Which Foundation Is Best for Wrinkles & How to Use It

If you walk into your local beauty store, you’ll likely notice a range of foundation brands and types that promise to help address different skin concerns. One may promise to smooth out skin texture; another it may claim to morph to your exact skin tone, while yet another claims it’s the best for covering up acne and breakouts. 

But, if you’ve ever tried these foundations, you know they don’t always do what they promise. Not all foundations are made the same, and when it comes to smoothing out wrinkles, it can be a challenge to find one that actually gets the job done. 

If you’ve ever wondered what ingredients are most effective at smoothing out wrinkles and which aren’t, or what type of foundation you should look for, this guide is for you. Read on to learn which is the best foundation for wrinkles and how to use it.

Wrinkles and Skin 

Wrinkles are typically associated with getting older, but they can be caused by a number of other factors. Sun exposure can lead to wrinkles and fine lines, especially if you aren’t in the habit of applying and reapplying sunscreen throughout the day. Genetics is another factor that influences your skin’s structure and how likely you are to have wrinkles.

Wrinkles can also be caused by something as simple as your smile lines. If you smile with your eyes, by scrunching your nose, your face may develop smile lines. Let’s face it—these lines and creases are completely normal. There’s absolutely no reason to stop smiling simply to prevent crow’s feet and smile lines.

Still, if you’re concerned about the wrinkles forming on your skin and want to know how you can minimize their appearance, we’ve got some tips for you. One of the best ways to smooth the appearance of wrinkles is by using skincare and cosmetics. 

Best Foundation for Wrinkles 

Regardless of your age or skin type, the best foundation for you is the one that addresses your specific skin concerns. If your skin concerns include wrinkles and smoothing out skin texture, here are the best foundations to use. Below are some of our favorite brands and the foundations they carry that are specifically made for wrinkles

Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Foundation 

Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Foundation is a liquid foundation specially designed to smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a flawless finish. It’s buildable, so you can use as little as you like, and it gives you a semi-matte finish. 

Packed with ingredients that hydrate and nourish skin, it’s an excellent choice for anyone concerned about wrinkles and fine lines. This foundation can stay on for up to 13 hours and comes in a range of shades for everyone. 

Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation 

One of the biggest mistakes most people make when using foundation to cover the appearance of skin concerns like wrinkles or skin texture is choosing a matte, full-coverage, foundation that ends up looking cakey. While this might seem like the best option, a little bit of product often does better than a lot of products.

Instead of using a super heavy matte foundation, the key is to choose a light foundation for the most natural look. If you’re looking for a lightweight, liquid foundation that can smooth wrinkles for a silky finish, consider giving this Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation a shot. 

It’s packed with hydration, gives you a satiny glow, is great for all skin types as it’s oil-free, and offers buildable coverage, so there’s no need to look like you’re wearing a mask. With this foundation, you can choose just how much coverage you want. In a range of 40 different shades, there's a color for everyone. 

Nars Cosmetics Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

If you're looking for a heavy-duty foundation that stays on all day and longer, consider trying Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation. It can help smooth the appearance of skin texture and wrinkles, matches skin effortlessly, and isn’t phased by sweat. Plus, it’s extra blendable for a seamless finish on the skin. 

How To Use Foundation for Wrinkles 

Correctly using foundation for wrinkles is just as important as finding the best foundation formulas and brands. Here are some of the best tips for using foundation to smooth wrinkles and fine line skin concerns.

A Little Bit Goes a Long Way 

One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to conceal wrinkles, and fine lines are using too much foundation. It might seem like you need to cake on foundation and concealer to hide your skin concerns, but in reality, a little bit goes a long way. 

Instead of trying to cover your entire face with foundation, start by applying a small amount of foundation to the areas of concern. For instance, if your biggest concern is the wrinkles around your eyes, lips, or cheeks, start by applying a small amount of product here and blend outwards. 

You can always add more with buildable foundations, and cover larger areas if you find that the smaller coverage isn’t enough, but starting with a smaller amount of product will save you from mask-like foundation or a cakey finish.  

Choose the Right Type of Foundation

One of the biggest questions when choosing any kind of foundation is whether you should choose liquid or powder foundation. While both are excellent options for general makeup, they don’t address wrinkles the same way. If your skin concerns have anything to do with texture, like wrinkles or acne, the general rule of thumb is to use a liquid foundation

Powder foundation won’t fill in the textured areas of skin as effectively as the liquid foundation does and can end up looking cakey and textured even after you apply. Stick to liquid foundations with buildable coverage for the best foundation for wrinkles

Don’t Skip the Moisturizer 

Even if the foundation you use for wrinkles contains hydrating ingredients and can double as a moisturizer, it’s still vital that you moisturize separately. Moisturizer is one of the most important parts of your skincare routine and helps your skin stay healthy and hydrated and also creates a base for smooth makeup application. Be sure to moisturize regardless of whether you’re wearing foundation. 

Pair With Alpenglow 

Wrinkles can range anywhere from smaller lines on the skin to deeper grooves. Because of this, using foundation alone may not always get the job done and conceal your skin concerns. You may have noticed this and decided to use concealer in addition to foundation, but this often looks cakey, unnatural, and mask-like rather than the flawless finish you’re going for. 

Instead, use Alpenglow. Our Alpenglow color corrector is an excellent way to address your immediate skin concerns while addressing the underlying issue over time. Packed with Grapefruit for vitamins C, E, and naringin, Blueberry for polyphenols and vitamin C, and Daisy with L-arbutin, this formula is specially designed to brighten dull and sallow skin, even skin tone, and help minimize the appearance of wrinkles over time. Plus, it pairs perfectly with any of the above foundations to help you address your skin concerns! 

To use Alpenglow with your foundation, follow these steps. 

  • Begin by cleansing and moisturizing your skin. Stick to a gentle cleanser and moisturizer rather than one with harsh soaps or chemicals. This helps prepare your skin for the product.
  • Dab a small, apple seed-sized amount of Alpenglow on the back of your hand. Use your fingers to warm it.
  • Using your finger, a small concealer brush, or a makeup sponge, pat Alpenglow onto the areas of concern. A little bit goes a long way, but you can always reapply if your skin concerns are still visible. You really only need to use an apple seed-sized amount to get the full effects. 
  • Top off Alpenglow with a light layer of foundation for an even-toned glow from within which helps to fill in fine lines and blur your complexion. Not only is it formulated to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles, but it can also help minimize the look of sallow skin and brighten your complexion for the perfect glow. 
  • As a bonus step, you can also use Alpenglow on top of your makeup as a cheek or lip tint that gives you radiance that appears to come from within. 

Kiss Wrinkles Goodbye

By knowing what kind of foundation is best for wrinkles, how to use it, and what to pair it with, you’ll be able to master the perfect beauty routine. If your skin concerns include wrinkles, fine lines, or signs of age or sun damage, it’s vital to use products that nourish skin and address these underlying issues while still working to minimize their appearance at the moment. That’s why we made Journ.

We know you don’t have time for complicated skincare and beauty routines, so we simplified them and put them together. All of our products double as skincare that works to address your skin concerns over time while still working to even skin tone in the moment for smooth, healthy-looking skin!

Sources:

Wrinkles - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic 

Genetics and skin aging | NCBI  

How to Smooth Away Laugh Lines With or Without Surgery | Cleveland Clinic