How to apply foundation to mature skin, according to professional makeup artists

When it comes to creating a flawless makeup base, we often tend to stick to a routine that works. But learning how to apply foundation to mature skin can make a big difference, especially if the products and techniques you’re using aren’t providing the same results they’re used to.

“Since our skin changes as we age, our makeup should change too! Get to know your skin where it is now,” he says. Laura Gellerwhich carries the makeup brand of the same name Beauty laura geller Specially meets the needs of mature skin. If you’re dealing with new or different concerns, especially when it comes to skin-altering foundation, you’re definitely not alone.

“One of the biggest frustrations clients have with mature skin is that foundation often highlights what you’re trying to spread,” celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno He tells luster. This could mean that the product settles into the expression lines on the face, making them appear deeper, or depletes the skin of moisture, accentuating dryness and texture. But for every new worry, there is a simple solution.

Whether it’s a technique tweak, a new formula, or a little extra skin prep, small tweaks can help you get the most out of your favorite foundation on mature skin. Ahead, you’ll find expert-backed insight into…

How to choose foundation for mature skin

There are some key factors to consider when choosing a foundation for mature skin in particular. The most important of which is retaining moisture: “As we age, our skin craves hydration, not heavy, drying formulas,” says Geller.

When choosing a liquid formula, Briceno recommends prioritizing the following attributes:

• Light to medium buildable coverage. Heavy coverage options can cause dryness, and may increase skin texture.
• Satin or natural radiant finish. Flat, matte options tend to settle into fine lines, while dewy options can highlight dryness or texture.
• High percentage of water. Water-rich foundations sink smoothly into the delicate surface of the skin, preventing cracking.
• Skin care support. Moisturizing skincare ingredients such as ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants can help smooth the skin’s surface and improve wear time.
• Nice metallic or hybrid combinations. If your skin is sensitive, thin, or mature and reactive, it tends to be less irritated and often feels weightless.

If you prefer solid foundation to liquid, Geller recommends choosing a baked formula. “Baked products start out as creamy pigments, then bake for 24 hours to lock in moisture, leaving you with a silky, lightweight finish that glides right over fine lines,” she says. Geller Baked Balance-in-Brighten Color Correcting Foundation is a good example: “It evens tone, brightens dullness, and never looks heavy on mature skin,” she says.

How to apply foundation on mature skin step by step

Step 1: Moisturize.

Any makeup routine – at any age – should start with clean, hydrated skin. “Mature skin loses water faster than it loses oil,” Briceno says. He recommends preparing the skin with a moisture-locking serum, e.g Andalusia Life Enhancing Serum“to fill in the surface so that the foundation has something to hold on to.” Follow with a non-greasy moisturizer, which helps smooth the texture as well as hydrate.

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Courtesy of the brand

Charlotte Tilbury Moisturizing Facial Cream

If you’re still seeing signs of dryness, Briceno advises adding a light layer of emollient, like a thin Ceramide cream, only to “high-traffic areas” like your smile lines and the corners of your eyes. “This prevents the foundation from cracking later,” he says. “Let everything absorb completely, because rushing this step ensures slippage and separation.”

Scientifix 5X Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Gel

Courtesy of the brand

Biossence Squalane+ Omega Repair Cream

Step 2: Apply primer.

“If there’s one step you never want to skip as your skin matures, it’s primer, primer, primer!” Geller says. “Primer creates a wonderful, smooth barrier between your skin and your makeup so your foundation doesn’t seep into your creases, look cakey, or break off midday.” She also points out that the right primer can be your ticket to richer, longer-lasting colors.

Fenty Beauty Grip Trip Hydrating Primer

Courtesy of the brand

Lancôme la base pro makeup primer

Briceno stresses the importance of careful preparation. “Use a hydrating primer on dull or dehydrated areas (cheeks, under-eye contour), and a smoothing or blurring primer on pores and smile lines,” he says.

Step 3: Apply your foundation.

If you’re using a liquid formula, Briceno recommends pumping a small amount onto the back of your hand first. Use a dense, flat brush to pick up a small amount of the product, and begin applying it to your skin. Geller recommends using “light, sweeping or buffing motions,” while Briceno suggests “light circular motions to pull and extend foundation toward the hairline.”

Courtesy of the brand

Hourglass Soft Glow Foundation Brush

Courtesy of the brand

Fenty Beauty 100 Precision Makeup Sponge

Both experts advise against applying a heavy layer of foundation all over your face. Instead, strategically place dots on areas where you want more coverage, evening or brightening. “Avoid loading up on wrinkles, deep lines, and the outer jawline” with more foundation, Briceno says. These are areas where the product may settle in and attract more attention.

Step 4: Remove excess product.

To avoid a cakey finish and product settling into fine lines, it’s a good idea to remove excess foundation from the surface of your skin. Briceno’s pro tip: “Take a damp makeup sponge and press—don’t pull—on the skin. This pushes the pigment into the texture and removes extra product.”

Step 5: Set up and finish.

If you prefer to set your foundation with powder, Briceno recommends only applying the areas where your face moves the most (smile lines, sides of the nose, and under the eyes if necessary). Use a small, fluffy detail brush or press the powder very lightly into these areas.

As a finishing touch, both Geller and Briceno recommend using a fine hydrating mist. This will help prevent the product from drying on your skin.

Courtesy of the brand

Laura Mercier Sheer Ultra Hydrating Spray

Courtesy of the brand

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Legendary glow setting spray Glass 001

What are some common mistakes when applying foundation to mature skin?

Common pain points when applying foundation to mature skin include product creasing, buildup of fine lines, visible or exaggerated texture, and hard, dry finishes. Choosing the right products with intention can help resolve these concerns, but your application techniques are just as important as getting the right product. Here are some common mistakes to avoid in your daily routine, according to experts.

Skip proper hydration.

Now, you know that locking in moisture is key when applying foundation to mature skin, but we’ll say that again. “Dry leather adheres to the pigment, leading to cracking, spots, and fading,” Briceno says.

Apply an even layer of foundation all over your face.

“Mature skin looks fresher when coverage is focused on the middle of the face rather than the entire perimeter,” Briceno says. Geller agrees: “Focus on areas where you want more brightness or evening, rather than applying one heavy layer everywhere.”

Using too much product or too heavy a formula.

“As cliche as it sounds, this is where ‘less is more’ really becomes the norm,” says Geller. “Heavy foundation can settle, crease and make us look older. A lighter hand with a buildable formula gives the more youthful result.”

Pull out the product with a brush.

One way to ensure product builds up in fine lines is to “paint” your foundation with a heavy hand. Instead, use light, upward or circular motions to blend the product with the brush, then tap or tap foundation into areas that need more coverage.

Layers of products very quickly.

To reap the full benefits of prepping your skin, you need to give it enough time to set before applying foundation. “Not giving your skincare time to absorb it leads to slippage and lines later in the day,” Briceno says. If there’s time in your routine, it’s also a good idea to let your foundation set and settle for a few minutes before applying the rest of your makeup.