Beginners foundation / powder for mid 40s?

[Fieldfly]

I’ve never worn foundation but getting to an age where I’d like a bit of something - white under my eyes from always wearing sunglasses! When I look at most women my age that I mix with they look lovely- subtle but polished. I’ve tried a few samples - Lancôme and Chanel in their lightweight range, (I use their mascara and eye pencils). Applied by the woman at the stand. Although both did even things out it was very ageing - seemed to sit in and highlight my wrinkles and pore and cling to the tiny hairs looking all powdery. My skin is pretty ok really; some deep (genetic) smile and forehead lines but no fine lines and I’m blonde and freckly. Teen dds assure me that only very old people wear foundation! I always wear mascara and a bit of pencil on the lower lid and nothing else.
I’m looking for something very light - just for a bit of smoothness and glow and to blend in the pale under eye area. Has to be easy to apply!

I’ve recently bought this Tinted moisturiser and also this Foundation and the first I find brilliant for when I want to look but more polished but not made up. The second I bought as I was fed up at not being able to buy the Charlotte Tilsbury Hollywood filter in my shade anywhere. I’m 40s with dry skin and both work very well for me.

Thank you - the no 7 foundation looks interesting.

I don't really get who foundation is for as young skins don't need it and old skins don't always get on with it.

You can dermaplane your fine hairs off, that always makes make up sit better. A primer might help, I tend to just see my SPF as my primer.

With any product you don't have to slap it all over your face, that can make things look flat.

You can sheer out slightly too heavy formulas by mixing with moisturiser.

I'd recommend Nars radiant tinted moisturiser. Terre Neuve is the lightest shade. I also like the Bare Minerals complexion rescue. Eborian gets a lot of love on here.

Try Laura Geller balance and brighten, it’s a baked cream foundation which goes on like powder with a brush. It’s really easy to apply lightly or build up

Everyone has a preferred way of applying foundation but honestly of all the methods, I keep coming back to a damp beauty blender ( or any silicone foundation sponge) bounced across the skin.

Foundation brushes seem to leave stripe marks, however diligently I use them and I find using my fingers messy.

I generally only cover my T- zone with a few dots and then blend outwards. Powder around my nose and forehead only to stop shine. Most people's cheeks don't get greasy, so no point in powdering there.

If I were you I'd go for a tinted moisturiser or a serum type foundation rather than the sort that give a flat, matte cover.

L'Oreal true match is sheer and has a pretty inclusive colour range
No7 Hydraluminous is sheer and glowy.
Nars Light reflecting foundation gives a bit more cover but with a light touch gives a great base.