Foundation Over 50: Application Matters
Many women wear less makeup as they age. They may fear it makes them look older or they want to simplify their routines. I think its fun to play with makeup the way a child plays with crayons. I’m experimenting with moreĀ products now thanĀ ever before.
I haven’t worn foundation for years because I wasn’t happy with how it settled into my wrinkles and the orange peel texture I have on my chin (thank you sun damage). I’m now at the point where my skin needs more coverage than I can get from my tinted sunscreen.
I’d read about 
It contains a physical sunblock of 50 and is cruelty-free. Check and check, sign me up! I bought it and hated it. It settled into my lines and madeĀ me look older. I triedĀ applying with my fingers, no go. Then I tried using a foundation brush and it was still too heavy so I tossed it and forgot about it.
I continued to read glowing reports so I decided to try it again. This time I applied it with an inexpensive makeup wedge from the drug store. Such a simple, inexpensive tool which fixed the problem of it settling into my lines.
Then I tried combining one drop of 
Blurring products promise to scatter the light which makesĀ pores and lines less visible. Blurring is a great way to describe what my over 60 skin needs.
Using a sponge may waste a little product but I’m OK with that because it goes on thinly and doesn’t make me look older than I am.
Products have come a long way and I’m experimenting with many new ones which I’ll share with you here.
Do you have a foundation you swear by? Please share why you love it?
Thanks for reading ladies and have a great day!
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I love It foundation. And I use a makeup brush and it works great for me.
Janet
i asked the customer service dept of IT cosmetics if there were parabens and phthalates in the CC cream. L’oreal (the parent company) replied with: We do not have prepared information for the ingredient information you requested for our entire product line.
We absorb so many carcinogens and endocrine disruptors that we can’t control or don’t know about. I am unwilling to add harmful chemicals when there are other excellent alternatives.
Kate, I’m with you on this! If L’Oreal won’t give out the information then that to me is them saying the product does contain parabens and phthalates.
Just turned 65 and love IT Eye Concealer and IT CC cream (applied with a damp beauty sponge) with a light dusting of Bye Bye Pores for most days. I agree, QVC is the best value by far! I have not found a primer I like, but am anxious to try suggestions above….especially the blurring products! However, I find that even the CC cream is too heavy when traveling to humid climates, so I switched to Bare Mineral BareSkin Serum Foundation. I apply it with their special brush, over an SPF 30 moisturizer. It offers light coverage and evens out my skin color with a nice finish. I use a shade darker to give the illusion of a tan and a bit of Bye Bye Pores if I feel too shiny. It has made a big difference, no more perspiration in super hot or humid climates. Love your blog š
I use a tiny bit of a peach color corrector on the inner half of my under-eye area and then Charlotte Tilbury’s Wonder Glow on my whole face, applied lightly with a damp beauty blender sponge. It’s intended as a primer but I saw that Charlotte said that on days where you don’t want to wear foundation you can just put that on instead, so that’s what I do. I just can’t wear foundation anymore because it settles in my lines too much, no matter what I do. I think the Wonder Glow provides a bit of glow and life to my skin but doesn’t have that sort of metallic sheen that some luminous primers have. Of course, I have often thought that one of the benefits of having poorer close vision as I age is that I look better to myself than I actually might to others. I am fine with that. š
I will check that out. It sounds like a good compromise. I love that Charlotte Tilbury is cruelty free too!
Just turned 65 and love IT Eye Concealer and IT CC cream (applied with a damp beauty sponge) with a light dusting of Bye Bye Pores for most days. I agree, QVC is the best value by far! I have not found a primer I like, but am anxious to try suggestions above….especially the blurring products!
However, I find that even the CC cream is too heavy when traveling to humid climates, so I switched to Bare Mineral BareSkin Serum Foundation. I apply it with their special brush, over an SPF 30 moisturizer. It offers light coverage and evens out my skin color with a nice finish. I use a shade darker to give the illusion of a tan and a bit of Bye Bye Pores if I feel too shiny. It has made a big difference, no more perspiration in super hot or humid climates.
How do you all use the Bye Bye Pores? I bought it due to good reviews and look as pale as a ghost when I use it- so, of course, I stopped using it.
I used a brush and swipe it on.
I just this winter started using the IT foundation & I loved it. Since summer is upon us I have noticed that with all the moisturizer in it, my face gets oily looking quicker. So I went to my local Ulta store & they recommended Mac prep & prime spray. I don’t usually wear makeup more than once or twice a week. So I haven’t really had a chance to notice whether it will make a difference. We will see.
Iād be curious to hear if you like those.
I’m wearing IT CC foundation and always use a primer/blur and a damp beauty blender. I really like it. In the winter I splurge and use Chanel Sublimage. It is beautiful and I need very little. I really like wearing makeup and I feel I need some at least to keep from looking faded and tired.
I look very faded and pale without makeup myself!
