Whether you're looking to change up your go-to makeup look or are looking to revamp the retro makeup in your cosmetics bag, we've created a guide to the best makeup for older women to achieve a luminous look that accentuates your natural beauty. This is probably very different to the makeup you wore in the '80s when you were younger and wanted more of a bold look. As we age, our skin naturally changes, and with that, the way makeup sits and feels on the skin is different, too. Generally speaking, the more moisturising products are, the better, as mature skin tends to be on the more delicate side. Natural oils in the skin decline as we age, so we recommend choosing formulas that are creamy and rich in texture, such as a BB cream or CC cream, versus oil-absorbing and mattifying. This is especially important when choosing the best foundations for mature skin. • Best foundation for mature women: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation In this guide, we have rounded up the best makeup for older women for the entire face and to suit every budget. If you're looking to find the best concealer, eye or brow product, you've come to the right place. We've even found the best cc creams if you're looking for something lighter. Keep scrolling to read our essential makeup frequently asked questions and expert commentary. Shopping for a new foundation for mature skin can seem complicated. From different price points to formulations available, you want to know you're buying the right foundation for you. Whether you prefer to wear a lighter base or prefer more coverage, we have listed our makeup for older women, foundation picks for you to shop.Best makeup for mature older women at a glance:
• Best concealer to treat dark circles for older women: Trinny London BFF Eye
• Best plumping primer for older women: Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
• Best water-based powder for older women: REFY Skin Finish Powder
• Best long-lasting mascara for older women: Clinique Lash PowerBest foundation for older women
Best overall foundation for mature women
On sale
John Lewis
Price:
£33.75 (was £45)
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
With many awards to its name, the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation has the best shade range on our list. Not only does this make it the most diverse and inclusive option but also the silkiest, lightweight, and oil-free choice too. Suitable for all skin types, it comes with exclusive micro-fil technology to help brighten the skin and glycerin to provide better hydration.
Review:"I have used this for a few years now. I find it moisturising but not greasy; it evens skin without being cakey and lasts all day without feeling dry or clingy. It is quite expensive, but it lasts a long time if you're only using one pump a day."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Available in 40 shades
Cons
- Smaller bottle
Best foundation on the high street for older women
On sale
Look Fantastic
Price:
£8.24 (was £10.99)
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Ahigh-street favouritethat has stood the test of time, L'Oréal True Match Liquid Foundation is an excellent choice for any aged skin. We love it for its translucent coverage, which won't dehydrate older skin or settle into dry patches and wrinkles. Have your purchase colour matched and apply carefully with a makeup brush, and no one will be able to tell you're wearing it, promise. With SPF, hyaluronic acid, and an anti-pollutant formula, your skin will stay hydrated and protected over
time.
Review:"Lovely foundation, super soft like silk when applying, blends well and looks flawless. I went for porcelain, and it matched my fair skin very well. I wouldn't say it's full coverage, but it enhances your own skin, making it look effortlessly flawless and dewy. I will definitely buy again."
Pros
- Hydrating
- Available in 29 shades
Cons
- Not full coverage
Best foundation for sensitive skin for older women
On sale
LookFantastic
Price:
£24.75 (was £31)
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Suitable for all skin types, bareMinerals Barepro 24-Hour Full Coverage Liquid Foundation has been reviewed by many users as being great for sensitive skin, and we can see why. This good-for-skin foundation is free from oil, parabens, sulfates, and fragrance and is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. It's designed for extended wear to be soft and breathable with a matte but hydrating finish. With SPF protection, too, your skin can stay irritant-free.
Review:"Like wearing a second skin. Next-level professional look. Say goodbye to the cakey, smeary foundation- this stays put. Even after a nap, nothing is on the pillowcase, and my skin feels amazing. No breakouts, and I have combination, sensitive skin. It gives me confidence without feeling too bare. It also comes off with a wash, with no residue left behind. Highly recommended."
