When it comes to your makeup routine, a good blush can make all the differenceāespecially if you have dry, dull, or mature skin. āMature skin tends to lose volume in the face as we age. Blush is a great way to add some volume and radiance back to the skin,ā says celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray. But when choosing the best blushes for mature skin, what should you specifically look for?
Meet the Experts: Brendan Camp, M.D., double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City; Emily Gray, celebrity makeup artist; and Randall Intrabartola, certified esthetician and makeup artist.
Much like the best moisturizers and foundations for mature skin, experts agree you should prioritize hydration when choosing a blush, too. āMature skin tends to be more dry as a result of reduced sebum production,ā explains Brendan Camp, M.D., double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. āHydrating ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid can plump skin and help retain moisture.ā Moreover, you should opt for lightweight, hydrating formulations like liquid or cream blushes, which easily āmelt into the skinā without āaccentuating wrinkles or fine lines,ā says Randall Intrabartola, certified esthetician and makeup artist.
Ready for a rosy, radiant glow? Ahead, find top-rated blushes that dermatologists and makeup artists specifically recommend for mature skin.
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1
Best Overall Blush for Mature Skin
Merit Beauty Flush Balm
Available in nine beautiful shades, this popular blush balm from Merit Beauty is a personal favorite of Intrabartolaāand it has a stamp of approval from Dr. Camp, too. āBlendable, lightweight, and with a satin finish, this cream blush contains vitamin E and does not feel heavy or cakey on application,ā he says. Translation: It wonāt settle into your wrinkles and fine lines, and has even garnered a celeb fanbase from Cameron Diaz and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Reviewers rave that it goes on āsmooth like butterā for a long-lasting glow. āI have very dry mature skin and sometimes blushes are cakey. This balm blush is amazing,ā one Sephora shopper wrote. āIt went on smooth, easy, blended amazing, and the color is beautiful. I definitely recommend.ā
Key Ingredients | Vitamin E |
---|---|
Shades | 9 |
Type | Balm |
2
Best Budget Blush for Mature Skin
Catrice Cheek Flirt Face Stick
Pros
- Lightweight, creamy formula
- Comes in an easy-to-use stick form
- Affordable
Cons
- Only available in 3 shades
Looking for a good blush on a budget? Catriceās Cheek Flirt Sticks āare vegan, affordable, cream blushes that come in a beautiful array of colors,ā says Gray. āThis formula is super hydrating and lightweight.ā The highly pigmented formula offers buildable coverage for a natural-looking flush. It also comes in a convenient stick form, allowing for easy applicationāand making it ideal for quick, on-the-go touch-ups.
āItās a nice color for me on those āno makeupā days to just give a touch of color to my face. I have mature skin, and always look a bit on the washed out side, so a bit of blush is a must,ā wrote one Amazon reviewer. āThis blush has really good staying power too; stayed on all afternoon on a hot Florida summer day.ā
Key Ingredients | Sunflower seed oil, cocoa seed butter, castor seed oil |
---|---|
Shades | 3 |
Type | Cream |
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3
Best Powder Blush for Mature Skin
Jones Road Beauty The Best Blush
Pros
- Easily buildable
- Contains hydrating squalene
- Comes in a mirrored compact powder form
Cons
- Only available in 5 shades
Recommended by Dr. Camp, this popular blush from Jones Road Beautyāa brand founded by makeup artist Bobbi Brownācomes in a silky powder formula thatās easily buildable and packed with hydrating squalene. āAvailable in five shades, this silky powder blush blends in seamlessly and comes in a mirrored compact,ā he notes. Bobbi Brown herself previously told Prevention that the Best Blush is her āsignatureā beauty product. āI really love [the shade] Sandy,ā she shared. āBut I also wear the Pop because I can wear that on top of a bronzer. But either of them I love.ā
Reviewers love this blush, too. āIt truly is the best blush. It is a BEAUTIFUL color that is really easy to apply,ā wrote one 51-year-old shopper. āA little goes a long way. It is very light and it gives you an amazing color that feels like it comes from within. Impressive!ā
Key Ingredients | Squalene |
---|---|
Shades | 5 |
Type | Powder |
4
Best Blush Stick for Mature Skin
ILIA Multi-Stick
Pros
- Contains skin-nourishing ingredients
- Comes in an easy-to-use stick form
- Available in 12 shades
Cons
- Some reviewers say itās too sheer
Dr. Camp also recommends ILIAās multi-stick, which is so easy to useājust swipe and blend for a beautiful, buildable wash of color to both lips and cheeks. āMade with a cream formula, this blush is available in 12 shades and comes in a twist-up stick for easy application,ā says Dr. Camp. Itās made without fragrance or silicone and is also packed with skin-nourishing ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and orange peel wax.
