So excited to share a round-up of the best natural, clean beauty foundation for women over 40. I’ve narrowed these top picks down to three products: a light coverage option, a medium coverage option and a buildable to full coverage option. Come see why these are my top picks and why they will work for you too. BONUS: These picks work FOR ALL AGES!
By: Lisa Fennessy
I am 45 years old and when it comes to makeup, I don’t want the same things I wanted in my 20s and 30s. Not only that, but my skin is a lot different than it used to be and my needs have changed. I want a refined, understated, polished, effortless, natural look. And I have a feeling I am not alone. That’s why I’m sharing my top picks for the best healthy (aka clean beauty) foundations and BB cream.
Here’s the thing though: Even though I may be adjusting my makeup as I get older, these picks are NOT just for those over 40. Nope, they work FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND AGES. Why? Because who doesn’t want to look refined, understated, polished, effortless, natural?
You can skip right to my review if you want the down and dirty ASAP or you can read through for the who, what, when, where, why.
- Best BB cream: INIKA Organic BB Cream
- Best light-medium coverage foundation: ILIA Beauty True Skin Serum Foundation
- Best full coverage foundation: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick in VII
If you are going for the full scoop, let’s start with a little foundation(al) knowledge.
RELATED: Top 5 Clean Beauty Foundations (2023 Photo Lookbook)
BB cream vs. foundation
Foundation is a product designed to even skin tone, correct blemishes and eradicate redness. Depending on the one you choose, it will provide coverage from sheer to full, but the sheerest is typically still more coverage than a BB cream will provide. The sticking point with foundation is that you need to make sure you get the correct shade for your skin.
So what is a BB cream? In comparison, a BB cream is used to even out skin tone and reduce redness. It provides lighter coverage than a standard foundation, but more than a tinted moisturizer.
There are so. many. benefits here, but one huge one is that the color range is more forgiving. Typically you will only see 2-4 shades of BB cream from one line and that’s because one shade can work for many skin tones.
Who should wear a foundation vs. who should choose a BB cream?
If you are someone who typically wears foundation or likes a medium-ish coverage, try my foundation picks.
If you are someone who likes a lighter coverage or maybe you are new to using foundation…maybe you think to yourself…foundation isn’t for me…I’m not used to it…I don’t know how to apply it…I never wear makeup and I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard…whatever it may be, start with the best BB cream.
Also important to note: As we get older, our skin’s overall texture changes. It’s impacted by both endogenous (genetics, cellular metabolism, hormone and metabolic processes) and exogenous (sun exposure, pollution, ionizing radiation, chemicals, toxins) factors.
Together, these can lead to cumulative structural and physiological alterations AKA, thinning skin, fine and deep wrinkles, dry skin, discoloration, laxity, dullness, and roughness.
That’s why as you get older, I recommend that you STEP AWAY FROM THE POWDER AND MATTE FINISH FOUNDATIONS.
They can accentuate deep and fine wrinkles, play up dullness and highlight skin texture. A dewy finish is always in, and it can help skin look alive, vibrant and, well, at it’s best.
Best natural foundation pro tips
Pro tip #1
Make sure you blend foundation and B.B. Cream down into your neck—there is nothing that looks more odd than an olive face and a white neck.
Pro tip #2
You can apply most foundations with your fingers or a beauty blender but my go-to is a foundation brush. I specifically love a good kabuki. Applying with fingers and then blending with a brush ensures product is applied evenly and gives a beautiful polished look.
Pro tip #3
Make sure to exfoliate your skin 1-2x a week to keep it looking it’s best – no flakes, dull patches or clumpy foundation spots. I love this one and this one.
Pro tip #4
Make sure skin is primed and moisturized before applying. You can use anything from a face oil like the Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil to a true foundation primer like ILIA’s True Skin Radiant Priming Serum to my current obsession; Iris&Romeo’s The Reset. This will ensure product goes on even and smoothly.