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
- Available in 17 shades
Cons
- Sometimes can be a little patchy
Best CC cream for older women
On sale
Price:
£32.85 (Was £36.50)
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Description
So, what's the difference between a BB and a CC cream? Well, the beauty of a CC cream for mature skin (which stands for colour correcting) is that it can be applied using the fingertips and feels more like wearing a moisturiser than a full face of makeup. But IT Cosmetics' CC Cream's creamy, high-pigmentation formula provides surprisingly full coverage and contains hyaluronic acid, which is the ultimate wonder product in anti-ageing technology. It's also got that all-important SPF50.
Review: "Absolutely love this product. I am 60 and was recommended this product by my daughter. I have the medium shade, and it gives me light coverage, which I love as I do not like heavy foundations. I have had so many comments from family and friends saying my complexion looks fresh and youthful. I am over the moon with my purchase."
Pros
- Available in 11 shades
- Replaces the need to use a foundation
Cons
- May not suit if you are looking for a lightweight finish
Best full-coverage BB cream for older women
Save £10
Price:
£30.75 (Was £41)
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
If you are looking for a product that instantly evens the skin tone: this is a BB cream for mature skin for you to try. The Erborian Super BB comes in five different shades and is designed to even out any discolouration. Once blended into the skin, this product provides an even, radiant coverage promising to last all day. Perfect to use during the summer months if you're looking for a product with added SPF 20.
Tried and testedbyEllenKinsey, Commercial Content Writer for Yours:"This BB cream has excellent coverage and does not feel cakey on the skin. The coverage and texture are a definite step up from CC Cream and have a matte finish. It feels really lightweight, looks fresh and stays on all day. If you want good coverage but don't want to wear heavy foundations, this is a great choice."
Pros
- Great for all skin tones
- High coverage for blemishes
Cons
- Quite a thick consistency
Best glowy tinted moisturiser for older women
Save £5.60
Price:
£22.40 (Was £28)
www.boots.com
Description
The YSL Nu Bare Look Skin Tint can be used as a tinted moisturiser or as a buildable light foundation. The Nu Bare Look Skin Tint achieves a fresh and dewy complexion for up to 12 hours and has a creamy water-gel texture for up to 24-hour hydration. This skincare-makeup hybrid is perfect for those looking for a balanced complexion.
Review: "Using this product for about two weeks, good coverage for minor blemishes and evens out redness, I got the lightest share, and it was perfect. I am a very fair redhead."
Pros
- Hydrating and lightweight
- Available in 20 shades
When shopping for makeup for older women, can't go wrong with initially mastering a flawless base. Once you've discovered a foundation that perfectly suits your skin, the next step is to compliment it with a concealer for mature skin.Best concealers for older women
Best concealer to treat dark circles for older women
On sale
Trinny London
Price:
£25.20 (Was £28)
trinnylondon.com
Description
Trinny London's BFF Eye Serum Concealer combines a hard-working, medium-coverage concealer with an anti-ageing undereye serum to treat and hide any discolouration. Made a blend of hyaluronic acid, caffeine and vitamin C, this formula helps to instantly depuff whilst the metal applicator helps to cool and soothe the skin to see visible results.
Review: "I have only just started to use Trinny products, and so far, I love the skincare routine. This BFF eye is amazing and works for me! No creasing in the lines."
Pros
- Available in 12 shades
- Super hydrating formula
Cons
- Not super full coverage
Best hydrating concealer for older women
By Terry
Price:
£38
www.byterry.com
Description
As we mature, the skin tends to feel drier, so choosing a concealer with moisturising properties is the best way to keep the complexion feeling fresh and looking smooth. By Terry's Hyaluronic Hydra-Concealer is made up of 87% skincare, including hyaluronic acid, to instantly plump yet gradually maintain the skin's moisture levels and improve texture.
Review: "It blends very well. The best concealer I've ever used under my eyes. A little also goes a long way."
