Beauty Makeup The 12 Best Anti-Aging Foundations of 2023 Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Foundation hydrates dry skin, covers fine lines, and prevents future skin damage. By Michelle Rostamian Michelle Rostamian Michelle Rostamian has been writing about makeup, hair, and skincare for the last 12 years. She covers beauty trends, how-to’s, and commerce roundups and reviews. In addition, she writes about topics relating to travel, food, wellness, and home tech. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on December 14, 2022 @ 12:50PM Pin Share Tweet Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews What to Keep In Mind Your Questions, Answered Why Shop With Us We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Ulta / Walgreens There's no two ways about it: Just as we age and go through changes, our skin does too — that means the makeup products you use in your 20s and 30s might not give you the same results in your 40s and 50s. This is especially true when it comes to foundation. Over time, the skin's natural production of collagen and elastin slows down, causing it to lose that plumpness and suppleness it once had, says makeup artist Erica Taylor. Because of this, you'll want to find anti-aging foundation formulas that can restore moisture and plump your complexion. The best anti-aging foundations should offer up extra hydration, skincare benefits, and SPF. On top of that, when foundation is infused with effective ingredients (like retinol and vitamin C), it will also be able to mask fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Here, we've rounded up the best anti-aging foundations with formulas that act like a magic eraser for fine lines and wrinkles. In our top spot is the Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Foundation. This formula keeps skin hydrated, covers well, and boasts a radiant finish your moisturizer will be enviable of. But this impressive formula is just one of 12. Keep reading for all of the best anti-aging foundations. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Foundation at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: ROSE INC Skin Enhance Serum Foundation at Sephora Jump to Review Best Budget: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector at Amazon Jump to Review Best Full Coverage: Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Cream Cover at Sephora Jump to Review Best Medium Coverage: Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Lightweight: IT Cosmetics Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum Jump to Review Best Radiant Finish: Aisling Organics Glow-Getter Foundation at Aislingorganics.com Jump to Review Best Matte Finish : Jouer Cosmetics High Coverage Crème Foundation at Amazon Jump to Review Best Satin Finish: L'Oréal Paris Tinted Face Balm Foundation Jump to Review Best with SPF: Tonal Cosmetics Skin Perfecting Foundation at Tonalcosmetics.com Jump to Review Best Overall Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Foundation Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart What We Love: On top of being affordable, this helps combat dryness.What We Don’t Love: A lot of the undertones in the shade range are more cool-toned. Beauty brand collabs are nothing new, but most of the time they’re limited edition — it’s a rarity for the special products to stick around for years, but this foundation from Covergirl and Olay has stood the test of time, and we’re so glad it has because there’s not many anti-aging formulas that can top it. The skincare-makeup hybrid combines niacinamide (a potent anti-aging strain of vitamin B3) and vitamin E to effectively minimize the look of wrinkles and even out tone. Plus, if you're dealing with dryness on top of aging skin, you'll appreciate the fact that this is formulated with a potent hyaluronic acid complex on top of having a radiant finish. A little goes a long way, too — just a dab of the liquid formula blends beautifully to leave you feeling more confident. Finding the best shade is also an easy process thanks to the shade finder online, but keep in mind that many of the hues are cool-toned, and there aren’t as many options for those with neutral or warm undertones. Price at time of publish: $18 Shades: 18 | Size: 1 fl. oz | Finish: Radiant Best Splurge ROSE INC Skin Enhance Luminous Skin Tint Serum Foundation Sephora View On Sephora View On Roseinc.com What We Love: This doesn't settle into pores or fine lines, which is a major plus for aging skin.What We Don’t Love: If you're looking for fuller coverage, this won't provide it — no matter how much you build it up. A facial serum is like a booster shot for your complexion, which is what makes this serum-spiked foundation so effective at fighting signs of aging in addition to creating a smooth, even base for applying