"As the body ages, especially for women, natural moisturizing factors are depleted," explains aesthetician and celebrity makeup artist Geri G. "Dry, thin and aged skin tends to absorb anything that's applied. Therefore, you don't want to apply a heavy foundation, as it will make the skin look heavy, and older as a result," she says. "Instead, look for a water-based foundation." We recommend Maybelline New York Superstay Better Skin Foundation, $10.99, the brand's first hydrating foundation, which was created specifically to reverse dull, blotchy skin. Plus, containing SPF 20, it offers some valuable sun protection.

How to Use It: Moisten a BeautyBlender or sponge, and blend foundation from the center of the face outward. As needed, lightly use a hydrating concealer to cover dark circles or blemishes.

Laura Geller Baked Liquid Radiance Foundation, $38, is another water-based product, so it feels lightweight and moisturizing. At the same time, the terracotta-baked pigments were designed to deliver natural-looking color correction to the skin. For people with slight discoloration, age spots or dullness, this nourishing liquid foundation evens out skin tone, leaving behind a weightless finish.

How to Use It: Put your toolkit away: You're best off applying this product with your fingers. "The heat from your fingertips will help seamlessly melt the foundation into all the planes of your face, without the lines or missed areas that [other tools] can leave," says Leahy. Squirt two pumps of foundation on the back of your hand, then take your middle finger and apply five light dabs of product down your nose, across your cheeks, forehead and chin. Gently use circular motions to blend from the center of the face outwards for seamless coverage.

Women with dry skin and wrinkles should avoid pressed powder foundations, "as the powder will settle into lines and accentuate them," says New York dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD. "Look for a hydrating foundation that contains hyaluronic acid. This will help add moisture to the skin and plump up those fine lines." Loaded with hyaluronic acid, Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals A Foundation, $50, is a tinted treatment serum that offers sheer coverage and major hydration for the skin, while reflecting light to diminish the look of fine lines.

How to Use It: Use Jane Iredale's Flocked Sponge, $5.50, to apply product to the center of the face and blend out toward your ears, hairline and jawline.

Years of sun exposure can cause discoloration and age spots, as well as broken capillaries, which make skin look pink or ruddy, explains Glaser. As a result, a water-based foundation might not be enough for some women. In this case, Glaser recommends a buildable silicone-based foundation that provides more coverage, such as Face Atelier Ultra Foundation, $48. Silicone has an "optical blurring effect," which creates "the illusion of smoother, more uniform skin with a naturally dewy finish." Better yet, the product sets on its own, so you can give your primer and powder a break.

How to Use It: While sponges are great for achieving light coverage, a foundation brush will give you more precise control, says Elizabeth Arden Global Makeup Artist Rebecca Restrepo. "For a more youthful appearance, only apply product where you absolutely need it -- where you have spots, redness or uneven tone." Using a foundation brush, like The Canvas Brush by Geri G, $22, apply foundation in short stippling strokes.

Many women with mature skin also suffer from adult acne, according to Jaliman. Pimple-prone ladies should steer clear of foundations that contain silicones, mineral oil or thickening agents, such as isopropyl palmitate. "These ingredients clog pores and tend to make acne worse," says Jaliman. Instead, opt for a foundation with breakout-clearing salicylic acid, such as Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup, $27.

How to Use It: With clean fingertips or a foundation brush, apply light layers of product to the center of the face and blend out, building the coverage as needed. For more localized coverage, use sparing amounts of a creamy, anti-aging concealer on blemishes and dark spots. Glaser recommends Eve PearlFx Liquid Salmon Concealer & Eye Brightener, $40, which contains wrinkle-fighting retinol, vitamin E and aloe. Just be aware that retinol may irritate sensitive skin.