12 of the Best Celebrity Makeup Artist Recommended Blushes for Mature Skin
These formulas and shades will enliven your skin in just one swipe
If you’re like us, you probably remember a great aunt who put little circles of blush on the apples of her cheeks and ended up looking, well, a bit silly. If so, you may have sworn off blush then and there. The trouble is as skin becomes paler and more sallow with age, dusting on blush can actually be the boost you’re looking for — as long as you chose the right one! We turned to makeup pros to help us discover the best blush for mature skin. We’ve curated a list of the best blushes for mature skin, plus how to find your perfect shade of blush and the best way to apply it.
12 of the best blushes for mature skin
- Best cream blush : Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil
- Best multi-purpose blush : Stila Convertible Color Lip & Cheek Cream Blush
- Best blush for easy application : Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush
- Best powder blush : L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Satin Blush
- Best longwear blush : Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
- Best stick blush : Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Blush
- Best budget blush : e.l.f. Putty Blush
- Best blush for dry skin : MILK Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick
- Best blush for Any Skintone : Youthforia BYO Blush Oil
- Best Cheek Tint Blush : Jillian Dempsey Cheek Tint: Natural Cream Blush
- Best Korean Beauty Blush : Florasis Dream Cream Blush
- Best Cream Stick Blush for Mature Skin : Make Beauty Dewy Gel Cheek Tint
The skin on our face changes with age
Once you round 50, it’s time to switch up the type and color of blush you’re using — plus the way you apply it — because of the way our skin changes as we age, says celebrity makeup artist Bryan Cantor. Our skin tends to be drier, less firm and its tone can look duller or discolored, he points out.
Cream blush is the best formula for mature skin
If you’ve never tried a cream blush, now’s the time — especially given that your skin is probably drier than it used to be. “The moisturizing base of a cream blush sinks into the skin, making for a more natural flush, rather than just sitting on top of the skin the way a powder does,” explains Cantor.
Makeup artist and beauty expert Jenny Patinkin agrees: “Cream blush is very flattering on ‘lived-in’ skin. It has a dewy texture that makes skin look healthy and vital and blends in seamlessly.” But if you are really committed to sticking with a powder, Patinkin advises looking for one with a silky or satin finish (rather than one that’s totally matte) in order to help create some radiance.
The goal with blush is to add youthful color back to skin and create a healthy glow, but it’s important to stay away from formulas that are packed with overly shimmery and sparkly pigments. “Avoid any products that contain visible particles of glitter or shimmer, as they can settle into and end up enhancing the look of fine lines and wrinkles,” cautions Cantor.
How to pick your most flattering blush shade
While it may not be as precise of a science as finding an ideal foundation match, it’s still important to choose a blush that enhances your particular complexion. It’s especially important to consider your skin’s undertones.
- If your skin is cooler or more pink, Cantor suggests picking pink blushes with bluer undertones, mauves or even pinks that look a little bit purple.
- If you have warmer, yellow undertones, look for pinks and peaches with warmer, orange undertones, he adds.
One easy way to determine your skin’s undertones? If you gravitate toward silver jewelry, you’re likely cooler, and if you prefer gold jewelry, you’re probably warmer.
The depth and darkness of the blush color should also correlate with your skin tone. For example, Cantor recommends using deeper pink or coral blushes if you have tan or more olive skin. And for the darkest complexions, red, burgundy and plum hues are especially flattering.
Here’s a more extensive guide to determining your skin undertone!
The best way to apply blush on mature skin
“Apply blush higher than you have in the past,” recommends Cantor. “The best spot for most face shapes is slightly above the cheekbones. This higher placement counteracts any type of sagging, creating the illusion of an instant facelift.”
“Just make sure the blush isn’t too close to the under eye area, where it can accentuate the appearance of under-eye bags and fine lines, or too close to the folds between your nose and mouth, as this can make cheeks appear droopy,” says Patinkin. A good rule of thumb is to have blush sit two fingers away from the nose and two fingers away from underneath eyes (as shown below).
All of the above applies to almost all face shapes. However, if you have a square or round face, focus on keeping the blush more toward the center of your face for a slimming effect. Otherwise, blush should typically be swept upward and outward, toward your temples, which optically lifts facial features even more.
