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Bake Balance-n-Brighten as the Best Overall Powered Foundation
Plus, learn makeup artist-approved tips for achieving a flawless finish.
Genesis Rivas
We love a powder foundation because it's easy to use and ultra-lightweight, but it can be tricky to use on dry or mature skin. Here's the thing: makeup artists agree that if you experience fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, or dullness, then you should generally opt for creams, not powders, be it foundation, blush, or eyeshadow. "Powder foundations can settle into fine lines and accentuate rough patches or dry texture," says Rea Ann Silva, celebrity makeup artist and founder of BeautyBlender. However, that's not to say that a fresh-faced and smooth finish with a powder foundation is impossible. If you want the ease and convenience of a powder foundation, here's how to get the most out of your formula.
In the age of the “no makeup” makeup look, we hear about celebrities daring to go out in public bare-faced. It’s much easier to achieve that look with young, bright skin—not so much with mature skin. Wrinkles, blotchiness and dark spots make it more challenging. Enter the Laura Geller foundation.
Laura Geller Quench-n-Tint Lightweight Tinted Moisturizer suggests that it covers sunspots and provides all-day moisturizer for the face. I’ve tried other lightweight foundations and wasn’t impressed. Either they don’t cover anything more than a light spot, or they dry my face by the end of the day.
This foundation is water-based, so it doesn’t dry the skin, and its hyaluronic acid locks in moisture. With a hint of color, it provides lightweight coverage and softens lines, making it an excellent foundation for mature women. I decided to try it to find out if it lives up to all the hype.
We love a powder foundation because it's easy to use and ultra-lightweight, but it can be tricky to use on dry or mature skin. Here's the thing: makeup artists agree that if you experience fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, or dullness, then you should generally opt for creams, not powders, be it foundation, blush, or eyeshadow. "Powder foundations can settle into fine lines and accentuate rough patches or dry texture," says Rea Ann Silva, celebrity makeup artist and founder of BeautyBlender. However, that's not to say that a fresh-faced and smooth finish with a powder foundation is impossible. If you want the ease and convenience of a powder foundation, here's how to get the most out of your formula.
How to apply powder foundation on mature skin
Focus on good skin prep with hydrating products, says makeup artist Suzy Gerstein. Begin with a damp, freshly washed face or spritz a facial mist before following up with a serum or moisturizer, she says. Silva agrees and suggests adding a hydrating primer to your routine. Once the skin is clean and moisturized, it's time to apply powder foundation. The key here is to "apply only where coverage is needed," says Gerstein, which helps avoid the chances of the product settling into texture or spotlighting dryness.
If you like a layer of foundation all over the face, Gerstein says to make sure you work and buff the product into your well-hydrated skin so it doesn't look cakey. "Bouncing a damp beauty sponge over the finished face helps give a second-skin look by reducing the surface layer of product," she adds. Another way to make skin appear more radiant and prevent settling or cracking is to apply a hydrating setting spray once you've finished applying your makeup, says Silva.
What to look for in a powder foundation for mature skin
Powder formulas today contain hydrating and blurring ingredients that can smooth the look of uneven tone and texture. Silva also recommends formulas that contain light-reflecting particles or ones that have a luminous finish. Matte finishes can work as long as you follow Silva's biggest piece of advice: "Ensure skin is well-moisturized and prepped before applying the foundation." Ahead, shop powder foundations for mature skin.
Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color Correcting Powder Foundation
This dermatologist-approved foundation is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types, including those experiencing rosacea and psoriasis. It has a weightless texture with light to medium coverage. It's only available in nine shades, however, it has color-correcting swirls of pigment in each pan to help adjust to a range of skin tones. Apply it with a kabuki brush for more coverage and then (as our experts mentioned) feel free to go over it with a damp powder or setting spray to avoid potential creasing, cracking, or settling.
Finish: Natural Matte
Key Ingredients: Jojoba Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica, White Tea Extracts
How We Tested It
I tested this Laura Geller foundation by using it every day in multiple settings: sitting around the house, going to the store, playing pickleball, taking a Tai Chi class and walking around outside on a muggy day. As expected, the results varied.
When playing pickleball and sweating, the makeup did not run; however, at the end of the game, the towel I used had foundation residue. I would not suggest using this makeup when planning to participate in an activity where you are sweating. Tai Chi is a slower sport and sweating is minimal. Because of that, the makeup stayed in place.
Walking outside on a hot, muggy day isn’t my favorite thing because you typically end up feeling damp and gross all over. The makeup reacted similarly to that of pickleball. It didn’t run or look like it was melting off my face, although it did feel oily. A towel to wipe the sweat off my face removed the sweat and the foundation.
My final tests were for coverage. First, I applied the product over a primer, which fills in lines and wrinkles, creates a smooth surface for your makeup and helps with oily skin. When testing it over primer, I found that it only took one or two layers for fuller coverage. It also extended how long my makeup stayed fresh. A primer might be the way to go if you want additional coverage without numerous layers.
The second was building layers. One layer added tint but didn’t provide much coverage. The second layer helped, but I felt three layers offered the coverage I wanted. Everyone will find this different based on what they want.
