The 10 Best Makeup Brands for Mature Skin Blend Moisture and Wearability
My 56-year-old mom approves.
There’s nothing like bonding with my mom over beauty products. Whether we’re raving about our favorite musky perfumes, body lotions we swear by, or a new haircare product we just need to try, it’s so fun to see what we both enjoy and where we differ. Where I mainly notice differences in our tastes is in the types of makeup products she uses. She typically focuses on tons of hydration and moisture, and when I do her makeup, she usually prefers light layers that feel like nothing on the skin and look extremely natural.
It makes sense since we mature, skin tends to lose moisture and elasticity (something I’m starting to notice in my late twenties), so products that help combat that are always going to look and feel more “natural.” Even though I have oily skin, she’s influenced some of my best beauty purchases, which I swear by to this day. In the process, I’ve come to realize that while there are makeup products marketed toward mature skin, really, anyone can use them. Plus, because they also tend to be brimming with moisturizing properties, they provide that gloriously glowy editorial sheen that photographs flawlessly. If you ask me, it’s a cheat code for looking like your hottest, healthiest self—actual age be damned.
Ahead, I’ve listed the best makeup brands for mature skin that my mom and I swear by. If you have dry or mature skin, or simply want a glow that makes you feel like there’s a spotlight on you at all times, keep reading for some of the best-in-class products that will do just that.
For the Eyes
While you don’t have to shy away from eyeshadow as you mature, your technique, and most importantly, the formulas that you use, will likely change. The brands below are among my (and my mom's) tried-and-true favorites.
The Bobby Brown Cream Eyeshadow sticks are like three products in one. There are matte, shimmer, and metallic shades that can technically be used all over the face. If you’re a rule follower and only want to use them on your eyelids, my favorite part about these eyeshadow sticks is that, while they offer some wiggle room for blending, once they dry down they stay put.
I’m a huge fan of Makeup by Mario, and his eyeshadow offerings are elite. Specifically, I haven’t been able to put down the cream eyeshadows that launched a few months ago. The simple doe-foot applicator makes them incredibly easy to use, and the line offers tons of colors that are fantastic for everyday wear.
This brand can feel a little intimidating, but between the Colorfix creams and sticks, I promise there’s an eyeshadow in this line for mature skin. I’ve long been a fan of the former formula for its pigments, ease of use, and staying power second to none. That said, you do have to be quite precise when using it to avoid making a mess. If you like a subtle, editorial-like shimmer that glides easily over another eyeshadow formula (powder or otherwise), I say go for the Colorfixx Stix.
The Lips Need Love, Too
The lip space has seen serious innovation over the years, and I am beyond ecstatic about it. From formulas that blur lip lines to balms that can double as glosses, the formulas below are my favorites for more mature skin.
Violette_FR’s founder, Violette Serrat, somehow captured the French-girl beauty aesthetic and turned it into an entire brand. One of my favorite items from this line is the Bisou Balm, which is a sheer matte lipstick that feels like a hydrating balm when applied. It leaves behind a gorgeously hazy wash of color that blurs the lips and looks perfectly lived in, i.e., my perfect lip look.
This serum balm by Sarah Creal is like a lipstick and a lip gloss in one. It has a slippery, balmy consistency but is just solid enough to really grip the lips on application. It also provides a sheer wash of color on the lips that looks incredibly flattering across skin tones, and is hydrating enough if your lips lean dry. If you prefer no color at all, there’s also a clear option.
I’ve recently fallen head over heels for the Laneige JuicePop Box lip stains. Not only do they give you a bit of moisture thanks to the oil consistency, but they also last for hours.
Face First
On to what is arguably the most important part of any makeup routine: Complexion. Finding a concealer or foundation for mature skin is all about a creamy formula that keeps your moisture levels high throughout the wear time.
Do these foundation drops cost $110? Yes. Do I swear by them? Also yes. I cannot tell you how much I’ve been wearing and absolutely loving this foundation since its launch. Every time I apply it to the skin, I fall a little more in love with the glowy, skin-like formula. It also pairs perfectly with my skin prep and primers, or alone as a sort of tinted skincare moment.
If you want something a bit more full coverage and creamy, this Westman Atelier foundation stick should be on your radar. It can be used both as a concealer and a foundation, and the sleek, twist-up packaging is fantastic for quick or on-the-go application.
This foundation is one of the best that I tried last year. It’s a radiant finish that sets itself, which is perfect for people with dry skin. That said, it also works wonderfully with powder, especially with the holy grail option ahead.
When it comes to powders, no one does it like Hourglass. Whether you want a loose, pressed, matte, or baked option, there is something for everyone. Plus, the ambient lighting line is a true unicorn product; there’s simply nothing out there that compares, and it is fantastic for bringing that glow back into your skin after you’ve done your entire face.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
