These Powder Foundations Blend Seamlessly Into Maturing Skin (2024)

The best powder foundations for mature skin bring more to the table than just its ability to mattify skin and set makeup. While you may be loyal to your tinted moisturizer or liquid foundation, little can beat the staying power and versatility of a powder foundation.

Aging skin experiencing deepening fine lines or dryness can benefit from weightless, buildable coverage and skin-loving ingredients (like squalane and rice silk powder) that don't settle or crease, and this crop of powders promises just that. Plus, these days, powder foundation means more than a dusty sweep across your face. There's nuance to texture and finish that'll reel you in and make you a fan. So, scroll on to shop Best of Beauty winners, and makeup artist-approved picks, and read up on dermatologist insights on the best powder foundations for mature skin.

Our Top Picks

• Best Powder Foundation for Mature Skin Overall: Chanel Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Compact Foundation, $68
• Best Long-Wearing: Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Custom Finish Powder Foundation, $45
• Most Buildable Coverage: One/Size Turn Up The Base Versatile Powder Foundation, $38
• Best Sweat-Proof Formula: Make Up For Ever HD Skin Matte Velvet Powder Foundation, $44
• Best Shade Range: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Powder Foundation, $40
• Best Loose Powder: BareMinerals Matte Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15, $39
• Best Powder Foundation to Blur Texture: MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, $44

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I find the best powder foundation for mature skin?
• How do I choose the best powder foundation for mature skin?
• What's the best way to apply powder foundation on mature skin?
• How do you avoid powder foundation settling into wrinkles?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Powder Foundation for Mature Skin Overall: Chanel Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Compact Foundation

Why it's worth it: Chanel's Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Compact Foundation is a go-to for makeup artist Nick Barose because, in his words, "It gives good coverage that's easy to control," adding that "the key is not to apply it all evenly throughout the face as if you're painting a wall." Even though the powder is mattifying, it includes a complex (a combination of talc, silica, and synthetic mica) designed to brighten skin and diffuse light, giving skin a soft-focus, dewy finish. The double-sided applicator has a spongey side for more coverage and a velvety side for a light, sheer look.

Editor's tip: Once you run out, you can replace the pan with a refill, which costs less than a whole new compact and comes with a fresh sponge.

Key ingredients: talc, squalane, silica | Shades: 16 | Who it's for: people who want a softened effect

Best Long-Wearing Powder Foundation: Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Custom Finish Powder Foundation

Why it's worth it: When he wants to give a client all-day wear, Barose reaches for Shiseido Synchro Self-Refreshing Custom Finish Powder Foundation. "It has super-fine pigments that basically disappear into the skin," he explains, adding that he's a big fan of its particularly seamless finish. The formula is designed to help skin resist just about every external aggressor out there, with a complex that resists heat and humidity, polymers stave off pollutants and includes thyme extract for antioxidant protection. The payoff? Skin that looks fresh and radiant for hours.

Editor's tip: It's non-comedogenic so it won't clog pores for people susceptible to breakouts.

Key ingredients: thyme extract, iron oxide, talc | Shades: 16 | Who it's for: people with blemish-prone skin

Most Buildable Coverage: One/Size Turn Up The Base Versatile Powder Foundation

Why it's worth it: One/Size's Turn Up The Base Versatile Powder Foundation earned a Best of Beauty Award in 2021 for its pressed powder that triples as a medium-to-full-coverage foundation, blotting powder, and concealer. Rice silk powder helps keep excess oil from turning into full-fledged shine, and the pigment is passed through a series of rollers three times to ensure an extra fine, buttery texture that blurs dark spots. The result is a smooth finish that won't settle into fine lines.

Editor's tip: Its wide shade range also spans six undertones, which makes it easier to find a close match to your skin tone.

