A Makeup Pro Shows Us How To Apply Foundation On ‘Wrinkled, Older Skin’ For An Even, Natural Finish

If foundation has started settling into fine lines, emphasizing texture, or looking cakey instead of smooth, you’re not alone. As skin matures, it naturally becomes drier and loses elasticity—meaning the makeup techniques that worked in your 20s and 30s often need a serious update. According to makeup pro Camille Cowher, the key to a flawless base on older or wrinkled skin isn’t more product—it’s smarter prep and the right application method.

In a recent YouTube video, Cowher walked viewers through her step-by-step routine for achieving an even, natural-looking foundation finish on mature skin, starting well before foundation ever touches the face.

Step 1: Hydration Is Non-Negotiable

Cowher emphasizes that skin prep is everything. She begins by applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin, explaining that hyaluronic acid works like a “moisture magnet.” Applying it to damp skin allows it to pull water into the skin more effectively, helping plump fine lines and create a smoother surface. Once the serum fully dries, she follows up with a face cream to seal in all that hydration.

This step is crucial, especially for older skin, which tends to lose moisture more quickly and can make foundation cling to dry patches or wrinkles.

Step 2: Prime With Purpose

Next comes primer—and not just any primer. Cowher recommends choosing one suited to your skin type, noting that primers help fill in fine lines and pores while also making makeup last longer. For mature skin, this creates a smoother canvas and helps foundation glide over wrinkles instead of settling into them.

Unless you have very oily skin, she suggests avoiding mattifying primers and instead opting for formulas that offer hydration or a smoothing effect.

Step 3: Choose the Right Foundation Formula

When it comes to foundation, Cowher strongly advises steering clear of heavy, matte formulas. Instead, she recommends a hydrating foundation that mentions moisture, hydration, or a luminous glow on the label. These formulas tend to look more skin-like and forgiving on textured or aging skin.

For application, she uses a damp makeup sponge, explaining that sponges provide an even, natural finish compared to brushes, which can sometimes drag product across wrinkles or leave streaks.

Step 4: Under-Eye Coverage Without Caking

Under the eyes—one of the most crease-prone areas—Cowher suggests using a hydrating concealer or a color corrector. In her demo, she applies the tiniest amount of orange corrector only where darkness is most visible, then lightly sweeps the remaining product under the eye. This targeted approach avoids product buildup, which is a common cause of creasing.

To finish, she uses a small brush spritzed with setting spray to gently set the under-eye area, helping minimize creases without drying the skin.