7 lightweight foundations that make mature skin shine (without the actual shine)

Best for: Ticking all the boxes

The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is hailed as a favourite amongst women with mature skin for being medium-full coverage, yet still having a lightweight formula and giving a luminous glow.

“I finally tried this after years of wanting to,” wrote a five-star reviewer on the Sephora site. “I used Lancôme Care and Glow foundation up to this point. But this, Armani, has a wonderful feel, coverage and wear. Very flattering on older skin. I use a primer and setting spray, as always. I do not have transfer problems. Am very happy.”

Another wrote: “This is hands down the best foundation I’ve ever tried. I have extremely dry skin, and all other foundations make me look flaky and cakey. This one makes my skin look flawless!”

Shades: 1.5 to 15

Key features:

• Suitable for all skin types and tones
• Natural, radiant finish
• Buildable coverage from sheer to medium
• Lightweight and long-wearing
• Oil-free with BHAs/salicylic acid
• Provides an immediate, fresh glow

Also available at:

• $102 (usually $120) from Adore Beauty
• $120 from Myer
• $120 from Sephora
• $120 from David Jones

Best for: Looking flawless all day long

The Make Up For Ever HD Skin is a hidden gem loved by both the online beauty community and makeup artists worldwide. It has a lightweight formula that still boasts medium to full coverage if you need it. It’s also sweat and water resistant for those extra busy days. If you’ve been leaning more into the natural makeup look, then the HD Skin has a lighter, sister product called the HD Skin Hydra Glow foundation.

“Perfect coverage that looks exactly like your skin,” wrote a reviewer who left five stars at Adore Beauty. “All my pigmentation went away with this foundation.”

Others found it to have great coverage with a natural, skin-like finish that lasts well throughout the day. Many praised its ability to blend smoothly and suit different skin types.

Shades: 1N00 to 4Y70

Key features:

• Lightweight texture
• Sweat and water resistant
• Skin-like look and feel
• Buildable medium to full coverage

Also available at:

• $74 from Sephora
• $74 from City Perfume
• $74 from David Jones

Best for: A touch of luxury

The Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation is both hydrating and can stand the test of your busy day. It’s loved by beauty fanatics for its breathable and silky formula. If you prefer a more luminous and serum-based foundation, then the Chanel Water-Fresh Tint is also highly rated for mature skin.

Shades: B00 to BR172

Key features:

• Satin finish
• 12-hour wear
• Buildable and adjustable coverage
• 40 per cent water, light-reflecting pigments, glycerine and other skin-friendly ingredients

Also available at:

• $101 from Selfridges
• $107 from David Jones

Best for: The ultimate no-makeup makeup look

Glossier is the cult makeup brand that *finally* became available in Australia just last year. The brand is best known for its exceptional range of ‘no-makeup makeup‘ aesthetic products such as its Perfecting Skin Tint. The tint is the most lightweight coverage of all the foundations on this list — it’ll give your face a healthy wash of colour without hiding your freckles and other unique features.

Many Glossier reviewers find it to be the perfect balance between light coverage and a natural finish. One reviewer wrote: “This is the only skin tint I’ve used that literally just looks like my skin, only more even toned.” Others love how it blends effortlessly, with one noting: “Genuinely the first time I’ve had a skin tint or foundation melt into my skin, hydrate my dry patches without clinging and not separate on my T-zone.”

The lightweight formula was a standout for those looking for an everyday option. “Perfect for everyday and it is so light,” one person shared. Another described it as a “light, sheer application with a little glow.”

Shades: G1 to G12

Key features:

• Vegan
• Breathable
• No fragrance
• Hydrating

Also available at:

• $76.99 (usually $85.63) from Amazon

Best for: Skin that looks like skin (but better)

Makeup artist-turned-beauty mogul Pat McGrath’s eponymous brand has one of the best foundations for mature skin. The Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection foundation hits the trifecta of being hydrating, lightweight and having a gorgeous satin finish.

Unsurprisingly, it has over 1220 reviews on Sephora, with one customer writing: “I loved this product the moment I first tried it and for some reason after a while I ended up trying other foundations and kind of forgot about this one. Well, I am back on full-time with this product — and I have gotten so many compliments on my face/makeup ever since.”

“Can’t say the same for my other foundations. This one somehow manages to have really nice coverage but without being too thick. It literally melts into the skin and looks like your skin but better. No obvious foundation look. And most importantly for me having dry skin — it doesn’t cling to any dry patches or highlight any flaky skin on the sides of my nose.”

Shades: Light 1 to Deep 36

Key features:

• Lightweight consistency
• Hydrating properties
• Satin finish

Also available at:

• Approx. $114 AUD from Cult Beauty
• $114 from Selfridges

Best for: Lightweight, buildable coverage

M.A.C is a staple in every makeup bag — and for good reason. The brand is known for high-quality products that work across all skin types. Beauty lovers with mature skin often rave about M.A.C’s Face and Body foundation, calling it a holy grail. Its lightweight formula provides just the right amount of coverage without caking or settling into fine lines, promising a smooth, natural finish.

“As a makeup artist for film and TV, this product is flawless on camera,” said one five-star reviewer. “It is super buildable and gives a natural and youthful glow to any skin whilst still looking like you’re wearing almost no makeup. Its blend-ability allows you to flawlessly blend out other cream products into it effortlessly. Could not recommend more!”

A second five-star reviewer wrote: “We’re all told ‘less is more’ as we get older…this foundation speaks to this perfectly. It’s very sheer but is slightly buildable, leaving a sweep of dewy colour on your skin without being too heavy and creasing into lines. I’m slightly pigmented in spots but find this still gives enough colour to make it not as apparent. It’s definitely not full coverage though for those wanting to completely hide pigmentation. Love this product.”

Shades: C0 to W9

Key features:

• Waterproof
• Non-comedogenic
• Dermatologist-tested

Also available at:

• $68 from Myer
• $68 from David Jones
• $68 from Amazon
• $68 from M.A.C

Best for: A radiant, lifted glow

This is another great option for a radiant finish. It contains light-adjusting technology that lifts, refines and smooths. It also visually counteracts hyperpigmentation by creating an even canvas to optimally reflect light — very important for achieving bright, luminous skin!

“I had already used other Shiseido makeup, and it is always a success for me,” wrote a happy customer on the Perfume’s Club website. “It has very good coverage and moisturises the skin quite a bit. I was a little afraid when choosing the shade but I made the right choice. I chose 320. My skin is a little olive and it is perfect.”

Shades: 120 to 420

Key features:

• Light-adjusting technology
• Natural finish
• Full coverage

Also available at:

• $73.05 (usually $79) from Amazon
• $85.60 from Fresh Beauty Co.