Pros
- Lightweight texture adapts to skin tone
- Full of hyaluronic acid
Cons
- Applicator may need regular cleaning
Best brightening concealer for older women
Save £6.75
.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80 "The best makeup for older women for a naturally radiant look (41)")
Boots
Price:
£20.25 (was £27)
www.boots.com
Description
The cult classic YSL Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen will always be a must-have in our makeup bag and a brilliant product if you love a quick makeup tip. The precision concealer is a great addition to your makeup routine. Apply after foundation but before setting powder to any areas that need an illuminating boost, like under your eyes or on your cupid's bow for fuller-looking lips.
Review:"Been using this product for over 20 years! The perfect result every time. It illuminates under the eyes and covers dark circles well. I have no complaints! The only other item I have ever tried that rivals this is the 'Sheer Lights Illuminating Pen' by Elizabeth Arden. Try both and see which you prefer."
Pros
- Available in 12 shades
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Smaller tube
Priming your skin is an essential step in your skincare routine. Ensuring your makeup look lasts all day depends on your skin prep. Choosing the right primer for mature skin that suits your skin type will help your makeup look fresh.Best primers for older women
Best plumping primer for older women
Save £10.40
Price:
£41.65 (was £49)
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
The viral primer from Bobbi Brown doubles as a moisturiser and leaves your skin looking plump and feeling hydrated. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is made with a blend of hyaluronic acid, shea butter and vitamins B5, C and E, this creamy primer adds instant radiance and blurs imperfections, creating the ultimate makeup base.
Review: "This is the best cream I have purchased. It smells amazing and is a thicker cream. I have noticed a difference in my face with the cream giving the skin an illuminating healthy glow. I have noticed some fine lines looking less obvious and imperfections on my skin reduced. Well worth the price for a miracle cream.
Pros
- Works as a moisturiser and primer
- Full of hydrating skincare properties
Cons
- Glass tub not ideal for travelling
Best primer to reduce redness for older women
Save 39%
Description
Designed to target those who suffer from any redness or rosacea, Erborian's Red Correct's glowing formula contains green pigments to instantly correct. It conceals any redness visible on the surface of the skin. This colour corrector works well as a primer to disguise any redness under your makeup.
Review:"I suffer from eczema and skin allergies, so my face at times looks flushed. I've tried loads of products to calm my redness, but they irritate or are too heavy, and you need to wear foundation over it. This perfectly calms the redness straight away and doesn't feel heavy or look like I'm wearing a correcting product skin feels smooth and balanced skin colour."
Pros
- Acts like a nourishing primer
- Can be worn alone to naturally colour correct
Cons
- Not the best for full coverage
Best glowing primer for older women
Charlotte Tilbury
Price:
£40
www.charlottetilbury.com
Description
When it comes to glowing skin, Charlotte Tilbury knows a thing or two. Wonderglow Primer can be worn alone or under make-up to add a candlelight glow and ensure make-up looks fresh all day. Wonderglow blends hyaluronic acid, rosehip and camellia oil to nourish and hydrate the skin, whilst the champagne tint blurs fine lines and wrinkles.
Review: "I have been using this primer for a while now, and it is a staple in my makeup kit. I wear it alone with just a light dusting of powder in the summer and under foundation in the winter. I'm 66 years old, and I'm constantly getting compliments on how good I look, Thank you Charlotte Tilbury, for helping me be the best that I can be."
Pros
- Can be worn alone or under make-up
- Champagne tint blurs and adds radiance
Cons
- Some people may prefer fragrance-free
Applying a face powder for mature skin is an essential step in your make-up routine to set the skin and minimise the appearance of pores. When shopping for a new powder, it's important to avoid a powder with a chalky finish to stop the skin from looking cakey. Keep scrolling to shop for the best powders for mature women.Best powders for older women
Best mattifying powder for older women
On sale
Price:
£27.34 (was £34)
www.boots.com
Description
If you need your base to stay set in place or want to reduce shine,this loose powder blurs imperfection and visibly reduces dark shadows for a matte yet radiant complexion. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder helps mattify and smooth the appearance of the skin. Made from gorgeous, high-quality ingredients, you know your makeup will be set for the day.
