We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Products Makeup The Best Makeup for Older Women of 2024, Tested by Real Women From hydrating foundations to crease-proof lipsticks, these are the best makeup products for mature skin By Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd is a freelance writer for PEOPLE. She previously worked as an editorial assistant at PEOPLE from 2018 to 2022. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 1, 2024 04:41PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Brian Kopinski Our skin begins to lose its natural moisture as we age, requiring a bit more TLC in the form of hydrating, softening products. Your go-to blush or concealer may no longer support your skin’s needs — but there’s no need to worry. There are hundreds of products that are ideally suited to enhancing mature skin — most of them packed with skin-nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E. “Achieving flawless makeup starts with good skincare,” Dr. Shereene Idris, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, tells PEOPLE. She suggests prioritizing multi-tasking formulas that marry the benefits of skincare and makeup, like those that lock in hydration and protect the skin from UV rays and environmental pollutants. It’s also crucial to consider formulas that won’t settle into the skin or crease into wrinkles. Our PEOPLE Tested team tried out hundreds of products in the real world to find the best liquid foundations that won’t settle into fine lines, dark circle correctors that will brighten up your under-eye area, liquid lipsticks that won't crease, and more. Our Top Picks Best Foundation: Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation at Amazon $50 Jump to Review Best Foundation (Cheaper): Make Up For Ever Reboot Active Care Foundation at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Tinted Moisturizer: BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer at Amazon $39 Jump to Review Runner-Up, Best Tinted Moisturizer: Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Jump to Review Best Self-Tanning Drops: James Read H2O Tan Drops Body at Amazon $28 Jump to Review Best Setting Powder: Saie Airset Radiant Loose Setting Powder at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Dark Spot Corrector: SALE Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector at Amazon $30 $21 Jump to Review Best Cream Blush: Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush at Sephora $26 Jump to Review Best Concealer for Dark Circles: Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer at Nordstrom $27 Jump to Review Best Under-Eye Concealer: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer at Nordstrom $15 Jump to Review Best Foundation Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation PHOTO: Sephora $50 at Amazon $43 at Sephora View on Dior.com Our Ratings Coverage 5/5 Feel 5/5 Wear 5/5 Finish 5/5 Transfer Resistance 5/5 Star Qualities Buildable coverage evens skin tone, counteracts redness, and smooths skin texture A little goes a long way Available in a whopping 43 shades, making it one of the most inclusive foundations we tested Ultra-hydrating formula feels lightweight and doesn’t crease Red Flags May add too much moisture for oily skin We tested 23 foundations for mature skin, and the Dior Backstage Foundation easily earned our top pick for its hydrating formula. Boosted with nourishing squalane and hyaluronic acid, it creates a natural-looking glow, smoothes fine lines, and corrects redness. Our testers were blown away by the movie-magic effect of this lightweight foundation, which instantly provided even, buildable coverage and radiant skin with just a dime-sized amount of product. The formula feels lightweight on the skin and creates an airbrushed look in just one layer, although it’s easy to build up to more mid-weight coverage without it feeling cakey. We were most impressed with how the formula settled into the skin, smoothing out overall texture and never creasing or clinging to fine lines, even as the day went on. We love that the foundation comes in a wide range of 43 shades, which makes it a breeze to find your perfect color match. It’s also designed to be used on the face and the body, so you can dab it on red marks or blemishes for an all-over airbrushed look. Sizes: 1.7 ounces | Shades: 43 | Key Ingredients: Squalane, hyaluronic acid | SPF: No People / Jessica Juliao People / Joy Kim People / Joy Kim Best Foundation (Cheaper) Make Up For Ever Reboot Active Care Foundation PHOTO: Sephora $35 at Amazon $42 at Nordstrom $42 at Sephora Our Ratings Coverage 5/5 Feel 5/5 Wear 5/5 Finish 5/5 Transfer Resistance 4.7/5 Star Qualities Evens out the complexion in just one layer, and creates an airbrushed finish with two Absorbs into skin without creasing or settling into wrinkles Feels serum-like in its weightlessness and hydrating properties Leaves skin feeling soft and visibly smooth Red Flags Good for normal to dry skin, so it won't mattify oily skin We wish there was a wider shade range If you’re looking for the same benefits as the