excellent/are excellent as I still use them.
My Aunty loves these foundations
Older skin needs foundation specifically designed for it.
I’m exactly the same. I prefer the lighter feel of BB creams and the fact that they cover up all my imperfections is a bonus!
That sounds like a very good description, Yohanna.
I’m still lamenting the foundation I loved being discontinued by Elizabeth Arden and haven’t found anything as natural for me. I do really like Nude by Nature mineral powder though.
I can’t believe I still haven’t tried the Maybelline Fit Me range!
What!!!!! It is so cheap at half price. It is one of my top foundations. Go grab a bottle ASAP. I also love the Fit Me powder.
Im working with special needs kids so the lighter BB creams suit me better for work.
I keep meaning to but never got around to it. I still have a few others to get through. I’ve probably got enough foundation to get me through to middle – late next year.
Never tried any of these listed. I rarely, if ever wear foundation. I’d rather wear BB cream, CC cream or tinted moisturiser. I’ve been saying for a long time that I’d like to try the IT Cosmetics CC Cream. It gets lots of great reviews.
I find the Maybelline Fit works for me, and stock up when its on sale
I’ve tried the Maybelline and like it but my go-to is Giorgio Armani Luminous silk foundation, it’s perfection. It’s not too heavy but not too light it gives a nice healthy finish to my skin. I love it.
I best go out and get some Maybelline.
I’ve tried the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream but it was way too thick and looked just awful. I much prefer a light BB cream or a lightweight foundation. Revlon Age Defying 3X suits my skin.
I haven’t tried any of these. I’ve been using the Superbalanced foundation from Clinique for ages and still love it.
I don’t wear foundation. Very fortunate I don’t need to plus it would never stay on in the heat of a Queensland summer!
Maybelline FitMe is great. It covers up all the imperfections. I really like it and it’s an affordable price.
My next foundation will definitely be Maybelline FitMe !
I’m using Clarins Milky Boost Cream at the moment. It is slightly tinted, overs great coverage and is hydrating.
No Pricelines near me stock the Max factor one, would like to try IT but wont buy as i cant decide on shades
None of the above ones , I used Natio, L’Oreal, NBN , few other brands.
After recently purchasing Nude by Nature Luminous Foundation I would like to see this included. My mature skin likes it even though despite the luminosity it is a satin matte finish.
I haven’t tried any of these products
I don’t either. Sometimes I see women with foundation on and I think it is too much. One has to be quite careful .
I haven’t either
I haven’t tried any of these but I like the look of Maybelline FitMe and the price is amazing – I will need to check our NZ chemist warehouse for price.
I’ve read lots of good reviews for the IT Cosmetics CC cream, I keep forgetting to buy it, I will treat myself as it sounds perfect for summer
I haven’t tried any of these but will definitely check out the Maybelline.
Good to know…
I am happy with my nude by nature.
I don’t use foundation much. But if i do.. i use Dior thats all I’ve ever used.
I always come back to Estee Lauder Double Wear – there really is no comparison.
I’m yet to try the Maybelline FitMe
I’ll have to send this article to my mum. She has a hard time finding foundation for her skin
I have only tried the IT Cosmetics CC cream. What a misnomer though – more foundation than it is CC!
Yes I found it to be an incredibly high coverage foundation too
I still haven’t found the perfect foundation that is priced within my budget.