Review: "This product is light and easy to apply. My makeup looks fresh far longer than without the powder."
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Great blurring results
Cons
- Quite a small pot
Best high street powder for older women
Save 20%
Ciaté London
Price:
£14.40 (Was £18)
www.ciatelondon.com
Description
The Ciaté London Everyday Vacay Coconut Setting Powder helps to reduce shine and sets your makeup for a flawless finish. If you like the scent of coconut, you will love this one. The loose powder has a lightweight, finely-milled formula that slides effortlessly onto the skin without causing a cakey or dusty effect.
Review: "This seems to be a really great powder; in just a few uses, I can tell the difference between how long my foundation stays on during the day. It is a white/translucent powder with a nice hint of coconut but not too overpowering."
Pros
- Finely-milled formula sits comfortably on the skin
- Reduces shine
Cons
- Coconut scent may not be for everyone
Best water-based powder for older women
REFY
Price:
£16 (was £22)
refybeauty.com
Description
Skin Finish Powder from REFY is made up of water to gently mattify and minimise any oiliness without looking dry. When looking for a powder to add to your routine, choosing one that is finely milled will sit comfortably on the skin. This powder is best applied with a sponge or powder puff to set makeup and blur pores without looking cakey.
Review: "This powder is thin and so light. It's easy to apply and smooths all your face making you feel fresh. You can feel your skin breathes, and from morning to evening, it doesn't move at all. I recommend it."
Pros
- Powder feels weightless on the skin
- Skin instantly looks blurred and poreless
Cons
- Bulky packaging
Similar to ourhair thinning, as we get older, our eyelashes begin to thin. If your eyelashes are thin, you probably don't want to opt for something like fake eyelashes, as these can be quite heavy and irritate sensitive eyes. Shopping for mascara for older women is, therefore, a great way to naturally add some volume and thickness.Best mascara for older women
Best long-lasting mascara for older women
Save £4.80
Price:
£19.20 (was £23)
www.boots.com
Description
There's nothing worse than mascara that gives you 'panda eyes', especially as mascara can tend to get stuck in the eye'sfine lines. The Clinique Lash Power Mascara doesn't have that problem, as it stays on for 24 hours and even claims to last through sweat, heat, rain and tears.
Review: "More expensive than most, but worth it for me as it's the only mascara I've found that doesn't irritate my eyelid margins."
Pros
- Very long-lasting
- Ophthalmologist tested
Cons
- Not recommended for use with lash-building primer
Best mascara for lash growth for older women
On sale
No7
Price:
£11.16 (was £15.95)
www.boots.com
Description
The No7 Age Defying All-In-One Serum Mascara combines a nourishing lash serum with a volumising mascara to create lifted and full-looking lashes. Introducing a lash serum into your routine will help to prevent breakages and encourage lash growth, giving your eye a fuller look. A fabulous addition to your make-up collection and one your lashes will thank you for.
Review: "I absolutely love this mascara, it makes my stumpy lashes look thick and long. It's a bit gloopy, but I'm willing to live with that because it's simply the best mascara I've ever used."
Pros
- Two-in-one formula nourishes lashes over time
- Available in either black or black/brown
Cons
- Bristle brush if you prefer a plastic wand
Best budget mascara for mature women
On sale
Maybelline
Description
If you're looking for a more affordable mascara, then the Maybelline Full N' Soft Waterproof mascara, with over 5,000 reviews (more than 70 per cent of those being five-star), is definitely worth a try. Reviewers claim it's great for older lashes and keeps them looking soft while still adding volume.
Review: "Great mascara. Lovely to use and perfect for lashes on an older person. It keeps the lashes soft but still gives volume. I will never use a different now."
