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18 BEST POWDER FOUNDATIONS FOR MATURE SKIN THAT YOU WILL LOVE

Finding the right foundation can be a challenge, especially for those with mature skin. You want a formula that offers coverage, but it also needs to be lightweight and hydrating to avoid settling into fine lines and wrinkles. Powder foundations can be a great option for mature skin, as they can help to control shine and blur imperfections. But not all powder foundations are created equal. Here, we’ll introduce you to some of the best powder foundations for mature skin that you’ll love. Keep reading!

OUR TOP PICKS

DIOR BACKSTAGE FACE & BODY FOUNDATION

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation is a great option to consider for those seeking a natural-looking, buildable foundation. Formulated with 94% natural-origin ingredients, it boasts a lightweight, hydrating texture that feels comfortable on mature skin. Infused with plant-derived squalane and hyaluronic acid, it offers long-lasting hydration throughout the day while providing buildable coverage to address uneven skin tone and imperfections. This foundation is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, which can be a concern for mature skin.

SHISEIDO SYNCHRO SKIN RADIANT LIFTING FOUNDATION SPF 30 460 TOPAZ 1.0 OZ/ 30 ML

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30 in 460 Topaz might be your perfect match if you’re looking for a hydrating foundation with buildable coverage and a radiant finish. This medium-coverage formula utilizes Shiseido’s Light-Adjusting Technology to adapt to different lighting conditions, leaving your skin looking luminous and smooth throughout the day. The Topaz shade should suit those with warm undertones and a medium skin tone. Infused with an exclusive hydration complex, it promises to keep your skin comfortable for up to 24 hours, while SPF 30 offers added protection against sun damage. This foundation is also known for being transfer-resistant and crease-proof, making it a great choice for all-day wear.

CHANEL ULTRA LE TEINT ULTRAWEAR ALL-DAY COMFORT FLAWLESS FINISH COMPACT FOUNDATION

Chanel Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Compact Foundation is a luxurious powder foundation that offers medium, buildable coverage with a luminous-matte finish. This long-wearing formula is designed to control shine and even out the look of skin for up to 24 hours, while still feeling comfortable and breathable on the skin. The sensorial texture blends seamlessly for a flawless, natural-looking finish. It comes in a compact with a mirror and a puff for easy application and touch-ups throughout the day.

L’ORÉAL PARIS AGE PERFECT SERUM FOUNDATION

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Serum Foundation is a drugstore-friendly option designed for mature skin. It combines the benefits of a foundation and a serum in one product. This means it offers light to medium coverage to even out skin tone and hide imperfections, while also feeling lightweight and hydrating on your skin. It’s formulated with Vitamin B3 and hydrating serum to keep your skin from looking dry or cakey. Plus, there’s SPF protection (depending on the version you choose) to shield your skin from the sun’s rays. This is a good choice if you’re looking for an affordable foundation that offers decent coverage and some skincare benefits.

THE GOOD MINERAL LOVES-YOU-BACK 3IN1 MINERAL POWDER FOUNDATION

If you have sensitive skin that’s prone to breakouts, The Good Mineral Loves-You-Back 3in1 Mineral Powder Foundation is worth checking out. This all-in-one product acts like a foundation, concealer, and setting powder, saving you time and money on your makeup routine. It’s made with minerals and skips harsh ingredients like fillers, fragrances, and oils that can irritate skin. The powder is lightweight and blends easily, giving you a natural-looking, light to medium coverage. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores, which is important for acne-prone skin.

ONE/SIZE TURN UP THE BASE VERSATILE POWDER FOUNDATION

One/Size Turn Up The Base Versatile Powder Foundation is all about having fun with your makeup! This powder foundation comes in a wide range of shades to suit many skin tones. It’s known for its buttery-smooth texture that blends easily for a natural look. You can choose how much coverage you want, from light to full, by applying more or less powder. This foundation aims to give you a soft matte finish that lasts for up to 12 hours, without looking dry or cakey. It’s a good option if you want a buildable powder foundation that feels comfortable on your skin.

