The Best Blush for Mature Skin and How to Apply It
The main difference between a young face and an older one is not the number of wrinkles (well that too) but the loss of our skins “natural radiance”. Skin tone becomes more uneven and brows, eyes, lips, and especially cheeks all lose color and become less defined. The key is finding the perfect formula and shade that flatters your mature skin with a nice dewy finish without settling into tiny lines or looking too harsh. I have scoured the internet for the experts latest picks and I am sharing my personal favorites. I penned the original of this post a few years ago (even though the content and pics are entirely new, google tells us to save the original links and comments or the google gods will not be nice to us!). Let’s chat about my picks for the best blush for mature skin and how to apply it.
Okay ladies here is a little outline for our blush chat:
Best Blush for Mature Skin and How to Apply It
Why Does Blush Matter Anyway?
Makeup Artists agree that blush is a game-changer for all skin types. It brings life and warmth (that youthful glow) back to our complexions. It also helps to lift and define the face, creating a more refreshed and radiant appearance.
The Best Blush Formulas for Mature Skin
A cream formula is your best option. It took me awhile to join the cream blush team. My skin was oily most of my life so powder blushes were my best friend. Powder blushes can settle into fine lines, (and well look cakey,not attractive on mature skin). There are some new hybrid creme to powder blushes that have the staying power of a powder blush but they permeate the skin better than a traditional powder blush. Liquid blushes are a newer option, but seem like they are trickier to apply. Avoid anything with glitter or shimmer that might accentuate the creases!
How to Find the Perfect Shade
Before you go out and spend a lot of money on blush, you need to find out what your skin undertone is. There are three undertone colors: warm, cool, and neutral..Supposedly if you look at the veins on the inside of your wrist and they are greenish you have warm undertones. If they are bluish you have cool undertones. If you can’ t tell you have a neutral undertone. To be honest, I can’t tell with my own, but my veins are not very prominent.
- Warm: If the base tone of your skin is yellow or gold, you have warm undertones.
- Cool: If you see hints of blue, pink or red, then you have cool undertones.
- Neutral: If there’s a mixture of both warm and cool hues, or your undertone is the same color as your actual skin color, then you fall into the neutral category.
Milk Makeup has a helpful tutorial on finding your undertone here.
What color blush should you choose? Pick a color that pops against your complexion. You will appear much more lively than if you choose a monochromatic look. Generally pinks, roses and corals flatter mature skin and give it a healthy glow.
How to Apply Blush to Mature Skin
Where to apply blush for a lifted, youthful look? We’re talking placement, placement, placement! It has taken me awhile to figure this one out, but it is a gamechanger. Apply it higher on the cheekbones, blending upward toward your temples. to create a lifting effect to counteract any sagging.Make sure you’re applying your blush about half an inch (or the width of a finger) away from your nose, mouth, and eyes, making it near the center of your cheeks. This is the ideal spot for your to start to apply blush, so that it still gives you the lifting affect you need. I read somewhere that when applying blush to mature skin, you should go no lower than the nostrils. Avoid applying it on the apples of the cheeks as we were taught when we were younger. Should you use a brush, your fingers or both? I apply mine with a brush and blend with my fingers.Blending is your best friend. Avoid a clown look, you can always build.
The Best Formulas According to the Experts
At our age, many of us have dry skin. Most experts advise avoiding powder blush formulas. For a natural look, go for a creme, liquid, or powder-to-cream hybrid that goes on like a powder but melts into the skin like a creme. Opt for skincare-infused versions that combine cosmetic benefits with skincare benefits. Look for key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter, apricot oil, aloe vera vitamin E, and other vitamins. Why not be kind to your skin? Let’s explore the top picks the experts recommend.
Cream Formulas
. “Cream formulas blend easily, hydrate the skin and provide a natural dewy look”.Cream blush can also help smooth out imperfections and wrinkles, and don’t accentuate dry patches.
Shop Best Cream Blushes for Mature Skin
My longtime favorite Milk Makeup Lip and Cheek Stick has been an allure top pick since it ‘s debut in 2016. It’s well loved skin-conditioning blend of mango butter, avocado oil, and apricot oil is a favorite of many. This blush also has a pretty extensive shade range.
Top Liquid Picks
A liquid formula can also be a great option for a color wash. A little bit goes a long way. It tends to melt into the skin rather than sit on top of it, but it can be a little trickier to apply. It requires a smooth application in a sheer layer for a beautiful wash of color.
