You can thank me later ladies–I’m a giver and I give you the two best foundations for mature skin!
You know I’ll do anything for you–even if it means years of research for the right foundation!
I cannot begin to tell you about my struggle for a great foundation. I swear it is a struggle that starts when you are a teenager trying to hide pimples when Clearasil just didn’t cut it.
OMG. I can still feel the drying effects of this on my chin. And forehead. And cheeks.
Am I right??
Ah…that squeeze tube with the plastic coating that would peel off in my purse. But the fact is the nude colored Clearasil did hide the small blemishes. And then I graduated to…
Cover Girl Foundation! Hey. Raise your hand if CG was your first foundation!
I’ll do one better. I actually remember this ad with Cybill Shepherd. I wanted to look like her! I can still smell this foundation!
Oh—and because my nubile skin had a greasy and oily “T” zone, I used Angel Face powder.
It’s hard for me to come to terms that my skin was oily enough to use powder. Powder hasn’t touched my face for years!
I’m not kidding when I tell you that I can still smell both those products and the scents were lovely.
Then I went through a period of not using foundation at all. My skin cleared up, I was in my twenties and working and stuck to eye makeup, a bit of blush and lipstick.
Then I had kids and my cosmetics routine diminished down to Chapstick, which I still use every day, mascara and a bit of blush. My eyebrows were still thick and so were my lashes. I didn’t even need eyeliner.
Then I suddenly found myself in my forties—like it happened overnight! And my eyebrows started gradually thinning. My skin started to change—it was getting a bit dry and red and I was acquiring fine lines!
And then the great search for foundation had begun! I was still young enough that I could get by with a drugstore brand. And for a long time, it was L’Oréal’s True Match. In C-3. And as my skin aged, it started getting drier and the True Match was no longer a true match for me.
Inexpensive and a ton of shades to choose from. It worked for many years!
I used many foundations during these years of searching and the one foundation that I did purchase for quite some time was the Makeup Forever HD Foundation. I really really liked this. But something happened and either the formula changed or my aging skin was working against me. The foundation didn’t work for me anymore. It became cakey. And if I used too much, my face looked arid.
This foundation worked for a long time! And suddenly–it stopped!
It was not my best look!
Picture my skin looking like this. Dry and Cakey. With a few unplucked hairs sticking outta the cracks!
And so, the search continued. I tried various foundations from many well-known brands. Monsieur Bonaparte, my personal beauty consultant, and beauty critique, was never at a loss of words—French or English to say to me “Whah do ou ‘av on yeour fhaaaaaahhhzzzz?” “Izz terrible!” “Vous avez l’air de Merde!” “Tek zhat off maintenant!”
Frenchmen. They tell it like it is!
This is NOT a photo of Bonaparte on the terrace looking out at the Mediterranean Sea. He is actually inspecting my face for cracks in the foundation!
Oh, the money I wasted! Shameful!
And through trial and error and more money wasted, I finally found two great foundations that work on my wrinkled, lined, saggy, over-60 face!
Becca and Marc Jacobs.
Here they are. The two foundations that really work for the “over 60 face”. I wrote about both in the past but after much thought, I realized these ARE the two best foundations!
(CAVEAT—my go-to inexpensive foundation is by e.l.f. I use it for travel but I’m not talking drug-store brands today. I’m writing about the non-drug store foundations)
I’ve been using the Marc Jacobs, Super-Charged Genius Gel Foundation for well over a year now. My color is Number 26, Medium Bisque. The foundation comes in a range of 16 shades. My only hope is that it doesn’t go the route of discontinuation as so many of the things I rely on go! And at $48 a bottle, it’s pricey but I’ve had this same bottle for over a year! It lasts a long time!
It’s oil-free but isn’t drying. I’m not going to say that it is a hydrating foundation because it isn’t. The finish is nice. It’s more on the sheer side but with building the coverage improves.
It is easy to apply—and by that, I mean it doesn’t clump or run. I use a damp beauty blender and then brush with my large spoon brush to finish it off.
Next is the Becca Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation. My shade is “Fair” and unlike the selection of the Jacobs foundation, this foundation offers a selection of nine shades. At $44 a bottle it’s not much different in price than the Jacobs.
The texture is a bit thicker than the Jacobs foundation but it goes on very lightly. During the few weeks of this past winter, when my skin was incredibly dry, the foundation wasn’t working for me. However, now that my skin is in better shape, I’m back to using this.
