Let’s get real for a moment: finding the right foundation as a woman over 40 can be surprisingly complex. You need a product that doesn’t emphasize fine lines, but also provides the right amount of coverage—it’s not as easy as it sounds!
Recently, I had the pleasure of testing three foundations on my mature skin: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place, Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color Correcting Foundation, and Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation with SPF 15. Spoiler alert: My skin fell head over heels for one foundation in particular. Here’s the tea:
For the most flawless, natural finish… Laura Geller
Laura Geller is the champion of buildable, natural, crease-free coverage that lasts. This foundation feels so weightless on my skin with a light-to-medium veil, and it never settles into my lines. The formula is made with 6 pigments to beautifully match my skin. It subtly conceals redness, dark spots, and uneven skin tone while still letting my natural skin shine through—I seriously love that. Plus, Laura Geller designed this product with mature skin in mind, so if evening out your complexion without accentuating fine lines or wrinkles is your goal, this baked powder foundation is for you.
Estee Lauder Double Wear has a medium-to-full coverage, and while the finish is beautiful, I can definitely tell I have makeup on my face when I look in the mirror. Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear has medium, buildable coverage, but found it left my skin looking cakey as the day progressed.
For those who prefer a matte liquid foundation…Bobbi Brown or Estee Lauder
If you're loyal to liquid foundations, the Bobbi Brown and Estee Lauder products could be great for you! You can apply these with a foundation brush or a damp beauty blender and then set with a powder. I find that liquid foundations are best for full or heavy coverage. The Estee Lauder and Bobbi Brown foundations leave a matte finish on my skin and conceal my imperfections. I'd say the main difference is that the Estee Lauder is a thicker consistency - I felt like my skin couldn't really breathe TBH. Both certainly do the job, but I prefer Bobbi Brown over Estee Lauder.
Overall, I'm more into the natural beauty look, so liquid foundations are too heavy for everyday wear in my opinion. It’s worth noting that Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten starts its life as a cream foundation that’s baked into a swirled powder (on terracotta tiles in Italy, no less!). I consider the Baked Balance-n-Brighten to be more of a hybrid between liquid and powder, so it's not as heavy but the result is super creamy and velvety on the skin. I also love that the baked powder isn’t drying at all!
For those with sensitive skin… Laura Geller
Once I turned 40, my skin got a whole lot more sensitive. I need to be really careful before I apply any new products.
I love that Laura Geller is dermatologist-approved. They proudly support the National Rosacea Society, and Baked Balance-n-Brighten received a seal of approval from the National Psoriasis Foundation—the first ever makeup brand in history to do so!
I can confirm it’s safe for sensitive skin, non-irritating, free of fillers and binders, and has antioxidant-rich centella sciatica and white tea so it's a great choice for all skin types.
For the cost conscious choice… Laura Geller
Bobbi Brown clocks in at $54 for a 1oz tube, and Estee Lauder is a slightly more reasonable $49 for the same size container.
Laura Geller is priced at just $36 for a full size compact, and it lasts for months—even when I use it every day. Plus, don't forget to apply our exclusive code, "MSA40", at checkout to get 40% off Laura Geller! They also offer free shipping on US orders over $40, and free returns within 30 days, so you're free to test and try risk-free!
My Ultimate Winner… Laura Geller
I’m low-key obsessed with Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten.😍 My skin has never looked this smooth and even while wearing foundation, and it’s lightweight enough that I feel good wearing it every day. With a radiant, second-skin finish that looks like it's been lit up from within, and an ingredient list I can trust, it's no brainer.
If you’re on the hunt for a foundation that feels great on your skin and doesn't sit into fine lines and wrinkles, you need to try the Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten. Plus, don't forget to apply our exclusive code, "MSA40", at checkout to get 40% off! You won't regret it!
