Shopping for a powder foundation can be tough in general, but if you have dry or mature skin, it can be even more of a challenge. Although most people consider powder foundation strictly for those with oily skin, that’s not always the case. Celebrity makeup artist Allison Kaye says there are a few things to look for in a powder foundation if you do happen to have mature skin and would like to try one. “You should look for microfine powder foundations to prohibit the powder from settling into fine lines and wrinkles,” she says. “The microfine powders will have more of a velvet feel to them and will sit more evenly on your face.”
Powder foundations that contain hydrating ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid can also work well for mature skin types. They’ll help ensure that the formula won’t crease or look dry and patchy at the end of the day. Celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay on the other hand doesn’t always love a powder foundation for mature skin but says to opt for a mineral foundation with a finely milled finish if you really would like to try one. Keep scrolling—we have plenty of hydrating, non-creasing recs ahead.
Bareminerals’ Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation is a classic. It provides buildable, sheer to medium coverage with lightweight, skin-improving minerals that leave a natural luminous finish.
This Jane Iredale formula is a foundation, concealer, and sunscreen all in one. It blurs fine lines and nourishes skin with a hydrating, creamy texture that won’t dry out your skin. Micronized minerals in the formula also lie flat and bind together to allow the skin to breathe more.
This finely milled pressed powder foundation from Osmosis Beauty creates light-reflecting coverage that glides on smoothly and blends seamlessly. Pro tip: It can also be layered over a liquid foundation to give your skin an extra airbrushed finish.
This weightless powder foundation with a semi-matte finish has squalane in it to boost hydration levels in mature skin types while mica also gives the finish a natural glow.
Loaded with minerals; vitamin C, E, and A; and antioxidants, this microlight powder blends perfectly into the skin without drying it out. It smooths out imperfections and won’t settle into fine lines with hydrating ingredients like squalane and silk powder.
This Ulta formula is made with pure crushed minerals and soothing chamomile and ginseng extracts. It’s buildable and long-lasting and provides feather-light coverage.
This finely milled powder foundation helps minimize the appearance of pores and contains an innovative hydrating powder complex that’s non-pore-clogging but still provides extra moisture. Cactus flower extract also helps the skin maintain hydration in the formula while chamomile soothes the skin and chlorella helps to firm.
This Laura Mercier formula can be applied wet or dry for sheer or full coverage. It’s oil-free and creates a skin-like coverage without settling and creating creases. It’s also hydrating but helps reduce excess shine.
This powder foundation from L’Oréal provides long-lasting coverage for up to 24 hours. It’s waterproof, heatproof, and sweatproof but isn’t overly mattifying.
Blur technology in this formula diffuses light to soften imperfections and create a smooth finish. It also contains powerhouse hydrators like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to plump and moisturize mature skin so it never looks dry or cakey.
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