RELATED: Check out my favorite clean beauty makeup brushes.
Best Organic BB Cream: INIKA Certified Organic BB Cream | $49
Okay if you haven’t heard of INIKA, where have you been!? INIKA was started in 2006 and is based out of Sydney, Australia. They are 100% vegan, use certified organic ingredients, and are cruelty-free. I’ve pretty much loved everything I’ve tried from this line (with the exception of their liquid eyeliner).
The INIKA Organic BB Cream contains 80% certified organic ingredients which is higher than the NOP and the Australia Organic Food Chain’s certification threshold of 70%. I also love that it has prickly pear oil, pomegranate, avocado and jojoba oils to help moisturize as well. I mean when my makeup also doubles as skincare, I’m ALL IN!
This formula goes on pretty sheer but it JUST WORKS. You can see how my freckles, hyperpigmentation, and a few of my broken capillaries show through but it evens out everything just enough to look put together and polished.
It doesn’t scream, Hi, my name is Lisa and I wear a ton of makeup! It’s more like, Hi, my name is Lisa. Don’t I have great skin?
Just as an example, the day my sister started wearing this to work and one of her coworkers, who she never really talks to, commented that she “looked pretty.” But you see, they weren’t like, Sweet foundation girl! It’s just one of those things that pulls your look together without being a thing.
Beige works for me but I can make Honey work too.
Pros:
- Lightweight coverage that just WORKS
- Highlights what you want and downplays what you don’t
- Evens out skin tone enough to look pulled together and polished (kinda perfect for a WFH day!).
- Super natural, breathable and has a sateen finish
- Adds a little radiance
- Easier to get a color match because one shade will suit several skin tones
Cons:
- Packaged in plastic
- Comes in very few shades
SAVE: Code THENEWKNEW will save you 10% at The Choosy Chick. Grab your INIKA Organic BB Cream here!
RELATED: Read my full INIKA review.
Best light-medium coverage foundation: ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation | $54
If you are looking for a clean beauty foundation that breathes life and glow into your skin, girl, THIS IS IT! This weightless, light-coverage, liquid foundation delivers a natural look that truly mimics how your skin looks and feels. I mean, it’s literally undetectable to the naked eye when applied, which is by far my favorite part. I have it on here. I’m talking FLAW-LESS.
True Skin Serum Foundation (aptly named btw) also has some skin-benefiting ingredients like aloe to help soothe irritated skin and plant-based squalane to help balance and improve elasticity.
This foundation comes in several shades so if you need help color matching, email [email protected] for pro help.
Pros:
- A formula that breathes life into your skin via a dewy finish.
- Lightweight coverage that’s buildable to medium coverage.
- Weightless.
- A true “your skin but better” finish.
- Does not dry out skin or dry cakey.
- Fragrance free (just smells like makeup, no added scents).
- Goes on even and blends easily with fingers or a brush.
- Vegan, which means if you’re avoiding animal byproducts, this one is for you.
- Packaged in glass.
- Comes in 30 shades
Cons:
- The top easily unscrews, so just beware if your makeup bag is often on the go
- Formulated with silicones, which are non-biodegradable
RELATED: Want more info on ILIA? Read about my faves (with pros + cons for each)or my full review on ILIA’s Super Serum Skin Tint
Best full coverage foundation: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick in VII | $68
My husband literally said my makeup looked good when I was wearing this for the first time. (And he never comments on stuff like that!). This is perfect if you want a dewy finish with the option to build more coverage.
Pros:
- Medium coverage that’s buildable; wear a little, get a little coverage, wear more, get more
- Mostly a seamless finish (as I build it, I can see it around my nose like most foundations)
- Dewy finish
- Comes in a stick (not liquid)
- Love the packaging and magnetic top
- No scent
- Comes in 21 shades
Cons:
- On a personal note, I don’t think this is the exact color match for me. It reads a bit yellow.
