As we age, our skincare and even makeup needs change. A product that might have worked for you in your 20’s and even 30’s may no longer work for you in your 40’s. Foundation is one makeup item you should never skimp on. If you find one that works for you, stick with it – even if it costs a small fortune. You want a foundation that hides and/or obscures flaws, does some heavy lifting and doesn’t settle into those fine lines. Here are 6 foundations I recommend you check out if you are now shopping in the dreaded anti-aging category. They are not ranked in any particular order since they all serve different purposes for various skin needs.
1. CHANEL LIFT LUMIÈRE Firming & Smoothing Sunscreen Fluid Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $67
This foundation gets raves because it firms, moisturizes and has SPF and hey, it’s Chanel. It provides light to medium coverage and has a special LIFTOPTIC complex that visibly diminishes the look of wrinkles and fine lines. Firming polymers also provide a super smooth surface and the look and feel of an immediate ‘lift.’ This foundation is available in 8 shades.
2. La Prairie Anti-Aging Foundation, $110
OK, so La Prairie costs a small fortune, but aren’t you worth it? I love their skincare products so why wouldn’t I love their makeup? This foundation excels at moisturizing and firming and is formulated with La Prairie’s proprietary Intervention Complex and Cellular Complex. It leaves a natural finish and skin is protected, and looks flawless with a firmer, more lifted appearance. Additionally the mixture is combined with potent sun protection to combat inflammation, stimulate cell turnover, enhance collagen synthesis and provide a powerful, daily barrier against harmful, aggressive environmental factors… which only make us look older. It is available in 8 shades.
3. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind The Lifter Makeup, $13.99
Not every miracle in a bottle costs a lot. In fact, this one can be found at your drugstore. Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind The Lifter Makeup is a dual formula primer and lifting foundation that gets rave reviews for firming and providing medium to full coverage instantly. Formulated with peptides, you too will notice a smoother skin texture and smoothed out lines
4. Giorgio Armani Designer Lift Smoothing, Firming Foundation, $67
I have been a Lumionous Silk Foundation addict for a decade, but I may have a new Armani favorite now, especially if its claim is to restore up to 10 years of luminosity. Who doesn’t want to age backwards? Armani‘s unique Stretching Micro-fil™ technology drapes the face with an ultrafine micro-lifting matrix that seals in a high concentration of exclusive emollients and velvet filters that immediately soften and firm the surface of your skin. It also provides a soft-focus glow which obscures those little flaws and gives that elusive youthful glow. This foundation comes in 12 shades.
5. Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide, $48
I am a HUGE fan of this new complexion innovation by Laura Mercier! This ultra-modern, lightweight, long-wear liquid foundation is formulated for all skin types and magically blurs imperfections (seriously). This oil-free foundation comes in 24 shades designed to be humidity-proof and sweat-proof, so it’s the perfect light yet effective foundation that will achieve the “no makeup” beauty look and leave your skin looking flawless! The best part is that you can layer on a bit more if you need a little extra coverage. I am truly addicted.
6. Clinique Even Better Foundation, $27
Only Clinique could make an “even better” makeup! Spot faders magically blur imperfections and actually diminish spots in 4-6 weeks. The sweat and humidity proof formula is perfect for the woman on-the-go and its buildable coverage provides a natural matte finish. Oh, and it has an SPF of 15 and comes in 18 shades to boot.
– Lauren Dimet Waters