To see these blush application tricks in action, check out the video below from beauty YouTuber Jodi Mannes.
The best blush for mature skin
Ready to experiment with a new blush? You can’t go wrong with these expert-backed choices.
Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil
Best cream blush
Why we like it:
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- Feels weightless on skin
- Has a subtle radiant finish
Patinkin calls this blush her current favorite, praising its wear time. The creamy formula is hydrating (credit goes to hyaluronic acid) though it still feels light on skin and leaves the complexion with a subtle dewy glow. There are six shades to pick from and Patinkin says the ‘Barely Blushing’ hue is a gorgeous nude for those who don’t want a blush that skews too pink or red.
Happy Customer: “I always want something not powdery, not pinky. I am also not good at liquid blush. This IS the one! I love the rose color which is very bulidable! Perfect for my mature skin.”
Stila Convertible Color Lip & Cheek Cream Blush
Best multi-purpose blush
Why we like it:
- Easily blends
- Can be used on lips, lids and cheeks
- Works well applied with a brush or fingers
Both makeup pros we spoke with had this blush on their top list of recommendations. Cantor says the formula, which is made with natural oils and waxes, blends beautifully into drier, more mature skin. Patinkin points out that it glides on beautifully, and loves that the wearable shades can pull triple-duty, equally as flattering on lids or lips as they are on cheeks — and you can apply with a blush brush or fingers to add a pop of color to features.
Happy Customer: “This creme blush stays on all day and does not need a dry blush over it. The choice of colors is wonderful. I usually choose a different color for winter and summer. Being a redhead, it’s difficult to find the color of blush that works well.”
Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush
Best blush for easy application
Why we like it:
- 8 natural-looking shades
- Small domed shape makes it easy to apply
- Easily buildable or sheered out
This blush is so fun and easy to apply, says Patinkin of another one of her favorites: “Just dab the domed top onto your cheeks and blend.” While the product may be small, the formula is long-wearing and can easily be stowed in your bag for touch-ups. Plus, the creamy blush, which comes in a variety of neutral shades for different skin tones, can be layered if you want more of a pigmented punch or sheered out as you blend it in.
Happy Customer: “When I first tried this product, I was honestly disappointed with the pigment payoff. However, after switching my application from applying directly on the skin to using a medium-sized denser brush I am a fan! Being on the more sheer side, it will inevitably not last quite as long on the skin as I would like (I’m generally wearing makeup anywhere from 8-14 hours) without reapplication, but the color Stockholm is just so gorgeous that I can’t even be that mad. It’s so lovely that I’ll probably have to get another color soon!”
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Satin Blush
Best powder blush
Why we like it:
- Affordable
- Powder-cream hybrid
- Has a radiant finish
While creams are generally a better choice for mature skin than powders, this drugstore blush is a good exception to the rule. It’s powder-esque, though it contains camellia oil that gives the blush an almost cream-like texture. It’s a top choice for Cantor, who says it leaves skin looking healthy and radiant, never cakey or dry.
Happy Customer: “This blush needed more application than the L’oreal Visible Lift Blush. Other than that, its a nice color for mature skin.”
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
Best longwear blush
Why we like it
- Wide shade range
- Sweat- and water-resistant
- Never feels sticky or tacky
If you’re in the market for a budge-proof blush, try this one. Cantor says the longwear benefits are impressive, specifically the fact that it’s both water- and sweat-resistant. And even though it’s a cream, it goes onto skin smooth and stays put without feeling sticky or greasy. There are also 14 shades available so there’s one for everyone as they flatter a wide array of different skin tones.
Happy Customer: “Love how it’s not harsh and blends in smoothly. Just a hint of color is all I need and I’m on my way!”
Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Blush
Best stick blush
Why we like it:
- Great for an on-the-go application
- Has a built-in brush
- Soft focus finish
Stick formulas are amazing for when you’re on the go and this dual-ended choice is no exception. “It comes with a built-in brush to make blending a breeze and melts into skin,” says Cantor. The texture is also ever-so-slightly dewy, which creates a soft focus effect that blurs aging skin concerns.
