'I’m a beauty writer in my 50s. Here are the best foundations that won't settle into fine lines.'

I've tested a lot of mature skin foundations in my time.

As a mid-50s beauty writer and content creator who spends a good chunk of time on camera, I've had the perfect opportunity to try, compare, and scrutinise base products on skin that's, well, lived a little.

If you've found yourself skipping foundation altogether because it seems to make things worse, emphasising dryness, settling into lines or clinging to texture you didn't know you had, you're not alone.

Watch: A makeup artist's opinion on the difference between affordable and expensive foundations. Post continues below.

The good news is that the right formulas do exist. There are mature skin foundations out there that hydrate, smooth, and will help your skin look more radiant.

No matter your budget or preferred coverage level, let me take you through what I look for in a great mature skin foundation, plus my top over 50s foundation recommendations.

Including the $35 chemist foundation I think is a true hidden gem.

Things good foundations for mature skin have in common.

As we age, our skin becomes drier, thinner, and often more sensitive. What worked 10 years ago might now make our skin look dull or exaggerated.

Here's what makes a foundation truly great for mature skin:

• Hydration is non-negotiable: Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or squalane to keep skin plump and glowy

• Lightweight texture: Thicker formulas are more likely to settle into fine lines and draw attention to texture

• Radiant or satin finishes: These reflect light and give skin a healthy, youthful glow. Skip the ultra-matte unless you're extremely oily

• Buildable coverage: Sheer layers work best. You can customise where you need more and keep the rest looking natural

• Skin-loving extras: Think peptides, vitamin C, or antioxidants to support your skin while you wear it

Listen: You Beauty's Leigh Campbell shares her top mid-life beauty recommendations. Post continues below.

Does mature skin need a primer?

You wouldn't paint walls without washing and prepping them first if you wanted a great finish. The same goes for your face.

Holme Beauty is my favourite brand for foundation skin prep and skin finishing.

I always use an illuminating primer like Holme Beauty's Bang Primer, $70, even under matte or full-coverage foundations. It gives that lit-from-within glow, helps bounce light, and diffuses fine lines.

I also always set my base with their Empowder Duette powder, $79. No, it won't look cakey if you do it right. The trick? Once powdered, soak your face with the Golden Hour Glow Setting Spray, $55, (really make it wet), then use a fan to dry it down. This gives the skin a natural, hydrated finish that works with any foundation, no matter the formula.

Paired with a great mature skin foundation, you'll get a flexible, flawless, lit-from-within finish that moves with your skin, not against it.

Evidence of my Holme Beauty glow! Image: Supplied.

The best foundations for mature skin.

Foundation over 50 doesn't have to be complicated. It just has to work with your skin, not against it.

The best ones won't mask your face; they'll enhance it. These are the products I reach for again and again because they deliver.

No caking, no clinging, no settling into lines. Just flattering, glowing skin that feels like yours.

Keep in mind, what works brilliantly for one of us might not suit another. No two faces are the same, so I'll give you a lot of options to choose from, no matter your preference or skin type.

My #1 brand for mature skin foundation.

Fenty Beauty can do no wrong in my eyes! Image: Supplied.

From blurring skin tints to full coverage, and a colour range that shook and changed the industry, Fenty Beauty deserves a special shoutout.

I have every product Rihanna has released and not a single one is a dud. Fenty foundations have, for me, overtaken NARS as the gold standard for modern foundation.

Mid-range pricing, top-tier formulation, and inclusive shade and finish options. It's what every brand should be aiming for.

Shop FentyBeauty foundations:

Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint Foundation, $56.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, $64.

Fenty Beauty Soft'Lit Luminous Foundation, $65.

Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blur + Smooth Tint Stick, $56.

Best light coverage foundations for mature skin.

I'm wearing the Kylie Cosmetics skin tint here, my most-used foundation. Image: Supplied.

Not every day calls for the same finish, but every day deserves skin that looks (and feels) good.

These are the kind of 'your skin, but better' bases I reach for on good skin days or when I just want to even things out without covering everything up.

Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir, $45.

Image: MECCA.

This silicone-based skin tint with skincare benefits like hyaluronic acid and pentylene glycol blurs imperfections and hydrates without settling into lines. It's glowy but not greasy. Lightweight, blurring, and just easy.

Honestly, don't judge a base by its owner. This one is seriously underrated.

Kind Collective Dreamy Everyday Skin Tint, $30.

Image: Priceline.

A beautiful, light layer that enhances your skin's natural radiance. Perfect for those minimal makeup days.

Made by Mitchell Truth Tint, $38.

Image: Made By Mitchell.

Surprisingly breathable and flexible, this tint gives that hydrated, lightly perfected finish. This is a versatile, skin-friendly choice for no-makeup makeup days.

Best medium coverage foundations for mature skin.

I'm wearing the Revlon Illuminance Skin-Caring Foundation here. Image: Supplied.

Look for a medium coverage foundation if full coverage feels too much, but a skin tint or tinted moisturiser doesn't provide enough.

Polished, but comfortable, these foundations are perfect for days when you want a bit more coverage that still looks like you, but better.

Revlon Illuminance Skin-Caring Foundation, $44.

Image: Priceline.

Lightweight and nourishing with skincare benefits built in.

This chemist-brand foundation offers more coverage than a tint, without ever looking heavy.

Makeup by Mario Surreal Skin Foundation, $82.

Image: Sephora.

A modern classic with a luminous finish that enhances texture instead of hiding it. This celebrity makeup artist foundation is lightweight, but buildable.

DIOR Forever Skin Glow 24H Hydrating Radiant Foundation, $105.

Image: Adore Beauty.

This is one of the best luxe foundations for mature skin I've tried.

The DIOR foundation gives that lit-from-within glow while offering long-wear medium coverage.

Best full coverage foundations for mature skin.

I'm wearing DIOR Forever Skin foundation here. Image: Supplied.

Full coverage foundations used to be ultra heavy, or only came in matte finishes.

Now, there are plenty of options for when you want fresh-looking coverage that doesn't feel like a mask.

These are the mature skin foundations I turn to for an event or a special occasion like a wedding, but I'd recommend them for anyone who feels more comfortable with a full-coverage base.

DIOR Forever Skin Perfect, $103.

Image: Sephora.

This DIOR foundation offers serious coverage, without suffocating your skin. The formula refines texture, smooths pores and looks great in photos.

Too Faced Born This Way Soft Matte, $80.

Image: MECCA.

Got oily or combo mature skin? Try this oil-controlling foundation.

This stays put all day while still offering a skin-like finish, without the flat matte look.

Maybelline 30HR Lumi Matte, $34.99.

Image: Priceline.

Finally, this is a hidden gem from the chemist.

With a long-wearing, radiant-matte finish, this is an affordable foundation for mature skin that doesn't emphasise dryness or lines.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

Featured image: Supplied.