You already know that foundation evens skin tone, giving you a more flawless look. But there's another reason to keep putting it on past your breakout-prone young adult years: "The added layer of protection helps shield skin from aging elements like dry air and sunlight," says New York City-based makeup artist, Tina Turnbow. And today's formulas don't stop there. (Looking for the latest beauty tips? Sign up to get skin solutions, makeup ideas, and more delivered straight to your inbox!)
Here are some helpful tips to picking and blending the right foundation:
From ultra-hydrating formulas for dry skin to those with collagen-protecting ingredients and everything in between, just about every bottle offers a unique blend of benefits. Even better, today’s foundations also offer varying types of coverage and are sold at a wide range of price points. Essentially, whatever your needs, there's a foundation out there that’s perfect for you. The trick is finding it. Scroll down to discover the perfect foundation for you:
If you have dry skin
Try: BareMinerals Complexion Rescue
Buy now: $30, sephora.com
Hormonal changes and reduced natural oil production that come with age can dry out skin and exacerbate the appearance of fine lines. Made with hydrating glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and coconut fatty acids, this creamy formula will make your skin look dewy and soft, rather than dry and lined.
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If you have oily skin
Try: Pixi Flawless Beauty Fluid
Buy now: $15, pixibeauty.com
You just need a thin layer of this lightweight cover-up to hide trouble spots and prevent oil accumulation. (These foundation mistakes can make you look older.) Kaolin clay absorbs excess blemish-causing grease from your skin, while glycerin keeps skin moisturized to head off the cakey, wrinkle-exaggerating finish some oil-free foundations can leave.
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If you prefer a full-coverage formula
Try: Mary Kay TimeWise Luminous-Wear Liquid Foundation
Buy now: $22, marykay.com
This full-coverage foundation perfectly camouflages new blemishes and long-standing annoyances alike, but its skin tone-evening vitamin E and collagen-stimulating peptides make it the obvious choice for anyone with fine lines or age spots. (These 4 multitasking makeup products that fight the signs of aging may be useful, too.)
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If you’re looking for light coverage
Try: Lancôme Miracle Cushion Foundation
Buy now: $47, nordstom.com
For those who just want a touch of coverage, this ink pad-like liquid compact contains brightening and exfoliating adenosine (derived from yeast) and glycerin. The effect: a finish so soft, hydrated, and luminous you'll swear you’ve never looked so good.
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If you prefer organic products
Try: Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation
Buy now: $50, vapourbeauty.com
If you think an organic beauty product won't offer the same level of coverage as the conventional stuff, this smooth liquid foundation will change your mind. Camellia and sunflower oils soften drier mature skin, while natural antioxidants can help fight wrinkle-causing free radicals from sun and pollution. (Skincare pros share the beauty products actually worth buying from your Facebook friends.)
If you’re fair-skinned
Try: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation SPF 15
Buy now: $50, bobbibrowncosmetics.com
Bobbi Brown's fan-favorite foundation applies to fair skin beautifully, especially the Alabaster and Porcelain shades. The light coverage allows its lightest shade to work with your natural skin tone, rather than hide it completely, for a custom fit. The creamy consistency keeps it from settling into fine lines, while SPF 15 coverage helps ward off new wrinkles. (As do these 17 home remedies for wrinkles.)
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For tough-to-match skin tones
Try: MAC Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15
Buy now: $38, nordstrom.com
A too-pale tint can make you look washed out—the opposite of a youthful look. So if you struggle to find the right shade, you'll rejoice when you see the options this brand includes: A 14-shade color range that goes from super-pale to the deepest brown. (Buy and apply the right foundation for your skin type with these tips.)
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For ultra-sensitive skin
Try: Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation
Buy now: $66, dermstore.com
This high-tech formula was originally developed to immediately hide the signs of skin procedures without interfering with the healing process. (It allows more oxygen to reach the skin than traditional foundations.) The broad-spectrum SPF 25 and collagen-promoting ingredients also offer some healthy skin benefits. (Many moisturizers can dry out your skin. Find out if yours is damaging, from Prevention Premium.)
If you want to fight fine lines
Try: Clarins Extra-Comfort Anti-Aging Foundation SPF 15
Buy now: $63, nordstrom.com
What comes in this pricey-yet-potent jar? An age-defying complex that promotes elasticity, argan oil to keep your 40+ skin supple, light-reflecting particles for a hint of a glow, and SPF to fend off lines to come.
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If you’re on a budget
Try: CoverGirl Simply Ageless Foundation
Buy now: $16, target.com
This weightless foundation is laced with youth-boosting Olay Regenerist serum, a combination of vitamins, antioxidants, and skin conditioners to protect your skin from free radicals while promoting collagen generation. And with SPF 22, you'll prevent future damage while you wear it.
Katie Becker is the Beauty and Health Director at ELLE magazine