āMy cheeks glow! Iām 55 going on 56, and Iām so glad I discovered ILIA Cosmetics. This blush is soft and creamy, which makes application a breeze,ā said one reviewer. āI love that it doesn’t tug on my skin, and I only have to gently tap my skin to blend. This color is a perfect pink-coral shade, and it makes me look flushed not clownish. I am definitely buying more colors because I love this formula.ā
Key Ingredients | Shea butter, avocado oil, orange peel wax |
---|---|
Shades | 12 |
Type | Cream |
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5
Best Liquid Blush for Mature Skin
Huda Beauty Blush Filter Liquid Blush
Pros
- Easily blendable
- Easy-to-use doe-foot applicator
- Gives a soft-focus finish
Cons
- Some reviewers say itās too shimmery
Another one of Intrabartolaās favorites is this blush from Huda Beauty, which comes in liquid form with a doe-foot wand for easy application. āThese liquids are easy to use, blend like a dream, and have a more subtle pigment so you wonāt end up looking silly,ā says the makeup artist. The formula is infused with blendable pigments as well as micaāāa mineral that can scatter light to blur the appearance of skin imperfections,ā explains Dr. Campāto give a soft-focus, filter-like finish to your skin.
āThis is a great formula for a liquid blush. It blends so easily and looks amazingly natural…Iām 54 and it looks flattering on mature skin,ā wrote one Sephora customer.
Key Ingredients | Mica |
---|---|
Shades | 5 |
Type | Liquid |
6
Best Serum Blush for Mature Skin
Laura Geller Serum Blush Tint
Pros
- Lightweight serum texture
- Contains hydrating ingredients
- Refreshing, cooling sensation
Cons
- Some reviewers dislike the sponge application
Specifically formulated for mature skin that is dry or dull, this blush tint from Laura Geller Beauty is infused with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and polysaccharide to hydrate and plump skin. Its liquid formula comes in a unique, lightweight serum that dabs on smoothly from a sponge applicator and easily sinks into skināgiving a refreshing, cooling sensationāfor a sheer, radiant flush of color.
Reviewers with mature skin love that this blush truly goes on like a serum, without settling into any wrinkles and fine lines. āThis product is like no other that I have tried before. It glides on smooth and is sheer enough for my mature and fair skin without looking heavy, yet is buildable for more color if desired,ā raved one reviewer.
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, polysaccharide |
---|---|
Shades | 10 |
Type | Liquid |
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7
Best Dewy Blush for Mature Skin
Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick
Pros
- Dewy finish
- Comes in an easy-to-use stick form
- Available in 10 shades
Cons
- Some reviewers note issues with packaging
āFor a more luxury choice, Makeup By Marioās Soft Pop Cream Blush Stick is gorgeous on more mature skin types,ā says Gray. āIt has an extremely dewy finish which adds life back into more dry and thin skin, and the perfect flush of color.ā Available in ten different shades, the moisturizing formula is buildable and great for all skin types. Plus, the blush also comes in an dual-ended stick form with a built-in brush for easy application.
āWhat a beautiful blush! The formula lasts all day with a beautiful finish,ā shared a Sephora customer. āThe color is very pigmented and a little goes a long way. This blush looks beautiful on mature skin and will be my go-to summer color. Highly recommend!ā
Key Ingredients | Mica |
---|---|
Shades | 10 |
Type | Cream |
8
Best Blush for Sensitive Mature Skin
Saie Dew Blush
Pros
- Lightweight liquid-cream formula
- Contains skin-nourishing ingredients
- Great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some reviewers say the applicator gets too thick and messy
Saieās Dew Blush is another one of Intrabartolaās favorite blushes for mature skin. Available in eight gorgeous shades, this blush comes in a lightweight liquid-cream formula that easily melts and blends into your skin for a buildable wash of color. Itās infused with plenty of skin-loving ingredients, like hydrating glycerin, protecting elderberry, and brightening licorice root. Itās also safe for sensitive skin, thanks to the fragrance-free, gluten-free, and vegan formula.
āPerfect blush for mature skin! I now have four colors and will be purchasing more,ā one shopper wrote on the Saie website. āItās so hydrating and easy to blend and build color. Itās non-drying, doesnāt settle in lines or make your pores pop. It has a wonderful dewy glow that lasts all day.ā
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, elderberry, licorice root |
---|---|
Shades | 8 |
Type | Liquid-cream |
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9
Best Blush for Oily Mature Skin
Well People Superpowder Blush Powder
Now 10% Off
Pros
- Contains hydrating plant-based ingredients
- Lightweight and smooth
- Controls excess oil and makeup creasing
Cons
- Only available in 4 shades
Gray says this powder blush from Well People ālooks beautiful on mature skin,ā adding: āThe ingredients are very hydrating and the finish is glowy without accentuating lines.ā Thatās because the formula is packed with nourishing plant-based ingredientsāincluding olive-derived, moisturizing squalane and magnolia barkāwhich work to deliver long-lasting hydration to your skin. Itās also formulated to control excess oil and makeup creasing for smooth, seamless application.
