beauty

'The $28 tint that flatters over 40s skin better than foundation.'

I've been testing makeup and skincare products for more than 11 years, and over that time, countless friends, family members and readers with more mature skin have asked me for recommendations.

From helping my mum find a skin tint that doesn't settle into fine lines, to guiding my aunty through her first BB cream, I've spent a lot of time figuring out what really works for over-40s skin.

WATCH: Leigh Campbell and Kelly McCarren reveal the best foundations for summer. Post continues below.


Video via Mamamia.

So, while I don't personally fall into the over-40 category yet, I've seen firsthand which tints truly flatter more mature complexions, and which ones are worth skipping.

What makes a tint good for over-40s skin?

Not all tints are made equal. For mature skin, the best skin tints are hydrating, lightweight and buildable. You'll want to look for formulas with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides or antioxidants that plump, smooth and nourish, while providing a soft, radiant finish that blurs fine lines and evens skin tone.

Generally speaking, a sheer to medium coverage works best, as heavy or thick formulas can settle into wrinkles or accentuate texture. Similarly, matte or overly powdery finishes can make skin look flat or dry. You'll also want to avoid large shimmer particles, strong fragrances or harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive, mature skin.

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Basically, the ideal tint should feel like "your skin but better".

Now that's out of the way, below you'll find my curated list of tints that work beautifully for over-40s skin.

The best tints for over-40s skin.

Models Prefer Cosmetics Luxurious Youth Boost BB Cream 30ml, $21.

Image: Priceline.

This budget-friendly BB cream is an all-in-one anti-ageing moisturiser, primer and foundation. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides, it smooths over fine lines and gives mature skin a plump, youthful glow. The lightweight formula layers beautifully without settling into texture, making it perfect for over-40s complexions that want a natural, polished finish.

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IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF50, $82.

Image: Adore Beauty.

I've been a long-time fan of this CC cream, which is why I've recommended it to many older relatives and friends. It smooths, firms and brightens without ever feeling heavy, while staying in place all day, no matter the humidity. Plus, it comes in a wide range of shades, so there's likely a perfect match for every skin tone.

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Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream 50ml, $16.

Image: Lila Beauty.

This Korean cult favourite feels and looks similar to the IT Cosmetics CC cream, but at a fraction of the price. The formula is packed with hyaluronic acid, peptides, collagen and ceramides, giving hydration, soothing and a subtle, dewy glow (think glass-like skin without the grease). It's slightly thicker than your average BB cream, so it covers discolouration and uneven tone while still looking effortlessly natural.

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Ilia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, $83.

Image: Mecca.

Yes, this is the priciest option here, but thousands of five-star reviews back it up. Perfect for those who love their skincare but still want coverage, it's lightweight, silky and radiant. Over-40s skin looks fresh, nourished, and naturally glowy — like you actually remembered to drink enough water this morning.

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Nude By Nature Sheer Glow BB Cream 30ml, $32.95. 

Image: Priceline.

This is for the 40+ complexion that wants to look effortlessly luminous. Lightweight yet effective, it blurs little lines and uneven patches, leaving skin looking like you've had a solid eight hours of sleep, even if you didn't. Its sheer glow finish gives a subtle radiance that reads fresh and awake, not overdone.

Heimish Moringa Ceramide BB Cream 30g, $28 (down from $30).

Image: Lila Beauty.

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When my mum and I got our colour analysis done in Seoul, the makeup artist recommended this exact BB cream for her mature skin. As soon as she applied it, I could see a significant difference in her complexion. Natural-looking and fuss-free, it hydrates and smooths, making it ideal for mature skin that wants a natural but lit-from-within look. My mum now swears by it as her everyday go-to.

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Skin Perfecting Tint, $67.

Image: Mecca.

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If comfort and coverage had a lovechild, this would be it. It softens fine lines, brightens dull patches and builds beautifully without ever feeling heavy. I especially love how it's creamy and hydrating, making it perfect for dry-to-combination skin.

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.

Feature image: Supplied/TikTok - @chenoabrookins.

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