GIORGIO ARMANI BEAUTY LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a favorite among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike. It’s known for its lightweight, almost silky texture that feels comfortable on your skin. This foundation is designed to even out your skin tone and blur imperfections, but with a natural, radiant finish. It doesn’t look heavy or cakey, and it comes in a wide range of shades to suit many skin tones. While it offers buildable, medium coverage, you might still need a separate concealer for blemishes or dark circles. However, if you’re looking for a foundation that gives you a healthy, glowing look without feeling heavy, the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a great option.

DERMABLEND COVER CREME FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION

Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Foundation is a powerhouse foundation designed to cover up just about anything. If you have scars, acne, hyperpigmentation, or other skin concerns, this foundation can help. It offers thick, creamy coverage that can be built up for maximum effect. While it’s great for concealing imperfections, it’s also fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested, so it should be gentle on most skin types. Keep in mind that because it’s so full-coverage, it can feel a little heavy if you don’t have oily skin. But, if you need a serious cover-up that lasts, Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Foundation is a great choice.

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD SKIN MATTE VELVET POWDER FOUNDATION

Make Up For Ever HD Skin Matte Velvet Powder Foundation is a great pick if you’re looking for a powder foundation that offers both coverage and shine control. It mattifies your skin to keep you looking fresh throughout the day, but it’s not so drying that it settles into wrinkles. The formula is buildable, so you can start with a light layer for a natural look and add more to cover up blemishes. This powder foundation comes in a wide range of shades and blends easily for a smooth, even finish. It’s a good option for normal, combination, or oily skin types.

NARS LIGHT REFLECTING ADVANCED SKINCARE FOUNDATION

NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation is a two-in-one product that combines makeup with a bit of skincare. It’s designed to give you a natural, healthy-looking complexion. This foundation offers medium coverage, so it can even out your skin tone and hide some imperfections, but it won’t look heavy or mask your skin. It’s also packed with ingredients that are good for your skin, like hyaluronic acid which helps keep your skin hydrated. This foundation is a good option for most skin types, even sensitive skin, if you’re looking for a foundation that gives you a natural look with some skincare benefits.

ILIA TRUE SKIN FOUNDATION

Ilia True Skin Foundation is a good choice if you’re looking for a foundation that combines makeup with skincare benefits. It’s made with clean, skin-friendly ingredients and offers light to medium coverage. This means it will even out your skin tone and hide imperfections, but it won’t look heavy or cakey on your skin. It’s also packed with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, which help keep your skin hydrated and glowy throughout the day. Ilia True Skin Foundation is a great option for those with normal, dry, or sensitive skin types who want a natural, healthy-looking complexion.

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD SKIN MATTE VELVET POWDER FOUNDATION

Make Up For Ever HD Skin Matte Velvet Powder Foundation is a favorite for oily and combo skin types. It offers a one-two punch: providing buildable coverage to hide imperfections and shine control to keep you looking fresh all day. The powder itself is lightweight and blends easily, so you won’t feel weighed down or look cakey. This foundation comes in a wide range of shades, so you can find a perfect match for your skin tone. While it works well for oily and combo skin, it might be a bit too drying for drier skin types.

BAREMINERALS ORIGINAL LIQUID MINERAL FOUNDATION

BareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Foundation is a good option if you’re looking for a lightweight, mineral-based foundation that offers natural-looking coverage. It’s made with clean, mineral ingredients that are gentle on most skin types, and it’s free of irritants like oils and fragrances. This liquid foundation provides buildable coverage, so you can start with a sheer layer for a natural look and add more to cover up blemishes. It also contains SPF 20 to help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. However, if you have oily skin, you might want to use a setting powder to control shine throughout the day.

