The top foundation 'rules' for anyone over 50.

Question: Do you ever find your foundation just doesn't sit... right? No matter what you do??

It goes patchy. Flaky. Chills in creases. Vanishes by 1pm.

Thanks to things like lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, dryness and all that other fun stuff, makeup starts to sit differently on our faces in our 50s and over. It's just what happens. And that's fine!

However, if you'd very much like some advice on how to tweak your makeup game in your 50s and keep your base looking as seamless and as wonderful as possible, you've clicked on the right article.

Watch: Here's what 10 pumps of foundation looks like. Post continues below.

We spoke to makeup artist Mia Connor and asked her pro advice on the top changes we can make to our foundation game over 50.

As always, makeup is a 'you do you' space – these 'rules' aren't for everyone, they're not hard-and-fast, and we're not saying you need to overhaul your entire makeup routine. Of course not!

These are just some handy tips for anyone who wants some expert suggestions for when your foundation is being a real pest and you don't quite know what to do about it.

1. Opt for lighter formulas.

The general rule of thumb is, the more formula you put on, the more maintenance it's going to be and the more chance it's going to move around your face and smudge/go patchy/flake/etc.

The key here is to opt for lighter formulas as opposed to heavier coverage, and apply less of it. A natural lightweight finish is more likely to go the distance.

"Overall, where there are fine lines, heavier foundations can exaggerate these. Use less product in these areas, such as under eyes, smile lines and forehead lines," shared Connor.

For this reason, we recommend looking for BB creams, tinted serums and tinted moisturisers instead of full-coverage formulas. 

In fact, we wrote a whole article about the best foundation for anyone over 50. You're welcome!

"When creasing occurs – which it will on every human (as we move) – simply maintain this by pressing the product back into your skin with your fingertips. Sometimes less is more as we age!"

2. Avoid luminous foundations.

Not the luminous formulas!

Apparently foundations with a "shimmery finish" can "enhance fine lines and texture", shared Connor. She instead recommended a natural skin finish as the most flattering option for mature skin.

So, if you're finding your foundation is settling into creases and being very disobedient, try ditching sparkly and shimmery formulas and see if you notice a difference.

Of course, if you're a big fan of luminous foundations and they work just fine for your skin – as you were! Do your thing.

3. Not everyone requires powder.

Fact: Dry skin types can be self-setting and do not require powder to set.

Yes, really!

Connor said, "Excessive use of powder can also enhance fine lines and facial hair. I usually only powder where I can feel excessive stickiness – not necessarily the entire face."

So if you have dry skin, this is a step you can totally skip! If you have oily skin, just press your powder into those 'hotspots' (usually the T-zone area) that usually end up shiny.

4. You can alter your finish.

Some more good news? You can customise the finish of your foundation in different ways in order to suit your specific skin type.

"You can slightly alter the finish of your foundation with the skin prep you place underneath," Connor explained. "For example, you can make something look less matte by using super-hydrating skin products underneath it."

Prep the skin with an illuminating primer underneath for a boosted glow, or tactically apply creamy highlighting products to the high points of your face (cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose) post-foundation.

5. Colour match to your shoulders.

Apparently this is how you're actually supposed to find your perfect foundation shade and... MIND. BLOWN.

"Foundation should be colour-matched to the décolletage and tops of shoulders – not the neck or the face, as these areas are often five shades paler," Connor told Mamamia.

"Definitely not the inside of the wrist, which was the done thing years ago!"

Oh.

6. Your face does not stop at your chin.

"If you are wearing a low-cut outfit, the décolletage should not be overlooked," said Connor. "Particularly as we age, we may have redness and sun damage in this area, which will be more noticeable if the face looks flawless but the chest does not."

So don't forget your poor neck!

"Apply a small amount of foundation/tint (whatever you used on your face) down the neck and slightly onto the skin on your chest that will be exposed. This will create a more even skin tone, similar texture and perfect colour match to your face," Connor told us.

"This tip is game-changing. Of course, you should avoid taking it right to the edge of the open neckline – particularly if wearing white."

7. Good skincare is more important than you think.

Every clever beauty girl knows that the most important thing you can do for longer-lasting, seamless foundation is to nail your skin prep.

"Foundation will only look as good as the skin it’s on," reminded Connor. "It’s important we look after it with daily use of SPF 50+ as well as a good skin care regimen with the odd treatment."

If you have dry skin, this might mean focusing on sloughing off dead skin cells (Connor said she loves microdermabrasion for an instant refresh), or focusing on adding a nice hydrating moisturiser or oil to your skin so it doesn't mess with the foundation.

For oily skin, this could mean using a mattifying moisturiser (remember, oily skin still needs hydration!).

If you'd like to learn more from Mia Connor, follow her on Instagram.

What are some of your foundation non-negotiables for a seamless finish? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Instagram/@miaconnor, Canva.

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