the rest of your makeup. The serum in this Rose Inc formula is packed with sodium hyaluronate (which is even smaller than hyaluronic acid, meaning it can penetrate deeper), plant-derived squalane (for even more hydration), and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 (to defend the skin from environmental damage like age spots and sun spots). Compared to other foundations, this also blends smoother thanks to the micro-encapsulated pigments. Not only does this technology protect the active ingredients in the formula, but it ensures the product gets evenly distributed across the skin as well (making that nearly $50 price tag oh-so-worth it). Price at time of publish: $49 Shades: 14 | Size: 1 fl. oz | Finish: Radiant Best Budget Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Neutrogena.com What We Love: This is equal parts moisturizing and lightweight, making it the perfect year-round foundation.What We Don’t Love: Aside from the minimal shade range (which really needs some work), we wish the SPF in this were higher to combat any sun sensitivities the retinol in the formula could cause. This lightweight drugstore foundation doesn't just cover fine lines and wrinkles — it works to reverse them thanks to the retinol in the formula that speeds up your skin's collagen production as you're wearing it. Plus, because it's water-based, it won't accentuate your pores. We love it as a year-round sunscreen-foundation: It’s weightless enough to withstand hot and humid summers, yet doesn't make your skin feel tight or parched in the winter. As an added bonus, it goes on sheer but can be built up, meaning you can customize your look depending on how much coverage you're seeking. Just like with any other retinol product, be sure to apply SPF before heading outdoors since the ingredient causes extra sensitivity to the sun. Though we do like the fact that this has SPF 20, we wish it contained the minimum recommended amount of SPF 30 (as per the American Academy of Dermatology). Price at time of publish: $10 Shades: 4 | Size: 1 fl. oz | Finish: Dewy Out of 25 Tested, These Are The 12 Best Drugstore Concealers for Seamlessly Covering Everything in 2023 Best Full Coverage Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Cream Cover Adjustable Foundation & Concealer Sephora View On Sephora View On Beautybay.com What We Love: This is extremely full-coverage (if you want it to be), but it's easy to work in light layers.What We Don’t Love: This contains fragrance, so it's not great for those with sensitive skin. Consider this Danessa Myricks Beauty foundation a magic trick for your makeup routine. It's completely adjustable, meaning you can build layer upon layer for a fuller-coverage look (or, try applying a light base if you're just looking for a sheer wash of color). And because it's so full-coverage, it can double as your concealer for a minimal-effort makeup look. You'll also find a plethora of skin-boosting ingredients inside, like antioxidant-rich vitamin E and moisturizing plant-derived squalane, so you never have to worry about your skin looking anything but healthy and moisturized. That said, if you have sensitive skin you may want to go with another pick because it does contain fragrance. Pro tip: Try applying this formula with a beauty sponge to keep the finish natural. Price at time of publish: $22 Shades: 23 | Size: 0.34 fl. oz | Finish: Natural Best Medium Coverage Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid Macy's View On Nordstrom View On Clarinsusa.com View On Macy's What We Love: The formula is very long-lasting (the finish will stay flawless up to 10 hours, but the hydrating benefits remain for up to 24 hours).What We Don’t Love: Some may find the finish too radiant (for instance, if you have oily skin). Unsurprisingly, all of the foundations from Clarins are packed with the best of the best ingredients, but the one that really stands out is the brand’s anti-aging formula. Packed with firming chicory extract, tightening organic oat sugars, and hydrating argan oil, this foundation seamlessly glides over fine lines and wrinkles. As far as application goes, it's super smooth and plays well with both a beauty sponge and brush. We love that even though it has a radiant finish, the staying power is still impressive (when I tried it out it lasted an entire eight-hour day without smudging, fading or caking). Price at time of publish: $49 Shades: 24 | Size: 1 fl. oz | Finish: Radiant Best Lightweight IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum Sephora View on Ulta View On Sephora View On Itcosmetics.com What We Love: With a 90 percent skincare base, this formula prioritizes a healthy complexion over anything.What We Don’t Love: Because this comes in a pump tube, it can be difficult to get every last bit of product out. It Cosmetics