At Allure, we talk about foundation a lot. We chat about what we love, what’s been reformulated, and what our favorite makeup artists are using on their celebrity clients. Recently, however, the discussion has centered around foundations and getting older. As multiple Allure staffers enter their late 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond, the formulas they’ve relied on for years just aren’t hitting the same. Foundations that once gave them a flawless base are settling into fine lines. Medium coverage is starting to look more mask-like, while skin tints are lovely but lack staying power.
Content director Sophia Panych is still trying to figure out what foundation to use as she nears 40. “I’ve worn the same few formulas for almost a decade, and I hate how dry and dull they make my skin look now, especially under my eyes,” she says. And she’s not alone. Multiple editors say that once they hit their 30s, their skin seems to require more hydrating coverage and flexibility from their foundation. “My favorite matte powder foundation was great when I had immaculate skin in my 20s, but now it’s not doing anything for my complexion, which is dry and dehydrated,” says senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor, who switched to a serum foundation in her 30s.
It became clear this is an issue a lot of people are dealing with, so we decided to go to the pros for advice. Many makeup artists we spoke to wanted to take age out of the equation. “The best foundation is not really about age; it is about what your skin is doing right now,” says Christian Briceno, a makeup artist in New York City. Still, your age can offer a few indicators about what your skin needs, which, for many people in their late 30s and beyond, is moisture and a light touch. “As we get older, our skin gets drier; it also can get more sensitive,” says Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Every makeup artist we spoke to emphasized the importance of skin prep, regardless of age. “It’s key, especially if you are experiencing makeup clinging to dry patches,” says Lisa Eldridge, British makeup artist and founder of Lisa Eldridge Beauty. Gentle exfoliation and a good moisturizer “will work wonders for the staying power of your makeup,” she adds. “Not to mention, starting with your glow already established means you’ll end up needing less product to boost your luminosity.” We love the Best of Beauty Award-winning Rhode Barrier Butter and Olay Super Cream With Sunscreen SPF 30, both of which really plump up the skin nicely before makeup.
Dr. Henry also emphasizes the importance of skin care and recommends taking a more minimal approach to foundation when you notice your skin changing. “As you start to lose collagen and notice fine lines, the inclination can be to use makeup to cover it up, but I think skin care is more important at that point,” she says. That being said, she also doesn’t want people to feel they should stop wearing makeup at a certain age, something many of her patients assume. In fact, she encourages them otherwise: “Aim for that well-hydrated, healthy look with makeup, instead of trying to fully cover up imperfections.”
The best formula for you is one that fits your skin type and the level of coverage you desire, says Eldridge (and, of course, makes you feel great!). But if, like some of our staffers, you’re struggling to make a longtime favorite foundation look just right, keep reading on what you can do to make it work, or the type of new formula to reach for.