Iāve been using Bare Minerals tinted moisturizer for several years and āmostlyā liked it. But the thing that really impressed me and made a huge difference in my skin was having. BBL photofacial treatment. In only one treatment it cleared the sun damage, the redness, most of the tiny red capillaries and just overall cleared my skin! I almost donāt need any foundation! BTW, I discussed this treatment with my dermatologist first! He actually said āyouāll love it!ā And so I tried it!
I am almost 61, and have fair, slightly golden, skin with some redness and dark spots but few wrinkles. I have always had problems with foundation settling into my pores, creating beige dots on a pink field – very attractive! Then I discovered Revision Skincare Intellishade SPF 45 tinted moisturizer. It has a broad spectrum sunscreen, peptides and various botanicals, so it’s also a skin treatment. I use the matte version, which really isn’t very matte, and apply with my fingers. After long and laborious search, I also discovered a concealer that matches my skin – Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Hydrate Concealer. It comes in a stick form that can be tossed in my bag for touchups during the day. I am really happy with this combination.
I havenāt heard of either if these but they sound great! Thanks for sharing Terry. Iāll check them out.
Jennifer, besides cruelty free what are your standards for the chemicals youāre willing to put on your skin? Itās soooo confusing to look at an ingredient list and have any idea what most of the ingredients are. Your thoughts?
Thanks!
Val – I have been using Beautycounter Products for over a year. Iām trying to use less chemicals – it is *scary* when you do some research and find out whatās in our make-up. Iām very happy with all the products Iāve tried and like the companyās philosophy.
Thanks, Jennifer. Iāve been thinking about checking them out.
I have been testing Beauty Counter and do like some of their face creams but havenāt been impressed with the makeup Iāve tried so far.
I try to avoid products with the nastiest ingredients and use organic if I can. I actively avoid mineral oil and petroleum, parabens, sodium Laurel and laureth sulfate and fragrance which stings my face. Thereās a long list of nasties for skin products so I am most careful about the creams that soak into my skin.
The foundation may be cruelty-free, but did you see the second ingredient listed on the link you provided? Snail Secretion Filtrate!
Itās in a lot of products these days. The snails are not killed in the processing and itās reported to be very beneficial to the skin.
Thanks Roxanne for clearing up the animal cruelty issue, I have a lot of allergies to product additives, so the words ā natural, and cruelty freeā donāt mean much for me. Hypoallergenic is more important, but still not a guarantee I can use it either. Itās mostly trial and itch, trial and ok, for me. Gratefully Iām not allergic to clothes!
Dermatologist tested is another phrase we see a lot, but that does not guarantee you wonāt break out!
Allergies are starting to be a problem for me too. The older I get the more challenging this becomes!
I am dealing with the same problem! It is not and humid now where I live and I wish I could use only powder but I need more coverage! I hate a heavy mask like foundation!
I hate that heavy mask look too. Especially on the orange peel skin.
I have a ittle silicone gel sponge that is an amazing makeup appplicator with slmost no wasted foundation It was cheap, about $5 at Marshalls. Well worth a try.
Like you, I apply sunblock first.
I’m sorry to hear you don’t like the IT CC cream. I’m 62 and that’s what I use and love. I do use it with the It Airbrush Blurring Foundation brush #101. I put a small amount on the top of my hand and apply it sparingly to my face.
I started using IT’s full coverage moisturizer – Bye Bye Foundation – this year and I love it.
I’ve been using IT’s CC cream for a few years and I’ve been happy with it, but Bye Bye Foundation is my favorite now. I’m a big IT fan and use a lot of their products.
I splurged ($48 on a brush is a splurge for me) on the Heavenly Luxe Complexion brush and it’s the perfect tool for application.
I also like Bye Bye Under Eye concealer, a few very small dots do the trick blended with the concealer end of the Heavenly Luxe brush.
There are usually deals on their website and QVC also has specials that are not subscriptions.
For a little extra concealment in areas like my nose folds, the discolored area where my glasses rest on my nose, and renegade spots I like use a little Bare Minerals Well Rested powder with a small concealer brush.
Iāve been curious to try their new found foundation, so Iām glad to hear a good recommendation. I did see that brush at Sephora and wondered if it was a good idea to try. Happy to know you like it, thanks
I Love Bye Bye Foundation. It matches perfectly and goes on smoothly and finally something that lasts all day!!!! I get mine at Ulta. I have been using Chanel for years but like this 100 times better!
Some great ideas! Enjoy your blog—positive and to the point!
I use a beautyblender sponge shaped like an egg that I get on Amazon. It seems ridiculous to pay $20.00 for a sponge, but I’ve been able to apply any foundation or product at all perfectly with it. And it washes and dries like new. This is after trying fingers, brushes, other sponges – and a variety of formulas.
I do have one of those beauty blenders. I just wondered if I was getting it clean when I was washing it out, so I found a set of the disposable ones to be a sure bet for hygienic application.
