The ‘Perfect’ Foundation, According to Those in Their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s
July 3 | 5 minute read
Words by The MECCA Memo
Our approach to beauty doesn’t stay the same forever, nor should it. As we move through different stages of life, what we want from our makeup shifts too.
Don’t get us wrong – we don’t age out of foundations. Rather, our skin’s needs change so the formulations that once seemed like magic stop performing so miraculously.
Tuning into your skin’s current needs (hydration, coverage, luminosity, longevity) and finding a formula that works right now is more important than your age bracket alone.
So, we asked some of MECCA’s very own, across their 20s to 50s, to reveal how their foundation approach has shifted over time and the formulas they swear by today.
20s
Tiana, digital marketing & media coordinator
“My skin has changed a lot since I first started wearing makeup. I used to pack on the matte foundation back in the day even though I was quite dry and a little more reactive in my skin – now I am not afraid of finding a little more glow in a foundation base.”
“My biggest tip is to use different products on different areas of your face! I have combination skin so I like to use a matte concealer in my oilier T-zone and a radiant tint everywhere else.”
“I am a mix-er and match-er of foundations and proud!”
“My biggest tip is to use different products on different areas of your face! I have combination skin so I like to use a matte concealer in my oilier T-zone and a radiant tint everywhere else.”
“I am a mix-er and match-er of foundations and proud!”
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint: “This has been in my routine since before my MECCA days. It evens my skin tone while giving a lightweight, breathable touch of tint. It’s perfect for no-makeup makeup.”
M·A·C Cosmetics Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation: “When I was 16 and first wearing makeup, the Studio Fix Fluid Foundation was my ride or die for a full glam look. In 2025, I’ve decided full glam is back, so I am loving the addition of the Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation into my routine. Although it’s more luminous than Studio Fix Fluid, it’s just as long-lasting which is very necessary for times where you just need to trust that your makeup isn’t going anywhere and is going to stay flawless all night long. There’s a reason M·A·C has stood the test of time – its products just work so well!”
Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer: “This is a bit of a cheat as it’s not technically a foundation, but this versatile perfector is the most underrated product at MECCA. You can use it as a foundation, a concealer, a colour corrector, even as a cream bronzer. I like to mix it with a lightweight tint to boost the coverage when I want a little something extra. I remember seeing @makeupbyariel use it on Kim Kardashian before an event and I can confirm I look red carpet-ready whenever I use it!”
M·A·C Cosmetics Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation: “When I was 16 and first wearing makeup, the Studio Fix Fluid Foundation was my ride or die for a full glam look. In 2025, I’ve decided full glam is back, so I am loving the addition of the Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation into my routine. Although it’s more luminous than Studio Fix Fluid, it’s just as long-lasting which is very necessary for times where you just need to trust that your makeup isn’t going anywhere and is going to stay flawless all night long. There’s a reason M·A·C has stood the test of time – its products just work so well!”
Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer: “This is a bit of a cheat as it’s not technically a foundation, but this versatile perfector is the most underrated product at MECCA. You can use it as a foundation, a concealer, a colour corrector, even as a cream bronzer. I like to mix it with a lightweight tint to boost the coverage when I want a little something extra. I remember seeing @makeupbyariel use it on Kim Kardashian before an event and I can confirm I look red carpet-ready whenever I use it!”
30s
Hannah Daniel, makeup education manager
“In my experience, people in their thirties need more from their complexion products. They have less time to get ready, they care more about ingredients than perhaps they did in their teens and twenties, and they want to invest in quality.
“For me personally, I think my needs for complexion products have changed – I steer more towards skin tints and tinted moisturisers as I really want hydration and something that gives a youthful glow to the skin. I love when complexion products offer some skincare benefits too, whether that’s hydration, vitamin e or niacinamide.”
“For me personally, I think my needs for complexion products have changed – I steer more towards skin tints and tinted moisturisers as I really want hydration and something that gives a youthful glow to the skin. I love when complexion products offer some skincare benefits too, whether that’s hydration, vitamin e or niacinamide.”
