A little foundation on just the right spots of the face can even out your skin tone and make you look more radiant. But foundation is often one makeup product that is seriously misunderstood. There can be confusion over just how much coverage is necessary, and even deeper confusion over which formulas – creams, powders, water-based, matte finishes, etc. — are best for your skin type. And if you have mature skin, the puzzle becomes even more challenging. How can you apply just enough foundation to create a smooth and glowing base while preventing makeup from seeping into fine lines and wrinkles?
This is where makeup pros come in to help guide our paths. Makeup Artist Hillary Kline, who has more than 15 years in the beauty industry, and Makeup Artist Linda Granillo at BeautieSocial provide us with three life-changing tips for applying foundation to mature skin. Get ready to seize the day without having to touch up your foundation every half hour.
Tip #1: Use Light, Hydrating Formulas
You may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of foundation options at the store, but here’s one fast way to whittle them down: avoid anything that is powder-based and head straight for lighter, more hydrating formulas if you have mature skin. “These formulas won't settle into texture and can also help with any dryness,” Kline says. A quick glance at the ingredients list is also helpful, as there are a few hydrating ingredients that will give mature skin a boost.
“I like to use foundations that have hyaluronic acid on my mature skin clients as it helps trap in moisture and makes the skin look healthy and plump,” Kline says.
Your foundation’s finish is just as important, and often goes hand-in-hand with the type of formula you choose. “With mature skin, you're going to want to look for a foundation that is dewy as opposed to matte,” Granillo says. “Matte can make any fine lines appear more prominent. You can look for a full coverage or tinted foundation, but stay away from powder foundations as those can settle into wrinkles and dry patches and accentuate them. Liquid, cream and serum foundations are your friend.”
Tip #2: Prep Skin & Apply Foundation With A Sponge
Now that you’ve returned from Sephora or your local drugstore with a light, hydrating foundation, what’s your next step? Prep your skin well prior to adding so much as a drop of makeup to it.
How you prep your skin prior to foundation application will largely determine its outcome. And, as you may have guessed, keeping your skin well hydrated is an important factor.
“I first make sure the skin is supple and that I use skincare products first,” Kline says. “I use a hyaluronic acid, then let that soak into the skin. I then use a moisturizer on the skin — something that isn't too heavy, so I tend to use a lightweight moisturizer. I let that soak into the skin. Finally, I use a hydrating under eye cream to help with the under eye area so it doesn't look dry before applying any additional products.”
The most important step in applying foundation happens before it even touches your face, Granillo says. “Making sure skin is plump and hydrated will keep your foundation looking its best. Massage in your face and eye moisturizers, and allow them to absorb into your skin before applying foundation.”
Another tip that Granillo reminds us about is investing is a quality face primer, which should be applied prior to foundation.
“A good face primer may also help in preventing foundation from settling into fine lines,” she says. “Look for a pore filling or hydrating primer to create a smooth canvas for your makeup.”
You have several application tool options that include various brushes, sponges, and even your fingers, but Granillo says she opts for sponges for mature skin.
“For foundation application, using a lightly damp beauty sponge and rolling or stippling onto skin provides nice even coverage and blends beautifully,” Granillo says. “If you need more coverage, you can build up as you go, applying more foundation to the spots that need it.”
Tip #3: Avoid Powders & Use Setting Spray Instead
You’re probably seeing a theme here: powders, whether they are foundation powders or translucent powders for setting your makeup, are not an ally if you have drier, mature skin.
“To set makeup on mature skin, I avoid using powders,” Kline says. “Powders tend to settle into fine lines and wrinkles. I love using a setting spray to lock everything in. Currently my favorite one is MAC Prep + Prime Fix+. This product works well on all skin types and keeps makeup lasting all day long.”
Granillo agrees: “To keep skin looking dewy on mature skin, skip the powder and set your foundation with a makeup setting spray,” she says. “The spray will keep your makeup in place without looking dry.”
Don’t avoid foundation altogether because your prior application attempts have resulted in not-so-stellar results. These three simple tips will change the way you approach your makeup routine and will leave you with more flawless skin (you’ll forget you’re even wearing foundation).