Shop Best Liquid Blushes for Mature Skin
What I call a hybrid is actually a powder formula with moisturizing ingredients that goes on like a powder, but sinks in like a creamy formula creating a natural finish that isn’t cakey.
Shop Best Hybrid Blushes for Mature Skin
So there you have it everything I have learned about the Best Blush for Mature Skin and How to Apply It. Remember, it’s all about finding the right formula, the right shade, and mastering the application. Don’t be afraid to experiment and play around until you find what works best for you. Don’t be put off by the price. I have had my milk makeup blush for over a year. A little blush goes a long way! And most importantly, have fun with it! A touch of blush can brighten your complexion and your spirits. What is prettier than a sunkissed glow? Please share your favorites in the comments.
At my age I replaced all my makeup with Gucci’s….She shows you how to on her page. With such a light hand..like a painter. Learn something new! Put some makeup on every day ..so you get really good at it. What worked on you when you were young has got to go!!
I guess I missed it but what is the “orange” blush you have in the first pic? There seems to be tones within one color. …. Please advise.
Could you tell me is it the Brenda …. . Not the one that has the new book coming out …that has passed.
Lots of really good stuff here!! Lots to try as well… thank you!! I love Bobbie Browns new line of Jones Road… Her miracle balm takes a little getting used to (sticky) but I’ve stayed with it and love it now!!
Thank you for the wonderful information here.. you’ve obviously hit a nerve with us !
For years, I used a Revlon cream blush that I loved, so I know I’m really dating myself!! Now, for the last few years. I have used the milk blush and I do like that. I also use the Nas orgasm powder blush – I may go out of the house looking a wreck, but I will always have blush and lipstick on!!
Hi Cindy,
You got me hooked on Milk Blush and I’ve never looked back. It’s perfect for me and as an added bonus it’s small and great for travel.
For lipstick I used to do “all the things”…liner, lipstick, gloss. During COVID a blogger in England shared a great lipstick to wear under a mask. It’s by Maybelline and called “super stay crayon”. Now it’s all I wear. Lots of great colors.
I have two blushes right now and I told myself I need to use them up before getting a new one. The powder to cream formulas look very intriguing especially the RMS one. Never heard of this brand. I like something that has staying power but is easy to apply sometimes that’s a tall order to fill.
Does blush replace lipstick for a great look?
I see many mature women with blush, very few wear lipstick today.
Give us A post on lipstick next.
I can add lipstick and see the age lessen.
I always remember : Lipstick is instant glamour,
and it will take you anywhere! Ha! Ha!
It can be such a challenge finding the perfect blush – have bought so many that didn’t work. You have some great suggestions here! A couple I would add are Bobbi Brown Pot Rogue (which goes on sticky feeling but doesn’t stay that way) and Nars Liquid Blush. Also, Nars has a great cream bronzer that I sometimes wear in place of blush. Chanel’s Cream-to-Powder blush is lovely, but also very pricey.
Hi Barbara
I featured both the Bobby Brown (which I have) and the Nars (I have tried the colors don’t work for me personally) on my previous post. I feel there are some new ones that now out perform them now, even though they are very good. I know we all have our favorites that is why it is so good to share!!
I spent this year trying to find a truly fragrance-free cream blush that didn’t irritate my ridiculously sensitive skin. Here are the two finalists, for others who might also be struggling: Jane Iredale’s Glow Time Blush Stick and Goop’s Beauty Cream Blush. Both are available on Amazon or from the retailer, and both are truly fragrance-free. Of the two, I use the Goop one the most, simply because the color is better for me.
Thanks Bette for sharing!
Thanks for all the research you did on this topic. I promptly went to Sephora and a lovely (very young) associate helped me pick out the perfect color of MILK blush. And talked me into a blush brush to apply it with. I’m loving it so far. It makes such a difference.
Hi Deanna
I am so glad you found the Milk. I just love it.
Great post Cindy! My personal favorite blush is the Nars Liquid Blush.
Hi Jill
Thank you so much for sharing. I know so many love the Nars.
What a wonderful post., the sallow look we get with age can only be fixed with make up, I’m a blush lover and cream makeup has been the best invention of the century. Recently, I have switched to Seint 3D foundation, with cream bronzer and cream blushes , Seint make up is weightless, it’s free of all the bad ingredients and cruelty free.when it comes to blush, and lipsticks, I admittedly spend way too much on them….
Hi Liana
You are so right. I have heard good things about Seint. I think I will try it. You always look so gorgeous. We deserve it!
