What brand of makeup is best for older skin over 60? Your Comprehensive Guide

As skin matures, it typically becomes drier and less radiant due to reduced sebum production. This guide addresses what brand of makeup is best for older skin over 60 by focusing on formulas that hydrate, smooth, and add luminosity for a more youthful look.

Quick Summary

The best makeup for skin over 60 includes brands like L'Oréal Age Perfect, Jones Road, and IT Cosmetics, which prioritize hydrating, lightweight, and luminous formulas over heavy matte powders to avoid accentuating fine lines and dullness. The ideal products smooth the complexion while enhancing radiance.

Key Points

• Hydration is Key: Seek out lightweight, liquid or cream formulas infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to prevent makeup from settling into fine lines.

• Radiance Over Matte: Choose foundations and blushes with radiant, dewy, or satin finishes instead of matte, which can accentuate dryness and appear flat on mature skin.

• Less is More: Adopt a 'less is more' approach by using buildable, medium-coverage products and blending with a damp sponge for a seamless, natural-looking finish.

• Focus on Creams: Prioritize cream-based blushes, eyeshadows, and highlighters for a smoother application that adds a youthful, healthy glow.

• Embrace Skincare Hybrids: Consider products that combine skincare benefits with makeup, such as serum foundations and CC creams, to nourish and protect the skin while you wear makeup.

• Define Features Softly: Use a softer brown eyeliner instead of black and fill in brows with light, hair-like strokes to define features without looking harsh or overpowering.

• Prep is Paramount: Never skip proper skin prep with a hydrating moisturizer and primer to ensure a smooth, long-lasting makeup application.

Why Makeup for Mature Skin Differs

As we age, our skin undergoes several changes, primarily a decrease in hydration and elasticity. The makeup that worked in your 30s or 40s may no longer be suitable for skin over 60. Heavy, matte, and powder-based products can settle into fine lines and wrinkles, emphasizing texture rather than smoothing it. The key to successful mature skin makeup is to choose products with skincare benefits, specifically designed to hydrate, plump, and blur imperfections while providing a radiant finish.

Key Makeup Qualities to Look for

When shopping for makeup for skin over 60, focus on these essential characteristics:

• Hydrating Ingredients: Look for products infused with hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, and vitamin C. These ingredients help plump the skin, retain moisture, and combat dullness.
• Radiant Finishes: Opt for dewy, satin, or luminous finishes over matte. A natural glow can add a healthy, fresh appearance, while matte finishes can often look flat and dry.
• Cream and Liquid Formulas: Cream and liquid makeup are preferable to powders, as they are less likely to settle into fine lines and provide better hydration. This applies to foundation, blush, and eyeshadow.
• Light to Medium Coverage: A "less is more" approach works best. Look for buildable, lightweight formulas that even out skin tone without appearing heavy or cakey.
• Built-in Sun Protection: Daily SPF is crucial for protecting mature skin. Many modern foundations and tinted moisturizers now include broad-spectrum SPF.

Recommended Makeup Brands and Products

Here are some of the best makeup brands and specific products widely recommended for mature skin over 60:

Foundations & Complexion

• L'Oréal Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation: A popular and affordable option, this skincare-makeup hybrid offers light, hydrating coverage specifically for mature skin. It features a radiant finish and SPF 50.
• Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation: A cult classic known for its lightweight, buildable, medium coverage and luminous, natural-looking finish. It blurs imperfections without settling into fine lines.
• Jones Road "What the Foundation": Designed with older women in mind, this moisturizing, balm-like foundation provides a fresh, dewy finish and smooths fine lines. It requires some blending but leaves a natural, glowing look.
• IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream: Combining color correction, anti-aging serum, and SPF, this full-coverage CC cream offers a blendable, natural finish. Infused with hydrating ingredients, it helps improve skin texture.
• ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40: A lightweight, serum-infused skin tint that provides sheer coverage to even out skin tone while boosting radiance. It is hydrating and contains sun protection.

Blushes & Highlighters

• Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick: This creamy, blendable blush melts into the skin for a natural, healthy flush. The stick format is easy to use and adds a dewy finish.
• Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush: Known for its ease of blending, this cream blush provides a soft, diffused color that can be built up. It gives a natural-looking glow without emphasizing texture.
• RMS Beauty Living Luminizer: A cream highlighter that adds a subtle, dewy sheen without glitter. It enhances the skin's natural radiance and is made with clean ingredients.

Eye Makeup

• Cream Eyeshadows (e.g., Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks): These are preferred over powders for mature eyelids, as they are hydrating, less likely to crease, and glide on easily. The Bobbi Brown sticks are a great option for smooth, long-lasting color.
• Brown Eyeliner (e.g., L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Gel Eyeliner): A softer alternative to stark black eyeliner, brown liner provides definition without overpowering the eyes. The creamy formula glides on without tugging at the delicate skin.
• Tubing Mascara: Formulas like tubing mascaras are less prone to smudging and flaking. They wrap around each lash, providing definition and length that lasts all day.

Lip Products

• Moisturizing Lipsticks (e.g., L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick): These formulas are infused with ingredients like argan oil and provide hydration to prevent dryness and feathering. A satin finish is often more flattering than a matte one.
• YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm: This balm-lipstick hybrid combines color with a potent moisturizing effect, leaving lips feeling soft and looking plump with a luminous finish.

