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By Sophie Joaman • December 8, 2022 • 9 mins read
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Whether you’ve been partial to a powder foundation in the past, or have no experience with them at all, powdered foundations are worth considering.
Especially for mature skin. And yet, the thought of using a powdered foundation puts a lot of people off. Is it going to work for your skin type? Is it going to exacerbate fine lines and wrinkles?
These are just a few of the questions we’ve heard. You might have even heard that you should avoid powdered foundation altogether if you have mature skin.
Whatever your preconceptions or even your experiences, with the divisive product, we’re here to clear up the rumours once and for all- Because powdered foundation really does deserve a fair hearing. Why?
Well, powder foundation is a holy grail product in the 21st century, we’re convinced of it. Gone are the days of heavy white talc powder that cracks and dries out on the skin.
Powder foundations are instead sleek, silky and offer stunning finishes to your skin.
If you are looking to add a powder foundation to your makeup bag as someone with mature skin, then we’ve got the answers to your burning questions, plus some of the best and most popular foundations out there right now, that will keep you looking like the confident woman you are.
There are often misconceptions around powder foundation for mature skin, namely that it sits in fine lines and wrinkles and ends up exaggerating them.
Or that it dries out the skin and makes it look lacklustre and dehydrated. While this can certainly happen with powders, particularly if you have overly dry skin, we can chalk many of these problems down to powder formulas of the the past.
Particularly those from before the advancements of today. In the past, powder foundations were often heavy, talc-based products that caused caking within the skin.
So if you did have dry skin back then you could forget being able to wear a powder foundation and there was little you could do about it.
It’s also quite understandable for these reasons that people still believe that powdered foundations are like this.
Today’s powder foundations in contrast however, come in a range of coverages, formulas and finishes, for different skin types and needs.
Higher coverage foundations, light-weight formulas, and silky finishes are all available to buy. They also, thankfully, offer something for the majority of skin types, without the unwanted caking and heaviness.
Powder is also a brilliant choice for anyone who finds that creamy foundations weigh their skin down. That being said, powder foundations still work best for mature skin that is more on the oily/combination end of the spectrum.
That doesn’t mean you can’t find the right powder for you if you have dry skin, because you can and should give them a go.
It just means that the greatest result from powder foundations, are usually seen in those who have oilier or combination skin.
If you are 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s young and have oily skin or oily areas of skin, such as the T-zone, powder foundations can be a truly miracle product to use within your makeup routine.
They help to control shine and keep your makeup firmly in place for much longer, so that you don’t need to touch it up throughout the day.
Lightweight powder formulas can also give you that satin matte finish, without the heaviness. This is great for anyone who wants their foundation/makeup to be much more breathable. Almost as if you aren’t really wearing anything on your face at all.
While we know powders and powder foundations are great for mature skin and perfect for those ladies who do have oilier skin types, there are also the types of powder foundation to decide between: loose powder or pressed powder.
Which one is better for mature skin in this case, and what are the benefits? For most people, both loose and pressed powders have their advantages, so the answer all comes down to personal preference.
Loose powders for example, have a much more subtle effect as opposed to pressed powders which are more pigmented.
Loose powders are a good choice therefore for anyone who wants an understated and natural finish. They’re not buildable, so if you do want the ‘less is more’ look then a loose powder may be the one for you.
Whereas, pressed powders in comparison, will give off a higher/ buildable coverage. Pressed formulas also reflect light, which in turn will create that youthfulness.
Perfect for those, who want that glamorous, silky finish.
There are so many powder foundations on the market today, which is fantastic but of course, this can also be a little overwhelming when you are shopping for one.
If you are searching high and low for a good powder foundation then we’ve listed some of the most popular ones out there right now.
Lightweight, talc-free and sheer-to-full coverage, the bareMinerals Loose powder is packed with goodness, including zinc oxide for UV protection and SPF 15 to keep you sun safe and to promote healthy-looking skin.
The longer you wear this foundation, the greater the results to your skin too. This is one foundation therefore that will really become a firm favourite within your collection.
This loose powder can also be built up from a natural look to a fuller coverage, depending on the vibe you are going for. The finish itself is luminous and silky, giving you that flawless look all day long.
The bismuth oxychloride and responsibly sourced mica likewise help to retain the luminosity of your foundation so that you never get that dried out, or cracked feeling on your face.
It also means that your foundation will be likely to stay in place for much longer and not set into the cracks.
Plus, bareMinerals create products that are gentle on the skin, so with no parabens, formaldehyde, gluten or synthetic fragrances, this foundation is kind to mature skin.
Fans of the Estee Lauder Double Wear liquid foundation will already know just how stunning and flawless a finish this foundation possesses.
So if you are looking for a powder version of the best-selling foundation, look no further. The pressed powder compact offers a silky powder that leaves the skin looking luminous and yet still matte.
Shine and oil are controlled, so that you get optimum wear out of your foundation for longer. The foundation also comes with two handy applicators so that you can choose what kind of coverage you want.
The sponge side, helps build you coverage up so that you get a fuller glam finish. While the velvet side of the applicator creates a more radiant, natural finish.
Estee Lauder Double Wear is iconic for all ages, but especially for those with mature skin who want their makeup to look elegant and gorgeous every day.
Our top drug store pick has to be the L’Oreal Infallible Up To 24 Hour Wear pressed powder thanks to its incredible long-lasting hold.
Another foundation, with a liquid foundation sister, this powder not only offers wear of up to 24 hours, it also helps to control shine and oil on the skin, while leaving your face feeling silky and smooth.
Meaning, no caking, no drying, no cracking. The lightweight powder helps to blur fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots so that you get the ultimate coverage all over your face.
It’s what we like to call comfortable makeup- makeup you can put on in the morning and go about your day without the feeling of heaviness.
This will also be a suitable option for those who have excessive oil on their skin, as it is sweat-proof and water-proof. You can wear it all year round (including the hotter months) and still keep your skin looking fresh.
Laura Mercier are renowned for their translucent setting powders, so we couldn’t not include their Smooth Finish Foundation Powder in this list. This foundation is lightweight and breathable to give you a finish that is an extension of your natural beautiful skin.
Build upon the coverage for a fuller makeup look, or keep things natural for day-to-day wear. The best part about this foundation is that it blurs lines and imperfections on the skin so that you get that airbrushed look, that won’t set into your lines. You can also apply this product wet or dry, depending on your desired outcome.
Powder foundations are no longer heavy talc formulas that dry out the skin and crack. Oh no. Today’s powder foundations are for the women who want to look glam, as well as those who want their makeup to go the distance.
For mature skin, powdered foundations (loose or pressed) are perfect for oilier skin types, who want their natural radiance to shine through their makeup. If you have mature skin and are looking for a change to your foundation, trying out a powdered formula, even if you haven’t tried one before, can really benefit your makeup routine.
Luckily you don’t have to look far to find the perfect powdered foundation for you and your skin requirements. With a wealth of them on the market, and a few of our favourites in this guide, you’ll have no trouble finding foundation perfection.
If we did have to choose our favourite powdered foundation, it would have to be the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In Place pressed compact. It is a winner in every way. From the buildable coverage to the silky matte finish, this foundation is ideal for mature skin.
