Best Drugstore Beauty Finds for Mature Skin You Need To Try
I like to keep my beauty routine simple, effective, and suited to where I am in life…which is decidedly over 60, and no longer interested in 12-step skincare routines or miracle serums that require a second mortgage. My skin has its own opinions these days, and frankly, it’s earned the right. While I usually stick to products I’ve road-tested myself, I do keep one eye on what’s getting rave reviews…especially if it’s under $20 and doesn’t smell like bubblegum. Let’s look at some of the best drugstore beauty finds for mature skin.
The truth is, some of the best-rated beauty products for mature skin are easy to overlook—they’re often sitting right on the shelves at Amazon, Walgreens, or CVS. While I haven’t tested all of the products in this post myself, I selected them based on consistently high reviews, formulas that are known to work well for older skin, and ingredients that align with what I look for at this stage in life.
I bought this Covergirl Lipstick, Elf Smudge Eye Stick and Elf Mascara to try because both Covergirl and Elf are Leaping Bunny certified. The eye stick was dry and did not apply easily, but the lipstick and mascara are real winners! If you’re looking to refresh your makeup bag without splurging, here are some other drugstore beauty picks from Amazon that women over 50 are loving.
Best Drugstore Beauty Complexion Products for Mature Skin
Finding foundation and concealer that doesn’t cling to fine lines or dry patches can feel like hunting for unicorns. These options keep showing up in lists of the best drugstore beauty finds for mature skin, and the reviews suggest they’re worth a try.
Best Foundations
The Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation is designed with mature skin in mind. The formula includes a hydrating serum and Vitamin B3, which helps keep skin looking fresh rather than flat. The coverage is light to medium—enough to even things out without masking your skin—and the finish gives your complexion a healthy, natural glow.
This 3-in-1 foundation from COVERGIRL and Olay has a creamy texture that aims to smooth the look of fine lines while adding hydration and even coverage. It’s a practical option for anyone who prefers their makeup to multitask—offering a touch of skincare while helping skin appear a bit more polished and even throughout the day.
For those lighter makeup days, try the MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream. It has sheer-to-medium coverage, sun protection with SPF 42, and a finish that leaves skin looking soft and hydrated. It’s especially well-loved by women with sensitive or dry skin, and it works nicely when you want to simplify your routine without skipping coverage altogether.
Concealers That Don’t Settle Into Lines
As the skin under my eyes has thinned over the years, I’ve become much more selective about concealers. The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser is one that consistently gets praise for its ability to brighten without settling into fine lines. The sponge-tip applicator makes it easy to apply, and the formula blends out nicely with just a fingertip or damp sponge.
A bit of crepiness around the eyes seem to be par for the course these days, but The No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Concealer is formulated to both brighten and firm. It has a serum-like texture that doesn’t feel heavy, and the finish is soft and natural—not dry or cakey.
Primers and Glow Boosters
If you feel like your skin is looking a little dull, try a glow booster like the e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter. It’s not glittery or shiny, but it adds a soft, healthy radiance. You can mix it in with foundation or wear it alone.
Primers can be tricky on older skin. I’ve found many of them either pill under makeup or leave my skin feeling too tight. The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer gets strong reviews for striking the right balance. It creates a smooth base that helps makeup stay put, but doesn’t feel drying or overly matte.
Blush, Bronzer, and Highlighter Picks
A well-placed flush of color can bring life back to tired skin. Milani’s Baked Blush has earned a loyal following with plenty of shades to choose from. The formula has a hint of sheen—not sparkle—that brings life back to the skin without drawing attention to texture.
Some powder blushes can sit on the skin and look chalky, especially as skin becomes drier. The NYX Buttermelt Powder Blush gets praise for doing just the opposite. It’s designed to melt in and stay put, and the finish is velvety rather than flat. Reviews say the shades are richly pigmented, so a light hand is all you need.
Cream blushes like this Monochromatic Multi Stick from e.l.f. are often more forgiving on mature skin. You can tap it onto cheeks, lids, or even lips, and it blends out beautifully with fingers. The finish is soft—not dewy, not matte—just a natural flush that looks like you’ve been out for a walk.
You can find more of my favorite cream blushes in this post.
Bronzer can be tricky as we get older—it needs to warm the face without looking muddy or dry. The Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer has a silky texture that blends easily, thanks to its moisturizing formula. It gives a soft, sun-kissed glow and is easy to build gradually, which I always prefer.
Best Drugstore Eye Makeup Finds
Elf is a great brand that’s readily available in local stores and online. They make several mascara formulas, I chose this Big Mood one because I don’t like the way I have to tug to remove the waterproof types. It goes on smoothly and covers in one coat making my lashes look full and gentlty curled up.
If your lashes have thinned over time, a bit of lift and separation can make a big difference. The essence Lash Princess Waterproof Mascara is known for adding noticeable volume without clumping. It’s also incredibly affordable, which is a nice bonus when trying something new.