Great post! Amazing research! Thank you so much. For reasons stated above sometimes I’m over blushed or under blushed! I have the cream blush by Bobbi Brown. It’s years old! I just carry it in my handbag if I need a touch-up, but I don’t use it on a regular basis. Then there are times, like The Contessa I just use my bronzer! I feel with the bronzer I can’t go too overdone! I like Bobby Brown bronzer.
You gave some great alternatives too. I might have to check them out. AND try my cream blush in the mornings!
Thanks again
Hi Carol
I need to get a good bronzer. I know both Sandra and the Contessa both only wear bronzer. I need to find a good one. I like the Bobbi Brown by the way, but don’t love the color on me. I wish they would bring back all the wonderful colors that Bobbi had when she owned the company.
As I’ve gotten older I totally get why older women sometimes look over – made up. First is the contradictory info you sometimes get while trying to freshen up your makeup look. I seriously got completely opposite advice from 2 different consultants from the same cosmetic line in a single week – what?! Then my fading eyesight (and with it the loss of really good peripheral vision) makes it difficult to say if I have on too much or too little. My girlfriend, who owns a cosmetic store and is always completely made up) always tells me I’m not wearing enough but I live an extremely casual life and can not carry that look. What to do!
Hi Margot
Oh my goodness you hit the nail on the head. I remember my husband’s mother (who was a lovely lady) in her old age had makeup in her eyebrows, lipstick misplaced etc. She had terrible lighting in her bathrooms and failing eyesight. If she had seen herself as others did. She would have died. I completely understand it now. I do agree that too much is too much. There is a fine line. All the talk about the french girl look which is very popular now, is all about wearing less but looking natural. Sandra Sallin has a great youtube video on that. Sandra does an excellent job with her makeup and she is over 80!!
Hi Margot
I agree with everything you said. It is a dilemma isn’t it?
Perfect timing! I am down to the last few drops of my NARS liquid blush (Orgasm) . It’s nice, but doesn’t seem to last very long, so I am looking. Wow – you’ve given us so many great options, thanks! I appreciate all the work that you do in your research of these products! Loved the mention of Brenda, such a gifted writer and actually her blog led me to you and your circle of talented bloggers. I love the positivity and great info that you always share.
Hi Barb
Ha! I love Milk. I have had the same problem. So far Milk is the winner for me, but as we know with makeup, it is ever changing!!
I was just getting ready to add loved the mention of Brenda! So miss her and her approach to fashion and make up. She’s still dearly missed. ❤️
Hi Sally
I am so glad Brenda’s posts are still out there. She was truly the best!
What a great post Cindy! I always know that you do your research!
Hi Annie
I try!
If you mean Brenda Kinsel, her webpages seem to be gone, and have been for a long time. It;s such a shame because she was so informative, generous and fun to read. Yes, a loss, indeed.
RE-READING my last comment I still use the GUERLAIN BRONZER NO BLUSH……….
I have tried the stick bronzer and highlighter and blush from BOOM and another but I was not that SOLD on them.
I can give you the other set not the BOOM the other its name escapes now…… Cindy to try?
PS. YOUR INSTAGRAM feed does not show up on the first page of your posts for me.Has a question mark?
Hi Eliz
I didn’t have good luck with Boom either. It did not last on me, but I know many love it. Thanks for letting me know about the IG glitch. I can’t find anyone else that is having that problem. Maybe clear your cache.
Cindy, I always love your informative posts and it makes me realize how much I don’t know and how little I do. My makeup routine takes about 2 minutes in the morning~ha! and I don’t look in a mirror all day. Perhaps it’s time to do a little more. I, too, am doing more of a French look with a bit of bronzer, but using a matte, pale pink lipstick instead of bright red. It all works for me and I do spend a bit more time when I need to dress up. But love all the info~who knew there were so many choices!??! And I agree, providing this kind of information should be rewarded with people clicking on your links.
P.S. Half the fun is reading the comments, too
Hi Mary
I don’t look in the mirror all day either. That is why I want something that lasts. I check my lipstick that is it! Yes everyone always shares great info in the comments! Love my readers!
You are such a good researcher for those of us too lazy to experiment. I’m still using powder but it’s time to check out cream formulas because it makes sense with drier skin. I guess one pats them in with fingertips, even if it is in a stick form, to get evenness. One less brush to carry and clean!
Hi Wren
I was hooked on powder forever too. I am tempted to try one of the creme powder combos…maybe next!! Have fun in France. I am jealous!
