How to Apply Foundation on Mature Skin

It’s called foundation for a reason. When the foundation falls apart, everything else follows. This applies to almost everything in life: houses, relationships, work, and, of course, makeup. As we age, our skin’s textures shift from acne and blemishes to fine lines and wrinkles. And while these changes are completely natural, many of us like to use makeup to soften their appearance. For mature skin, the goal isn’t just coverage: It’s also making sure the foundation doesn’t settle into fine lines.

To learn the best tips and tricks, Allure Philippines sat down with Manila-based makeup artists Jigs Mayuga and Nicole Ceballos. Together, they share expert advice on prepping your skin, choosing the right products, and applying them flawlessly for a glow that won’t emphasize lines.

It’s all about skin prep

Mayuga has years of experience working with mature skin—including caring for his own—and his advice comes straight from what he practices daily. His number one tip? “Apply your skin care first.” Most people apply moisturizer and serum at night before their beauty sleep, but for mature skin, these steps are just as crucial before makeup. 

A well-hydrated base ensures smoother application. “Moisturize the skin,” Mayuga advises, recommending using a serum before makeup. He uses the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex on his clients and swears by it for himself, too.

Ceballos agrees: “Mature skin has the tendency to be dry and show more texture, so moisturizer is a definite must.” For mature skin that is on the dry side, she prefers moisturizers that have some oils as ingredients, rather than a face oil, which can tend to sit on top of skin and not allow makeup to sink in. She recommends Koh Gen Do All In One Moisture Gel Rich, which is light but moisturizes like a heavy cream. 

For mature skin that tends to be oily, Ceballos recommends prepping with an oil-free, alcohol-free gel moisturizer so that foundation has something to adhere to without emphasizing texture. “The Clinique Moisture Surge is a tried and true favorite among my clients,” she says.

Opt for hydrating products

Mayuga’s go-to advice for picking the right foundation starts with a key ingredient: “Anything with hyaluronic acid is your best friend,” he says. This powerhouse skin care ingredient, often infused into foundations, keeps skin plump and hydrated while reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

One of his top recommendations is IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation, which he says is “super good for mature skin” because of its hydrating formula. Another favorite of his is the Shiseido RevitalEssence Skin Glow Foundation SPF 30, which combines hyaluronic acid with ginseng to nourish and protect the skin.

“Hydrating foundations are the only way to go for mature skin!” Ceballos stresses, explaining that they have a dewier finish, which is kinder to natural skin texture. Mattifying foundations, on the other hand, are drying and can emphasize lines and wrinkles, especially once set with powder.

Less is more

Since Mayuga has worked with more mature clients, he’s found that using less base makeup actually makes the skin look more youthful. “I like using a combination of a fluffy foundation brush and a damp sponge. And then I go really, really thin,” he explains. If certain areas don’t need foundation, he skips them altogether.

This technique works especially well for mature skin since heavy foundation tends to settle into fine lines. Younger skin can handle fuller coverage, but for mature skin, a lighter touch is key.

Go easy on the powder

When it comes to setting makeup, Mayuga has one rule: less is more. “When you set the foundation, try to go very minimal with powder,” he stresses. “I like using loose or pressed powder,” he says, but he warns against heavy powder foundations for mature skin because they tend to settle into fine lines. If you must use powder foundation, he advises applying it with an incredibly light hand, “because [it] can get cakey easily.” 

But when you take into consideration our weather, powder can be “non-negotiable if you want your foundation to stay in place and look fresh for a few hours,” says Ceballos. Just make sure “you balance the need to set with powder with a hydrating foundation.” To ward off oil without having to double dip in your compact, go for oil-blotting sheets instead. 

There are also powders with special formulations that are more forgiving on mature skin. For a brightening effect, Ceballos prefers soft-finish or pearl powders that reflect light without shimmer or glitter. “Hourglass Ambient Lighting Finishing Powders are my go-to for mature skin,” she says. “I use a small fan brush for a more precise application on the tops of the cheekbones, and close to the outer corners of the eyes to give the eyes a little bit of a sparkle, too.”

The final touch: confidence over coverage

At the end of the day, the best foundation for mature skin isn’t just about the right formula or technique—it’s about feeling confident in your skin at every age. As Mayuga and Ceballos share, the goal isn’t to erase lines or chase after a youthful glow, but to enhance and celebrate the beauty that comes with experience. With the right skin prep, hydrating products, and a light hand, your foundation will do exactly what it’s meant to—support, not overpower. After all, true beauty isn’t about looking younger. It’s about looking like the best version of yourself.