The 12 Best Foundations for Women in Their 40s

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick ($68)

Free of silicones, talc and synthetic fragrances, this ultraluxe stick is the ultimate choice for a natural-looking wash of color. Its curated ingredient list features the best in natural and proactive ingredients to keep visible skin aging at a minimum. 

Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Foundation ($88)

For a soft, flawless finish—hyaluronic acid and light-diffusing microspheres blur fine lines—this lightweight, buildable option delivers without ever feeling like you’re wearing a drop of makeup.

ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation ($54)

The ultimate “your skin but better” foundation, one drop of this serum-infused option melts into the skin and instantly begins to treat it with nourishing ingredients like aloe, rosehip jojoba and marula oil extracts. The end result: soothed redness, blurred lines and megawatt radiance.

By Terry Eclat Opulent Nutri-Lifting Foundation ($155)

Ideal for dehydrated skin types, this hyaluronic acid–boosted option works to “fill” lines while its pigmented formula covers up dark spots and date kernel delivers a subtle firming effect.

Rodial Diamond Foundation ($55)

This creamy formula boasts vitamin E and sea fennel extract to plump the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while leaving behind a luminous, flawless finish.

Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation ($78)

Rich in botanicals including aloe, chamomile, rosemary and green tea, this oil-free gel formula is  a must-try for easily irritated or oil-prone complexions. Plus, it delivers medium, buildable coverage without ever looking dry or cakey.

Lancôme Miracle Cushion Foundation Compact ($47)

Whether you use this as your everyday foundation (great for getting a more dewy look) or midday touch-up makeup, nothing is easier to apply than this one. We also love that it lends a bit of a cooling effect as soon as it comes into contact with your skin—a plus for summer days. 

Edward Bess Complexion Correcting Mousse Foundation ($86)

Dry skin craves moisture—a common complaint of 40-something women—and some types of makeup can make dry skin feel even worse. With a mousse texture, this long-wearing one conditions skin and never feels heavy.

Zelens Youth Glow Foundation ($98)

Infused with skin illuminzers plus antioxidants, this foundation goes on as smooth as silk and gives that lit-from-within glow that we all long for. 

La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation ($245)

Housed within a pretty bottle is a skin-perfecting duo—concealer and foundation—that covers up even the most stubborn of spots. With a natural finish, so you never look cakey or made-up, the dewy formula is infused with the brand’s star ingredient of caviar extract, which helps firm skin over time and improve its elasticity. 

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($43)

You don’t have to be on the big screen to wear this high-def makeup (even though that’s what it was originally intended for). Lightweight on skin, this medium-coverage foundation blends in seamlessly and provides a touch of moisture so your skin never feels dried out. 

Shiseido Radiant Lifting Foundation ($45)

Sun protection aside, this anti-aging foundation actually makes skin look better, healthier and younger as it sends a dose of moisture to counteract the effects of dryness and help smooth out wrinkles.