These Hydrating, Smoothing Foundations Are Perfect For Those 50+

Best overall: Kosas Revealer Skin Improving Foundation SPF 25

The finish on this liquid foundation is awe-inspiring: Its soft, silky, and blurs any sign of texture, dark spot, fine line or pore. Plus, the sophisticated formula lasts all day, without sliding around, settling into fine lines, or fading. The lightweight foundation is chock-full of glow-enhancing ingredients that can support aging skin such as soothing niacinamide, firming peptides, and hydrating vitamin B5 (just to name a few). 

What our reviewer says:

This is my personal favorite foundation, and the one I recommend the most to folks of all ages. It all started with the Revealer Concealer, which earned itself a devoted following. But then Kosas struck gold again with their full-face number. Please note that a little goes a long way, so start small and build your coverage from there.  

mindbodygreen beauty editor Jamie Schneider agrees: “I'll be honest: I don't love to wear foundation. I'd much rather stick to a tinted sunscreen or dabble in the concealer-as-foundation hack for more coverage (I, too, am a fan of the Kosas concealer for this). But I was surprised at how comfortable the Revealer Foundation felt on my skin—one pump was all it took to provide a veil of even coverage, and it didn't feel like I had makeup on at all. If you're a fan of using Kosas' concealer for a full coverage look, you'll appreciate this just-as-creamy formula spiked with SPF and a few skin-loving extras.” 

Best luxury: Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation

Best cream: Jones Road What The Foundation

Bobbi Brown has long been the champion of a natural, effortless look—and her clean brand Jones Road is a perfect encapsulation of that no-makeup makeup aesthetic. Think of this foundation as a tinted cream (note that I used the word cream, not moisturizer or lotion; the texture is thick). It's rich with plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, which are ideal for more mature skin that tends to be dry. As for coverage: The dense formula glides on, creating a soft-focus finish while letting your skin shine through. The product is buildable, if you're looking for a bit more pigment, but its ideal user is looking for something with light coverage. 

What our reviewer says:

I used up this cream til the very last little scoop. Seriously, I whipped the jar clean savoring every last little bit of foundation. The texture is unique, and takes a bit of getting used to when you first start using it. I like to do a thin wash of color allover to even out my complexion, then after it settles I go back to add a touch more coverage to areas that need it. I gave an extra jar to a friend who hardly wears makeup (the color was wrong for me), and she said it’s her favorite foundation. 

And as Schneider says, “Oh my, is this foundation hydrating. It’s so silky, with the most delicious, mousse-like consistency that feels like a dream to apply. FYI: If you’re hoping for fuller coverage, I will say this foundation is not for you. However, it’s perfect for evening your skin tone and masking mild discoloration (a skin-like finish, if you will).”

Best serum: Ilia Beauty True Skin Serum Foundation

You know those dewy serums that give your skin the most radiant glow? This formula is like that, just with a tint. The coverage ranges from very light to medium (it just takes a bit more to build up to it) and has pretty good wearability throughout the day. Where the product really stands out is the glowing finish: It instantly makes skin appear healthier, younger, and refreshed. Some of that is thanks to the makeup properties, but certainly the active ingredients play a role over time as well. It's blended with brightening niacinamide and allantoin to give your skin a natural boost.

What our reviewer says: 

This really does feel like a serum—light, noticeable slip, sinks in. So if you rather your makeup feel and act like skin care, this will fit right into your arsenal. The coverage is light, but I’ve found you can build it as long as you apply it in thin layers (and let it settle between layers). 

Best tinted moisturizer: Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 35

In case you need a reminder: Sunscreen is an incredibly important daily step in your routine to protect you from damage, dark spots, fine lines, and other signs of aging. And if you need help fitting it into your routine so that you'll actually do it, a tinted moisturizer is an excellent choice. This way, you're tackling a few steps in one formula. For example, Saie's excellent formula hydrates with hyaluronic acid and plant extracts, protects with zinc oxide, targets signs of aging with antioxidants, and adds an even wash of color. 