- I can see it collect around my nose as I build coverage
What is your go-to clean beauty foundation or BB cream?
TNK Team Note: This article contains affiliate links. TNK uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. TNK stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.
Common questions about foundation and BB creams for women over 40
Liquid foundation with a dewy finish will leave skin looking healthy, glowing and alive. These are my top two recommendations.
INIKA’s organic BB cream is a barely-there cruelty-free BB cream that uses certified organic ingredients. Read my review here.
BB cream is a makeup “beauty balm” or “blemish balm” that provides coverage and skincare benefits while foundation typically only provides coverage. Read about my top pick here.
Kelly
October 9, 2018You look so beautiful in both products!
Lisa
October 9, 2018Thanks Kelly! xo
Annette
October 9, 2018Just curious if you ever wear both together. Glad to hear your thoughts on Vapour being dewy. I am never sure if I just look oily, especially as my skin is not oily.
Lisa
October 11, 2018Hi Annette! I usually don’t wear both together, one is usually enough but the INIKA BB Cream totally doubles as a primer and you could wear it under the Vapour for sure. Dewy is a good thing! xo
Samantha
October 9, 2018I LOVE that you are addressing over 40🙌🏻 I always feel the green beauty is geared for under 35. Love both looks😘
Lisa
October 11, 2018Awesome Samantha! Yeah, there are a ton of great options for us fourty-somethings! xo
Lynne
October 9, 2018How does INIKA compare to W3LL Bio Tint Moisturizer? I have been using it and feel like I get similar results to what you are describing with INIKA. And you look gorge as per usual!! ❤️
Lisa
October 15, 2018Hi Lynne! The Bio Tint is thicker and has more coverage than INIKA!Thanks for reading!
Maryann
October 10, 2018Hi Lisa you look beautiful I emailed Choosy Chick last night I have oily acne prone skin and had questions about Inika foundations and Bb cream They were so helpful Will order a sample kit and their shadows and mascara look great too Have a great day
Lisa
October 11, 2018Oh awesome Maryann! I hope you love them, keep us posted! xo
PERRINE
October 11, 2018You look beautiful as usual! I don’t wear any foundation or BB cream and I’m happy like that 🙂 Have a beautiful day!
Lisa
October 15, 2018And you are beautiful for it! xo
Maggie
October 20, 2018I rarely wear makeup but found the suggestion of skipping the powders enlightening! Curious, however, do you use any sort of finishing product? Do you use liquid blush or bronzer? I find without a finishing powder, my makeup just seems to be gone within a couple hours. When I DO wear makeup, it’s usually for an all day meeting or something and precisely when I don’t want to look like my makeup has slid off my face by 10am. Thanks!
Lisa
October 20, 2018Hi Maggie! Yes! I like RMW UN Powder and W3LL PEOPLE Invisible Powder. Or if you are just trying to reduce shine you can go over your face with a clean brush and that alone will soak up some of the excess. I use both powder and cream blush + bronzer but I prefer cream – it just looks more natural at this age. Let me know if this helps or if you need more recs! xo
Brooke
July 27, 2020Hi Lisa! I tried the Inika, and it burned when I put it on, and I didn’t prefer the scent. I’m sure that’s very unusual. So I’m still looking for a bb or something like it without spf. Have you tried Kosas tinted oil, Lily Lolo BB, or Westman Atelier stick (it says light foundation, so I wondered)?
Lisa
August 4, 2020Hi Brooke! I’m so sorry that happened! I’ve tried the Kosas tinted oil but there is no shade that works well for me. It also seems to settle into the fine lines of my face a bit. I haven’t tried Lily Lolo’s BB cream or the Westman Atelier Stick however I do like the Sappho CC cream…have you tried that?
Susan
March 9, 2021Hi! Does the BB Cream have SPF? I’m never sure if all BB and CC creams have SPF. Thanks!
