This Is Our Favorite Blush For Mature Skin

When you’re searching for the best blush for mature skin, there are a few boxes that need to be ticked off. For a natural-looking end result, you’ll want something that’s pigmented but buildable, dewy but not sparkly, and smooth enough that it won’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles. 

In many cases, liquid and cream blushes are your best bet, as they’re less likely to emphasize texture than drier powder formulas. If you’ve never used cream blush before—or are simply looking for a new pick to add to your lineup—keep reading. Below, we’ll introduce you to our editors’ favorite cream blush for mature skin and share tips on how to apply blush for a natural-looking flush of color. 

What Type of Blush Is Best for Mature Skin?

When it comes to picking the best blush for mature skin, formula is key. Specifically, we recommend selecting something hydrating, since skin can become drier with age. Liquid blushes are often a great pick, as they tend to melt into the skin rather than sit on top of it. 

Our go-to for mature skin is the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush. The weightless formula is suitable for all skin types and contains buildable pigments so you can tailor your blush to your preferences (whether that be a hint of color or a bold, bright flush). It glides easily onto the skin and blends like a dream for a gorgeous, fresh-faced look.

The lineup includes six natural-looking shades: three with dewy finishes, and three with glowy finishes. We suggest opting for one of the dewy-finish shades for a no-makeup makeup look, while the glowy shades are great for those seeking a naturally radiant, lit-from-within effect. It’s also incredibly easy to apply: just use the doe foot applicator to dot color on your cheeks where you want it, then blend it all out with your fingers (no tools needed) for a soft, seamless blend.

How to Pick the Right Blush Color

While the shade of blush you choose is completely up to you, there are some general color theory guidelines that can be useful for finding your perfect shade. If you’ve been wondering, “What color blush should I wear?” start by considering your skin tone. 

For those with fair skin tones, lighter shades like pale pink, coral, and peach are super flattering. (The L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush in Dewy Worth It is a great pick). If you have a medium skin tone, you’ll likely find that soft berry hues complement your skin well. Deeper peach and coral are also ultra-flattering on naturally tanned complexions. And for those with deep skin tones, vibrancy is key: we suggest reaching for rich, vibrant shades, such as plum or bright pink. The merlot-hued Glowy Worth It Medium is one of our favorites for deeper skin. 

Another thing to consider when picking out the right blush color is your undertone. Your skin tone and undertone are not the same. Skin tone refers to how dark or light your complexion is, while your undertone is the underlying tint of your skin, which could be either cool, warm, or neutral. 

Generally speaking, you want to pair like with like for the most flattering result. So those with cool undertones will want to opt for cooler-toned blushes (like pale pink or mauve), while those with warm undertones will get the best result with blushes in the peach color family. If you have neutral undertones—meaning your skin is neither warm nor cool—you’re in luck: you can wear any color blush without worrying about it clashing with your skin or washing you out.

Tips for Applying Blush on Mature Skin

When applying blush on mature skin—or any skin for that matter—there are a few things to consider: your face shape, your desired end result, and, of course, the qualities of the product you’re using. Ahead, we’re sharing a few tips on ensuring a seamless, natural-looking application.

1. Prep your skin well

Prepping your skin before applying makeup can have a huge (and positive) impact on how your makeup turns out. As we mentioned earlier, mature skin often tends to be on the drier side, so before applying makeup, we suggest applying moisturizer to help hydrate, smooth, and soften your skin. Try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer—it’s designed specifically to help address age-related skin concerns like dullness and uneven skin texture. It’s also a good idea to use a primer to give your makeup something to adhere to. For mature skin, we love the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Blurring Face Primer Infused With Serum.

2. Consider your face shape

Before applying your blush, you might want to consider your face shape. While blush typically goes on the cheeks, the exact placement may vary slightly depending on whether your face is more round or angular. For a rundown on how to determine the right placement for your face, we suggest heading over to our article This Is The Best Blush Placement For Every Face Shape.

3. Use light layers

Ultra-heavy makeup can be aging, particularly on mature skin. That doesn’t mean you can’t rock a bold blush look—just that you’ll want to be careful about how you apply your blush (that’s why the best blushes for mature skin are those that you can easily build up). 

When using the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush, we recommend dotting the pigment onto your cheeks before blending with your fingers. Start with one dot, which will provide a soft flush. From there, if you want a bit more color, add another layer. Remember: you can always apply more makeup—but you can’t take too much makeup off without starting your look from scratch. 

4. Put blush on your nose

This may seem a bit unconventional if you’re not used to it, but applying blush to your nose can help tie your entire look together. Just be sure to use a light hand—you want the subtlest hint of color, not a bright pink nose. 

5. Finish with a setting spray

Even the best cream blush for mature skin won’t last forever. But to help ensure your blush lasts as long as possible, it’s a good idea to set your look with a setting spray. We recommend the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist, as it extends makeup wear for up to 36 hours and leaves the skin with a natural-looking glow. To use it, shake the bottle, then hold it about 12 inches from your face. Then, spray the aerosolized formula onto your skin in a circular motion for about three to four seconds. The fast-drying formula will help lock in your look and prevent your perfectly-applied blush from cracking, flaking, or caking throughout the day.

Next Up: How to Apply Liquid Blush for a Natural-Looking Flush