Bobbi Brown serum foundation goes on smoothly on this 70 year old face. When the dog days of summer hit NJ I switch to EstĆ©e Lauder BB cream. It has a little tint plus sunscreen and itās so light you donāt know itās there. Would work well for the Florida readers.
Thanks for the tip Gail!
A couple of years ago a woman doing makeovers at a LancƓme counter suggested I mix a drop of serum in my foundation and apply with a foundation brush. I really liked the results.
Sometimes I mix a drop of my moisturizer and agree itās nice during dry weather. With a serum sounds smart.
I love the Lancome Tient Idole 24 hr. I live in a very humid climate and other make ups slid off of my face in summer. This foundation is light and fresh feeling and has a very light neutral shade that matches my very fair skin. I apply it over my moisturizer and it always looks soft when applied with my fingers. I need a new concealer to cover my dark circles, though. Do you have any favorite concealers?
Since moving to Florida I havenāt found a foundation I like. I always wore foundation in Michigan and I really donāt love my skin without it. Everything Iāve tried feels heavy. Iāll be reading the comments to see what everyone loves. Thanks for the post.
I love to read to read everyoneās comments and get their suggestions too, Kathleen.
I use Chanel CC cream after applying Smashbox primer, applied with my fingertips then go over my face with a damp Beauty Blender. There are tons of great YouTube videos on how to correctly use the Beauty Blender in a āpouncingā motion. It doesnāt waste any makeup and really gets into the wrinkles. Itās great for undereye concealer too. I hate wrinkles…in my clothes, my sheets, and especially on my face!!!
Pam, I am the worldās biggest animal lover and have 5 rescue pets. I also used to be a research scientist in Animal Science. Cruelty free does not necessarily mean it was not tested on animals. It just means the company followed strict federal guidelines to use animals. With all the advances in 3d printing, maybe one day animals really wonāt be used anymore.
Sorry, I meant Jennifer! Trying to text and type at the same time!!
Lol
Many companies play games to get that cruelty free designation too. The end result may not be tested on animals but the ingredients have each been tested. Thatās why I rely on the leaping bunny certification or check the Peta website. I also avoid products which are sold to China because they must be tested to be sold there. The company is earning money on their products after China tests and imports it. I wonāt give them
My business. Why be cruelty free here then drop your standards to sell to China?
I still have oily but sensitive skin. No brand of foundation lasted very long even in the winter until I discovered Avon MagiX Face Perfector. After I moisturize, I put it on and then use under-eye concealer by IT, followed by a light dusting of Bye-Bye Pores loose powder. My nose and forehead stay shine free even in the summer. I use prescription strength retin-A almost every night on my sensitive skin. The Avon MagiX Face Perfector has an SPF of 20 and I try to limit sun exposure because I am very fair and burn easily. My skin looks better than ever and many people tell me I look younger than 66. I use blush, lipstick and eye-makeup, but no more foundation for me.
Another vote for the IT under eye concealer, Iām going to have to try it. I do love my bye-bye pores powder also. Thanks for sharing Adrienne.
I also use the It CC cream. I didn’t like it when applied with my fingers, but started applying it with a damp beauty blender and love it! I’m definitely going to try the blurring primer. I’ve used several others and haven’t found one that I like!
Dampening the sponge is a great idea. Iād forgotten that trick!
That is the only way I can use the CC Cream and it works well. That is also the only IT face product that is the correct color for me.
I have been using the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness over Mineral Fusion Face Primer for several years, applied with the It Foundation Brush. I just use where needed instead of all over and follow with their
Bye Bye Pores pressed powder. Lasts all day and looks natural.
Iāve used several products by Minersl Fusion and like them a lot.
I currently use a tinted moisturizer form Dr Denese. I like it because it doesn’t feel too heavy on my skin. I’ve been thinking I should try using a makeup sponge to see how that would look.
I hadn’t considered mixing it with a “blurring” product but I’m going to give that a try.
Iāve not heard of Dr Denese products. Where do you get them?
I mix IT CC Tinted mosturizer, with Laura Mercier Candlelight Foundation. It balances the color, lasts better, and I love the coverage and how fresh my skin looks. Recently, I choose a free gift from Sephora of Dr. Jarts Primer. I like it so much better than my YSL Primer, esp. in the Humidity. It s important for me not to have my makeup disappear during the day.
Primers make a big difference. Iāve been testing an eyeshadow one thatās amazing
I’ve been using Jane Iredale tinted moisturizer for about 4 years now and love it. I use a foundation brush to apply and get a light, even coverage.
Does it give you any coverage at all?
Hi Sandra, Yes for me I only want a light coverage, and it I apply very little of it. I guess if you wanted more coverage, you could apply more.
I love Jane Iredale products. Her tinted moisturizer is nice but doesnāt give me enough coverage on its own.
Interesting. I am having the same issues and have recently been experimenting with Clinique’s CC cream and their Pep-Start hydroblur moisturizer for the same effect. I didn’t try mixing them though, only applied the moisturizer to the areas I wanted to blur.
Iām happy to blur most of my complexion these days;)