As we’ve moved into a new season, many of us are re-evaluating our beauty routines. Ok, well, in Toronto, winter seems to keep hanging around, but I’m looking ahead! If you’ve noticed that your go-to liquid or powder foundation just isn't performing the way it used to, you aren't alone. One of the most common shifts in skin as we age, particularly for women in the 45-65+ demographic, is a change in texture and moisture levels.
Enter cream foundation, the unsung hero of makeup. If you’re looking for a finish that looks like skin (only better), here is why a cream formula is often the superior choice for mature complexions.
1. Hydration and the glow factor
Mature skin tends to produce less natural oil, leading to dryness and a less radiant appearance. Unlike powder foundations, which absorb moisture, cream foundations are typically formulated with moisturizing ingredients such as Vitamin A and Castor Oil.1
· The result: It acts as a secondary layer of skincare, locking in hydration and providing a natural, dewy finish that mimics the lit-from-within glow.
2. It won’t settle into fine lines
Every story must have a bad guy (well, the stories I read do!). The biggest villain for mature skin is when makeup settles into fine lines and wrinkles. Traditional liquids and powders can migrate into fine lines and wrinkles by midday, making them appear more prominent.
- The cream advantage: Cream foundations have a thicker, more stable consistency. They sit on top of the skin’s surface and move with your expressions rather than cracking or pooling in creases.
3. Highly customizable coverage
One of the best things about cream formulas is their versatility. Whether you want a sheer tint for the daytime or full coverage for a night out, creams can do both.
- How to use it: You can buff a small amount out with a damp sponge for a "no-makeup" look or use a dense brush to build coverage over areas of hyperpigmentation or redness, which are common concerns for some of us as we age.
4. Seamlessly blends with other creams
To keep skin looking smoother, many experts recommend using cream blushes and highlighters.2
- The synergy: A cream foundation provides a perfect "velvet" base. Because the textures are similar, your cream blush or bronzer will melt into your foundation rather than sit awkwardly on top, creating a seamless, airbrushed effect.
Tips for applying cream foundation on mature skin
To get the most out of your cream foundation, follow these three simple steps:
- Warm it up: Use your ring finger to swirl the product in the pan first. The heat from your skin melts the waxes, making it much easier to blend.
- Less is more: Start at the center of the face (where most discolouration (discoloration) occurs) and blend outward. You’ll find you need much less product than you think!
- Skip the heavy powder: To keep a glowing radiance, only powder the areas that truly need it, like the T-zone, using a very fine translucent powder.
We celebrate the sophistication of mature skin. Understanding how your skin changes is the first step in choosing products that help you to look and feel your best.
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Our next post will outline what to look for in a cream foundation. In the meantime, check out our other tips for mature, perimenopausal or menopausal skin in our blog.
If you’re looking for a cream foundation and/or blush, try our 2-in-1 foundation and concealer in one Beauty Stix or our 3-in-1 Beauty Stix for your lips, eyes and cheeks.
1 Source: US Typology
2One source: Vogue