I also find that I do not need as much of the Becca foundation as with the Jacobs.
On the left is the Marc Jacobs Foundation. On the right is the Becca. The Becca is slightly darker–but you can’t tell the difference once applied!
Each foundation has different qualities, but both of these are absolute gems for the over 60 face!
I’m also not going to lie to you. These foundations are not miracle workers. Neither will get rid of the lines and wrinkles. Neither will make us look younger either. But both will enhance our skin and give a healthier glow and appearance. Both will assist in reducing the redness and uneven skin tone. And at this stage, that is a great thing!
Here’s how I applied: NOTE–I applied the Jacobs to one side and the Becca to the other side and I forgot which side is which. Sorry but that only proves they are very similar foundations.
First step. After moisturizing, I applied SkinActives Collagen Serum. I’ve been using this as a primer these days too. I’m about to order my third bottle. I freakin’ LOVE this stuff! It is inexpensive and it WORKS!!! The price went up to $15.50 but it is better than any of the expensive serums. I don’t alternative fact ladies!
OK. I think maybe I applied the Becca on the right side of my face. I use a beauty blending sponge and then a smaller one in the cracks and buff with my spoon brush.
After the foundation is applied. No smoke and mirrors here gals. I purposely took photos in non-friendly light that shows all my wrinkles, lines and crevices!
This is 60 Plus and I ain’t gonna hide it! But I’ll even it out!
Here we have the almost finished look. I used eyeshadow as liner. I need lipstick. See the wrinkles in my lips?
Now I just need to get dressed and fix my hair!
All done! Like my hair? It’s a wig. I’m working on another post about….you guessed it–hair!
Remember, we aren’t getting younger but we should never give up on trying to look our best! It isn’t vanity. It is an appreciation of self!
Never give up!! Don’t give up on yourself or your looks! There’s a lot of livin’ in those 60+ years and plenty to celebrate! Look your best YOU!!
I realize that finding the right foundation can be like pulling mussels from a shell but once you find that special one—or two, life is sweet. Hmmmm. Did I mention “Pulling Mussels?” It must be because I was listening to Squeeze in the car yesterday!
Hi Catherine-Its Nancy ….I tried the Becca on your recommendation and used it for almost a year..also liked their primer…then a friend suggested I try the IT Cosmetics foundation and I love it even more than the Becca. Out of the tube you think its not good…too thick but its not…I use a foundation brush so cannot vouch for how it works with finger application. I also had 2 samples of their moisturizer before I purchased just to make sure I REALLY liked it and I did…purchased this too.As you said, there are no miracle workers UNFORTUNATELY…HAHA
Hope all is well with you. I leave for Provence 5/10 and can hardly wait. Just got R. Steeves book from the library to wet my appetite. This is only my second time abroad but I hope one of many to come (have to be really good and save my pennies in between trips)
Hi Nancy!! Hey. I believe I started following you on Instagram today! I’m hoping it’s you!! Yeah. I remember when I told you about the Becca. You know what? I LOVE iT cosmetics lip glosses but I cannot wear the brand’s foundation. My skin is way too dry. I’ve tried samples and oh, the foundation just did not work on me. Actually their concealer is very good too!
Where in Provence are you staying? Are you staying in Aix? It’s so beautiful there. We leave in June — flying to Nice and staying at the apartment in Theoule. I can’t wait. Have a blast–I know you will!! Report back about the trip!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
yes that is me you are now following. I still use a moisturizer under the IT foundation…I think they say you do not have to but I also have dry skin so tried and liked their moisturizer too. I use a foundation brush for this because it is on the thick side when you first put it on but blends well with the brush.
We will be Aix-en-Provence and Avignon…any recommendations ? It is a tour so we have scheduled tours, visits but we also have time on our own so welcome your suggestions. I do not usually buy much on a trip BUT if there is a place for a good handbag or piece of jewelry that will remind me of my trip and not over the top pricey I would love to hear about it. As I prob. told you awhile ago, this is only my second time out of the country and I am so excited. Do not know anyone else on the trip but feel like I will make some new friends…its small, only 30 people and mainly women in 50s and 60s.
Thanks for this inspiring post. I hated foundation for years til last year. Now I got IT cosmetics and use it on the weekends but I hear so much about Marc Jacobs that I want to try it. I also need to get my eyebrows done seems like plucking made them too thin. Take care.