Happy Customer: “First time buyer of this blush – but long time ABH customer. This blush is so smooth, blends so well, and doesn’t smear off my foundation. And beautiful, rich color – I got peachy keen.”
e.l.f. Putty Blush
Best budget blush
Why we like it:
- Low price
- Cream to powder formula
- Contains moisturizing argan oil
This wallet-friendly choice is another great blush option for those who prefer powders. It goes on like a cream — since it’s packed with moisturizing ingredients like argan oil — but dries down to more of a velvety, powder-like finish. Patinkin is a fan, especially of the ‘Caribbean’ shade, which she says is a gorgeous rich rose hue that’s especially stunning on medium or deep skin tones.
Happy Customer: “Creamy texture when applied. Dries like a powder without yhe powdery look. Easy to blend out.”
MILK Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick
Best blush for dry skin
Why we like it:
- Very hydrating
- Multi-tasking product
- Comes in a variety of finishes
While any cream blush is a good pick for dry skin, generally speaking, this one really takes the cake. “It contains hydrating ingredients to add moisture, while also making the color buildable and blendable,” Cantor points out. More specifically, it’s loaded with mango butter, avocado oil and apricot oil, all of which moisturize skin. What’s more, this stick blush can be swept onto lips as well to create a pretty monochromatic makeup look and it’s available in satin and shimmery finishes so skin looks radiant.
Happy Customer: “I have been wearing this blush daily for over a year and am barely running low on product! I wear sunscreen, this Milk blush stick, and mascara as my everyday routine. This shade does not have shimmer (preferred) and I love it!!”
Youthforia BYO Blush Oil
Best blush for Any Skintone
Why we like it:
- Chemical reaction gives you the perfect shade
- Formulated with 20 plant based extracts to hydrate and nourish your skin
- Works on all skin tones and skin types
This is the easiest blush to shop for because you don’t have to decide which hue is right for you — the formula reacts to your skin’s pH taking all the guesswork out of finding the perfect blush! Plus, BYO Blush won’t dry out your skin or leave it feeling irritated (even if you sleep in it).
Happy Customer: “This is the best blush I have ever used. The color matched me perfectly I don’t think I will ever use another shade again… 10/10 recommend!!!”
Jillian Dempsey Cheek Tint: Natural Cream Blush
Best Cheek Tint Blush
Why we like it:
- Formulated with natural and organic plant waxes and bamboo stem extract
- Can be applied to lips and eyes too!
- Made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, petrochemicals, and GMOs
Velvety and vegan, these cream blushes glide on cheeks, blend easily and deliver lasting color. Try a swipe on lips for a nourishing color that saturates and stays put!
Happy Customer: “I started using Jillian Dempsey makeup products during covid. I had decided that organic products might be better for aging skin. The blush colors are natural and add just the right pop of color. You can also blend them with other colors. They last all day and give your skin a nice dewy look. I love them,”
Florasis Dream Cream Blush
Best Korean Beauty Blush
Why we like it:
- Moisturizing ingredients and rich pigment
- Water- and sweat-proof!
- Refreshes and replenishes
Replicating ancient natural plant-based rouges of old, this blush refreshes and replenishes with soothing Damask rose water, hydrating argan oil, and calms with prickly pear seed extract. It’s one of the smoothest most blendable blushes that’s perfect for mature skin.
Happy Customer: “First of all the packaging is absolutely beautiful! It’s extremely pigmented but blends into the skin so well.”
Make Beauty Dewy Gel Cheek Tint
Best Cream Stick Blush for Mature Skin
Why we like it:
- 8 shades to choose from
- Dewy finish
- Buildable, blendable coverage
This innovative formula features skin enhancing pigments that give your cheeks a dewy, watercolor-blush effect. With skin-plumping ingredients like brown algae, you’ll love the volume and radiance this blush gives your face!
Happy Customer: “Does everything. The one cosmetic you need in your purse!”
For more affordable beauty products to shop that are great for women over 50:
The 9 Best Undereye Concealers for Mature Skin That Brighten, Smooth and Hydrate
The 12 Best Foundations for Mature Skin That Will Cover + Repair Flaws
The 8 Best Hair Clips for Thin Hair That Will Hold Without Tugging or Dragging