Wow! What a surprise. Thank you for mentioning and featuring me on this post.Would you believe I’m not wearing blush, I’m wearing bronzer!!! Ive started wearing a “French makeup look.” In fact I made a YOuTube video all about it. I bet it would look good on you also with your dark skin,
Of course I adore all the women you mentioned. They all have their own unique and particular style. Boy do I miss Brenda. To be honest I think she was just the best. Not only a creative stylist but also a brilliant and creative writer. truly the best!!! Thank you for featuring her. She is missed.
Sandra I loved your French girl makeup video. I guess I have always taken that approach out of laziness. I so agree about Brenda. She was the ultimate pro. Such a great loss.
Oh, I miss Brenda too…I learned so much from her. She is loved and missed.
For natural glow I use Blue Water Beauty skincare products which are organic and made in small batches. Their serums and daily moisturizer leave my skin looking fresh and radiant. For blush, bronzer and lipstick, I use Boom Color stick which is part of the Boom collection by Cindy Joseph. At 73, I receive more compliments on my skin than I did at 23… and this is after spending 50 years in the sun without protection.
Hi Lynn
Blue water beauty is new to me. I must check it out. I have tried the Boom. I love the concept, but for me it would not last. Maybe now that my skin is a bit dryer I should give it another shot.
I’m a big fan of both the Ilia and the Westman sticks. Very, very nice! Great round up.
Hi Jennifer
I loved the Ilia just did not like the color on me. I would like to try the Westman. I see a color that I think would work.
I miss Brenda such a classy woman. Dressed with details but didn’t try to look Twenty-five . A few months ago I reread her entire blog.
Hi Karen
Brenda was one in a million wasn’t she? As Sandra said, not only did she have great style, but she was a wonderful writer. Such a loss to all of us who loved her.
You always have the best tips … I was just thinking of tossing the powder blush as I felt I was looking a little like “over-imbibed” (well put! BTW). Will do a little shopping for my warm color! thanks again!
Hi Holly
Ha!! I have a love hate relationship with makeup in general. As I mentioned to Patricia I spent most of my life with very little. Now I want that look but I want to cover the flaws.
I think Sandra’s makeup looks fabulous. Like you I have oily skin…I had a pimple on my chin the week before my 70th birthday last month! Needless to say, I don’t use cream anything on my face, including Olay which I use on my neck and chest. I used powdered blush, currently bare minerals, and follow with a setting spray or simply a slightly damp makup sponge. For my birthday, my husband and I spent three weeks in France and I did not see one French woman in “full face makeup”. Plenty of red lipsticks, but everything else really subdued.
Hi Patricia
As always you have great information to share. You have my issues!! I use the oil of olay serum. I cannot use anything oily still! What is it with pimples at our age? I have one right now and I am turning 65 in a few weeks. I never wore much makeup until old age set in! Now I need to cover the sun damage. I used bare minerals for years. I just purchased their bronzer on the advice of a very helpful clerk at Sephora.
I got so much out of this post!! Especially that I need a setting powder! Man, my hair looks bad in that photo! It was right before I got the “works” done at the hair salon. Anyway, thanks for this authoritative post.
Thank you Cindy for including me in this very informative blog. OK, I admit I still use powder blush. I have never gotten the cream to glow on me the way the powder does. I think when I spread it on my face, my face gets very pink so I never put the right amount on, and it fades. Maybe I should try again. BUT, I’m very happy using two powder blushes. Maybe because they are so soft they kinda glide on and I can mush them together with my bronzer so it just slides on. I love chantecaille’s powder blush and Dior’s Powder blush. I put them on with a ridiculously soft Bobbie Brown soft powder brush. I then blend them together with the bronzer I put on before. Again with a huge powder brush. I’ll try cream again just because of you. But the powder has been working for me. I think. But I could change tomorrow. Thanks again. Oh, BTW, do not smile while putting on the blush. It will get in your lines. This was a tip right from the mouth of Bobbie Brown.
Love those tips Sandra! What bronzer do/you use by the way? That needs to be in its own post as well. I have been using powder and it really is starting to look bad (like everything else) I have had the same problem with a creme blush that is why I am going to try the creme with a setting powder or a creme/powder. I had good luck with sephora’s own brand for several years but it is time to change!!
I think the thing about bronzers is that you need one that works with your skin tone., I have a lot of pink in my skin. So those orange and brown bronzers just don’t work. I use one from Dior that has the word DIOr imprinted on it. There is some rose in it so it works with my skin. I’m dead looking without bronzer and blush!
