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The best powder foundations for mature skin prove that they can bring more to the table than the typical mattifying and long-wear benefits. While there are a ton of complexion formulas to choose from, be they tinted moisturizers or skin tints, few have the staying power of powder foundations. And while they might seem counterintuitive for aging skin, which typically calls for extra hydration, the newest crop of powders offer just that (in addition to other perks). Empty Loose Powder Case
For starters, unlike a liquid foundation, powder foundation “is often less irritating since it sits on the surface of the skin and doesn't penetrate it as easily,” says makeup artist Robin Black, founder of Beauty Is Boring. “It's also great for humid weather and oily skin types.” Plus, it’s inherently versatile: You can layer a powder over a liquid or cream foundation, where it’ll serve as an impromptu setting powder to help makeup last all day.
All said, a powder foundation might just be one of the best multi-taskers in your makeup routine, especially if you’re working with mature skin. Here’s how you can make the most of it.
While powders aren’t Black’s first choice for mature skin, which tends to be dry, “there are some new formulas that contain hydrating ingredients and very fine texture,” she says. “The more silky the powder, the better it will work on mature skin.” Black is also a fan of hybrid formulas that transform into a powder finish, as these also tend to work better on mature skin than traditional powders.
Applying foundation to mature skin, whatever the type of formula, should revolve around one thing: moisture. To that end, “Start by prepping your skin with a heavy moisturizer and allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes,” says Black; this method allows the moisture to sink in before applying primer and prevents pilling. Black recommends looking for a primer for mature skin with a semi-matte finish.
Next is concealer. Since these are typically liquids or creams, they should be applied prior to any powder. Once you get to your powder foundation, “skip the brush and reach for a traditional makeup puff or a dense, angled sponge,” says Black, who adds that dampening the sponge first will increase the coverage. (Using a dry sponge, on the other hand, will scale down the coverage.)
Finally, “concentrate the powder on the planes of the face, avoiding the creases around the nostrils, nasolabial folds, undereyes and anyplace else where you can see more dramatic texture, dry skin, or wrinkles,” she says.
Proper prep — that is, moisturizing and then following with a makeup primer — will go a long way to smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Then, once you’ve finished applying your powder foundation, “mist lightly with a hydrating spray and press the palms of your hands onto your face to set it,” says Black.
Ultimately, while a powder might not seem like an obvious go-to, the best powder foundations for mature skin prove otherwise. Scroll ahead to shop the best options in the market right now.
This full-coverage foundation reimagined the category, earning itself a Best of Beauty Award in 2021, with a pressed powder that can be used as a full-coverage foundation, blotting powder, or even concealer in a pinch. Rice silk powder helps keep excess oil from turning into full-fledged shine, and the true-color pigments quickly blur dark spots.
Both ingredients are suspended in a soft, buttery texture that doesn't appear patchy on dry skin or collect in fine lines. And, with 32 diverse shades across 6 undertones, this one is a hard one to beat on the shade-matching front, too.
With a silky texture that melts into — versus sitting on top of — skin, this powder foundation becomes invisible once applied, giving skin an airbrushed finish. (How? It uses three different types of powders to correct redness, pores, and uneven texture — sans cakiness.)
Available in 25 shades, it’s also one of the few powders that offers a wide range of coverage, from sheer to full, and comes with a dual-sided sponge to help you customize your application; one side deposits product so you can control your coverage level, while the other is intended for seamless blending.
While powders can be so basic and straightforward that they come in a single translucent shade, that's not the case for powder foundation, which actually needs to conceal and blur large pores, dark spots, and beyond.
This buildable formula comes in an impressive 50 shades — which is par for the course for our girl Rihanna, who set a new standard for accounting for diverse skin tones back in 2017 — and even resists sweat and humidity. Despite the generous coverage it doesn't feel heavy or settle into fine lines and wrinkles, and it’s lightweight enough to layer over other foundations if you’re just looking to set makeup.
Most powder foundations are built with minimizing excess oil in mind; Not only do they tamp down shine, but they also help blur pores. What sets this formula apart is a lineup of powerful skin-care ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, and antioxidants like niacinamide and vitamin C, which help brighten skin — putting it among the best foundations for mature skin, full stop.
Another bonus: It’s talc-free and leaves skin with a radiant finish. The only drawback is that it comes in only seven shades, which may be a tough sell for some skin tones.
This TikTok-viral foundation makes skin look professionally airbrushed and feels just as lightweight, too. Available in 20 shades, the oil-free powder won't crease, settle in wrinkles, or clog pores, making it a winner for those with combination skin.
Plus, it's heat-proof, so it can see you through the warmer months without caking up or feeling heavy, and comes with a flat sponge applicator designed to lend more versatility. When used dry, it deposits medium coverage, but as Black mentioned, dampening the sponge first will turn it up to full coverage.
While powder foundations have been around for years, few redefined the category quite like BareMinerals, whose loose powder has been racking up Allure Best of Beauty Awards since 2007. (We have receipts.) It’s one of the few powders that covers the light-to-medium coverage range (though it can be built up to full coverage as needed) and the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide serve as sunscreen filters.
However, it only provides SPF 15, so you'll still need to apply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. But it imparts a satin-matte finish with more dimension than the average powder and offers 30 shades, which is why it’ll always be in the rotation.
As the name implies, this 17-shade formula really is weightless, imparts a super-smooth, shine-free finish, and delivers medium-to-full coverage that camouflages hyperpigmentation and blemishes without caking. In fact, its feel is surprisingly cushiony, which might be the work of the squalane, a lipid identical to one found in our skin’s moisture barrier, and botanical extracts like apricot and rosemary extracts.) Plus, the small compact makes touchups a breeze.
Sweat, humidity, water, and caking have nothing on this affordable powder formula, which pairs the natural finish of a liquid foundation with the long-lasting wear and buildable coverage of a powder. Despite its generous coverage — which ranges from medium to full — it's non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores and works nicely as a setting powder for those with oily skin. It’s available in 16 shades, making it relatively easy to find a shade match.
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