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint: “Almost undetectable on the skin, it is so lightweight but provides a wash of coverage that makes me feel put together in a flash. It contains Squalane and Niacinamide, so I know I’m getting extra bang for my buck.”
Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation: “This foundation is more of a medium coverage with a sophisticated glow and impeccable wear time. This is a super hardworking foundation with a really innovative formula, it applies beautifully with fingers, and a little goes a very long way.”
M·A·C Cosmetics Strobe Dewy Skin Tint: “This is a go-to when I need my skin to look radiant and fresh but I don’t need a lot of coverage. This is a hybrid of the original Strobe Cream and a tinted moisturiser. I add a little concealer under the eyes and this product has me out the door looking like I’ve just had a facial, 2 litres of water and a full 8 hours of sleep.”
Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation: “This foundation is more of a medium coverage with a sophisticated glow and impeccable wear time. This is a super hardworking foundation with a really innovative formula, it applies beautifully with fingers, and a little goes a very long way.”
M·A·C Cosmetics Strobe Dewy Skin Tint: “This is a go-to when I need my skin to look radiant and fresh but I don’t need a lot of coverage. This is a hybrid of the original Strobe Cream and a tinted moisturiser. I add a little concealer under the eyes and this product has me out the door looking like I’ve just had a facial, 2 litres of water and a full 8 hours of sleep.”
40s
Sarah, senior event project manager
“I’m all about a ‘my skin but better’ glow right now – lightweight, luminous and easy to blend. I want something that enhances, not hides. I love popping into store to get shade matched and hear all the best tips from our incredible store team.”
“With age (and a bit more disposable income!), my approach to skin prep has evolved. I’m investing more in treatments and skincare, and it’s made all the difference in how my foundation sits and wears.”
“With age (and a bit more disposable income!), my approach to skin prep has evolved. I’m investing more in treatments and skincare, and it’s made all the difference in how my foundation sits and wears.”
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Skin Perfecting Tint: “This is my day-to-day ride or die. It’s the original multitasker, providing coverage while hydrating skin. It’s so easy and effortless.”
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation: “For a bit more coverage, I always come back to this icon. It never fails and always delivers that soft radiance I love.”
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter: “While not technically a foundation, it’s too good not to mention. Worn alone or layered with a skin tint, it gives me that dreamy lit from within glow.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation: “For a bit more coverage, I always come back to this icon. It never fails and always delivers that soft radiance I love.”
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter: “While not technically a foundation, it’s too good not to mention. Worn alone or layered with a skin tint, it gives me that dreamy lit from within glow.
50s
Sandi, head of personalisation
“Having a foundation that works well with my skincare routine and looks natural has always been important to me. As I’ve grown older and more confident in my skin, I’ve gravitated towards lighter, buildable foundations that give me the ability to choose my level of coverage.”
“I love a foundation that leaves my skin looking even and glowy and can last throughout the day without becoming cakey. I also try to make subtle changes to the shade choice between winter and summer to get the most natural finish I can.”
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup: “When I am going for a more dramatic look or an evening out, I turn to Double Wear for its medium buildable coverage and long-wear formula. I love to apply it with my fingertips – a little goes a long way.”
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation: “An everyday staple, it glides on and leaves my skin looking and feeling smooth, dewy and hydrated all day. Mixed with my concealer, this foundation has been amazing to use for dark circles and hyperpigmentation.”
M·A·C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation: “This foundation has a huge amount of nostalgia for me. My OG foundation, it has served me well for many decades, thanks to its shade range and how adaptable it is. These days, I like to sheer it out with my moisturiser for the perfect level of coverage.”
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation: “An everyday staple, it glides on and leaves my skin looking and feeling smooth, dewy and hydrated all day. Mixed with my concealer, this foundation has been amazing to use for dark circles and hyperpigmentation.”
M·A·C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation: “This foundation has a huge amount of nostalgia for me. My OG foundation, it has served me well for many decades, thanks to its shade range and how adaptable it is. These days, I like to sheer it out with my moisturiser for the perfect level of coverage.”
