So you’ve discovered your favorite foundation, above, but you’re still a bit unsure how to apply it. If we’ve learned anything in recent years, it’s that technique makes all the difference.
“A key to looking youthful as we age is avoiding heavy or cakey makeup; less is definitely more here,” says Baraf. “You can use thin layers of product to build in places if need be. Most important is layering your gorgeous skin care underneath your foundation to ensure your foundation melts into your skin and looks fresh.”
To make your foundation look like a second skin, the right moisturizer, primer, and perhaps a glow-boosting serum can be helpful even before applying the foundation. Next, Dalí-Trites says to “mist your foundation brush or sponge with a hydrating face mist; this will help add an extra layer of hydration, allowing the foundation to best glide onto the skin and blend seamlessly.”
Avène
Thermal Spring Water
Described as a lightweight luminizer, Saie’s Glowy Super Gel is the ultimate under-makeup product for mature skin. Applying this gel feels like a drink of water to dry, thirsty skin, and that’s only half the draw to the formula. Working as a sort of allover highlighter, this imparts a glowing, radiant bronze perfect for a dewy makeup look.
As Dalí-Trites describes, a hydrating face mist allows foundation to blend into a skinlike finish. Avène’s Thermal Spring Water is one of the best. Powered by mineral properties (which help improve skin texture and soften aging skin) and biological properties (from post-biotic microflora to soothe stressed skin), this has all the qualities of an effective face mist.
Clé de Peau
High Coverage Foundation Brush
Beautyblender
Original Makeup Sponge
You’d be surprised how much a good makeup brush can level up your makeup game, especially when it’s as good as Clé de Peau’s tool known to blend foundation without a trace. Here, fine synthetic bristles are packed densely into an angled head to smoothly and seamlessly blend cream and liquid foundations. For the best finish, blend outward from the center of the face to the hairline.
The choice is honestly yours in the makeup brush versus sponge debate. Those interested in the latter should really look no further than the classic Beautyblender. Once wet, this latex-free foam sponge expands and deftly smooths foundation onto skin for a streak-free finish. Plus it’s designed to absorb water—not product—so you theoretically can use less product.
Yves Saint Laurent
Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Concealer Pen
Charlotte Tilbury
Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder
We’d argue that the concealer for mature skin is just as important as the foundation, particularly if under-eye bags or dark circles are of concern. One of the most acclaimed concealers around for awakening tired eyes (just ask Sofia Richie and Jennifer Lopez), Touche Éclat is formulated to brighten, conceal, and highlight in one fell swoop.
Because a hydrated, glowing complexion is key before applying makeup for women over 50, you’ll want to employ a featherweight veil of setting powder to avoid cakiness. Luckily, this Charlotte Tilbury formula is as imperceptible as they come. Designed to quell excess shine, this finely milled powder instantly blurs the look of pores and fine lines when applied to the skin. A simple dusting with a brush is all you need to mattify surface oils and lock your look in place for hours.