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Telescopic Original Lengthening, Lash Separating Mascara
The L’Oréal Telescopic Mascara in black brown gives length and separation with a fine, flexible brush that gets right to the base of the lash. It’s particularly helpful for bottom lashes or sparse corners, and the washable formula makes removal easy at the end of the day.
I’ve always leaned toward simple, neutral eyeshadow palettes—the kind that enhance rather than compete. The Revlon PhotoReady Palette has a mix of soft matte and satin finishes that blend easily and offers just enough variety to create a polished look without feeling overdone. I like that it comes with step-by-step guide for where to place each shade, which is helpful if you’re looking to try something new or refresh your technique.
Eyeshadow can be tricky on mature lids, especially if it clings to texture. The e.l.f. Perfect 10 Palette offers a mix of ten neutral shades in a formula that’s smooth and easy to blend. The color payoff is subtle but buildable, which I appreciate. It’s a practical palette for everyday wear, with enough range to give you both day and night looks.
The NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette includes both matte and shimmer shades that blend well and stay put, and the layout makes it easy to see what pairs together—ideal for those of us who prefer makeup that doesn’t feel complicated.
Best Brow Products
Who knew that finding a true grey brow pencil would be so difficult! The NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Grey works beautifully for those of us with silver, salt-and-pepper, or cool-toned hair. It’s one of those little tools that can make a quiet but meaningful difference in framing the face.
Thinning brows can change the whole structure of the face, and a good pencil makes a world of difference. The e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil has a soft, buildable formula and a fine tip that lets you define without looking too drawn on. There’s a spoolie on the other end to help blend and shape, which makes touch-ups quick and easy
Top Drugstore Beauty Lip Picks
Mature lips tend to lose volume and definition, so a moisturizing formula can make all the difference.
A good lip pencil can make all the difference, especially as lips lose a bit of definition with age. The NYX Slim Lip Pencil has a creamy texture that glides on without tugging and helps keep lipstick in place throughout the day. It’s firm enough to shape the lips but soft enough to blend easily.
Dry lips are something I’ve come to expect, so I’m always drawn to formulas that offer moisture along with color. The Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick has a smooth, creamy feel that doesn’t settle into lines or leave lips feeling tight. It adds just enough shine to create the illusion of fullness, and it’s the kind of classic tube you can keep in your bag for everyday touch-ups.
This COVERGIRL Continuous Color Lipstick is another hydrating option I’m glad I tried. It comes in lots of great colors and stays on very well. It’s one of those classic formulas with a bit of a cult following. The texture feels nice and creamy, and of course, I love that the brand is cruelty-free.
Best Setting Powder/Sprays
Powder can be a bit of a balancing act on mature skin. Too much and it settles into fine lines—too little and shine takes over. The Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Powder is finely milled and light enough to set makeup without looking dry or heavy. It’s designed to blur pores and cut down on shine, particularly in the T-zone, while still letting the skin look like skin.
The Milani Make It Last Sunscreen Setting Spray with SPF 30 acts as both a makeup setting spray and a sheer layer of sun protection. It’s lightweight and helps lock everything in place without a tight or sticky feel. A nice option to keep in your bag if you’re heading out for the day and want to refresh your look while staying protected. You can find more sunscreen sprays in this post: How to Reapply SPF Over Makeup Without Ruining Your Look
MORE DRUGSTORE BEAUTY FINDS FOR MATURE SKIN
Have you tried any of these? Or do you have a favorite drugstore beauty find you always keep on hand? I’d love to hear.
My dermatologist has recommended the photodynamic treatment. I’ve had several Mohs surgeries and she feels the treatment would be helpful. I’m scared to have it. Thank you SO much for sharing your progress. I hope you’re feeling better.
I’m sharing daily videos on IG if you care to see. It’s much much easier than Mohs!!
What is your IG tag?
My IG is here.
I’m definitely saving you blog today! I don’t wear much makeup but when I do I have to use budget saving products. My Merit creamy blush in Cheeky is my only splurge. I can’t wear mascara anymore because of my dry eyes and many eye drops a day. I did get your makeup mirror and wow did I find a wild long white brow hair! I could feel it but not see it until now! I like Neutrogena Moisture Smooth color stick in Pink Nude for lips. It is very creamy. I also use Mineral Fusion sheer moisture lip tint in Glisten which is a very soft rose from Natural Grocers. At 80 I like a very natural look and do not wear foundation, only moisturizer with hyaluronic acid on my face and neck. A little blush, pale pink natural looking lip and eyebrows pencil in taupe. I’m very fortunate to have my Finnish genes from my mother that gave me good skin.
I’m always happy with Cover girl products, especially their lipsticks. I really love all the Elf primers. I’m seeing their products everywhere these days. Thanks for all the info. It’s fun to try inexpensive beauty products because you don’t feel so bad if you end up not liking them.