Key ingredients: kaolin, rice silk powder | Shades: 33 | Who it's for: people who want versatility

Best Sweat-Proof Powder Foundation: Make Up For Ever HD Skin Matte Velvet Powder Foundation

Why it's worth it: With a silky texture that melts into (versus sitting on top of) skin, Make Up For Ever's HD Skin Matte Velvet Powder Foundation uses three different types of powders to correct redness, pores, and uneven texture—sans caking. It's melty without being oily, nicely buildable, and staves off sweat using a combination of film-forming silicones and vitamin E. Prep with your favorite makeup primer and blend to your heart's content.

Editor's tip: The dual-sided sponge helps you customize your application; for medium coverage, use the white side of the sponge, and for fuller coverage, go in and build with the beige side.

Key ingredients: silica, vitamin E | Shades: 25 | Who it's for: people who want customizability

Best Shade Range: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Powder Foundation

Why it's worth it: Fenty Beauty's Pro Filt'r Powder Foundation doesn't skimp on shade range, which is par for the course for our girl Rihanna, who set a new, rightfully high bar for inclusivity back in 2017. But beyond offering a ton of color options, this formula resists sweat and humidity and, despite the fullness of coverage, doesn't settle into fine lines. Because this foundation is lightweight and buildable, you can layer it over other base makeup to set your look.

Editor's tip: Need help finding your shade? Fenty offers an online quiz to match you with one of 50 hues.

Key ingredients: kaolin, silica | Shades: 50 | Who it's for: people who like the buildable coverage of liquid foundation

Best Loose Powder Foundation: BareMinerals Matte Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15

Why it's worth it: ICYMI, BareMinerals powders has been racking up Allure Best of Beauty Awards since 2007 (and we have receipts). Among the brand's star products is the Matte Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15, which offers a baseline light-to-medium coverage but can be nicely built up as needed. The formula imparts a satin-matte finish in 30 shades, so it'll always be in our rotation.

Editor's tip: While SPF 15 is a good start, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a minimum of SPF 30 for proper sun safety. So, thank the powder for the extra boost, but be sure you're pairing it with another sunscreen.

Key ingredients: mica, iron oxides, titanium dioxide | Shades: 30 | Who it's for: people who want a boost of UV protection

Best Powder Foundation to Blur Texture: MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

Why it's worth it: We wouldn't be mad if the matte, velvety MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation was the only piece of base makeup in our cosmetics bag. The product promises 12 hours of no creasing, settling, or streaking, making it an excellent choice for long days and late nights—whatever that might mean for you. It works especially well for people with oily and acne-prone skin (shout out to menopause-related skin changes). New York City-based makeup artist Tommy said it himself: "I've transformed acne-prone complexions into smooth and even ones without the look of heavy makeup with this stuff."

Editor's tip: Moisturize well before applying the foundation to help it grip and appear even more natural on your skin.

Key ingredients: talc, silica, titanium dioxide | Shades: 53 | Who it's for: people with acne-prone or oily skin, dealing with menopausal acne

Best Talc-Free Formula: IT Cosmetics Celebration Full Coverage Powder Foundation

Why it's worth it: Most powder foundations are built with minimizing excess oil in mind; they tamp down shine and help blur pores. What sets this IT Cosmetics formula apart is a lineup of powerful skin-care ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, and antioxidants like niacinamide and vitamin C, which help brighten skin. Another bonus: Celebration Full Coverage Powder Foundation is talc-free (which gives formulas a silky feel but can look chalky) and leaves skin with a radiant finish. The downside? It comes in only seven shades, which may be a tough sell for some skin tones.

Editor's tip: While the Federal Food & Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't detected any asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products through its most recent tests in 2023), we hear you if you'd rather play it safe.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide | Shades: 7

Most Affordable Powder Foundation: Maybelline Super Stay 24HR Hybrid Powder-Foundation

Why it's worth it: The Maybelline Super Stay 24HR Hybrid Powder-Foundation won a 2023 Best of Beauty award for its liquid-like coverage and the convenience of a compact. The soft, long-lasting matte finish goes on once in the morning (or whenever) and stays on, sans retouches. It's non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores or trigger breakouts, which is handy for mature skin experiencing unpredictable hormonal changes.