Dior Backstage Foundation but at a more affordable price point, we recommend the Make Up For Ever Reboot Active Care Revitalizing Foundation, which boasts a similarly lightweight, buildable coverage and hydrating formula — but at half the price. The one downside is it’s available in fewer shades, so matching to darker skin tones in particular might be difficult. Just a single layer of this moisturizing foundation creates a blurring effect and minimizes overall redness, blemishes, and brightens under-eye circles. For a truly airbrushed look, a second layer completely erases any lingering blemishes. The formula's anti-aging, complexion-enhancing ingredients restore the skin’s natural glow, while ginseng stimulates collagen production and improves the skin’s suppleness. One tester raved that the product provided lasting softening effects, stating that the skin on their face felt extra soft when they removed their makeup, and even the next morning. Sizes: 1.01 ounces | Shades: 17 | Key Ingredients: Ginseng, camellia japonica, mondo grass | SPF: No People / Joy Kim People / Joy Kim Best Tinted Moisturizer BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer PHOTO: Ulta $39 at Amazon $39 at Target $23 at Sephora Our Ratings Coverage 4.5/5 Wear 5/5 Feel 5/5 Star Qualities Hyaluronic acid and SPF 30 boost skin’s moisture while fighting sun damage Layers easily with other skincare products and makeup Enhanced our skin year-round, making this our go-to for everyday use Red Flags We wish there was a wider shade range Silky finish can settle into under-eye creases Out of all the tinted moisturizers we tested, this best-seller from BareMinerals earned a nearly perfect score during testing for its silky, lightweight formula, which is enhanced with nourishing hyaluronic acid as well as protective SPF 30. We love that it’s part makeup, part skincare, and that the built-in SPF means we can save some time during our morning routine by applying both at once. An ideal tinted moisturizer for mature skin should be moisturizing, with lightweight coverage that won’t settle into wrinkles. Although this formula isn’t the best for under-eye, as the silky finish can get into creases, it still checks all our boxes: It goes on smooth and creamy, with a hint of tinted coverage that keeps skin feeling hydrated and naturally glowing. We tested it through the seasons, and found that it became indispensable as our daily go-to — our skin looked plumper and more luminous year-round, without suffering dry spots in winter or oily patches in summer. Sizes: 1.18, 0.5 ounces | Shades: 20 | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, squalane | SPF: 30 People / Tamara Staples Runner-Up, Best Tinted Moisturizer Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer PHOTO: Amazon View On Sephora $46 at Nordstrom $46 at Sephora Our Ratings Coverage 5/5 Wear 4/5 Feel 5/5 Star Qualities Vitamin C evens out skin tone for a brighter complexion Moisturizes skin without drenching it or creasing in any fine lines Easy to apply and feels featherweight on the skin Red Flags Pricier than other tinted moisturizers we tested (but it's also larger) This ultra-lightweight tinted moisturizer is incredibly easy to spread and buff into the skin. Despite its gentle tint, it manages to create solid coverage in just one layer, while simultaneously plumping our skin with French Polynesian Kopara, which provides a boost of extra hydration. We love how soft and supple the thinner formula feels on our skin — like we’re not wearing any makeup at all. When applying the pigmented moisturizer, it never creased or settled into our fine lines. We felt like this offered the perfect amount of coverage while still feeling like a moisturizer rather than a foundation. While this pick is slightly pricier than other tinted moisturizers we tested, we feel it’s worth it for the quality and long-lasting finish — not to mention, the built-in SPF 30. Sizes: 1.9 ounces | Shades: 16 | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, French Polynesian Kopara | SPF: 30 People / Tamara Staples The 11 Best Foundations for Acne Prone Skin of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Self-Tanning Drops James Read H2O Tan Drops Body PHOTO: Revolve $28 at Amazon $39 at Revolve Star Qualities Water-based, so it won't cause dryness Application is easy, since it's meant to be mixed into moisturizer Hyaluronic acid and aloe vera help to hydrate skin Red Flags Works well on all skin types, from sensitive to dry, mature, and acne-prone Self-tanners are typically prone to settling into dry patches and exacerbating them, rather than evening them out. Those with dry skin should look to the James Read H2O Tan Drops, which stand out for their moisturizing formula packed with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to help nourish the skin while gradually helping you achieve a deeper shade. The drops are designed to mix into your daily moisturizer, ensuring a smooth application that won’t crease in any dry spots or fine lines. The skin-satiating ingredients include soothing aloe vera, hyaluronic