The 10 Best Tinted Moisturizers and Foundations for Every Midlife Complexion
written by Alice Hause
Now that I’m in my fifties, I like to think I am wiser (and not just older). Lessons learned through experience and trial and error have opened my eyes. Maybe it’s because, as an empty nester, I have more time on my hands for reflection, but I find myself going down that road of If only I’d known then what I know now with more frequency. One thing I want to shout—not just tell, but shout—to my younger self is to skip all the skincare products with their empty claims. All those creams that promise your skin but better? I shake my head, because your natural skin is better at that age! Add not having to conceal, cover, and blur to the list of things wasted on the young.
My wiser self today knows better. And thankfully, so do many of the skincare companies. Products have evolved beyond heavy and cakey foundations that sink into fine lines and call attention to everything you’re trying to conceal. There are some great ones out there that actually do what they promise. Frankly, the sheer number of products touting a long list of benefits is overwhelming. But as someone who is always looking for the right skin tint, foundation, or concealer that will effectively cover up my stubborn melasma, getting-darker-by-the-day undereye spots, and the redness around my nose, I have a strong hero list going.
The following includes my tried-and-true do-what-they-promise skin tints, foundations, and multitaskers, plus a few favorites from the Liberty Road team. Each of these proves how far products have come: They contain active ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and squalene, so they work to nourish skin and stimulate collagen on the inside while blurring fine lines, redness, and the like on the outside.
I’ll say, it took the wiser me to see what great skincare can do.
Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF 30
An all-time favorite in my house. It goes on like a second skin, never pills, and actually stays on, as it promises. As with all Tower28 products, it’s formulated with special attention to sensitive skin. (Fun fact: This is the first complexion product to receive the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance.)
Iris and Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50
This tinted skincare’s innovative formula combines two holy grail skincare steps: SPF 50 and vitamin C. Our founder, Nada (who’s in her fifties) uses this product daily. When she told us that the light coverage makes her look even and refreshed, we added it to our carts
If I could only have one complexion product, I'd choose this one. For a light coverage, this skin-tint is perfect. It really does look like my skin, but better! (Finally!) My blush, concealer, and other makeup layer nicely on top. The hyaluronic-acid and ceramide-rich formula helps my skin stay hydrated and prevents makeup from settling into creases or fine lines.
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
A double-duty product? Yes, please. This lightweight tinted moisturizer lends a light coverage while also giving the skin a good drink of quenching hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Our operations and events manager Trish, (who just turned fourty) reaches for this daily.
Saie Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35
Even though the coverage is light, this tinted moisturizer does a great job of evening everything out. For our editorial director, Stacey (in her early forties), this is the one product she keeps stocked. “Somehow the founder, Lainey, and team have figured out a magical clean formula for blurring imperfections and waking up the skin," says Stacey.
Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
Designed to replace your concealer and foundation, this multitasker is in heavy rotation in our household. It comes in a stick, making it easy to use and toss in your bag. Our style contributor Tricia (who’s in her fifties) uses two shades: one that matches her skin tone and another one slightly lighter to highlighter. Brilliant.
Shiseido RevitalEssence Skin Glow Foundation SPF 30
A Shiseido superstar. It's a buildable light to medium coverage foundation that never cakes and a good base for day to night makeup. Thanks to the prebiotics, there’s, a nourishing serum aspect that supports the skin's natural good bacteria.
Chanel Sublimage Le Teint Foundation
I reach for this foundation for when I’m going out (which, to be honest, can mean leaving the house in something other than althleisure these days). It's creamy, sinks in, and makes my pores and stubborn melasma spots disappear. I also love how this foundation feels on my face, more like wearing a light moisturizer than a full face of makeup.
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation
Makeup artists reach for this for good reason. It goes on lightly and lets the skin breathe. For me, one pass provides enough coverage to cover any redness or blemishes. I love how its airy consistency also makes it extremely easy to blend with other makeup. The result is an airbrushed, radiant glow that is luminous.
Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation
Another perennial favorite of makeup artists, this is the next foundation on my “can’t wait to try” list. The last time I was at Nordstrom’s, the salesperson raved about how its lightweight liquid consistency made it a breeze to apply and how buildable the coverage is. And this person worked at another brand's counter, so I'm intrigued!
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