is the brand responsible for putting skincare-makeup hybrids on the map. And the CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum is a prime example of just how well such a product can perform. This formula aims to enhance natural skin, but with breathable coverage that can be built upon. I've gone through several tubes of this foundation and it never feels cakey or settles into my fine lines or pores. It also plays well with my other makeup products (powders included) and provides a decent amount of coverage considering how thin the consistency is. You'll find SPF 40 in this formula (great for warding off sun damage) as well as plumping hyaluronic acid, brightening niacinamide, and skin-protecting green tea. Taylor is also a fan, noting that it "catches the light and gives a beautiful radiance to the skin." TL;DR: The youthful, second-skin finish of this foundation certainly makes it worthy of adding to your cart. Price at time of publish: $44 Shades: 22 | Size: 1.1 fl. oz | Finish: Glowy Best Radiant Finish Aisling Organics Glow-Getter Foundation SPF 15 Aisling Organics View On Aislingorganics.com What We Love: This is a great organic option if you have sensitive skin that's easily irritated.What We Don’t Love: The vanilla scent may not be for everyone. Looking for an organic anti-aging option? Look no further than Aisling Organics Glow-Getter Foundation. Born out of founder Krysta Lewis' sufferings with migraines and nausea, Aisling Organics uses vegan, botanically-based ingredients that won't cause irritation or lead to physical discomfort. The Glow-Getter Foundation is a lovechild between your favorite moisturizer and a foundation, proving that colored cosmetics can actually provide skincare benefits. Packed with good-for-you ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E (so redness- and breakout-prone folks can still join in on the fun), the sweat- and transfer-resistant formula truly lasts from the time you apply it until it’s time to take it off at the end of the day. Oh, we should also mention that it shields your face from sun damage with SPF 15. Need we say more? Price at time of publish: $34 Shades: 9 | Size: 1 fl. oz | Finish: Glowy The 11 Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin in 2023 Best Matte Finish Jouer Cosmetics Essential High Coverage Crème Foundation Sephora View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Sephora What We Love: With 50 colors to choose from, this has an impressive shade range.What We Don’t Love: This isn't great for those with dry skin. We have to hand it to Jouer Cosmetics for creating a skin-rejuvenating formula that doesn't skimp on color payoff. This pick contains a hefty blend of chamomile extract to soothe redness (perfect for your post-sun aftercare) as well as allantoin to transform a rough, scaly complexion into a smooth one. You'll also find a tripeptide complex here, which is responsible for stimulating collagen production for younger-looking skin. You only need one pump to reap the full-coverage benefits — and, because the finish is soft matte (versus matte), you'll never look one-dimensional or statue-like, which is always a plus. That said, because it is a matte formula it might not feel hydrating enough for those with dry skin. Price at time of publish: $38 Shades: 50 | Size: 0.68 fl. oz | Finish: Soft matte Best Satin Finish L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation Ulta View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Target What We Love: This has a cooling effect upon application, which feels nice especially if your skin is dry.What We Don’t Love: The shade range leaves a lot to be desired. Know how your favorite silk slip dress hugs your skin without digging into it? That's exactly how L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation feels once you apply it. Its balm-to-cream consistency gives skin a radiant lit-from-within-glow, while black tea ferment and sodium hyaluronate help to lift and firm. Upon testing, I loved the cooling effect this had — it perked up my dry skin and felt smooth. I also found it to have a good lasting power, and enjoyed the fact that it didn't accentuate the dry patches around my nose or settle into smile lines throughout the day. The shade range definitely needs to be improved, but otherwise this foundation is a solid choice. Price at time of publish: $17 Shades: 8 | Size: 0.63 fl. oz | Finish: Satin-luminous Best with SPF Tonal Cosmetics Skin Perfecting Foundation Tonal Cosmetics View On Tonalcosmetics.com What We Love: This is formulated with ingredients to strengthen and protect the skin's moisture barrier.What We Don’t Love: We wish there was a larger shade range. SPF is regarded as the ultimate anti-ager for the skin, and Tonal Cosmetics got it right with their Skin Perfecting