Sarah Creal’s latest blush, which debuted in March, has already made its mark on mature skin. “What stands out about this formula is the blurring effect,” Persico says. “Mature skin benefits tremendously from products that softly diffuse texture rather than emphasizing it, and this mousse has an airbrushed quality while still lasting well throughout the day.” The formula is enriched with peptides for a touch of nourishing skin care benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Is powder or cream blush better for older skin?
“Cream and balm formulas are going to be your best friends if you have mature skin,” says May Paulina, a pro hair and makeup artist. “They melt into the skin in a way that powder just doesn’t.” Though there are exceptions to this rule, such as Laura Geller’s Bake Blush-n-Brighten Marblelized Blush, ” Powder generally sits on top of the skin and can settle into fine lines, which is the last thing we want,” Paulina says. As for liquid blushes, they “can be a little tricky and unforgiving, so unless you’re really comfortable with your application,” she recommends skipping.
Where should you apply blush on older skin?
When applying blush to her mature clients, Paulina works with the bone structure. “Forget the apples of your cheeks—that’s just going to make the face look rounder.” Instead, she suggests taking the blush right to the top of the cheekbone, then sweeping it up toward the temples. “It gives such a lifted, snatched effect,” she says. “It’s honestly one of my favorite techniques.”
What are common blush mistakes?
“One of the biggest mistakes I see with blush is applying too much color and not blending it properly,” says Schoen. “It should never read as a harsh streak—think of it more as a soft, natural glow that seems to come from within.” To avoid those visible ‘stripes’ of blush, Schoen recommends diffusing blush along its edges so that it appears to melt seamlessly into the skin.
Additional mistakes to avoid? Choosing the wrong shade. “On lighter skin tones, overly dark or muddy shades can make the complexion look tired and dull,” Schoen notes. “Instead, opt for sheer, more vibrant hues that instantly brighten the face without ever looking heavy or theatrical.” Then, there’s the issue of matte versus shimmer—and for mature skin, most pros say there’s only one right answer. “One thing I always tell people: stay away from shimmer and sparkle blush formulas,” Paulina says. “I know it looks pretty in the pan, but it will highlight texture on mature skin.”
What blush shades are complementary for older skin?
Though the best blush color varies by individual, Paulina tends to suggest warmer shades for her older clients. “Look for something that gives the skin depth without being too bold,” she says. Pro hack: Paulina likes to look at the natural tone of her clients’ lips and base their blush shade on that. “On mature skin, I love a monochromatic lip and cheek moment,” she notes. “It just looks so natural and put-together, without being overdone.”
While evaluating which blushes perform best on mature skin, welooked for formulas that excel in longevity, pigment, and ability to blur fine lines. We also sought expert input from the industry pros for application tips and ingredients. We then tested the blushes on Glamour testers in their 40s and beyond to narrow down this list to six standout options.