āThis color is cute and great for summers. The texture of this powder is smooth and hydrating,ā said one reviewer. āLove the color! Very pigmented so a little goes a long way…. Very smooth and feels nice and light on the skin,ā another wrote.
Key Ingredients | Squalane, corn starch, magnolia bark |
---|---|
Shades | 4 |
Type | Powder |
10
Best Luxury Blush for Mature Skin
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick
Pros
- Contains hydrating ingredients
- Smooth and blendable formula
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Pricey
This cream blush stick from Westman Atelierāa favorite brand of celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Garnerācomes in a hydrating, blendable formula for a natural pop of color in just one swipe. Itās infused with moisture-boosting and skin-nourishing ingredients like berryflux vita, jojoba seed oil, and vitus vita fruit extract. Reviewers say itās truly worth the price tag, with one shopper writing: āI have maturing dry skin and powder blushes always look so dry on my skin and are unwearable in the winter…This blush is so highly pigmented and it lasts ALL DAY.ā
Itās an editor-favorite, tooāPreventionās Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price called it her ānew obsessionā in our Prevention Picks series last year. ā[The āPetalā shade] is the perfect soft pink that goes so well with my fair complexion and just makes me look awake and refreshed,ā she said. āThe formula is smooth and blendable and plays well with my other face products. Iām sold!ā
Key Ingredients | Berryflux vita, jojoba seed oil, vitus vita fruit extract |
---|---|
Shades | 8 |
Type | Cream |
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How to choose the best blush for mature skin
āļø Look for hydrating ingredients. āMature skin tends to be more dry as a result of reduced sebum production,ā says Dr. Camp. For that reason, youāll want to opt for hydrating ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, which ācan plump skin and help retain moisture,ā he explains. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E are also great as they can āhelp protect skin from oxidative stress in the form of free oxygen radicals,ā he says.
āļø Choose cream or liquid formulas. Generally, cream or liquid blushes are better for mature skin as they are typically the more hydrating formulations. āPowder blush may settle into crevices or fine lines,ā notes Dr. Camp. āCream blush may provide additional moisture to the skin for improved overall appearance.ā Cream blushes also āmelt into the skin for a natural flushā and are easy to blend, adds Intrabartola.
āļø Opt for lightweight formulas. Gray recommends choosing lightweight formulations as they āwonāt sink into any creases, wrinkles, or fine lines,ā she says. āMature skin is thin as well, so the more lightweight the formulation, the more comfortable on the skin.ā Not to mentionālightweight blushes āmay be easier to apply and may prevent the user from being too heavy-handed with the product,ā adds Dr. Camp.
āļø Consider your skin type. Youāll want to find the right type of blush for your specific skin typeāsuch as when youāre choosing between a matte vs. dewy finish. āMatte products can be more appropriate for those with oily skin, while dewy products can help add moisture and bounce to those with dry skin,ā says Dr. Camp.
Is powder or cream blush better for mature skin?
According to our experts, cream blushes are the ideal choice for mature skin as itās typically more hydrating than powdersāand mature skin tends to be dry and in need of added moisture. āCream blushes are typically better for mature skin, as these melt into the skin for a natural flush,ā explains Intrabartola. āThe formula is hydrating and wonāt accentuate fine lines or wrinkles. Itās also user friendly and easy to blend.ā On the other hand, some powder blushes ācan be drying, cakey, and patchy on mature skin,ā Intrabartola says.
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How to apply blush for mature skin
For mature skin, applying blush is all about adding volume and radiance back to the skin, says Gray. āI like to apply it on the apples of the cheeks and maybe a little bit higher on the cheek to also lift the face,ā she says.
Intrabartola recommends using your finger, brush, or beauty sponge to apply cream blush. āPlace a small dot of product onto the apples of your cheeks and with (your tool of choice) start tapping in a circular motion blending from the center and outward and up towards your temples,ā she advises. āAvoid placing your blush too low below your cheekbone or too far in towards your nose.ā
How we chose the best blushes for mature skin
We consulted Brendan Camp, M.D., double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City; Emily Gray, celebrity makeup artist; and Randall Intrabartola, certified esthetician and makeup artist. Additionally, we poured through countless online reviews from customers and conducted our own research to find the best blushes for mature skin.
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Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviewsāand often conducts personal testing done by our staffāto help you make informed decisions.
Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelorās degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When sheās not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.
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