The Best Blush for Mature Skin, According to Professional Makeup Artists

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Achieving a fresh, radiant glow with just the right flush of color is the ultimate makeup goal, especially as our skin ages and loses elasticity. But finding the perfect blush formula and application technique? That's the real challenge. Cue the celebrity makeup artists! We turned to two pros to share their insider tips, opinions on cream vs. powder, and choices of the best blush for mature skin, specifically curated to create a gorgeous, youthful-looking complexion for older women.

These experts understand that aging skin requires a different approach when it comes to makeup—one-size blush doesn't fit all, so to speak. The key is selecting hydrating formulas with a natural finish that blend seamlessly and don't settle into fine lines. It's all about showcasing that coveted "I woke up like this" radiance.

Related: The 9 Best Foundations and Moisturizers for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists

Top Blush Picks for Mature Skin

• Best Overall (Tied): Clé de Peau Beauté Cream Blush and Lashify Flush pH Activated Blush Stick

• Best Drugstore: Revlon Cream Blush

• Best Luxury (Tied): Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks or Lancôme Blush Subtil Powder Blush

• Best for Sensitive Skin: Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush

• Best SPF: Nudescreen Blush Tint SPF 30

• Best Dewy Finish: ILIA Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment

• Best Matte: MAC Glow Play Blush

• Best With Skincare Benefits: Gucci Luminous Matte Beauty Blush

How to Apply Blush on Mature Skin

The makeup artists agree—creams are key for achieving a natural-looking flush on mature skin. Celebrity MUA Elaina Badro, who has worked with Carrie Underwood and Christina Millian, shares, "Apply cream blush directly onto the apples of the cheeks and use a stippling brush in a circular motion for an airbrushed finish."

This buffing technique helps the formula melt seamlessly into skin without disturbing any areas of dryness or texture.

Tamara Delbridge, whose clients include Sanaa Lathan and MC Lyte, adds an important detail: "Apply to the fleshy part of your cheeks and sweep the color upwards towards the temples."

This lifting motion helps create a more youthful, sculpted look versus concentrating color just on the apples.

Related: The 7 Best Concealers for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists

Where Should an Older Woman Apply Blush?

Focus is on the apples of the cheeks, but take it up towards the temples for a lifted, wide-awake look.

What Color Blush Gives You the Most Youthful Look?

When it comes to looking fresh and radiant, both MUAs suggest warm, rosy shades. Badro recommends "choosing warmer rose tones as they tend to work best with most skin tones" for a naturally youthful flush.

Delbridge notes that "adding a touch of shimmer to the highest points of the cheeks can create a gorgeous, youthful glow."

Just be sure to use a light hand to avoid emphasizing texture.

Related: 6 Top Makeup Mistakes Made by Women Over 50, According to IT Cosmetics Founder Jamie Kern Lima

How Do You Find the Perfect Blush Shade?

Matching your blush to your unique complexion is key for a flattering look. "When doing a client's makeup, I observe their skin's undertone first," says Badro. She suggests:

• Light skin tones: Soft pinks, pastel shades

• Medium skin tones: Peachy-pinks

• Olive skin tones: Rosy pink-lilacs

• Warm undertones: Richer berries, corals

• Cool undertones: Softer pinks, peaches

Delbridge echoes this undertone-based approach, adding, "Knowing if you have cool, warm or neutral undertones helps determine the most complementary blush shades."

What's Better for Mature Skin: Cream or Powder Blush?

These celebrity makeup artists are firm believers that cream blush formulas reign supreme for a natural, youthful look on mature skin. As Badro states, "Cream blushes are wonderful because they truly blend well, providing a smooth, seamless finish. Plus, they often contain hydrating ingredients."

Delbridge agrees, explaining, "Creams are ideal as they layer well with other cream products and the dewy finish helps minimize the appearance of texture and fine lines that powder formulas can accentuate."

Related: I'm an Esthetician, and This Is the #1 Skincare Product I Recommend for Women Over 50

The Best Blush for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists

Here are the top picks from professional makeup artists.

Best Overall (Tied): Clé de Peau Beauté Cream Blush, $60 and Lashify Flush pH Activated Blush Stick, $32

Badro raves about Clé de Peau Beauté's iconic "argan oil-infused formula that melts seamlessly into the skin" for an ultra-natural flush.

Meanwhile, Lashify Flush pH Activated Blush Stick provides rich color that glides on easily.

Best Drugstore: Revlon Cream Blush, $12.39

You don't have to splurge to get a great cream formula. According to the makeup artists, this budget-friendly pick from the drugstore aisle delivers beautiful, hydrating color payoff.

Related: ‘I Tried Sephora’s $75 Makeup Lesson—Was It Worth It? Here’s My Honest Review'

Best Luxury (Tied): Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks, $48 and Lancôme Blush Subtil Powder Blush, $34

For those seeking a splurge-worthy option, Delbridge dubs Westman "clean, irritation-free blushes created by a celeb makeup pro who knows mature skin."

Lancôme’s blush also provides a luxe experience with gorgeous, deep color.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush, $30

With its ultra-gentle, clean formula, this is ideal for sensitive types. As Delbridge notes, it's "pore-friendly and won't cause irritation."

Best SPF: Nudescreen Blush Tint SPF 30, $36

This innovative hybrid formula combines the fresh radiance of a cream blush with broad spectrum SPF 30 protection.

Related: 5 Essential Tips for Changing Your Skincare Routine Over 50, According to Model Molly Sims

Best Dewy Finish: ILIA Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment, $32

Get that coveted hydrated glow by using this versatile cream formula on eyes, lips and cheeks. According to the makeup artists, this buildable, radiant finish is perfect for mature skin.

Best Matte: MAC Glow Play Blush, $33

If you prefer a soft, natural-matte look, Delbridge "loves this finely-milled powder formula for mature skin as it delivers a smooth, luminous veil of color."

Best With Skincare Benefits: Gucci Luminous Matte Beauty Blush, $49

Don't just get makeup—get skincare too! Delbridge praises this "hydrating and nourishing powder blush infused with anti-aging ingredients."

With these pro tips and hand-picked blush recommendations, you're well on your way to a fresh, radiant, youthful-looking complexion!

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