SPOT STICK CONCEALER

Spot Stick Concealer is a type of concealer that comes in a stick form, making it ideal for targeted coverage of blemishes, redness, and other imperfections. Unlike some concealers that can be thick and cakey, spot stick concealer is typically formulated to be lightweight and blendable. This makes it easy to apply and achieve a natural-looking finish.

FENTY BEAUTY PRO FILT’R POWDER FOUNDATION

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation is a popular choice for all skin types, especially those looking for a buildable foundation. It comes in a whopping 50 shades to suit a wide range of skin tones. The powder itself is lightweight and feels comfortable on the skin, despite offering light to full coverage. It aims to blur imperfections and even out skin tone without looking cakey or settling into fine lines. This foundation has a soft matte finish, which means it controls shine but doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry. Fenty Beauty is known for its inclusivity, and this foundation is no exception. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free!

BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR PORE PERFECTING LIQUID FOUNDATION

BLK/OPL True Color Pore Perfecting Liquid Foundation is designed for people with darker skin tones. It comes in a range of shades to suit different complexions and offers light to medium coverage. This liquid foundation is lightweight and hydrating, so it won’t feel heavy or clog your pores. It also contains vitamins C and E, which are good for your skin. The name says it all – this foundation aims to minimize the appearance of pores and leave your skin with a smooth, flawless look. If you’re looking for an affordable foundation that provides buildable coverage and caters to darker skin tones, BLK/OPL True Color Pore Perfecting Liquid Foundation is a good option to consider.

IT COSMETICS YOUR SKIN BUT BETTER FOUNDATION

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation promises to be a multitasking makeup product that improves your complexion both instantly and over time. It offers buildable, medium coverage to even out skin tone and hide imperfections. The lightweight, hydrating formula feels comfortable on your skin and aims to give you a natural, radiant finish. This foundation is also infused with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, and vitamins, which may help keep your skin hydrated and improve its appearance over time. If you’re looking for a foundation that provides coverage, hydration, and some potential skincare benefits, IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation is worth checking out.

CLINIQUE EVEN BETTER MAKEUP BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 15 FOUNDATION

Clinique Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation is designed to even out your skin tone and improve its appearance over time. It offers buildable, medium coverage to hide imperfections and blemishes. The creamy formula is lightweight and hydrating, so it should feel comfortable on most skin types. This foundation also contains vitamin C, which helps brighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots with continued use. Plus, it includes SPF 15 to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. While it might not be the most high-coverage foundation out there, it’s a good option for those who want a natural look with some skincare benefits and sun protection.

WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND

When choosing a foundation for mature skin, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

Hydration: Mature skin tends to be drier than younger skin, so it’s important to choose a foundation that is hydrating. Look for formulas that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which will help to plump and hydrate the skin. Avoid foundations that are mattifying or drying, as they can settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

Coverage: While you might want a foundation to cover up imperfections, heavy foundations can look cakey and settle into wrinkles on mature skin. Opt for a lightweight foundation with buildable coverage. This will allow you to apply as much or as little coverage as you need.

Finish: A dewy or luminous finish is generally more flattering for mature skin than a matte finish. A matte finish can accentuate dryness and fine lines. A dewy or luminous finish will help to reflect light and make the skin look more radiant.

Formula: Look for foundations that are formulated with ingredients that are beneficial for mature skin. Some ingredients to look for include antioxidants, peptides, and vitamins. These ingredients can help to improve the appearance of the skin over time.

Application: When applying foundation to mature skin, it’s important to use a light touch. Don’t apply too much product, as this can make wrinkles look more noticeable. Use a damp beauty blender or stippling brush to apply the foundation for a flawless finish.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO APPLY POWDER FOUNDATION ON MATURE SKIN?

The key to applying powder foundation flawlessly on mature skin lies in creating a smooth, hydrated canvas and using the right techniques for a natural finish. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

PREP IS KEY

Before applying any makeup, cleanse and moisturize your face. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type, whether it’s lightweight and hydrating or richer and more nourishing. Let the moisturizer sink in completely to create a smooth base. You can also consider using a hydrating primer to further improve the texture of your skin and help the foundation last longer.