acid to improve elasticity, nourishing castor oil, and water to further hydrate thirsty skin. We love this serum for everyone — the paraben- and sulfate-free formula makes it an excellent choice for those with dry or sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, mature skin, and more. Application couldn’t be easier, either — just mix 1 to 4 drops into your moisturizer, depending on how deep a shade you’re looking to achieve. Sizes: 1.01 ounces | Shades: 1 | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, aloe vera | SPF: No Best Setting Powder Saie Airset Radiant Loose Setting Powder PHOTO: Sephora $30 at Amazon $30 at Sephora View on Saiehello.com Our Ratings Absorbency 4/5 Overall Look 5/5 Wear 3/5 Star Qualities Squalane-enhanced formula plumps skin rather than drying it out Mica particles impart a luminous glow without looking shiny Weightless, velvety texture blends in easily and still allows you to see the skin’s natural texture Red Flags The powder wears off after a few hours Setting powders can easily get caught in wrinkles or fine lines, but this product from Saie is boosted with skin-nourishing squalane that’s made to hydrate and plump up skin rather than dry it out. It ensures a smooth, natural finish that blurs blemishes without looking or feeling cakey. The barely-there feel of it adds a subtle, velvety texture that enhances skin, rather than covering it up. We love the aerated-cream technology, which provides the soft airbrushed effect. The formula also helped control shine when used on top of our dewy foundation by mattifying skin while still providing a lit-from-within glow thanks to the mica base. Our only gripe is that, given the formula’s hydrating properties, it tended to wear off sooner than other setting powders that we tried — around the five-hour mark. Still, we’d prefer the occasional touch-up in exchange for the smoothing, plumping effects of this setting powder. Sizes: 0.14 ounces | Shades: 3 | Key Ingredients: Squalane, aerated-cream technology, ethically sourced Mica | SPF: No People / Leticia Almeida People / Leticia Almeida Best Dark Spot Corrector Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector PHOTO: Amazon $21 at Amazon $22 at Walmart $32 at Ulta Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Absorption 4.8/5 Effectiveness 4.7/5 Overall Look 4/5 Star Qualities Retinol boosts this formula’s anti-aging properties Can be used to target stubborn dark spots or applied all over the face Brightened our overall skin tone Red Flags Given the retinol-based formula, it’s best to only apply this at night and to ensure you wear plenty of SPF during the day to protect your skin An even skin tone is one of the keys to maintaining a more youthful complexion, and a reliable dark spot corrector like this pick from Neutrogena is a great way to achieve that. This soft, velvety formula absorbs quickly and blends easily with other makeup. We noticed a marked difference in our dark spots over the course of six weeks of regular use, with our acne scars lightening up the most. We love that this hydrating formula can be used as a spot corrector or all over the face, thanks to the vitamin C and moisturizing hyaluronic acid that keep skin feeling fresh and glowy. The vitamin C also helped to brighten and firm up our skin. Best of all, this dark spot corrector is equipped with retinol, which targets fine lines and wrinkles while also fading the appearance of dark spots. Sizes: 1 ounce | Shades: 1 | Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | SPF: No People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples Best Cream Blush Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush PHOTO: Amazon $26 at Sephora $26 at Ulta View on Fentybeauty.com Our Ratings Texture 5/5 Blendability 5/5 Pigment 4/5 Star Qualities Easy to apply and blend without ever looking blotchy Lightweight formula is sweat- and water-resistant, making it perfect for hot summer days Isononyl Isononanoate helps even out skin texture Red Flags Formula isn’t as long-lasting as we’d like Cream blushes are the way to go for those with dry, flaky, or mature skin, as they tend to impart hydration rather than settle into dry spots. This vegan formula from Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty line goes on easily with either fingertips or a brush, smoothly blending out without collecting in patches or settling into pores. We love the dewy effect that it has, creating a naturally flushed look without ever leaving us feeling sticky or greasy. The formula is lightweight, sheer, and super buildable — during testing, we found that a little goes a long way with this product, which boasts Isononyl Isononanoate to help even out skin texture. Choose from ten gorgeous shades designed to suit a range of skin tones, with options like shimmering tangerine and dusty rose. Sizes: 0.1 ounces | Shades: 10 | Key Ingredients: Isononyl Isononanoate | SPF: No People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples Best Concealer for Dark Circles Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer PHOTO: Sephora $27 at Nordstrom $27 at Sephora $66 at Walmart Star Qualities Serum-like formula is fortified with vitamin C to hydrate skin while brightening the under-eye area Waterproof, making it a great pick for warm weather Buildable and doesn’t feel cakey if you choose to apply more Red Flags Showed some creasing in our tests Whether you’re going for a barely-there touch-up or a full-coverage finish, this magic wand from Benefit has got you covered — literally. During our testing, we found that this silky formula was easy to layer on to cover up any dark circles or bags thanks to the soft doe-foot applicator, which allowed us to build up radiant coverage without looking cakey. We did discover that the product can crease lightly given its moist formula, so it’s best to apply a smaller amount of product at first and go from there. However, this product immediately brightens up the under-eye area while also helping to hydrate it. Enhanced with vitamin C for instant illuminating and red algae extract to help improve skin’s elasticity and moisture-retention, this is essentially part-makeup, part-skincare, and it’s perfect for those with dry or mature skin. Sizes: 0.17 ounces | Shades: 26 | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, red algae extract | SPF: No The 7 Best Epilators of 2024, Tested by Real People Best Under-Eye Concealer Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer PHOTO: Sephora $15 at Nordstrom $15 at Sephora View on Narscosmetics.com Our Ratings Application 5/5 Staying Power/Creasing 5/5 Coverage 5/5 Pigment 5/5 Texture & Feel 5/5 Star Qualities Ultra-buildable formula earned perfect scores on all our tests Grape seed extract helps to hydrate skin while magnolia bark minimizes puffiness Available in a widely inclusive range of shades, plus a mini-size Free of parabens, formaldehydes, sulfates, and other drying agents Red Flags Somewhat pricey for a small amount of product, but a little will go a long way with this formula Those in the know have sworn by this concealer from Nars for years. When we tested under-eye concealers, this one earned top marks in every category, thanks to its ease of application, hydrating feel, crease-resistant formula, buildable coverage, and superior staying power. This product boasts a multi-active botanical blend of magnolia bark extract, grape seed extract, and vitamin E designed to hydrate and tighten the delicate skin under the eyes, while also reducing redness and improving the skin barrier. Light-diffusing mineral powder blurs fine lines and blemishes, helping to even out the skin tone and in turn, reveal a more youthful complexion. We were blown away by how long-lasting this concealer is — it’s meant to stay on for 16 hours and hydrate the under-eye area all day long. We love that it’s available in 30 shades, making it easier to find your match for a radiant, natural look. Sizes: 0.17 ounces | Shades: 30 | Key Ingredients: Mineral-tone balancing powder, light-diffusing mineral powder, magnolia bark extract, grape seed extract, vitamin E | SPF: No People / Jhett Thompson People / Tamara Staples Best Drugstore Concealer Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer PHOTO: Amazon $6 at Amazon $9 at Target $9 at Walmart Our Ratings Texture 5/5 Coverage 4.5/5 Creasing 4.5/5 Staying Power 5/5 Star Qualities Built-in sponge tip applicator makes applying and blending a breeze Layers well under makeup, and doesn’t ever settle into wrinkles or fine lines Medium-to-buildable coverage drastically reduced the appearance of our dark circles Red Flags We wish the sponge-tip applicator was removable to make it easier to clean Being able to walk into a drug store and find an undereye concealer that works on mature skin and blends out any blemishes is a game-changer — and we stand by Maybelline’s New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment. The soft sponge top applicator makes it a breeze to apply on the go, although we wish it were removable so that we could clean it more easily. Ultimately, this hydrating concealer minimizes redness and dark circles by infusing the under-eye skin with haloxyl, which improves circulation and creates an overall lighter effect — a boon for all skin types, but particularly for drier and more mature skin. The delicate yet powerful formula provides 12 hours of hydrating coverage, with a creamy texture that rarely creases. Sizes: 0.20 ounces | Shades: 18 | Key Ingredients: Haloxyl | SPF: No People / Jhett Thompson People / Jhett Thompson People / Jhett Thompson Kelsea Ballerini's 2023 Grammy Makeup Was Done Entirely Using Drugstore Makeup Best Waterproof Mascara Neutrogena Hydro Boost Plumping Mascara PHOTO: Walgreens $8 at Target $10 at Walmart View on Neutrogena.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 2.8/5 Wear 3.5/5 Performance 5/5 Overall Look 3.5/5 Ease of Removal 2.3/5 Star Qualities Hydrating formula is designed to revive dry, brittle lashes Tapered wand makes it easy to swipe the desired amount of product on inner and outer lashes Truly waterproof — it never smudged during our tests — but is still easy to remove with micellar water Red Flags Some people may prefer a curved wand for even easier application Formula is very volumizing, so it's not for everyone Looking for plump, voluminous lashes that are absolutely smudge-proof and won’t break the bank? Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Plumping Mascara checks all our boxes: a tapered wand makes it easy to apply even on your inner lashes, and the waterproof formula won’t budge come rain, tears, or sweat. Plus, it’s under $10! We applied eye drops and sprayed water on our faces during testing, and our lashes remained thick and clump-free — there was absolutely no smudging to be seen. The volumizing formula is enhanced with hydrating hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and keratin to boost shine and lash thickness while replenishing brittle lashes. Plus, this formula is a breeze to take off compared to other waterproof mascaras. Sizes: 0.21 ounces | Shades: 2 | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, keratin | SPF: No People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples Best Long-Lasting Lipstick Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Lip Color PHOTO: Ulta $10 at Amazon $10 at Target $10 at Target Star Qualities Matte and buildable, and never settled into creases or the sides of our mouth Doesn’t dry out your lips and the color lasts for hours Arrow-tip applicator allows for precise application Available in 30 vibrant shades Red Flags Transfers slightly even after setting For long-lasting color that won’t dry out your lips, liquid lipstick is the way to go. We love this wallet-friendly matte pick from Maybelline that we tested, which settles without creasing into the fine lines and corners of your mouth. The sheer, buildable consistency is comfortable enough to wear all day long, and we found that applying two coats helped it to stay on for several hours. While the formula takes a few moments to dry entirely — and can transfer slightly even after it’s dried — it’s packed with softening dimethicone, which absorbs nicely and doesn’t leave an uncomfortably sticky consistency. The arrow-tip applicator makes it easy to apply the color with precision, especially on smaller lips. While this is an excellent wallet-friendly pick that won’t chap your lips, it’s still a good idea to layer it with lip balm or Vaseline in colder weather to avoid any dryness or flaking. Sizes: 0.17 ounces | Shades: 30 | Key Ingredients: Dimethicone | SPF: No Best Face Primer Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer PHOTO: Sephora $58 at Amazon $24 at Nordstrom $24 at Sephora Our Ratings Application 5/5 Feel 4/5 Look 5/5 Star Qualities Evens out any redness while also minimizing the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and fine lines SPF 15 helps protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays Free of sulfates, parabens, and other drying chemicals Red Flags Good for all skin types Pricier than other primers we've tried This cloud-like facial primer from Hourglass is worth the investment, thanks to its smoothing capabilities and built-in sun protection. The formula boasts titanium dioxide, which helps with broad-spectrum protection, while zinc oxide offers a physical barrier from UVA rays. We found that putting this on helped our foundation glide over our skin, particularly when it came to the fine lines around our mouths. We awarded this product a perfect 5 out of 5 rating when it came to the application — it goes on smoothly and remains seamless for hours, without pilling or creasing. We recommend you use this after your go-to facial moisturizer in order to create the perfect hydrated base for your makeup. Sizes: 1 ounce | Shades: 1 | Key Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide | SPF: Yes People / Jessica Juliao People / Leticia Almeida People / Leticia Almeida Best Setting Spray Mac Fix+ Stay Over Setting Spray PHOTO: Ulta View on Amazon $18 at Target $18 at Nordstrom Star Qualities Packed with antioxidants that protect the skin from blue light damage Made makeup stay perfectly fresh all day long Alcohol free, so it won’t dry out your skin Red Flags You need to shake it before spritzing, otherwise it can spray a bit harshly Those with mature or chronically dry skin will adore this hydrating setting spray that we tested from Mac Cosmetics. Equipped with antioxidants like green tea extract, it’s designed to liven up your skin and boost your natural glow — not to mention, protect you from blue light and environmental pollutants. Crucially, the formula is alcohol-free, so it will never dry out your skin. This product instantly revitalizes skin when spritzed on top of makeup. The weightless consistency upped our glow without causing our skin to look oily, in turn crafting a moisturized, mattified look that lasted all day long. Truly, the brand’s 16-hour promise is no joke — this spray helped lock in our makeup for the full day. It also enhanced the overall texture of our skin, blurring out blemishes while enhancing our makeup. Just be sure to shake it up before spritzing, as