The best blush for mature skin for a natural glow

Give yourself a youthful glow.

Selection of best blushers for mature skin

by Suzanne Baum |
Updated on

As we age, wearing a blusher should be an essential part of our make-up routine as it works wonders in perking up the skin. Adding a blush of colour can enhance our face and give a youthful glow to lacklustre skin.  As a quick hack that will bring colour and brightness to your face, a good blush suited for mature skin should be a non-negotiable part of makeup for older women.

With the market flooded with different types of blushers, we've spoken to experts - Simone Otis, Global Artist for 19/99 Beauty, and Melanie Baress, Head Artist for By Terry - to ensure you're getting the best for your skin. We have also had the products on this list tested and reviewed by Suzanne Baum, a 51-year-old award-winning beauty editor who has been writing about beauty for over 20 years.

Is cream blush or powder blush better?

With the onset of wrinkles, there are a few key factors to keep in mind as the wrong sort of blusher can settle in to fine lines, which we don’t want.

Cream blushers are best suited for mature women, mainly because the oil ingredients are infused with hydrating properties that won’t stick to dry patches or settle in skin creases. They also don’t turn cakey because the majority have a moisturising texture to them. Another advantage of a cream blusher is that it can be layered up so they are buildable which helps if you want to enhance the colour on your cheeks and have a dewy effect.

"With mature skin, creamy formulas allow the skin to remain dewy and appear smoother as you can often find powder sitting on top or in the creases which can enhance the lines or make the skin look cakey," adds Simone Otis.

That’s not to say, gel, liquid and powder blushers should be avoided but it really does depend on your skin type and if you are lucky enough not to have deep fine lines and wrinkles, then they can definitely work.

What blush to choose depending on skin type?

Those with dry skin could benefit from gel and liquid blushers if they contain properties to hydrate such as Vitamin E, Almond oil and shea butter.

On the other hand, powder blushers are more highly pigmented and can help if you have oily skin as they take away the shine and last a lot longer.

Best blush for mature skin at a glance

While these are our top picks for the best blush for mature skin, you can scroll down for more options that are also tested and reviewed. We have also included more expert advice on how to apply blush for the most flattering look, how to choose the right blush for your skin tone and top tips to achieve a flawless finish.

How we tested these products

We asked Suzanne Baum, a 51-year-old award-winning beauty editor, to test out these blushes. Suzanne has written about beauty for over 20 years, and regularly reports on the latest beauty news; from trialling out new beauty innovations and aesthetic treatments to writing about the best products for women and men. With a keen interest in mature skincare, Suzanne has written extensively on everything from the best products to use during the menopause to how to protect your skin from the sun.

We sourced almost every product on this list and asked women over the age of 40 to try them for a long period of time. We then considered a number of factors including; value for money, ingredients, pigment, how good the finish feels on different types of skin, how long it lasts and how well it works on mature skin.  All our reviews are honest and we make sure to include both the positive and negative comments received from our reviewers.

Best blush for mature skin

Best blush for long-lasting finish

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush WandCredit: Charlotte Tilbury
Price: £44.50
Alternative retailers
Sephora$42.00View offer
Walmart$34.99View offer
Ulta$42.00View offer
Kohl's$42.00View offer

It's the liquid blush wand many cheaper alternatives aspire to, but you can't beat the original.

Available in four shades, the sell-out Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand is really easy to apply - simply apply dots with the cushion applicator to your cheeks and then blend with your fingertips.

Providing a fresh glow of colour, the formula is infused with Lumi-Blur Technology for a smooth, soft-focus finish and film formers for a long-lasting effect.

Beauty fans loved that a little goes a long way, with some users noting that only one dot is needed for the application, so whilst this is a slightly more expensive option from the list, it may last longer than cheaper alternatives.

Whilst there is a selection of vibrant shades that suit various skin tones, picking the exact match can be a little tricky as some beauty lovers found that the shades slightly differ from the pictures. However, we recommend looking at the videos of models applying the blusher for a better colour gauge.

Pros

  • Long-lasting finish (Many users report it lasts all day without needing reapplication)
  • Easy to apply
  • Buildable and blendable
  • With its rich pigment a little goes a long way

Cons

  • Higher price point

Best expert recommended blush

19_99 BEAUTY WATER COLOUR TINTCredit: Cult Beauty

A favourite of beauty expert Simone's, this colour tint from 19/99 is perfect for adding a flush of colour to your lips and cheeks, and it's buildable for creating the intensity you wish.

The water-balm formula, available in four shades, is made with a complex of Vitamins A, C, and E, which supports your skin with collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines and protect against antioxidants. These hydrating ingredients also help keep the skin moisturised and prevent dryness or flakiness, which can often leave you tired and dull.

The tilted applicator, which aids in precise application has been highly praised by several beauty experts and is perfect for lips and cheeks.

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Sheer, buildable application
  • Dual use - suitable for cheeks and lips
  • Easy to apply with tilted applicator, which aids in precise application

Cons

  • Despite being dual-use, some preferred it on the lips compared to the cheeks

Best blush for blurring age spots

The Sweed Air Blush Cream was tested and reviewed by beauty editor Suzanne Baum and she said: "Sweed have nailed it with this creamy blusher and it is by far my favourite make-up product. It works like magic in transforming lacklustre skin as its soft and creamy formula feels like velvet and gives the face a beautiful glow."

Each of its six colours is highly pigmented and used with a blusher brush it blends in to the most gorgeous pop of colour. "It also blurs out my ageing spots, which is a bonus. The product contains skin loving ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and lock in moisture, and Niacinamide to help even the appearance of skin tone and texture," she adds.