BRUSH SELECTION MATTERS

Ditch the puffs that come with powder foundations. They can tug on delicate skin and create a cakey finish. Opt for a soft, fluffy brush specifically designed for powder application. This will help ensure a light, even application of the product.

LESS IS MORE

Remember, you can always add more but you can’t take away. Start with a light dusting of powder foundation, focusing on areas that tend to get oily throughout the day, like the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Tap off excess powder from the brush before applying it to your face.

BUFFING IS YOUR FRIEND

Instead of swiping the brush back and forth, use a buffing motion to gently blend the powder foundation into your skin. This will help to melt the product onto the skin for a seamless finish and avoid harsh lines.

TARGETED APPLICATION

For additional coverage on blemishes or uneven skin tone, use a smaller, denser brush to apply powder foundation in specific areas. Build up the coverage gradually, taking your time to ensure a natural look.

SETTING THE STAGE

Once you’re happy with the coverage, use a setting spray to lock everything in place. Opt for a lightweight, hydrating setting spray that won’t dry out your skin. This will help to prevent the powder foundation from settling into fine lines and wrinkles throughout the day.

By following these steps and focusing on hydration, light application, and proper blending techniques, you can achieve a beautiful, natural-looking finish with powder foundation on your mature skin.

CONCLUSION

Finding the right foundation for mature skin can feel like searching for the holy grail of makeup. You want a formula that offers coverage, but it also needs to be lightweight and hydrating to avoid settling into fine lines and wrinkles. Powder foundations can be a great option for mature skin, as they can help control shine and blur imperfections. But not all powder foundations are created equal. Here, we’ll explore 18 of the best powder foundations for mature skin that will leave you looking and feeling your best. We’ll cover a range of options to suit different needs and preferences, from drugstore favorites to luxurious splurges. So, grab your makeup brush and get ready to discover your perfect powder foundation match!

THE HISTORY AND TUTORIAL OF AUTHENTIC 1940S MAKEUP

1940s makeup is one of the most “vintage” looks, and is rather simple to recreate. There was a push for all things natural, unlike the 1930s and 1950s, which favored reshaping eyebrows and contouring the face. 1940s makeup enhanced natural beauty with just a few tools.

During the war, European women dealt with huge cosmetics shortages, since petroleum and alcohol – some of the main ingredients in makeup at the time – were used for the war effort. When makeup ran out, women turned to home remedies to substitute, such as using beetroot juice to stain lips and petroleum jelly to darken lashes and shape eyebrows.

In the United States, cosmetics continued to be manufactured throughout the war and were seen by the government as a morale booster for the busy women on the home front. Women were encouraged to wear makeup all the time to hide sadness and attract men, even while at work. Athletes even wore makeup. Color films had a big impact on the market, as women could now imitate the shades worn by Hollywood starlets. By 1948, between 80 and 90 percent of women wore lipstick, two thirds wore rouge, and a quarter wore eye makeup.

The 1940s makeup look exudes classic sophistication and is surprisingly easy to recreate. The emphasis was on a flawless, fresh-faced appearance—natural, never overly done. Less was definitely more, which worked out well, especially during the war years when many women had to make do with fewer products and resources.

Although the final result seems simple, a woman’s 1940s makeup routine could take some time—quick five-minute makeup wasn’t a thing! The process began with applying and blending thick foundation. Women were encouraged to shape their face with both light and dark shades of foundation—darker tones could be used to contour areas like a large nose, broad forehead, or square jaw, while lighter shades on the cheeks would add a fuller, plumper appearance.

Next, eye shadow was applied, followed by moist rouge. This was often used not only for color but also for subtle shaping, always ensuring the look remained natural. Afterward, a generous application of powder was pressed into the face with a large velour or wool puff. The powder was applied heavily to ensure a matte finish, covering the entire face. Excess powder was then brushed away with a powder brush to reveal a smooth, polished look.