Neti! You are the second person to comment about IT cosmetics foundation! I can’t wear their foundations although I’m a fan of the lip products! Isn’t that funny how certain cosmetics works for some and not others? We need to have a big discussion about this! I think you will like the Jacobs foundation. It’s nice and airy. XOXOXOXO!!!!
I have been through the same journey over time, but have always used a bit of foundation. For many years it was Clinique, then I tried a myriad of brands and then back to Clinique. But the last five years or so I use Dior and Chanel Vitaluminire. My big issue is finding a foundation that is light enough to match my skin color and not make me look like a clown:) These two are great and of course I also spend a lot of time (and money!)on the real foundation – cleanser, moisturizer and toner.
Hi Angelin! I need to add that the Givenchy foundation is decent too. My issue in the past was oxidation–that’s why I can’t wear Lancome foundations–they make me look like Trump!! I’ll have to ask for a sample of both those foundations the next time I’m out and about!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Cover Girl, I still use it! The shade “creamy natural” is perfect for me (or so I tell myself) and I’ve never found anything better. Actually I have a low tolerance for experimentation when it comes to cosmetics, so there may be many better things out there, I just don’t know about them. I do love Squeeze though and “Pulling Mussels” is one of my favorites!
Hi Gillian. You are lucky that the Cover Girl still works for you! Actually a few of my friends still use it–maybe I should revisit it!!! Oh. I LOVE Squeeze. Argybargy is one of my best-loved CD’s too!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Ohhhhh I don’t know which of you is funnier you or your Frenchman, I am chortling away and it is way past my bedtime. I am firmly of the persuasion that you are never too late – or too early to look after your skin, and I am delighted our 21yr old madam seems to get it (she is currently favouring clinique after skewering a couple of wonderful sales assistants and demanding to know everything they could tell her about SPFs, I could see the whites of their eyes from across the shop floor) she has gorgeous olive-y skin and yes that needs protecting, I am proud she cares about her skin and as soon as I thought she was ready I was talking skin protection and care. I am of the pale rose-y pink / peaches and cream complexion and I always hated it – I can’t even remember what I used to slap on myself but anything to hide the pink look (I stopped when I hit late teens and realised I wasn’t hiding the pink tone – just adding what looked like a grubby bathtub ring around my neckline – classy, but you know as a student it was cool looking a bit grimy and erm, tortured). Now when I go home and I see the female relatives I feel sad – skin cancer is a big thing in NZ but still they don’t care, I am glad I have looked after my skin, I am relatively unwrinkly except for the crinkly bits around my eyes – I guess I am just droopy instead! I wear the Kiehls BB as I think they are pretty good for cool complexions and Nuxe do great serum for the ey area, but my 2 big tips that I wish I had known sooner – 1. pay attention to your skin – it tells you what it wants (actually my skin sometimes screams, it is sensitive, it needs me drinking water, it needs gentle products and it needs me to eat good quality food) and 2. it needs protection – SPF and staying out of the harshest sun. You get one skin, it is our biggest organ – so important
But yeah the preparation before the foundation – serums, primers and what not not only do we now need it, it can build into quite a nice little zen-like ritual if no one is hammering away at the bathroom door
I also think the choice of anything by Squeeze is utterly hilarious when we are talking skin
Hi Juliet! OMG. I have skin just like yours. The damage I did to my skin was absolutely horrific but I had nobody to guide me. My mother had olive skin and tanned like a beautiful leather bag so she was no help to pasty me.
I’m glad that Oona takes much better care of her skin than I ever did. She went to a horse racing event this weekend and had to dress up so she got spray tanned. AND put sunscreen over the fake bake! Smart. I wish spray tanning was around when we were in our twenties.
LOL. The French don’t care about skin cancer either. They are out at the pool and the beach literally baking like roast beefs. Bonaparte is one of them and I literally have to sneak the spf on him while he naps because he refuses to do so–and he had melanoma. Meanwhile I’m under the parasol. With a wide brimmed hat. And sunnies! Hahahaha. Yeah Squeeze is very skin appropriate!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I have a hell of a time with foundation…I have, for the past 6-7 years, used Stila 10watt liquid but it has suddenly started feeling dry and “grainy”…my skin is Irish pink and dry, dry, dry with some red patches…any suggestions? I follow you “religiously” and would love any knowledge you can impart. I am 72 years old with white hair…sort of look like a q-tip. Always remember we are nouns (elders) not adjectives (elderly)…
OK. Liz. I’m actually going to mention your question in my next or my after next blog post. I was thinking of your question and today while I was out and about I stopped at Ulta and asked the S.A. about your dilemma. I also asked if there were any oil-based foundations. Lo and behold she took me over to the iT cosmetics and there is a new compact foundation that is half moisturizer. I noticed it looked rather dense and a bit like a paste. But when she put it on my hand it felt really nice. She swore up and down that a lot of older women were buying the foundation and that iT cosmetics are very older woman friendly. I’m intrigued by this because I haven’t been a fan of iT face makeup. However, I love the brushes and lip products. Maybe it’s time to try. I also know that Estee Lauder makes a liquid foundation that is very hydrating. I can’t wear it though because of my skin tone. I’m going to try to find out more for you!!!
