Foundation for Mature Women

In my search for a healthy youthful glow, I've decided that there's nothing wrong with using makeup to enhance the good parts and hide what I don't want to show. So I'll be sharing some of what I've discovered along the way.

Gone are the "Naked-Face" Days

I’ll never forget the days when I could get away with wearing no makeup, with the exception of a light dusting of powder to keep the shine away, and maybe a little blush when I hadn’t been outdoors for a while. Those days are gone, and I find myself on a constant search for the perfect foundation that doesn’t settle into all the lines and creases that have found their way to my face and neck.

It’s really annoying, having to worry about my aging face, but I’m happy that YouTube has come to the rescue. I started out searching for some tips and tricks on applying makeup to “mature” faces, and now I’m subscribed to more than 30 different Youtubers (including some younger ones) who have taught me everything from how to apply primer to contouring to make the face look more lifted and alive.

Foundation Findings

Here are my thoughts on some of the foundations I’ve tried:

Clinique is my current favorite, specifically the Clinique Beyond Perfecting. I purchased it after seeing what it did for makeup artist Kandee Johnson. It covers most of my age spots, hides my pores, and doesn’t settle into the fine lines around my mouth and eyes. I can actually get away with not using powder, but I still like to do a light dusting before applying powder blush and bronzer. The lady at the Clinique counter said I don’t need to use concealer, but the circles under my eyes are so dark I like to anyway. This one has a doe-foot applicator.

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Kandee Johnson's Clinique Beyond Perfecting review 

Estee Lauder comes in a close second. I’ve been using the Estee Lauder Double Wear, which has been a favorite high-end brand, for years. It provides decent coverage (although not quite as good as the Clinique), and it stays put throughout the day. It has a pour spout instead of an applicator. I generally apply it with a dense foundation brush, Beauty Blender, or Real Techniques sponge.

Smashbox is one of my least favorites of the high-end foundations, and I’m extremely disappointed that it didn’t work out for me.

I actually went into Ulta wanting to purchase the Urban Decay All Nighter foundation, but the saleslady who helped me recommended the Smashbox instead because of my dry skin. I still might give the UD All Nighter a try, but I need to work through the makeup I currently have. One thing I do like about the Smashbox is that it comes in a pump bottle. To apply, I put 2-3 squirts on the back of my hand and dip my foundation brush or damp Beauty Blender into it. The consistency is a tad watery, so on days when I have more redness on my face, I have to apply a second layer.

Maybelline Fit Me foundation from the drugstore is okay for everyday wear but never when I want to look my very best for a special occasion. It starts out providing medium coverage, but over the course of several hours, it fades in some spots around my cheeks and forehead. I like it okay, though, so I’ll continue to use it until I run out.

I’d like to try the Revlon Colorstay foundation. I’ve used the Colorstay lipsticks, and they last better than most drugstore lip products, so next time I make a run to the drugstore, I might try to find one that matches my skin. Some of the makeup artists have touted it as a dupe for Estee Lauder Double Wear. We’ll see.

I’ve watched Youtuber Jessica Braun’s video on E.L.F. Cosmetics products, and she recommends the ELF Flawless Finish foundation, so I’ll probably try that one too. She’s obviously quite a bit younger than me, but I’ve discovered many great products by paying attention to what the younger girls are doing.

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Jessica Braun's E.L.F. review

I’ve used some of the Lancome products, but I like L’Oreal just as much, and it’s quite a bit less expensive. Remember that price isn’t always an indicator of how well it will work on you. Everyone’s skin is different, so request a sample or purchase a trial size of the product before you commit to paying high prices for your makeup so you can see how it works for you.

Something I’ve found interesting is that so many of the lines are sisters (same parent company). For example, Clinique, Smashbox, Bobbi Brown, and Mac are owned by Estee Lauder. I’ve heard rumors that they’ve recently purchased even more companies.

Your Favorite Foundations

If you have any suggestions for a foundation you think I should try, please let me know in the comments. I’m looking for something that goes on well, provides medium to full coverage, and doesn’t settle in the lines. A tall order, maybe, but I’m going to keep looking!