Foundation, which contains SPF 50 for maximum protection. On top of preventing sun damage, this formula has a featherlight feel and skin-like finish, perfect for those who crave coverage, but don't want it to look like they're wearing makeup. This formula is infused with five types of hyaluronic acid (how's that for hydration?) as well as pearl extracts to draw in moisture and protect the moisture barrier. You'll also find several botanical extracts in here (like pomegranate, fig, and mulberry extract) for some serious antioxidant benefits. Tonal Cosmetics also put in the work to offer numerous darker shades, but the overall range could use some expansion. Price at time of publish: $45 Shades: 10 | Size: 1 fl. oz | Finish: Matte Best for Enlarged Pores Natasha Denona Transformatte Pore Vanishing Matte Foundation Sephora View On Sephora View On Cosmetify.com View On Feelunique.com What We Love: Though this has a matte formula, it never feels drying.What We Don’t Love: It's hard to build up layers with this formula. Enlarged pores got you feeling down? Not anymore with Natasha Denona Transformatte Pore Vanishing Matte Foundation. The star ingredient at play here is pore reductyl, a natural astringent that refines pores, smoothes out uneven texture, and firms all at the same time. It's also chock-full of anti-aging peptides to boost collagen production for less apparent fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it also helps to heal skin that was exposed to years of environmental damage thanks to ingredients like lotus japonicus, wild thistle, and green microalgae extracts. Overall, this is a heavy-duty, medium-to-full-coverage foundation that surprisingly doesn't look chalky or cakey on the skin (despite its matte finish), but it’s worth noting that it looks best when you apply one layer (it doesn’t build that well). Price at time of publish: $23 (originally $45) Shades: 23 | Size: 0.94 fl. oz | Finish: Matte Best Shade Range Tarte Face Tape Foundation Ulta View on Ulta View On Target View On Tartecosmetics.com What We Love: This comes in a travel size, perfect for taking with you on the go.What We Don’t Love: It can feel heavy on the skin if you apply too much. Available in 50 shades and several undertones, Tarte Face Tape Foundation is just as memorable as the brand's cult-favorite concealer. There's nothing this foundation can't do: It withstands sweat, water, and humidity, and smoothes out the skin's texture even if it's rough or uneven. Not to mention, it's great for aging skin: With inflammation-reducing snow mushroom and skin-firming hyaluronic acid alongside antioxidant-rich apple fruit extract, the formula helps fend off free radical damage. Its matte finish also won't contribute to oily pores if you've got 'em, but it also won't make you feel dry or cakey as you wear it throughout the day. Talk about full-coverage done right. Price at time of publish: $40 Shades: 50 | Size: 1.01 fl. oz | Finish: Matte What to Keep In Mind Key Ingredients There's a heavy focus on skincare ingredients when we're talking about anti-aging foundations. Celebrity makeup artist, Katie Mellinger, praises ingredients like squalane (which mimics the skin’s natural barrier) as well as niacinamide (which is an anti-inflammatory that helps fade redness and sun spots). Hyaluronic acid is another heavy-hitter you'll find in several anti-aging foundation formulas (including our best overall pick Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Foundation). "Hyaluronic acid is one of my favorite ingredients in foundations because it's a fast-acting hydrator — it draws moisture from the air and locks it right into the skin," says celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli. And as we know, when skin is hydrated, it tends to look healthier. Scibelli also recommends seeking out peptides in your anti-aging foundation, as "they aid in the production of collagen, which can lead to plumper, firmer skin," he tells InStyle. Finally, if you're looking to prevent future sun damage, look for a foundation containing SPF. "Sunscreen is my top anti-aging ingredient because it can shield the skin from that collagen breakdown from the sun, as well as prevent age spots and hyperpigmentation," says Scibelli. A few foundations on our list contain SPF but Tonal Cosmetics Skin Perfecting Foundation trumps them all with its SPF 50 formula. Mellinger also notes that your maturing skin can develop sensitivity that was never there before — if this is the case, look for cleaner options that are made without irritating ingredients like fragrance, mineral oil, essential oil, and silicones. Finish The finish of your foundation refers to how matte or luminous the formula looks on your skin after application. A matte foundation has no dewiness or luminosity, and is made with more silicones, which