Oh gosh! Reading your great post and all the comments—so much information! I’ve tried the elf stick but it doesn’t last on me. Next on my list to try is the Milk blush. I don’t use a setting powder, or anything powder, except I keep going back to NARS powder blush, just using a tiny bit. My skin is dry but not wrinkled (yet, hah!) in the blush area. Hmmm, maybe one of the cream-powder hybrids would work for me. Love all your research, Cindy, and everyone’s comments!
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for another great post! Since I’ve switched from a powder blush to liquid, I really like the NARS liquid blush in Torrid. I don’t use a setting powder. What I use is Urban Decay setting spray and it leaves me with a nice glow and makeup stays nicely set.
Hi Jill
Thanks for the tip I am going to put that Urban Decay sparay on my list. I tried another brand one time and it didn’t work for me. I would love to hear what foundation you use as well. I am currently on the fence with that one as well.
I love posts like this so much, Cindy. I spend way too much time looking at You Tube and Instagram tutorials, and while they are instructional for application, they don’t address mature skin and its needs. I know this was a huge post, for anyone! Linking products takes awhile. I’m appreciative of those links as well as t\hose of the women you featured.
That said, I finally got off the powder bandwagon, as well a full coverage foundation. Where was my mind? I never paid attention to ‘coverage’ and then one day I saw my face in the daylight and I looked like I had a mask on! I don’t really have anything to hide and full coverage does not hide lines! I also learned at some point that setting powder, bronzer, and powder blush was one big build-up of powder that was hiding my true brightness and freckles (which I loathed at one time!). I just started using Bare Mineral Cream blush. I learned how to apply it with warm fingers and then blend it out with the correct brush. I am a little disappointed that it’s only available in four shades, so that’s a great reason to save your list of cream blushes.
Thanks always for an informative post and gorgeous! I’m working to expand my blog in the direction of self care and your series with The Contessa is wonderfully inspiring!
Jane❤️
Hi Jane
I kind of feel the same way. I never wore much makeup but now I have spots, wrinkles, and lines. It is hard to find something that covers but doesn’t look cakey. I would love to have my makeup done by someone that really knows what they are doing. It certainly is not my strong point.
Thanks for all of your research and sharing, Cindy. I am 61 (but don’t look it, I am told) and like the Jane Iredale powder blush as well as powder blush from Laura Geller. For a finishing powder, you cannot go wrong with IT, both loose and pressed (I think they are called bye bye pores), and Jane Iredale. Laura Geller also makes a really pretty finishing powder. You did not cover foundation, but for our age group, I like the mineral foundation from Jane, Smashbox, and IT. For a liquid/cream, I really like the Smashbox BB cream. I would love it if you would do a post on undereye concealers, Retin A (it is amazing, especially for gals of our age), retinol products, injections such as botox, and fillers.
Hi Judith
Thanks for weighing in. I tried a few of Jane Aredales products years ago, I think I need to give them another try. I really like the IT line. I currently use her BB Cream. I will certainly continue doing these posts. I will try not to make them so intensive. I would love to get my Dermatologist to weigh in on all of the options she has availabe at her office. I am definitely a fan of Retin A. I only wish I had started using it years ago and stayed out of the sun!
But that is the beauty of Retin A, Cindy. It corrects a multitude of sins. I am living proof. And none of us mind your being “intensive,” as you saved us a lot of work!
Great post Cindy! I love Bobbi Brown’s cream blush in an apricot. Not crazy about blush or highlighter’s that shimmer. I looked at most of your links and can appreciate how long your research took. Thanks so much! xoxox, Brenda
Hi Brenda
I am definitely going to try the Bobbie Brown. It sounds like it might work for me. Shimmer isn’t good that’s for sure at my age! Thanks for sharing your go tos.
Well, That was a nice surprise!
Thank you for the COMPLIMENTS!I can be ready BEFORE THE ITALIAN IS READY!!!
I still use a POWDER BLUSH, but what I really LOVE is a BRONZER and just use as a BLUSH…….
In this photo I have a pinky color but MOST DAYS its a BROWN.
THANKS for ALL YOUR INFO………..I LOVE THE SHARING THAT GOES ON HERE!
May I ask WHY you want a NEW BLUSH?What old blush did you use?
I tend to have my blush for YEARS!!!!!!!I just tossed one a LANCOME that had to be 10 years old!I had to talk myself into tossing it!!!”Elizabeth, its OKAY if you do not finish the compact ITS OLD ITS GOT TO GO!”
SO, you timing is perfect!
XX
What bronzer do you use? I hate to admit that I use eyeshadow for bronzer (it actually works and it is more pigmented for our darker skin) I would like to find one that is more official however! I get ready faster than Steve as well. What is it about the men that it takes them so long to get ready!!