If the moist rouge needed extra reinforcement, a powdered version was applied on top of the powder. The final steps included defining the eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil, applying mascara for fuller lashes, and finishing with the signature bold lipstick.

What You’ll Need:

  • Foundation: Choose a shade that closely matches your skin tone.
  • Powder: Loose powder that matches your skin tone to set the foundation.
  • Cream Rouge: Go for a rose-pink cream rouge (avoid powder if possible, unless that’s all you have).
  • Eyebrow Pencil: Choose a pencil that matches your natural brow color, or one shade darker than your hair.
  • Eye Shadow: (Optional, for evening wear) Use matte shadows that match your eye color—avoid shimmer.
  • Mascara: Dark brown or black mascara, or you can even use petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) for a more subtle lash effect.
  • Lipstick: A classic, matte red lipstick for that bold, vintage look.

1940s Foundation and Powder

Foundations in the 1940s were quite different from today’s lightweight options. There were fewer shades available, and most foundations had a pinkish tint, which worked well for white women, but wasn’t always suitable for women of color. Many Black women, for instance, either mixed their own makeup or often went without powder.

Foundations during this time were much thicker and creamier compared to today’s formulations. Liquid foundations as we know them didn’t exist, and the creamier formulas helped provide a fuller coverage. Face powder, which was essential, was used to set the foundation and keep the face matte throughout the day. It matched the skin tone but was also used to help the foundation adhere better to the face—foundation alone would often cause powder to slip off.

The foundation and powder were extended down the neck and onto the blouse or dress line, as it was common for the foundation shade to not perfectly match the skin on the rest of the body. This helped create a seamless, blended look.

Tip: For a smooth application, lightly coat your face with baby oil (or mineral oil) before applying foundation. This helps create a smooth base and allows the foundation to blend more easily.

1940S FACE POWDER

Powders should match your natural skin tone as much as possible. Light shades kept a woman looking fresh and youthful, while a slightly bronzed shade added a sun kissed glow, popular with movie stars. Almost all makeup lines carried a sun kissed color or two.

If you are over 40, your skin is prone to yellowing, in which case a powder with a pink tinge will work better for you.  To apply, use a puff to dust your face all over and then brush from the neck up to the forehead. Only brush down once to finish and smooth out face fuzz.

Tip: A fluffy face puff makes a difference. Don’t use compressed powder with a flat pad for early 1940s looks. Pan-cake compressed makeup came out in the mid 1940s with big success. To women who could afford it, it provided more coverage applied in less time. Just remember to always brush up, never down.

1940s Blush

In the 1940s, blush (referred to as rouge) was applied sparingly to create a natural, rosy glow. The shades of rouge were limited, typically ranging from peach and coral to raspberry tones, with darker shades for those with bronze or deeper skin tones. Cream rouge (moist rouge) was the preferred choice, giving a more natural look, and was often blended directly into the foundation. Powdered rouges were also used lightly over the cheeks to give a soft flush.

Although rouge was an important part of the look, it wasn’t strictly necessary for achieving the 1940s style. You could still achieve the desired effect without it.

Tip: If you can’t find cream rouge, a light matte lipstick in a pink or peach shade works well. Simply apply it with your fingers, dab it on the cheeks, and blend it in until it seamlessly matches your skin tone.

Cream or liquid rouges were sometimes found in theatrical costume makeup stores and, in modern times, can be found in some makeup brands on platforms like Amazon.

1940s Eyebrows

The 1940s eyebrows were a continuation of the 1930s style, with thin, beautifully arched brows being the key feature. Eyebrows were kept natural-looking, with only stray hairs removed to maintain a soft, even arch. The arch itself was well-groomed but not overly thin—most women didn’t over-pluck.