Thank you so much for reading the blog on a regular basis. I really appreciate that a lot!! A. Lot!! XOXOXOXO!!!
There is nothing as great as Estee is the best!!! I’ve tried the most expensive to the Drug store brands , but there is no comparison!! Macy’s store cosmetolegist chose my color and she hit it perfect for medium skin, but not orangie!!!! I love it!! I wanted to go organic, but it’s also hard to choose the right one—have tried a few top brands, but does not cover like Estee Lauder!!! If you look, you will see many positive reviews with same comments as mine!!!So if anyone knows of a great organic foundation that covers for the 75 year old ladies—please let me know!!! I’m told I look 50 for my age and I’m blessed!!!
Hi Catherine. I was just in St. Maartens and bought my Retinol per your suggestion in another blog post. I wish I had the list of all you buy abroad! After seeing the islands, I will be back! Love your posts and blog! http://tinyurl.com/k78kdfs
Thank you Lu!!! I’m dying to go to St. Maartens! Oh I need to win the Lottery so I could literally spend my days traveling and writing!! I am completely intrigued by your book!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hi Catherine–
You always tell us about your beauty finds and things you swear by, which I love, so I will share mine. It’s not a product per se, but it is kind of. And I shop for it at Wal-Mart. Okay, so don’t laugh:
About a decade ago I read somewhere that one reason men “age” so well skin-wise is because they shave every day (most of them) and the abrasive shaving sloughs off the dead ol’ skin and it keeps renewing itself. So, I could buy the exfoliating scrubs (and I have from time to time), but I go to Wal Mart and buy the 18 white washcloths for something obscenely cheap like $3.98 and a bottle of Cetaphil, and every day in either the shower or the tub, I wash my face, neck, decolletage with the washcloth with first hot water, and then the cetaphil gentle cleansing lotion on the cloth. Then the rest of the time that day if/when I wash my face I just use water. The cheap washcloths are perfect because they are so cheap and “rough,” not soft like the expensive ones in the guest bath–I just use these for me–so they really exfoliate. Then I dry off and moisturize like a mutha. And I am pleased to say that I get lots of comments on my complexion for a woman my age (62 next month!). I wish I’d been doing this since my 30’s-40’s, but better to come to it late than never at all.
Just wanted to put that out there. I think it’s made my skin better, and maybe you or other readers might try it.
NANCY!! KNOW WHAT FACECLOTHS YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT!! I BUY THEM TOO! Sorry. I’m not shouting. I’m just excited! I buy them because Bonaparte was getting so upset about my filthy eye makeup and mascara all over the good facecloths that I started buying those cheap ones and they are just for me and only for me! OMG. I’m buying the Cetaphil tomorrow. If I wasn’t so damned lazy I would get in the car and drive to WalMart right now. (Yes. WM is one of my favorite stores!) Thank you so much for that tip!!! I can’t wait to rough up my skin now!! OMG. Thank you so much! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Ha–great minds/shoppers buyin’ the cheapie washcloths! I should’ve known you’re into them too–a true bargain. ( I wash them a few times, and when they look too crappy even for me, I either throw them out or take them to school and use them to clean my whiteboards and clean up spills, etc in the classroom). After you’ve tried the procedure for awhile, let me know if you like it. Happy Easter to you and the fam!
You are so very pretty and know what suits you which is I think I’m still learning.
Bonaparte had an amazing tan. Guess that’s being Gaelic rather than Celtic. Lucky him.
And your music knowledge is perfect as usual loving a bit of Squeeze
Hi Catherine! I googled foundation for women 60. Your article came up about the 2 foundations you really liked. What I’m wondering now is do you use a powder after your foundation? I have to know every single step.😁 Thank you so much if you answer me or not.