is what helps remove shine from the skin. "This is best for combination to oily skin types, or a skin type that gets oily mid-day," says Scibelli. "Matte foundations are also great for acne-prone skin because a flat finish won't accentuate any active breakouts on the skin." Matte foundations sometimes run the risk of making you look dry, but that isn’t the case with our best matte pick: Jouer Cosmetics Essential High Coverage Crème Foundation. "A dewy foundation gives a more pearlized, hydrated finish, which is often achieved by added hydration and finely-milled pearl pigments," explains Scibelli. "This is typically great for someone with a dryer skin type because it's going to give that radiant, glowing, hydrated look — it's also less likely to settle into any fine lines or dry patches." Aisling Organics Glow-Getter Foundation’s radiant finish is top tier because it never ventures into oily-looking territory. Finally, there are satin-finish foundations, which are a cross between a matte and dewy fIinish. According to Mally Roncal, founder of Mally Beauty, satin foundations have a natural-looking finish that mirrors the glow of regular skin, making it great for everyday wear as well as for those with normal to combination skin types. Our favorite satin finish foundation is L'Oréal Age Perfect 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation (and it’s super affordable to boot). Type There are different types of anti-aging foundations on the market, and it's important to find the one that plays with your skin type the best. "A cream foundation is typically in a flat form and is richer in consistency but can also be buildable," explains Scibelli. "A liquid foundation usually has more of a fluid consistency to it, and a powder foundation is just the foundation pigment, but in a powder form, which I'd say is the most mattifying of all of the options." For mature skin, a liquid foundation is preferable, as it'll "glide over fine lines and keep the skin moist," says Taylor. Your Questions, Answered What makes a foundation anti-aging? "When brands boost a foundation as anti-aging, they are typically referring to certain skincare ingredients that they add to the formula (like retinol, vitamin C, and antioxidants) to help minimize the look of wrinkles and age spots," says Roncal. An anti-aging foundation can come in many different forms (stick, cream, liquid, or powder), finishes (matte, radiant, or satin), and levels of coverage (lightweight, medium, and full). No matter what anti-aging foundation you choose, make sure you're taking care of your skin first and foremost, as this will contribute to a better makeup outcome overall. Is a matte or radiant foundation better for aging skin? You should wear whatever foundation finish you feel comfortable in. Generally speaking, though, a satin or radiant-finish foundation is best for aging skin versus a matte one. "Matte foundations tend to have less humectants and emollients to hydrate the skin, so this type of finish tends to suck all of the moisture out, leaving the pigment of the foundation to settle into any fine lines and texture," explains Mellinger. Satin or radiant-finish foundations, however, "tend to be lighter in texture" and are therefore "less likely to settle into fine lines," says Mellinger. Plus, "they also lean toward having more moisturizing ingredients, which also benefits aging skin." Still, if you're determined to make a matte foundation work for your skin type, Roncal says that using a primer is going to create a layer between your skin and your makeup to ensure your foundation doesn't settle into fine lines or wrinkles. Opt for a hydrating option containing hyaluronic acid — this will plump, lock in moisture, and prep the skin for a matte finish, says Scibelli. You can also layer on a smoothing primer, says Mellinger, which will help fill in any fine lines or wrinkles and fight against foundation settling into those areas. Likewise, if your skin leans oily but you love the look of a dewy foundation, you can still make it work. "Avoid an overly greasy moisturizer, wait until your moisturizer is absorbed, and prime before applying foundation," says Mellinger. "Try working in light layers, building your desired coverage slowly — or, if you want more coverage, you can spot conceal after applying your foundation." Why Shop With Us Michelle Rostamian is a freelance beauty, wellness, and lifestyle writer with nearly 10 years of experience in the beauty industry and bylines at PEOPLE, Byrdie, Real Simple, InStyle, and more. With help from writer Erin Lukas, she interviewed celebrity makeup artists, Katie Mellinger, Neil Scibelli, and Mally Roncal to learn more about what foundations are best for aging skin and how to use them. The 11 Best Full Coverage Foundations of 2023, Tested and Reviewed