As we get older, our skin, like everything else on our bodies, changes. The complexion you have in your 20s is not the same one you have in your 30s, 40s, and beyond. As our skin changes, so do our beauty needs, and we may find ourselves switching up the products we use and how we use them as we mature.

Besides serums, lotions, and treatments, it’s also important to rethink the cosmetics you apply as you become older, especially foundation. While not every lady is quick to hop on the latest beauty trends, most women use foundation as the basis for the rest of their makeup, no matter how minimal or extensive, so it’s a good idea to switch it up every few years, or at least once a decade. To ensure you make the best choice for your age and your skin, here are some basic tips to consider for each stage of life.

The roaring 20s! Such a beautiful time of growth and life-experiences, as well as entry-level jobs and relationship woes. In comparison to the emotional highs and lows of this decade, your skin is pretty low-maintenance. Sure, you may have a blemish or two to conceal, but overall sticking to a lightweight foundation that’s more on the sheer side like BB creams from Estee Lauder or Neutrogena will serve you well in your 20s. If you aren’t already, look for products with built-in SPF, like Bare Minerals sunscreen-enhanced powder.

Thirtysomethings. Once you hit your 30s, life is full steam ahead, and chances are you have a handle on your beauty routine. No matter the ins and outs of that routine, this is the time to start ramping up your hydration with moisture-boosting foundations that also have anti-aging properties. I’m a fan of L’Oreal products, as well as Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30. Mary Kay TimeWise Luminous-Wear is also nice. Just be sure to steer clear of bases that are too opaque, as they can end up doing more harm than good.

Forty & Fabulous. By the time you hit your 40s you’ve found your stride and have got the day-to-day down pat. Look for foundation that promotes elasticity and cell turnover. Again, anything with SPF included is always a good option, like Clarins Extra-Comfort Anti-Aging foundation with SPF 15. And, while some may advise to start pancaking on the makeup, if you’ve been taking care of your skin, by 40 you can still get away with light coverage, especially with the enriched formulas like Lancome’s Miracle Cushion Foundation. Of course, at this stage in your beauty life, products will get more expensive than the drugstore options from your 20s, but now is the time to invest in yourself.

Fifty & More Fabulous! In your 50s, you may find you have more time for self-care, so bring on the pampering! You definitely want to take care of your health this decade and show your skin all the love it can handle. Keep up with moisturizers and foundations with SPF, and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles with oil-free hydrating products. Clarins Extra Firming Foundation has SPF 15 and an oat sugar extract for tightening and to help minimize dark spots. Estee Lauders’ Youth-Infusing Serum makeup (the name says it all, right?) with built-in SPF will help improve the appearance of fine lines and boosts hydration.

The swinging 60s. It used to be that once a lady reached her sixth decade, her life began to wind down. While life may start moving at a slower pace with retirement, it doesn’t mean that women in their 60s are any less vibrant or beautiful than their younger counterparts. And to keep that vibrancy going, strong serum-based foundations, as opposed to matte or sheer formulas, work best for mature skin. Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Skin Serum Foundation with SPF 40 is chock-full of natural extracts to energize the skin and keep it looking fresh. BareMineral has BareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation with SPF 20, formulated with antioxidants for a bright and radiant complexion.

Throughout your beauty life, the two things to look for in foundation are SPF and hydration. Both features will serve you well no matter what your age. Of course, the best face you can have is a confident one, and, more importantly, a happy one. So be proud of those laugh lines and don’t spend too much time in front of the mirror.