otherwise the fine-mist pump can get backed up and spit out the product rather than gently spray it. Sizes: 3.4 ounces | Shades: 1 | Key Ingredients: Cucumber extract, green tea extract, caffeine | SPF: No People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples Best Lip Oil NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip PHOTO: NYX Cosmetics $9 at Amazon $9 at Target $9 at Walmart Our Ratings Feel 4.5/5 Hydration 4.8/5 Wear/Longevity 4.8/5 Results 5/5 Star Qualities Lips still looked and felt supple after more than 30 minutes of wear Squalane-enhanced formula imparts a luscious amount of hydration At under $10, this is one of the most budget-friendly picks we tested SPF 10 offers a little extra protection against UV rays Red Flags Dense texture feels more like a gloss than a lightweight oil Lips oils are a nourishing alternative to lip balms, formulated with hydrating ingredients that are meant to enhance the skin of your lips and smooth out any cracks or dry areas. We love this wallet-friendly lip oil we tested from NYX, which instantly plumped and softened our lips with its dense, squalane-enhanced formula. It’s not as sticky as other lip oils we tried, yet offers a lusciously thick and moisturizing feel. After 30 minutes, our lips still felt hydrated and comfortable. It never felt greasy or slippery, and it stayed on well even while eating and drinking — although we liked to reapply sometimes after eating to maintain the sheer color boost in addition to the hydration. We appreciated that a little goes a long way with this product, which requires only one swipe to infuse lips with softening hydration and glossy shine. Sizes: 0.16 ounces | Shades: 8 | Key Ingredients: Vegan squalane, raspberry oil, cloudberry oil | SPF: Yes People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Eyeliner Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil PHOTO: Ulta $25 at Amazon View on Nordstrom View on Nordstrom Our Ratings Ease of Removal 5/5 Pigment 5/5 Wear 5/5 Dry Time 5/5 Application 5/5 Star Qualities Breeze to apply in one smooth stroke Dries instantly and lasts all day long, even on oily skin Available in eight shades, including matte, glitter, and metallic finishes Red Flags Not ideal if you prefer to go for buildable color and thickness When it comes to applying eyeliner on more mature skin, you want to avoid tugging at all costs. That’s where this gel-pencil hybrid from Lancôme comes in: the formula is smooth and easy to apply in one easy stroke. We found we could line both the top and bottom lashes without any pressure or pulling. The eight available shades — in vibrant matte, glitter, and metallic finishes — required only one swipe to enhance the eyes. We loved that the pen dried instantly, and it earned our top pick for a long-lasting formula thanks to how well it stayed on oily skin during our tests without ever smudging. Those who prefer a buildable eyeliner may want to look at the other products we tested that scored highly on our tests. Sizes: 0.42 ounces | Shades: 8 | SPF: No People / Jhett Thompson People / Jessica Juliao Best Lip Plumper E.l.f Cosmetics Lip Plumping Gloss PHOTO: Walmart $7 at Amazon $7 at Target $7 at Target Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Plumping Ability 3.8/5 Hydration 4/5 Star Qualities Cooling sensation calms skin instead of irritating it Softening formula is enhanced with vitamin E and coconut oil Comfortable enough to reapply throughout the day without causing any uncomfortable tingling sensations Red Flags We wish there was a clear gloss option Doesn’t yield the most dramatic results compared to others we tested When it comes to trustworthy drugstore brands, Elf is at the top of our list — and this lip plumper we tested is an excellent example of why. Supple and smoothing, this hydrating gloss plumped our pouts in just one swipe, producing a cooling sensation that soothed our skin. We much preferred that sensation to the unpleasant tingling feeling caused by most of the other lip plumping products we tested. We appreciated how moisturized our lips felt for hours after applying the product, thanks to the formula’s nourishing blend of vitamin E and coconut oil. For those looking for more dramatic plumping results, you may want to consider other options we tried — the softer sensation of this one translates to slightly less in-your-face results. However, our pouts were definitively fuller after use, and the small size makes this a breeze to toss in your purse for on-the-go touch ups. Sizes: 0.09 ounces | Shades: 9 | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, coconut oil | SPF: No People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao What to Know About Makeup for Older Women Hydrating Ingredients Our skin loses moisture as we age, so it’s crucial to use products that help hydrate and lock in nourishment. Humectants, like hyaluronic acid, work to boost the skin’s natural moisture levels. Squalane and ceramides are two key ingredients to look for, suggests Dr. Shereene Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology in NYC. They both help to infuse and lock in moisture, resulting in a more youthful glow. Multitasking Formulas Blending the benefits of skincare and makeup is both a skin- and time-saver. A multi-tasking formula means you can achieve your desired aesthetic while also enjoying the benefits of skin-nourishing ingredients. Formulas that boast skincare essentials, like SPF or environmental protection, speed up your morning routine while also ensuring you’re protected from the sun’s rays as well as blue light, pollution, and more. Other formulas, like the Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector, are enhanced with anti-aging ingredients like retinol in order to target fine lines and wrinkles while also evening out your complexion. Behind the Scenes Our team tested hundreds of products throughout the year — from lip oils and setting sprays to formulas, eyeliners, and beyond — in order to narrow down the best makeup on the market for every need and style. The products that earned our top pick for their anti-aging or hydrating properties made this list, thanks to their long-lasting and skin-saving formulas. We tested each product over several weeks in the real world, even using some for six months to ensure our initial observations stood the test of time. After each testing period, we rated every product on a scale of one to five, with five performing the highest. The products that earned the top average scores and were recommended most highly by our testers made this list and earned the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval. Frequently Asked Questions What kind of foundation should an older woman wear? Hydration is key when it comes to finding the right foundation for more mature skin. “I would suggest a lightweight, hydrating foundation to avoid makeup settling into fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Idriss. Formulas enhanced with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, aloe vera, glycerin, or vitamin E are a great place to start. Liquid foundations tend to be most flattering for more mature skin, given that they help to blur and soften skin with a dewy finish rather than settle into fine lines as with more matte products. Dr. Idriss suggests looking for foundations with SPF as well, to further protect skin from the sun’s damaging rays throughout the day. You can use a bronzer stick to add some warmth to your skin. How do you get flawless makeup on mature skin? Before applying makeup, it’s crucial to make sure you’re taking care of your skin by drinking plenty of water, gently cleansing, and moisturizing appropriately. “Hydrated skin provides a smoother canvas for makeup application,” Dr. Idriss explains. Opting for products that blend easily, boast buildable formulas, and won’t settle into fine lines is key to achieving a blurred, airbrushed look on more mature skin. Having a lighted makeup mirror can also help ensure you don't miss any spots. Should older women wear matte or dewy makeup? Dr. Idriss suggests women with mature skin lean towards products with a dewy finish, as it helps to bring out and enhance your natural radiance. When it comes to wearing matte makeup, it’s important to check that the formula still boasts hydrating ingredients that won’t dry out your skin, as not all matte products are created equal. “I recommend avoiding matte makeup because it can accentuate dryness and emphasize fine lines and wrinkles,” she says. For those with a deep affinity for their matte products, consider layering with a hydrating mist like Mac Fix + Stay Over Alcohol-Free 16-Hour Setting Spray in order to keep skin looking and feeling fresh. What makeup ingredients should those with mature skin look for and why? There are a range of hydrating, nourishing ingredients to keep an eye out for when shopping for makeup for mature skin. Dr. Idriss suggests prioritizing products enhanced with squalane, glycerin, or ceramides to achieve maximum hydration and to protect your skin’s moisture barrier. Other skin-softening key players include vitamin E, coconut oil, and hyaluronic acid, which work to brighten skin and lock in moisture. Why Trust PEOPLE? Sophie Dodd is a PEOPLE contributor who has been writing for PEOPLE.com since 2018. She covers travel and lifestyle, with a focus on homegoods and beauty products. For this story, Sophie combed through the results of over a dozen product tests, pulling the foundations, cream blushes, long-lasting lipsticks and more that earned top marks for women with mature skin. She also relied on her expertise as a commerce and lifestyle writer to thoroughly research each recommended product. Sophie received expert insight from dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss regarding what older women should look for in their makeup, plus more tips and tricks for finding the best products to suit this skin type. Meet Our Expert Dr. Shereene Idriss is a board-certified dermatologist, founder of Idriss Dermatology in NYC, and creator of the #PillowtalkDerm series on Instagram. What is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.