Editor's tip: The compact comes with a sponge, but if you want fuller coverage, apply with a brush.

Key ingredients: talc, mica, titanium dioxide | Shades: 16 | Who it's for: people who want to stick to a budget without compromising quality

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of powder foundation for mature skin?

For starters, powder foundations are less messy than their liquid counterparts—and you can get a customized, long-wear coverage in a single step instead of having to use both liquid foundation and powder, says Barose, who counts Kim Cattrall and Angela Bassett among his clients. (That said, you can always layer a powder over a liquid or cream foundation, where it'll serve as an impromptu setting powder to help makeup last all day.) And, unlike a liquid foundation, powder foundations are often less irritating since "it sits on the surface of the skin and doesn't penetrate it as easily," says makeup artist Robin Black, founder of Beauty Is Boring. "It's also great for humid weather and oily skin types."

Remember, menopausal acne is no small thing, so a non-clogging, lightweight foundation is essential for mature skin. "The biggest thing about menopause is that estrogen levels start to drop so you have this unopposed testosterone influence on your skin, and that manifests in many ways," Mona Gohara MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, previously told Allure. “That creates some of the things we see, like hair thinning, hair loss, facial hair, and even some acne breakouts.”

How do I choose the best powder foundation for mature skin?

While powders haven't always been Black's first choice for mature skin (which can trend dry), he explains that some new formulas contain beneficial, hydrating ingredients and fine texture. "The more silky the powder, the better it will work on mature skin." Black is also a fan of hybrid formulas that transform into a powder finish, as these also tend to work better on mature skin than traditional powders. So, look for powder foundations that tout hydrating ingredients.

Ideally, you should swatch the formula on your skin to get an idea of the finish. "Look for a formula that's not completely matte," says Nick Barose says. "It should reflect light a bit so you get that healthy, luminous glow along with the coverage."

What's the best way to apply powder foundation on mature skin?

Applying foundation to mature skin, whatever the formula, should revolve around one thing: moisture. "Start by prepping your skin with a heavy moisturizer and allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes," says Black; this method allows the moisture to sink in before applying primer and prevents pilling. Black recommends looking for a primer for mature skin with a semi-matte finish.

Next up is concealer. Since these are typically liquids or creams, they should be applied before any powder. Once you get to your powder foundation, "skip the brush and reach for a traditional makeup puff or a dense, angled sponge," says Black, who adds that dampening the sponge first will increase the coverage. (Using a dry sponge, on the other hand, will scale down the coverage.) Finally, "concentrate the powder on the planes of the face, avoiding the cakey creases around the nostrils, nasolabial folds, under eyes, and anyplace else where you can see more dramatic texture, dry skin, or wrinkles," she says.

When it comes time for touch-ups, don't always reach for the compact, according to Barose. Regular reapplication can make the powder too thick. "Instead, opt for blotting paper to avoid powder build-up," he says.

How do you avoid powder foundation settling into wrinkles?

Proper prep—a.k.a. moisturizing and then following with a makeup primer—will go a long way to smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Then, once you’ve finished applying your powder foundation, apply a hydrating mist. Barose, for his part, prefers to mist skin with My Payot Brume Éclat to leave skin looking luminous and not overly matte.

Meet the experts

• Nick Barose, a makeup artist based in New York City and Los Angeles
• Tommy, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Robin Black, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best powder foundations for mature skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Mature beauty deserves the very best—shop more expert-approved favorites:

• The 13 Best Primers for Mature Skin, According to Makeup Artists
• The Mature Beauty Collection
• 27 Skin-Care Products That Work Like Botox in a Bottle
• 13 Best Serums for Mature Skin, According to Dermatologists

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