Pros
- Enriched with vitamin E for healthy-looking lashes
- Ophthalmologist tested and suitable for contact lens wearers
Cons
- Waterproof mascara can be harder to remove
From eyebrows to eyeshadow, the list is endless when shopping for the best eye makeup for mature women. It's important to look for products designed to last on the skin. We recommend, that before applying any eyeshadow to prime your eyelids to ensure the product stays on - much like cream blush, a cream eyeshadow works best on mature skin to ensure any powder eye makeup stays in place.Best eye makeup for older women
Best natural brow pencil for mature women
Save £7.35
Price:
£17.15 (was £24.50)
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
The Precisely, My Brow Pencil from Benefit is available in 12 shades so that you can find the perfect one for you. It's really easy to apply with a retractable mechanical pencil nib that doesn't need sharpening and includes an integrated spoolie to blend and groom your brows to give you that brow lamination effect. The micro-fine pencil allows you to emulate the appearance of natural brow hairs.
Review: "I was recommended by my beautician to use this and was not disappointed! It does exactly what it says and looks natural."
Pros
- Easy to apply
- 12 shades to choose from
Cons
- Takes precision to mimic brow hairs
Best cream-based eye shadow pot for mature women
On sale
Price:
£16.20 (Was £18)
trinnylondon.com
Description
If you are looking for an eye product that can do it all, Trinny London's Eye2Eye range of moisture-enriched cream-based eye shades and liners is the ultimate eye enhancer. The cream-based formula is easy to apply with just your fingers and comes in a gorgeous selection of colours and finishes - from neutral shades to smokey shimmery colours. Not to mention they are excellent, with the brand claiming that with daily use, the cream-based product will last up to nine months.
Review: "They're delightful to apply. Much better than eye shadow. Stays on all day."
Pros
- Excellent value and long-lasting.
- Available 58 shades
Cons
- Packaging makes it harder to reach the remaining product
Best cream eyeshadow stick for mature women
By Terry
Price:
£30
www.byterry.com
Description
By Terry's Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadow pencils gently glide onto the eyelid and blend seamlessly. Once blended, the smudge-proof formula sets to the skin to avoid any unwanted creasing and stays in place. Replacing your eyeshadow with a cream is the best way to keep makeup looking fresh and youthful, and these warmer colours are perfect for autumn make up.
Review: "Love! This stays on so well. Definitely need good makeup remover to take it off.It's got a lovely creamy texture, and the stick applicator works so well. It looks great added to the corner of the eye too."
Pros
- Flattering selection of colours available
- Super blendable formula
Cons
- Not suitable if you prefer a matte eye
When it comes to blush, it's always best to opt for cream. This is a fabulous way to brighten up your face. Then finish the look with a little powder. When applied correctly, it will bring a healthy vitality to an older woman's overall look.Best blush and bronzer for older women
Best makeup set for mature women
On sale
Price:
£81 (Was £90)
trinnylondon.com
Description
Trinny London's Start Stack is a stack of cream-based essentials for low-maintenance glamour that's soft, smoky and radiant. The customisable, stackable set is made of four versatile products - a BFF SPF 30 Cream,which provides an instantly glowy, skin-perfecting base with SPF 30 protection. Eye2Eyeis a silky, cream-based eye colour available in various shades. Flush Blushis a satin-finish cheek colour that's easy to blend and build for that rosy look. The final customisable product is Lip Glow whichis a subtly pigmented lip balm, making it an ideal lipstick for older women.
Review: "This is a makeup brand possibly targeted towards those who like an easy routine, relatively natural-looking makeup, possibly those who don't need or want too much 'help' and people with limited time in the AM! I would recommend."
Pros
- Versatile products
- High quality
Cons
- Not full coverage
Best cream blush for mature women
Save £5
Price:
£20 (was £24)
www.boots.com
Description
Creamblushes are excellent for mature skin and will leave you with a radiant, healthy complexion. There is no need for a separate highlighter as it will blend effortlessly onto the apples of your cheeks to create a dewy effect. This Clinique Chubby Stick cheek colour balm is a creamy, mistake-proof cheek colour that creates a healthy-looking glow in moments.
Reviews: "Really nice product, it blends in well, and it's a good colour for my skin. I have used this for years. Lovely natural colour."