Comparison Table: Foundation Formulas for Mature Skin

Formula Type	Best For	Coverage Level	Finish	Key Benefit
Serum Foundation	All Skin Types, especially Dry	Sheer to Light	Radiant, Glowy	Lightweight, feels like skincare
Liquid Foundation	All Skin Types, especially Dry	Light to Medium	Radiant, Satin	Versatile, easy to blend
Cream Foundation	Dry Skin, Normal Skin	Medium to Full	Dewy, Radiant	Hydrating, blurs fine lines
Powder Foundation	Oily Skin, Combination Skin	Light to Medium	Natural, Demi-Matte	Controls shine, long-lasting

Expert Application Tips for Mature Skin

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: The most important step. Start with a thorough skincare routine, including serums and a rich moisturizer. Allow products to absorb fully before applying makeup.
2. Use a Primer: A hydrating or illuminating primer creates a smooth base, filling in fine lines and extending makeup wear. It helps foundation glide on seamlessly.
3. Less is More: Build coverage gradually. Start with a light layer and add more only where needed. This prevents a cakey look that can emphasize texture.
4. Damp Sponge for Blending: For liquid or cream foundation, use a damp makeup sponge. It helps to press the product into the skin for a seamless, airbrushed finish, avoiding streaks.
5. Cream over Powder: Opt for cream blushes, eyeshadows, and bronzers. They blend more naturally and add a youthful glow without settling into lines.
6. Soft Eyeliner: Switch black eyeliner for a softer brown. Apply it as close to the lash line as possible and gently smudge it for a less harsh look.
7. Define Brows Naturally: Fill in sparse brows with light, hair-like strokes using a brow pencil or powder. Avoid harsh, blocky brows, which can look unnatural.
8. Prep Lips: Use a hydrating lip balm and a natural-toned lip liner to prevent lipstick from feathering. Opt for satin or creamy lipstick formulas.

The Power of Skincare-Makeup Hybrids

In recent years, the beauty industry has seen a rise in skincare-makeup hybrids—products that offer the benefits of both worlds. These are particularly beneficial for older skin, as they provide coverage while actively working to improve the skin's health. Formulas containing powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants help to plump, firm, and protect the skin over time. For example, brands like IT Cosmetics and ILIA have built their reputations on creating products that nourish the skin rather than just covering it up. By choosing these hybrid products, you can streamline your routine while getting the most out of your beauty investment. Learn more about skincare-makeup hybrids and mature skin needs by exploring resources like L'Oréal's Beauty Magazine.

Conclusion: Finding Your Best Makeup

Ultimately, the 'best' makeup brand for older skin over 60 is subjective and depends on your specific skin concerns and preferences. The general rule is to focus on hydration, luminosity, and lightweight formulas. Brands like L'Oréal, Giorgio Armani, Jones Road, and IT Cosmetics consistently offer highly-rated products that address the unique needs of mature skin. By prioritizing hydrating, cream-based products and using a light touch, you can achieve a flawless, radiant look that enhances your natural beauty at any age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a matte foundation often not recommended for mature skin over 60?

Matte foundations are designed to absorb oil and create a shine-free finish, which can be great for oily skin. However, for mature skin, which tends to be drier, matte formulas can cling to dry patches and settle into fine lines and wrinkles, emphasizing texture and creating a less natural, cakey appearance.

Should I use powder on my skin after 60?

Most experts recommend using minimal powder on mature skin, or avoiding it altogether. If you need to control shine in certain areas, opt for a finely milled translucent setting powder and apply it sparingly only to the T-zone. Avoid heavy powders that can look dry and accentuate fine lines.

How can I prevent my foundation from settling into my wrinkles?

To prevent foundation from settling, focus on proper skin prep by using a hydrating moisturizer and a blurring or illuminating primer. Choose a lightweight, buildable liquid or serum foundation, and apply it with a damp makeup sponge to press it into the skin. Use a 'less is more' approach and avoid heavy formulas.

What is the best type of blush for older skin over 60?

Cream or liquid blushes are best for older skin. They provide a more natural, dewy finish that blends seamlessly into the skin without emphasizing fine lines or texture. Brands like Westman Atelier and Fenty Beauty offer excellent cream formulas that give a healthy, radiant flush.

Is it okay to use skincare-makeup hybrids for older skin?

Yes, absolutely. Skincare-makeup hybrids, such as serum foundations and CC creams, are highly recommended for mature skin. These products offer makeup coverage while infusing the skin with beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to hydrate and improve skin texture.

What kind of eyeliner should I use for mature eyes?

For mature eyes, a soft, creamy pencil or gel eyeliner in a brown shade is often more flattering than a harsh black. Apply it close to the lash line and smudge it slightly to avoid a stark line that can look aging. Cream eyeshadow sticks can also double as easy-to-apply eyeliner.

How do I choose the right color foundation for mature skin?

As skin tone can change with age, it's best to test foundation shades in natural light. Many brands offer intelligent shade-matching tools online. Opt for a foundation with a medium-to-light, radiant finish to allow your natural skin tone to show through, ensuring the color looks more authentic.