Pros
Evened skin tone
Lightweight
Went on easily
Never looked cakey
Contained moisturizer and hyaluronic acid
Cons
Covered light imperfections, did not cover darker ones without additional applications
Does not have sunscreen in the formula
How to apply powder foundation on mature skin
Focus on good skin prep with hydrating products, says makeup artist Suzy Gerstein. Begin with a damp, freshly washed face or spritz a facial mist before following up with a serum or moisturizer, she says. Silva agrees and suggests adding a hydrating primer to your routine. Once the skin is clean and moisturized, it's time to apply powder foundation. The key here is to "apply only where coverage is needed," says Gerstein, which helps avoid the chances of the product settling into texture or spotlighting dryness.
If you like a layer of foundation all over the face, Gerstein says to make sure you work and buff the product into your well-hydrated skin so it doesn't look cakey. "Bouncing a damp beauty sponge over the finished face helps give a second-skin look by reducing the surface layer of product," she adds. Another way to make skin appear more radiant and prevent settling or cracking is to apply a hydrating setting spray once you've finished applying your makeup, says Silva.
What to look for in a powder foundation for mature skin
Powder formulas today contain hydrating and blurring ingredients that can smooth the look of uneven tone and texture. Silva also recommends formulas that contain light-reflecting particles or ones that have a luminous finish. Matte finishes can work as long as you follow Silva's biggest piece of advice: "Ensure skin is well-moisturized and prepped before applying the foundation." Ahead, shop powder foundations for mature skin.
How We Tested It
I tested this Laura Geller foundation by using it every day in multiple settings: sitting around the house, going to the store, playing pickleball, taking a Tai Chi class and walking around outside on a muggy day. As expected, the results varied.
When playing pickleball and sweating, the makeup did not run; however, at the end of the game, the towel I used had foundation residue. I would not suggest using this makeup when planning to participate in an activity where you are sweating. Tai Chi is a slower sport and sweating is minimal. Because of that, the makeup stayed in place.
Walking outside on a hot, muggy day isn’t my favorite thing because you typically end up feeling damp and gross all over. The makeup reacted similarly to that of pickleball. It didn’t run or look like it was melting off my face, although it did feel oily. A towel to wipe the sweat off my face removed the sweat and the foundation.
My final tests were for coverage. First, I applied the product over a primer, which fills in lines and wrinkles, creates a smooth surface for your makeup and helps with oily skin. When testing it over primer, I found that it only took one or two layers for fuller coverage. It also extended how long my makeup stayed fresh. A primer might be the way to go if you want additional coverage without numerous layers.
The second was building layers. One layer added tint but didn’t provide much coverage. The second layer helped, but I felt three layers offered the coverage I wanted. Everyone will find this different based on what they want.
Pros
Evened skin tone
Lightweight
Went on easily
Never looked cakey
Contained moisturizer and hyaluronic acid
Cons
Covered light imperfections, did not cover darker ones without additional applications
Does not have sunscreen in the formula
Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color Correcting Powder Foundation
This dermatologist-approved foundation is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types, including those experiencing rosacea and psoriasis. It has a weightless texture with light to medium coverage. It's only available in nine shades, however, it has color-correcting swirls of pigment in each pan to help adjust to a range of skin tones. Apply it with a kabuki brush for more coverage and then (as our experts mentioned) feel free to go over it with a damp powder or setting spray to avoid potential creasing, cracking, or settling.
Finish: Natural Matte
Key Ingredients: Jojoba Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica, White Tea Extracts
FAQs
Is this a full-coverage foundation?
No, this foundation provides light to medium coverage, which means your skin shines through. However, it is buildable and can be layered to reach medium coverage. If you’re looking for full coverage, try our Double Take Baked Full Coverage Foundation.
How do I apply it?
For LIGHT coverage, swirl a brush (the Retractable Kabuki Brush works great!) onto the powder, then sweep it across your face. Blend outward and upward.
For MEDIUM coverage, use a denser brush, or the Retractable Kabuki Brush with the sleeve pulled almost all the way up for denser bristles, and press (don’t swipe) the powder onto your skin. (Check out our application video!)
What other reviewers have to say
“Really like this foundation powder - I'm pale with freckles and wanted something to create a sense of smoothness while also looking natural. The powder sits lightly, it doesn't clog in wrinkles which I was worried about, but also achieves the smoothness I was hoping for. The tone works really well for my skin which - as I have freckles - is varied in colour, but it is ideal.”
"I absolutely love this makeup. It is buildable and doesn’t sit in the creases of my skin."
"Awesome light coverage that is buildable. Received quickly! I love this foundation!"
Final Verdict
After trying out different products, Oprah Daily’s editorial team tested and reviewed Laura Geller's Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color Correcting Powder Foundation and found it to be the Best Overall Powder Foundation in the lineup.
It's lightweight, resists caking and creasing, and a perfect choice for mature skin.
Where to buy the Laura Geller foundation
You can shop Laura Geller's Baked Balance-n-Brighten Foundation on Laura Geller and Amazon for $38, but there are frequent promotions and discounts. If you’re looking for a foundation that’s going to work with your mature skin, this is going to be your best buy!