T Price Buell
Hi T!! Thank you for reaching out! I don’t use powder to set. My skin is too dry! But I use a primer under foundation and the primer does the job. I use an inexpensive primer too!!! Hope this advice works!! And don’t be a stranger!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
First-time reader of your blog in my search for a perfect foundation!
Love your sense of humour and honesty. You are so inspirational. I am hitting 50 and often feel like Just Giving Up some days, especially now I have a chronic illness. But no, I will fight on as you suggest.
I feel better already for reading you 🙂
Thank you so much Pillar!!! And hey–welcome to this little community where everyone is respectful and here to have a good time!! Don’t give up!!! Really. If you feel like giving up–read the blog!!! It’s fun. We all feel like giving up but hope keeps us going–you know??? XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Thank you!!!! Just wanted you to know someone was out here and appreciated you giving the info. I just turned 67, I’ve been fortunate to have had oily skin growing up and still do somewhat. I hated it before but it did give me some protection on wrinkles in my maturing years. Thanks again.
Hi Linda! Thank you so much for commenting on this. Oh boy, are you lucky. All those who grew up with oily skin are rewarded after menopause! I had that oily T-Zone but the rest of my face is dry–and this winter weather is so frigid and drying on my face! But, I’m hydrated from all the liquid I’ve been drinking!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Great read, thanks thanks thanks
Hi Patricia! You are welcome!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Which ELF foundation do you use?
Hi Margrita! I use the Flawless Finish!
I’m 65 and my face is wrinkling I have tried so many different products what foundation could I use to try and hide the face lines and kip line. Help!!!
Hi Helen. I’ll be 63 next month and I have lines and wrinkles. I love the Wet n’ Wild Cushion foundation and the PhotoFocus foundation. I’m also sweet on Fenty and The Ordinary. The secret is to add a drop of Argan oil to the mix before applying. I’m telling you, the oil makes for such a hydrated product. Apply the foundation with a light touch. I don’t even care about the lines anymore. An even tone is what we need at this point!! XOXOXOXO
Hello, I am so happy to have found a blog about makeup for the mature skin (way over 50). I am a long long time user of MAC but as you said aging is taking its toll on my skin and I must search out other makeup. I have sensitive skin and many products break out my skin, which is a problem in and of itself. I will keep reading your blog and experiment with products you suggest.
Thank you Fonda. It’s not an easy feat to find mature skin products, but be that as it may, it is my mission to try to seek them out for us!!! Thank you again and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog. Welcome to the neighborhood!
Ok ladies – I’m an almost 60 but SOOOO tired of foundation woes after not having them EVER until about 14 months ago. Seems like someone did a skin transplant and one day I woke up with someone else’s old lady skin. Always had somewhat combo to dry but CRAP ! now moisturizer just gets vacuumed in as fast as i put it on! SO – a partner at the firm I now work with told me about GA-DE cosmetics – collagen foundation – satiny finish (says matte but not to me) and good coverage. I really like it…. not gonna turn the clock back but seems to slowing it down a bit. Just wanted to throw my 2 cents worth in for the fun of it. Love – and appreciate – the tips, info and reviews I got here today… Go to their website for a much better deal than other mail order places. – in fact it’s on sale now… Thanks so much – Michelle
Hi Michelle. I checked the website out and there’s some nice makeup. The thing that I’m hesitant about is ordering foundation online. I had luck with The Ordinary because their descriptions were spot on and the choices are decent. There aren’t many choices for shades with the collagen foundation but–collagen plus foundation is a great mix. I add a drop of Argan oil to my foundation to make it glide on! Thanks again, I’m headed back over there!! XXOXOXO!!!!
Does it look cakey or feel thick n cakey.. an hows the stay on factor? I dont usually wear any make up except some mascara n pinch my checks, but my skin is getting off color n age spots now.
How do you feel abt older women wearing glittery eye shadows etc?
Hi Brenda. The foundations I mentioned all work well without feeling cakey or thick and stay on all day!! I wear foundation to even out my skin because it’s gotten really spotty and blotchy as I’ve aged. HEY. I wear glittery shadows. I don’t adhere to the rule that older women shouldn’t……………..ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
You are a doll! Very lovely, thank you!! Lynnie
Thank you Lynnie!!! you are too kind!! XOXOXOXO
You’re fun!! I’m new to your blog. Thank you.