The best foundations at every age

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The best foundations at every age

Skin’s texture and tone changes over time which calls for a makeup update to deal with the demands of a new decade.

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Enter: our edit of the best bases for each age group.
These solutions-focused foundations may be targeted at different ages, but they all have one thing in common: they deliver complexion perfection.
Skin changes over time so you need a foundation designed to deal with age-specific concerns. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s or 60s, we’ve rounded up the best bases for you.

20s:


Look for lightweight, sheer formulations that are clutch-friendly for hassle-free touch ups. Full coverage, opaque bases can age youthful skin.

This foundation protects against environmental damage that causes premature ageing.

Cover FX Natural Finish Oil-Free Foundation, $63, Sephora

30s:

Opt for formulas that address tell-tale signs of early ageing. BB creams and hydrating formulas that pack in moisture, but blur imperfections are best.

This hydrating, buildable base has a versatility that’s much-needed throughout this busy decade.

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick, $120, David Jones

40s:

Perk up lacklustre skin with a radiance foundation that’ll get you glowing. If it has firming benefits, bonus. In terms of coverage, opt for mid-range.

This base features white peony to brighten, whilst hyaluronic acid helps skin maintain all-day moisture.

50s:

Firming, full coverage foundations suit more mature skin. Look for hero hydrators such as hyaluronic acid and avocado oil that suit drier skin.


Add this base to your arsenal and you won’t only gain a foundation, but 14 anti-ageing ingredients that’ll firm and revitalise, too.

By Terry Éclat Opulent Nutri-Lifting Foundation, $216, Mecca Cosmetica

60s:



Serum-based foundations with skin-loving boosters and lightweight, natural-looking makeup bases are best for skin in its 60s.

This fragrance-free, water-based foundation is super hydrating.

Stila Aqua Glow Serum Foundation, $67, Mecca Cosmetica

Main image credit: @summerfridays

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Comments 26

  1. I have never heard of Terry Éclat Opulent Nutri-Lifting Foundation, I will be on the lookout now but will need to save my pennies at $216, maybe a bit too expensive.

  2. I’m in my 50’s and the full coverage By Terry sounds a bit too covering for me. I have fairly good skin and prefer something a bit lighter – Clinique Even Better Foundation is my go-to.

  3. erm yep! I really, really don’t think you need to break the bank to find a great product 🙂
    Hell, when it is a hot day I just use the La Roche Posay tinted 50SPF and off I go! And boom! You can pick that up on sale for around $20!

  4. As a woman ticking toward 42, the best advice I have ever gotten was to nix heavy/matte foundation and to go with radiance over everything else. This of course didn’t mean that I threw out my foundations that were higher coverage, I just make sure to mix in a shimmer primer so that I can customise it to my needs. (LOVE the Designer Brand’s Rise and Prime Illuminating Primer – it works so well with all of the types of foundation I have)

    I am lucky in that my skin is not dry and have worked out a great skin care routine for myself, so the switch to ‘radiance’ foundation wasn’t due to ‘lacklustre’ skin. I just look SO much better! Not hiding under make-up but letting it all glow just tweaking my skin is so much better.

  5. It would be fine I guess if you got what you paid for and there was indeed such a huge difference in quality where price is concerned 🙂

    I very unseriously purchased a lip kit from Kmart, it was on sale for $2. (It was a 2 pack matte lippie and a gloss, I think regularly the pack went for maybe $7?)

    I thought what’s the worst that can happen? I am not joking: it is the exact same as the L’Oreal Rouge Signature Matte Lipstick! Right down to the delicate wand L’Oreal has. The colour and texture are stunning.

    And I have a very serious nail-polish addiction. Hundreds of bottles. And I swear nothing has been better than Essence Gel nail polish which is $3 at Priceline. Single coat, super pigmented and very long lasting. (Although stay away from the $2 Kmart nail-polish, especially the matte ones… terrible)

    Although I must admit, there was one product that was expensive that blew my mind: it was a YSL lip stain. GAH! But at an eye-watering $60. But oh my was it gorgeous. You could feel the expensiveness hahahah!

  6. I think I need you on call to help me hunt down bargains!!! Ha ha!!! It’s amazing how cheaper brands end up being the same as the more expensive ones…

    Some of the prices truly are eye-watering… But then you can feel quality and it seems to make it worth the expense…

  7. At your service M’am!

    Some things are definitely worth the price, but honestly so far the only one that has stood out what that YSL lip stain. I have been disappointed more times than not when it comes to higher priced items.