Eyebrows were often defined with a pencil that was slightly darker than the hair color, or some women simply applied a bit of petroleum jelly to keep the brows in place and enhance their natural shape. For daywear, this softer look was more common, while in the evening, brows might be more defined.

As the decade progressed, the full, more defined brows of the late ’40s began to take hold, but they were never as thick as modern-day brows.

1940s Eye Makeup

Eye makeup in the 1940s was quite minimal, especially during the daytime. Most women wore just a light coat of mascara, often in dark brown or black. Some even used petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to achieve a subtle lash definition. Mascara came in different forms—liquid, paste, or cake—often built up by adding a little water or spit to the cake to get the desired consistency. Mascara was applied to both the upper and lower lashes for a fuller look.

For evening looks, eye shadow could be used, but only in neutral tones. The colors were typically chosen to match the eye color—blue-grey for blue eyes, grey for green eyes, and brown for brown or hazel eyes. The eyeshadow was applied in a single color, blended from the lash line up to the brow for an elegant and simple look. No smoky eyes or contouring here—just one shade blended well. For evening looks, sometimes silver or gold was added to create a little extra glamour.

Eyeliner wasn’t commonly used in the early 1940s; it was considered too harsh and “fake-looking.” It didn’t make an appearance until the late ’40s, and even then, it was applied only to the top lash line.

1940s Lipstick

Lips were the focal point of 1940s makeup, especially during the war years, when red lipstick was seen as a mood booster. Lipstick shades varied from bluish reds to orange-toned reds, but they were all red! Bright pinks weren’t worn until the 1950s, so reds were a constant. In the fall, red lipstick tended to get darker, and in the spring, it lightened up a bit.

Most lipsticks of the time were matte, and women were advised to moisturize their lips before applying. After applying lipstick, they would often blot their lips with a tissue to ensure the color stayed put. By 1948, lipstick pencils were introduced, allowing for a more precise application and a perfect outline around the lips.

The ideal lip shape was full and even, with a smooth contour on the top and bottom lips. The “Hunter’s Bow” lip shape, popularized by Joan Crawford, involved slightly over-drawing the lips to make them appear plumper. However, actresses like Lauren Bacall and Ingrid Bergman embraced their naturally thin lips and didn’t over-draw them.

Tip: To achieve a perfectly shaped lip, start with the cupid’s bow and draw the pencil out to the corners of the mouth. Fill in with lipstick and gently rub your lips together to ensure an even finish. Touch up any uneven spots on the bottom lip.

1940s Fingernail Polish

In the 1940s, nails were always neatly trimmed, often filed into a long oval shape. During wartime, nails were kept a bit shorter for safety, but they were still manicured regularly. Cuticles were carefully trimmed and moisturized for a polished look.

Nail polish in the ’40s was almost always red, and matching your nails to your lipstick was the norm. Other shades like pink, coral, rose, and burgundy were also popular. A clear topcoat was always used for durability, and some women embraced the “half-moon” style, where the base of the nail (around the cuticle) was left unpainted.

Tip: To create a half-moon shape on your nails, apply paper reinforcements to the base of each nail, aligning the top of the hole with the cuticle. Paint your nails, then remove the reinforcements before the polish fully dries for a neat, vintage look.

1940s Makeup Products to Buy Today

To create an authentic 1940s look today, you don’t need a complicated routine. A bit of face powder, black mascara, well-defined brows, and red lipstick will give you that classic, vintage style. Modern makeup tends to have more shine and glitter, but for a true 1940s look, opt for matte products—especially for your lips, cheeks, and eyes.

Tip: Many modern makeup lines offer matte formulas, but brands like Revlon and Max Factor (which were popular in the 1940s) still offer products that capture that vintage style. Besame is another brand that specializes in recreating vintage makeup colors and formulas from the ’40s.

For a more subtle daytime look, keep your makeup light—just a dusting of powder, a touch of blush, and a swipe of mascara. For a more dramatic evening or pinup style, go heavier on the lipstick and mascara, and use a little more rouge for that retro glam.