Lisa
March 13, 2021Hi Susan! Some do. These do not. Check out my recs for tinted face SPF here..you might find something you like! xo, Lisa
Erin L
March 9, 2021Hi Lisa –
Wondering if you have tried the Invisible Touch Foundation by KJAER WEIS. And also wonder whether you use the SPF you recommend under these foundations. I have had so much trouble trying to cover all the bases (SPF, foundation, concealer) in a way that works well for my over 45 skin.
Thanks!
Lisa
March 13, 2021Hi Erin! I’ve tried Invisible Touch – it’s really pretty. It’s scented thought so if you do not like scents on your face, you may not like this. And I would recommend more of a matte SPF first before your foundation. I like Josh Rosebrooks SPF or Fitglow’s SPF for that! More here!
Donna
March 11, 2021Have you tried Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40? I appreciate your posts for older women, it’s so hard to find information about clean cosmetics for women of a certain age.
Lisa
March 13, 2021Hi there! I’ve tried it, yes! It’s a little too dewy for me and I find I can’t wear enough of it to actually get the benefit of the SPF but people rave about it so it might be a good fit for you! xo, Lisa
Sabrina
March 15, 2021Hi Lisa, Just wanted to let you know about my experience with The Choosy Chick while trying to purchase the Inika BB Cream. I was concerned about choosing the right color match, so after reading their return policy, I sent an email to them asking about a sample or to get some assistance in ordering. (Their website suggests that you do this to avoid a lot of returns.) It’s been 6 days now with no response. I still may order – because I really value your recommendations – but this is certainly a “downer” for me in terms of customer service.
Lisa
March 15, 2021Hi Sabrina! I’m so sorry you’ve had this experience. That does sound frustrating. I will pass on this feedback to them. Also, Pharmaca also sells INIKA and they have great sales so be sure to check them out too! xo, Lisa
Lisa
March 27, 2021Great recommendations! I’m a big fan of BB cream lately. And I’m always afraid to spend a bit of money since my skin is so fair. And some places don’t have the best return policies. I’ll give some of these suggestions a try!
Veronika
March 27, 2021What do you recommend in terms of cream blushes? I find my powder blush is too dry for my skin and is gone within a couple hours.
Lisa
March 29, 2021Hey Veronika! I like Vapour’s Multi Sticks, Kjaer Weis’s Cream Blush and Kosas’s Cream Blushes too.
Chrysta
November 2, 2021I don’t like to spend a lot of time on my makeup so I’m interested in trying foundation sticks. Do you have any recommendations?
Kim
February 26, 2022Which foundation would you recommend for oily, over 50 gal?
Lisa Fennessy
April 10, 2022Hi Kim! I would recommend trying the Inika BB Cream – I think you will love it! xo, L
Kat
May 17, 2022Lisa, Having previously used Vapour foundations loving the glowing look and feel! As a busy special needs educator I found the wear time did not last long, wearing off around mid day leaving a terrible uneven skin tone., and using their primer didn’t help. Thus my search for a clean foundation / BB Cream continues,
Find today’s Powder foundation look unnatural and masked, and others products dry down looking mat and unnatural on my skin.
Thank you in advance for your blog and perspective.
Kiran
October 13, 2022May I ask, if one knows a waterproof eye liner that’s clean and safe obv.?
Ali
January 4, 2023Hi Lisa,
I just found your blog and I’m so happy to have found someone who REALLY does her research. Thank you! It turns out that Vapour Beauty is now defunct. Do you have any alternative suggestions for foundation for a 50-year old with dry skin? I thought I finally found the best in Vapour, and now they closed. Sigh. Thank you!
Lisa Fennessy
January 7, 2023Hi Ali! So glad you are here! Believe me, I feel your pain with Vapour closing. BUT! Have you tried ILIA’s True Skin Serum Foundation? It’s very similar and I think you will love it. xo, Lisa
Ali
January 10, 2023I’ll check it out. Thank you, Lisa. I truly appreciate your reply!