These Are the Best Blushers for Mature Skin, According to a Makeup Artist

Until recently, blusher was very much an afterthought in my makeup bag—I relied upon mascara to make me look awake and bronzer to add a glow to my skin. If I was doing a full face of makeup, I'd maybe add a few dabs of a muted blusher to my cheeks, but more often than not, I'd skip the step altogether. To be quite honest, blusher always felt a bit scary—after all, it can be so easy to overdo application, and as someone with a lot of rosy tones within their skin, I was always concerned about looking overly flushed.

Then I discovered cream and liquid blushers and everything changed. Not only are cream and liquid formulas significantly easier to apply than their powder counterparts, but they never look cakey. I've also found them to be longer lasting, and I love the fact that, unlike powders, they don't settle in or draw attention to my acne scarring, or to dry patches or fine lines.

It's this very perk in fact, which makes cream and liquid formulas the best blushers for mature skin. "Focusing on creamy, hydrating textures and luminous finishes will help achieve a fresh, glowing look that complements mature skin beautifully," says makeup artist Lan Nguyen-Grealis. "This is because mature skin types benefit from blushers that are hydrating, blendable, and provide a youthful, natural glow."

The Best Blushers for Mature Skin

• Best liquid blush for mature skin: Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush (£33)
• Best cream blush for mature skin: Trinny London Flush Blush (£24)
• Best natural blush for mature skin: Merit Flush Balm (£26)
• Best powder blush for mature skin: Jones Road The Best Blush (£28)
• Best hydrating blush for mature skin: Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick (£44)

1. Nars Liquid Blush

2. Beauty Pie Supercheek Cream Blush

3. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand

4. Trinny London Flush Blush

5. Glossier Cloud Paint

6. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge

7. Merit Flush Balm

8. Jones Road The Best Blush

9. Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick

10. Rhode Pocket Blush

11. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

12. Refy Cream Blush

13. Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint

What should you avoid in blushers for mature skin?

As we get older, skin naturally becomes drier and loses volume, resulting in it feeling thinner and looser. This means it creases much more easily, leading to fine lines and wrinkles appearing. "Avoid matte and overly powdery formulas which can emphasise dryness and fine lines, and also dull the face," advises Nguyen-Grealis. "Glitter-heavy blushes can settle into wrinkles too." When it comes to choosing blusher colours, she recommends avoiding very dark or overly bright shades, which can sometimes look too harsh.

How should you apply blusher to mature skin?

"Ensure the skin is well-moisturised and primed to create a smooth canvas," says Nguyen-Grealis. "Smile gently and apply blush to the highest point of the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards toward the temples. Avoid applying too close to the nose or too low, which can drag the face down."

As for the best tools to use to apply blusher to mature skin? "Use a damp makeup sponge, your fingers, or a soft brush to blend the product for a natural finish," says Nguyen-Grealis. "If needed, lightly set with translucent powder to avoid overemphasising texture while maintaining a luminous finish."

How We Tested

As I previously mentioned, my relationship with blush started rather rocky, and it took me much trial and error to discover the best formulas — those which blended seamlessly, didn't settle into my fine lines or amplify my rosy complexion. As many of these requirements also apply when it comes to discovering the best blushes for mature skin, I drew upon what I'd learnt to inform my choices.

Yet, you don't have to just take my word for it. In researching for this article, I also spoke to an expert, makeup artist Lan Nguyen-Grealis. Over the years, she has worked with a huge variety of women of all ages, and so her expertise was priceless in helping choose the best blushes for mature skin. In light of this, alongside my top picks, you'll also find her recommendations, as well as her top tips on how to apply and choose a blusher for mature skin.

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