Michelle’s Foundation Guide
I think over the last 5 years I have tried at least 10-15 different foundations from Chanel and YSL to NARS and IT Cosmetics, looking for one that really worked with my more “mature” skin, as the beauty industry likes to label it! HAHA
After trying a few different ones, I decided to do some reading and investigation as to what I should be looking for at my age. The first thing I looked at was…. what challenges do women over 50 face when it comes to using foundations, as their age and their skin change? Here are what I found are the top 3:
1. Dryness: My skin has become drier probably since I turned 40, which causes some of the foundations I tried, to settle into my fine lines and wrinkles, making them more noticeable.
2. Fine lines and wrinkles: The older I have gotten; I see more fine lines and wrinkles and they have become more prominent. This keeps the foundation from providing a smooth finish.
3. Loss of elasticity: This change, the loss of elasticity and firmness, is to me the most visible and hardest to “cover”. I really must watch that foundations aren’t too heavy or cakey and make my face feel weighed down and me look even older than I am.
So …… how can foundations help with these 3 issues and what does the foundation need to contain to do that? Here is what I found:
1. Hydration: Look for foundations with hydrating properties to combat dryness, as our skin tends to become drier. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin can help retain moisture and provide a smoother appearance.
2. SPF Protection: Sun protection is essential at any age but even more so in more mature skin. Look for foundations that offer broad-spectrum SPF to shield the skin from harmful UV rays and prevent further damage.
3. Anti-Aging Benefits: Some foundations may contain ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, or vitamins that provide additional anti-aging benefits. These ingredients can help improve the skin's texture, firmness, and overall appearance.
4. Lightweight Formulas: Select a lightweight foundation that offers buildable coverage. Heavy formulations can settle into fine lines and wrinkles, making them more noticeable. Light to medium coverage foundations allows for a more natural and youthful look.
5. Radiance and Luminosity: Foundations with a radiant or luminous finish can help create a youthful glow and counteract the dullness that may come with age. These formulations can add a healthy, dewy appearance to the skin.
So, over the last year or so keeping those 5 characteristics in mind, I have finally whittled all the choices down to 2.
The first is the cult favorite Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation and the second is the Fiera Luxury Concealer. Let me compare them for you based on 4 key factors:
1) Formula and Coverage:
Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is known for its oil-free formula, which provides a natural, radiant finish. I like it because I can build the coverage from medium to full, depending on how hot it is in Texas, or if I am going out somewhere. its lightweight and has a silky texture, which I think makes it easy to apply with just my fingers and blend seamlessly into my skin.
Fiera Luxury Concealer is labeled concealer, but I use it as a foundation as well. It is specifically designed to conceal imperfections, dark circles, and blemishes. I really like it because it covers, with very little product, the dark spots on my face and does a good job effectively camouflaging most skin concerns. It has a creamy texture that glides on smoothly and is effortless to blend.
2) Finish:
Luminous Silk Foundation is praised in the industry for its ability to create a luminous, glowing finish on the skin. It does give a natural and dewy look, making the skin appear healthy and radiant.
Fiera Luxury Concealer: The Fiera concealer least on me, typically offers a more matte or satin finish, with more of an airbrushed effect on my face.
3) Longevity and Wear:
Luminous Silk Foundation: This is a long-lasting formula that stays in place for several hours. It has good staying power and can withstand moderate daily activities without significant fading, but it does start to crease under my eyes after several hours.
Fiera Luxury Concealer: The Fiera concealer also has a long-wearing formula, and the coverage lasts throughout the day. It doesn’t crease or fade, so the staying power and without fading is comparable.
4) Shade Range:
Luminous Silk Foundation: Luminous Silk Foundation has an extensive shade range, so it can cater to a wide range of skin tones.
Fiera Luxury Concealer: The Fiera concealer doesn’t offer as many shades, but it does have a diverse shade range, with options for various skin tones and undertones.
I have both in my makeup bag and both work well on my 62-year-old skin. I tend to use the Fiera Luxury Concealer on days when I am going to be working from home, running errands, or having lunch with a friend as I use it to target specific coverage areas, and not necessarily a full face of foundation.
Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Foundation is my go-to foundation when I want to really up my game. I wear it when I have client visits for my job, go out in the evenings with friends, or on date nights with Peter.
I know that choosing the best foundation is based on individual preferences and skin concerns, so you really need to experiment with different brands and formulations to find what works best for you. Consult with a skincare professional or test out samples that have the 5 characteristics that I shared to determine the best foundation for you.