What our reviewer says:

“Saie is known for the dewy glow their products bring and this skin tint is no exception. The formula doubles as skin care as well with hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and yes, even sunscreen. It definitely has lighter coverage than a classic foundation but provides more pigment than the normal tinted sunscreen—a perfect middle ground, I’d say.” says Hannah Frye, mindbodygreen associate health & beauty editor 

“Saie's Slip Tint is the only product I'll use for a natural-looking, never cakey base. You might want to layer a concealer over it if you're hoping for more coverage, but if you'd like to mask mild discoloration and provide an even, all-over glow, this skin tint is your best buy,” wrote Schneider in her review

Best oil: Maybelline New York Green Edition Superdrop Tinted Oil

With age, lots of folks start to incorporate oils into their routines. It makes sense, as oils can help stop transepidermal water loss, feed the skin fatty acids, and keep it looking supple throughout the day. The tinted oil is perfect for folks who want a bit of color—alongside major skin care benefits. Not only can the oils help trap moisture, jojoba and marula are chock-full of antioxidants. 

What our reviewer says:

Maybelline's Green Edition collection was a delightful surprise to clean beauty fans everywhere. Not only did it mean more affordable and accessible options, but the formulas were standout (which should come as no surprise; Maybelline makes excellent makeup). Give the bottle a good shake before use, apply a few drops to the pads of your fingers, then work into the skin. I promise your complexion will look luminous and refreshed. 

Best light coverage: Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Complexion Drops

This skin care and makeup hybrid will give you a radiant wash of color, alongside botanical extracts that can help reverse the signs of aging, brighten tone, and smooth texture over time. The coverage is light, but ultimately the usage is up to you: Add just a few drops, and it will give you a subtle payoff—or add a few more for a light-to-medium finish. You can also blend it with your favorite day cream for a completely customizable tinted moisturizer. 

What our reviewer says:

“This is my favorite skin tint to exist—ever. Not only that but it fully replaced my foundation because the formula is so buildable. I think the phrase 'your skin but better' is often misused, but that’s the only way I can describe the invisible finish of this product. It’s one of those complexion products you can use alone or as a base for a full glam look—it’s that versatile,” says Frye. 

Best medium coverage: Ami Cole Skin Enhancing Tinted Moisturizer

Best full coverage: LAWLESS Conseal The Deal Longwear Full Coverage Foundation

Best drugstore : Covergirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk

Best luminous: Make Beauty Diffusion Dew

Diffusion is such a good name for this product. It goes on like a soft-focus filter, blurring fine lines, pores, and discoloration. The formula—made with niacinamide and adenosine—is notable too. I’m particularly fond of the compound adenosine, as it’s a form of ATP. ATP is the cells’ energy currency—so improving the natural supply helps skin act more youthful.  

What our reviewer says:

I don’t know what else I can say about this other than it’s unbelievably flattering. When I first received it, the shade was a touch too warm (I have very pale, cool tones) so I didn’t wear it. It was such a shame because I loved the effect it had on my skin. But now that it’s summer—and my ghastly coloring has seen sunshine—it’s simply perfect. 

Best for sensitive skin: Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF Sunscreen Foundation

Best powder: Bare Minerals Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15

Best stick: Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation Concealer Stick

Best liquid: Exa High Fidelity Foundation

Liquid foundations tend to be the most popular—so that means this category had some stiff competition. But once you try the Exa Foundation you’ll get why it makes itself onto many Best Of lists. I’m particularly a fan of the finish: it's not too matte yet not too shiny. So if you want something that's going to give you that "your skin but a touch better" look, grab yourself a bottle. Not only is it very natural-looking, but the wide range of shades and undertones (43!) means you're more likely to find something that perfectly matches your skin tone. 

What our reviewer says

“In my opinion, this foundation is what the clean beauty community has been begging for. It’s full coverage, it lasts all day, and it contains tons of skin-loving ingredients like sweet almond oil, aloe vera, grapeseed oil, and so many more. If you want lighter coverage, mix a pea size amount of the foundation with your moisturizer,” says Frye.

Best compact: Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation

Best for on-the-go: Wander Beauty Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation

Healthy aging ingredients

Every single one of these formulas comes with active ingredients that target the needs of aging skin, such as fine lines, dark spots, dryness, and increased sensitivity.

Diversity

We only featured products that had a wide range of hues. Most collections on this list feature double-digit shade ranges, plus unique undertone options too.

Variety

Not everyone is looking for the same thing out of a foundation, so we wanted to give you plenty of options—from liquid to stick, sheer to full coverage, and everything in between.

Testing

These recs come personally tested by me, our beauty team, or trusted professionals. Additionally, they also come with tons of positive user reviews.