Exactly my feelings
Thank you for the great tips! For years I have used Lancome Definicils high definition mascara with their Cils Booster XL Enhancing Lash & Mascara Primer. Recently I noticed that when using the primer, my eyes watered horribly and the mascara was now under my eyes! No watering from the mascara alone but not enough definition for these older eyes! Do you have a recommendation for a primer that is hypo-allergenic and actually works? Or is there a non-waterproof option above that you feels gives good lash definition and lengthening? TIA!
I am not sure, ladies do you have any suggestions?
Leslie, you might try a tubing mascara by L’Oreal called Double Extend. It doesn’t cause dark rings under my eyes like regular mascaras do and it comes with a primer. It washes off easily as little tubes, thus the name.
Great tip!
I used Chanel mascara and the coils booster primer for years. I had my colors done and was told I needed to use brown mascara. After spending about $100 trying to find brown mascara the worked on my fine, sparse lashes, I tried the Essence Lash Princes mascara in brown black and primer. $10 each and they work better than most mascaras I’ve used. No raccoon eyes or flaking. The primer is as good as the Dior too, and I love the small brush for my fine lashes big brushes just push my lashes out of the way without depositing any color.
Thanks Pam! I will check those out… since the pandemic I have gotten so lazy about applying makeup when running quick errands… and say ‘ugh’ out loud when I need to do more than foundation, eyebrows and a quick swipe of lipstick. hahaha… I need to get back into the swing of things – appreciate your tips!
Thanks very much for info on these inexpensive products. When I go to Ulta or even the drugstore, I’m overwhelmed, and don’t want to purchase products that don’t work for me.
I am taking notes from your recs before I go drugstore shopping for cosmetics. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing some great ideas for budget friendly makeup. I’m excited to try some of these!
I hope you feel better and please let us know about your recovery and results. My husband has been using the chemo cream for the last three weeks. His skin is cherry red. He had some spots fall off immediately. Get better!
The cream woried me so hopefuly this will feel less traumatic
I use many of these brands. I don’t believe you need to buy the really expensive products to get results.
I like No. 7 daily face cream with spf for under my make up. I use a higher concentrate spf when going for a walk or working in the garden.
For your Canadian readers, today is seniors day at Shoppers Drug Mart. Reasonable priced, plus a 20% discount.
I have used Cover Girl products for years. Their eye shadow trio colors blend nicely and the simple mascara in the green and pink container gets every lash. I also use the powder foundation for light coverage. I’m using the Elf concealer and eyebrow pencil. All Cover Girl and Revlon lipsticks apply easily. I also like those lipstick crayons!
I love the Save or Splurge column and would love to see more of those!
I’ll work on those…they take a lot of time
I saw your post on Instagram prior to your visit to the dermatologist. Your honest photo and information is so helpful to women. I admire your willingness to share. a
I do hope it’s helpful. I was hoping to see someone’s progress before I had this done and since I couldn’t find it, I thought I’d provide it.
OMG! THE BEST INFO EVER! THANKS FOR SHARING REASONABLE OPTIONS FOR DAILY CARE. I CANT AFFORD HIGH END MAKEUP AND THIS WAS MY FAVORITE ARTICLE EVER. LOADS OF GREAT INFO,THANK YOU!
I’m so glad it’s helpful Sandi!
Thank you for this post!! Budget friendly products are always welcomed especially when they are reviewed by you.
I have used the elf and still do brow pencil. Reasonably priced. These suggestions look good and I plan to keep this post in my phone so I’ll have it when I shop.
Thanks😊
I tried Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara on the advice of a beauty influencer and just recently reordered it. In my experience, it doesn’t flake or leave those frustrating black smudges under my eyes. It also washes off easily.
Great to know, thanks!
I love maybelline’s. Washable mascaras but lately they are not washable. Any recommendations was a good make up remover? Many are very oily. Thanks
Micellier water takes mine off but I do not use waterproof. I think you’ll need the oily texture to remove it.
Revlon Super Lustrous is the OG and the only place i’ve found a “your lips but better” shade for my very pigmented mauve lips. (Mauvy Night in winter, Sassy Mauve in summer.) It took me most of the 90s to figure this out. Formula is great. Other great shades for winters: Revlon Red, Cherries in the Snow, Fuchsia Fusion, Vampire Love. Great formula.
Thanks Shari! You’re so lucky to wear all those fabulous colors.
Thank you SO much for this post! I have made a list and heading out today to purchase some of these suggestions. I can vouch for several of them (particularly Cover Girl base). So happy to get the mascara options – not long ago one of my Grandgirls (3 of them ages 21, 22, 24) said, “Nana we need to talk about your mascara” and she mentioned your suggestion. Gotta love em!
Lol, your grandgirls sound so cute
I’m partial to L’Oreal mascara. I have been using it for years and find it better than some of the expensive brands. After trying many moisturizers on my 70 year old skin I always go back to Olay Regenerist. I also like the Revlon eyeshadows and lipsticks. I don’t use foundation but instead use Jolie mineral tint which is hard to find so I order it on Amazon. I agree that less is more and we age.