Pros
- Easy to apply and long-lasting
- Available in 4 shades
Cons
- Bulky appearance
Best affordable face palette for mature women
On sale
Price:
£5.33 (Was £7.99)
www.boots.com
Description
If you're looking for a more polished look for an evening out or event, opt for a bronzer for mature skin to contour your face. The Rimmel London Sculpting Palette is a clever combo of three powder shades - a highlighter, contour and blush - that seamlessly blend with your natural skin tone to create a contoured look. The kit works with every face shape and skin tone, adding definition and structure. Use a little colour for a natural, fresh look. Or be bold for an impactful, dramatic sculpted effect.
Review: "Love the colours. Quite shimmery highlights cheekbones really well."
Pros
- Good value
- Versatile and can be used as multiple-face products
Cons
- Quite small pans
A good makeup base is key to achieving a flawless, naturally radiant finish. Therefore, we asked experts Tammy Richards, a qualified health practitioner and skin specialist at dispensary brandPureOptical as well as Hannah Lally, Avon UK's Head of Beauty, for their tips on how to achieve a youthful glow with foundation. Established in 1886, prestige makeup brand Avon knows a thing or two about makeup and have been a trusted source of inspiration and expertise for women of all ages for many years. "When shopping for makeup, it is common practice for consumers to jump straight into believing product claims and neglect to consider their base," says Tammy. "Foundations and concealers can sit in fine lines, especially around the forehead ('number 11s') and eyes ('crow's feet'). A primer that includes silicone will work to disguise fine lines and serve as a base for foundation to lay, without sinking." Look for a product with an SPF option and start with primer for mature skin to help give even coverage and improve the longevity of your makeup; it'll help protect your skin from the sun and revitalise dull and fatigued skin. "When it comes to foundation for mature skin, preparation is key," Hannah says. "Always start by applying yourmoisturiserand primer to a freshly cleansed face, allowing each product to sink into the skin before you apply foundation. When you take the time to prep your skin, you'll notice your foundation glides on smoother and lasts longer. "Add a couple of pumps to the back of your hand and apply with a fluffy buffing brush. Start in the centre of the face and work your way outwards to achieve a natural look." Fred Letailleur, YSL BEAUTY National makeup artist, tells us that a tinted moisturiser, or bb cream, is suited for all skin types as long as the skincare ingredients within their formula do not overload the skin with too much hydration. "Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or mallow extract found in the YSL Bare Look Tint are great to plump, hydrate and add brightness to any skin type. Tinted moisturisers are not as perfectly suited for occasions requiring fuller coverage or flawless skin. Medium to full coverage foundations will be more adequate for those occasions." Some foundations, and other skincare and beauty products for that matter, contain ingredients toboost collagen production, improve the appearance of wrinkles and brighten your complexion. These are some of the best ingredients you might find in your make-up to help with 'anti-ageing': Vitamin Ahelps to rebuild collagen and repair sun damage. Vitamin C and Eare antioxidants that may help protect the skin from sun damage and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamidehelps reduce water loss in the skin and may improve skin elasticity. This, along with Vitamin C, can help brighten dull skin. Glycolic Acid and Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs)help to aid collagen production, restoring skin barrier function and targeting signs of ageing. Hyaluronic Acidis found naturally in the body and can help bind moisture and improve skin hydration and skin repair. SPFprotects the skin from sun damage and prevents ageing as a result. You should always use some form of SPF as part of your routine and aim for SPF30 or higher. Love makeup but not sure how to apply it to best suit your complexion and skin tone? Then, this video from The Beauty Protocole is a fantastic makeup tutorial if you are over 50. Much like the products we have selected for this roundup, these products will create a more youthful look. Designed to give a fresh, natural and radiant makeup effect which is perfect for mature skin.Best makeup for mature skin FAQs
How to choose the best makeup for mature skin?
What is the best way to prep mature skin before applying foundation?
Are there certain skin types that will benefit more from a tinted moisturiser than others?
Which ingredients have anti-ageing benefits?
Best makeup tutorial for older women to get started
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