- Featured experts
- Swap powder blush for cream or liquid
- If you do use powder blush, try these tips
- Apply blush in an inverted “V” shape
- Find a shade that mimics your natural flush
- Apply blush lightly
- Make sure your skin is hydrated
- Exfoliate regularly
- Use a damp sponge
- If your face is petite, get a smaller brush
- The best blushes for mature skin
Blush has been trending for some time now, and we feel that everyone should be able to join in on the fun of a makeup trend. Where we’re at in our lives doesn’t have to affect the makeup trends we try, but it can help inform the best way to approach them. Since mature skin can be a bit different than a 20-something’s, with perhaps a few more lines, wrinkles and dry patches, we asked makeup artists to share their best tips for seamless blush application.
Featured experts
- Amanda Hill is a mature makeup expert
- Laura Geller is a former makeup artist and founder of Laura Geller Beauty
- Erica Taylor is a professional makeup artist
Swap powder blush for cream or liquid
Mature makeup expert Amanda Hill recommends opting for creamier formulas and avoiding powder blush altogether since mature skin tends to be on the dryer side. “If you have mature skin creams or serum blushes, which give off a dewy finish, make the skin look fresh, hydrated and more youthful,” explains former celebrity makeup artist and founder of Laura Geller Beauty, Laura Geller.
If you do use powder blush, try these tips
Some of us are stuck in our ways, and that’s okay. “If you’re accustomed to or prefer a powder blush, try using a liquid or cream blush underneath first,” suggests Geller. “This will ensure that your skin won’t look dry, and your blush will last even longer.” Additionally, if you want to stick to powder blush, Geller and professional makeup artist Erica Taylor recommends opting for a baked formula as it’s “less likely to grab on to lines and textures.”
Apply blush in an inverted “V” shape
Geller recommends applying blush in an inverted V shape on the cheekbones with the point of the V at your temple and then upwards toward your hairline. She explains that this will help lift the face. Then, “Take whatever product is left on your brush and sweep it across your eyes—even if you have eye makeup on, apply on top. It will create a harmonized look and lift the face even further.”
Find a shade that mimics your natural flush
“We will all vary in the perfect shade, however, you don’t need to get too hung up on your undertone and should pay more attention to how your cheeks naturally flush,” says Hill. “Look for a tone that mimics that for the perfect everyday glow.”
Apply blush lightly
“When using your brush, just graze the surface of the blush, it’s easier to add more than take away,” says Taylor. Hill shares the same sentiment, recommending patting and taping the blush all over the cheek from the apple out. “Avoid swiping. We want to create an even sheer layer,” says Hill. “If you are of deeper skin tone or you just want more color, repeat the application.”
Make sure your skin is hydrated
This might sound like an obvious tip, but the experts say it can be make or break for a smooth blush application. “You have to make sure your skin is properly hydrated and prepped before the application,” says Taylor. Specifically, when dealing with liquids, if your skin is too dry, the liquids will not blend, she warns.
Exfoliate regularly
Although this might seem like an annoying extra step, it can make a huge difference—plus, you should be doing it anyway. Taylor says it’s important to make sure ”skin is properly exfoliated, so blush can’t grab the texture and dry skin and give a blotchy appearance.”
Use a damp sponge
If you’re using liquid blush, Taylor recommends applying it by patting with a damp sponge rather than rubbing it on. This will ensure smooth application and that you don’t remove any of your foundation in the process.
If your face is petite, get a smaller brush
If you use a brush for application, size matters. Taylor says it’s important to opt for a smaller blush brush if your face is on the petite side so you can better control placement.
The best blushes for mature skin
