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The best foundations for mature skin

With so much attention paid to it in the media, it can sometimes feel like everyone is obsessed with youth – and few places is that more evident than at the beauty counters where they promise to reverse the signs of ageing as if by magic, using only a tub of cream.

While that might seem a nice idea, for most women it’s not about denying the ageing process but ageing gracefully. It’s perfectly natural to want to look as great as you feel in your 50s and beyond, and makeup is a simple solution to help you do it.

Choosing a foundation

Foundation is an excellent tool for hiding everything from sunspots to broken veins and uneven skin tone, and is also great for bringing some extra light into your face.

It’s not uncommon for women to find as they age the foundation they’ve been using for years now feels heavy, cakey and seems to settle into lines rather than blur them.

Everyone’s skin is different and it’s worth taking a bit of time to find the product that’s right for you. A good foundation will cost upwards of £30, but most women will use only a pump or two for application, so you should expect a bottle to last you several months.

Go to a beauty counter and ask them to match a foundation to your skin tone and recommend something based on your skin type. Wear it around for the day and be sure to check what it looks like in different lighting – this is the best way to determine whether or not a product will be right for you in the long run before you make the investment.

In the case of makeup it’s simply not true that the most expensive item is the best, and there are plenty of decent drugstore brands that you can find for around £10 that will also do the trick. If you’re going down this route ask a friend to come with you to help match a colour with the testers in store.

Look for a moisturising formula if you’re pre- or post-menopausal as these will help soften lines and keep your skin hydrated when you’re wearing a full face of makeup throughout the day. While you’re experiencing menopausal symptoms look for a long-lasting finish and an oil free formula – these will stand up best to hot flashes.

Five we like

There are literally hundreds of foundations out there and plenty that will work well and look great on mature skin, so don’t be afraid to experiment. If you need somewhere to start, here’s five we like:

1. Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturising Balm

If you suffer from very dry skin this is a great alternative to the traditional foundations. Apply it in lieu of your moisturiser and blend with your fingers or a brush for a light, dewy finish. Use concealer to target areas that might need extra coverage.

Find it online Bobbi Brown for £40

2. Estee Lauder Perfectionist

Estee Lauder’s Pefectionist Youth-Infusing foundation firms, brightens and hydrates with an oil-free formula that gives a medium coverage and a satin finish. This foundation is one of the more expensive on the market, so be sure to ask for a sample to try at home before you buy.

Find it at John Lewis for £41

3. Diorskin Nude Glow Radiant Fluid Foundation

The Diorskin range has built up a cult following since it launched, and the Nude Glow foundation remains one of its most popular products. The corrective foundation offers shine-free radiance and a velvet finish.

Find it at John Lewis for £38

4. Chanel Vitalumière Lightweight Compact

Compact powder foundations have come a long way in recent years and Chanel’s offering from its wildly popular Vitalumiere range manages to offer a fine, hydrating texture that looks natural and is easy to apply. With a price tag that cracks the £40-mark however, this makes for an indulgent investment.

Find it at Amazon for £69

5. Clarins Extra-Firming Foundation

This creamy foundation offers a satin-finish and offers long-lasting medium coverage. It’s hydrating and comfortable to wear, and designed to help diffuse light and make skin look brighter.

Find it at John Lewis for £34

What are your favourite foundations? 

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Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor

Hello there! I’m Rachel and I’m the Assistant Editor for Silversurfers. I work behind the scenes to bring interesting, informative and entertaining subject matter to the Silversurfers community. I hope you enjoy the features we have shared with you. Please feel free to comment below and share your thoughts with us, we love to hear from you!

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