The nine best foundations for dry and ageing skin
As everyone knows, as we get older, our skin does too. But while you might be aware of fine lines and a loss of elasticity, other skin changes occur as we pass middle age which means a shift in our makeup is necessary. The foundation you used through your 20s and 30s may need to go, replaced instead with a foundation for ageing skin that works with the changes happening on your face.
None of this is negative. Ageing is beautiful, and the lines we accrue over the years add character and tell the stories of our lives through our faces. Many foundations in the market work with these signs of ageing to complement them – not exaggerate them, but also not aiming to conceal them, either.
Below, find our top foundations for ageing and menopausal skin that will enhance your natural beauty.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Maybelline Fit Me Dewy and Smooth Luminous Foundation SPF18
Maybelline's Fit Me Foundation range is one of the most well-loved affordable foundation collections in the market, and for those with dry skin or signs of ageing, it's the dewy and smooth iteration that'll have you joining the fanbase. The natural, glowy finish blurs fine lines and uneven skin texture, while the hydrating formula won't leave you with parched skin.
Designer Brands Hydrating Luminous Foundation
One of the most affordable foundations for ageing skin in this list, Designer Brands Hydrating Luminous Foundation stands strong among many luxury products, according to users. "This foundation is amazing for the price point. It has a beautiful luminosity, applies evenly and is buildable," said one Adore Beauty reviewer.
Aloe vera soothes the skin, while vitamins A, C, and E help brighten tone and minimise free radical damage. The formula is medium to full coverage but won't dry out the skin – hyaluronic acid ensures hydration throughout the day, maintaining a satin-like finish.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
The foundation that's appeared in more than one of our shopping guides, there is a reason why Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk is such a top-rated, enduringly popular product. It really does suit a wide array of skin types and sits beautifully on dry and ageing skin, never settling into fine lines or dulling skin tone. The silk texture feels weightless but gives buildable medium coverage, enhancing your skin instead of hiding it.
Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation
A significant concern for those with dry, ageing or menopausal skin is makeup that looks cakey, settling into fine lines and wrinkles and exaggerating them. This issue is often found with high-coverage foundations, and that's precisely what Make Up For Ever wanted to counter with HD Skin Foundation. The lightweight formula has a blurring effect, minimising the look of uneven skin texture and fine lines while also delivering great coverage for those who want it.
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Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid Foundation SPF15
For those looking for anti-ageing benefits in their makeup, Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid fits the bill. Enriched with natural botanical extracts such as chicory and red jania, the foundation helps defend skin against free radical damage that can lead to signs of ageing, while the hydrating formula keeps dehydration lines at bay.
Estee Lauder ReNutriv Ultra Radiance Liquid Makeup SPF20
While this foundation has one of the highest price points in our selection, fans of Estee Lauder's ReNutriv skincare range will love this extension of their daily routine. The foundation is enriched with the same technology as the ReNutriv skincare collection and gives a medium to full coverage, luminous finish that minimises pores and uneven skin tone.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Le Teint Foundation
The YSL Touche Eclat concealer pen has been a mainstay in makeup artist bags and celebrity makeup routines for decades, so it's to be expected that the foundation version gives the same luminous, fine line-blurring finish. Marigold and vitamin E soothe dry skin, while mallow extract protects from external aggressors like pollution. The formula offers 24-hour hydration and medium to full coverage without appearing cakey or unnatural.
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L'Oreal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Serum
This combination product is part foundation, part hydrating serum – perfect for anyone prone to dryness. The lightweight formula feels nourishing, giving a natural finish that's buildable from sheer to medium coverage. The dewy result is thanks to one per cent hyaluronic acid, which continues to hydrate your skin throughout the day, subtly minimising the appearance of fine lines and plumping the skin.
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF20
Another foundation with active ingredients designed to minimise the signs of ageing, Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF20 harnesses the power of salicylic acid to gently exfoliate the skin as you wear it, reducing uneven skin texture and minimising pores, both issues those with dry skin often battle with. Although this is a medium to full coverage foundation, hyaluronic acid works alongside the salicylic acid to provide maximum hydration throughout the day, ensuring your skin never feels dry or tight.
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