Pros

  • Soft and creamy formula
  • Highly pigmented and very blendable
  • Blurs out ageing spots
  • Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide to even skin tone and texture

Cons

  • Higher price point

Best value blush for mature skin

Price: £7.00
Alternative retailers
Target$7.00View offer
Walmart$7.00View offer
Ulta$7.00View offer

This liquid blush is perfect for adding some warmth to your cheeks and comes in a cute little bottle that is small enough to pop in your handbag. That said, it does last all day so there is no need to reapply says Suzanne Baum who tested and reviewed the e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush. It comes in nine shades and you only need to apply two dots to the cheek as it blends in well and leaves a nice natural flush to the cheeks. With anti-ageing ingredients including Hibiscus Mutabilis flower extract that helps promote the production of elastin and cell turnover in your skin, it is a perfect blush for mature skin.

Pros

  • Small packaging makes it easy to carry anywhere
  • Lasts all day with no need to reapply
  • Rich pigment that only needs two dots to be blended in for a natural flush
  • Enriched with anti-ageing ingredients like Hibiscus Mutabilis flower extract

Cons

  • Some reviewers found that the product gets stuck in the lid and on the wand and suggest a better designed applicator

Best blush for defined cheekbones

Rrp: £32.15

Price: £30.05
Alternative retailers
Sephora$14.00View offer
Walmart$19.49View offer
Kohl's$23.00View offer

The Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush was tested and reviewed by Suzanne Baum and she said: "As this is a liquid, you only need to use it sparingly to achieve a soft healthy flush. It is super pigmented which means it doesn’t fade into your foundation and lasts all day. I find the higher I place this on my cheeks, the more it helps define my features and give a slightly chiselled appearance to the face. The blush, available in 13 shades, is packed with anti-ageing ingredients such as a botanical blend of lotus, gardenia and white water lily that help nourish skin."

Pros

  • Rich pigment that is long-lasting
  • Available in 13 shades
  • Gives a slightly chiselled appearance and defines your cheekbones
  • Packed with anti-ageing ingredients like a botanical blend of lotus, gardenia and white water lily

Cons

  • Higher price point

Best gel blush for mature skin

"I’ve never used a product on my skin that changes colour but this gel blush works a treat. It also comes in a cute handy tiny pot so is a good travel option. The unique formula comes out clear and adapts to your skin's natural pH and transforms into a unique blush shade. My cheeks looked so rosy with a small dab of it and gave me a healthy glow," said Suzanne Baum who tested and reviewed the Barry M Colour Changing Gel Blush. Infused with sweet almond oil that acts as a natural antioxidant, this key ingredient works to reduce the signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles, so it’s perfect for mature skin.

Pros

  • Small quantity gives rich colour
  • Since it works by adapting to your skin's natural pH, it transforms into a unique blush shade
  • Infused with sweet almond oil, a natural antioxidant that works to reduce the signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles

Cons

  • Might need to replace more often as it comes in a small pot

Best stick blush for mature skin

The Rimmel Kind & Free Multi-Stick Blush was tested and reviewed by Suzanne Baum and she said: "Cruelty-free, clean and vegan, this easy-to-use stick is a soft and creamy formula that is so light on the skin, you can’t even feel it. Available in five colours, you use your fingertips to dab the blusher on to your cheeks and it blends easily. It reminds me of a far more expensive Clinique blush stick that I have and the result is a barely-there dewy look so a good choice if you want a light make-up day."

"I love beauty products that you can multi-task with and this can also be used on the lips. Only downside is you do need to reapply as it only lasts a few hours."

Pros

  • Soft, creamy and lightweight formula
  • Available in five colours
  • Easily blendable

Cons

  • You need to reapply as it only lasts a few hours

The Reeson blusher, which comes in two shades, is as pretty in the pot as it is on your skin and it is my go to for evening wear, says Suzanne Baum who tested and reviewed it. Not only does it complement my fairly uneven skin tone but it lifts and highlights the cheek area, bringing a gorgeous warmth to the face. It has a soft mousse texture that when applied to the skin immediately covers up pores and with a host of anti-ageing ingredients, including Jojoba Seed Oil – a rich source of vitamin E that protects skin against damage whilst soothing and hydrating - your cheeks feel soft and supple.

Pros

  • Has a soft mousse texture that blends easily
  • Good for uneven skin tone and highlights the cheek area
  • Helps to cover up pores
  • Enriched with anti-ageing ingredients like Jojoba Seed Oil

Cons

  • Higher price point

Best nourishing blush for mature skin

As a beauty journalist, I feel Ateh Jewel knows what is needed to make a product work, and the Blush of Dreams, which comes in three shades, ticks all the right boxes. "I wear the Watermelon colour that delivers a perfect cheek stain and makes me look a picture of health. Cheeks look rosy and plumped and because it is highly pigmented, the blusher can be worn well over foundation without the rosiness losing its shine. Skin feels nourished due to ingredients including aloe vera, cocoa butter and sunflower seed oil," says Suzanne Baum who tested and reviewed the Ateh Jewel Beauty Blush.

Pros

  • Enriched with ingredients like aloe vera, cocoa butter and sunflower seed oil
  • It is highly pigmented

Cons

  • Not many shades to choose from

Best blush for beginners

Flush BlushCredit:: Trinny London

If you're unsure of the right shade, the Trinny London website has the handy Match2ME tool to help you find the perfect colour for your complexion. We tried this website feature and found that it was spot on for what we needed. This is great for people taking the first plunge into the blusher world.

With its creamy formula, the Trinny London Flush Blush blends effortlessly into the skin for a natural glow, and better yet, unlike a powdered blush, any mistakes can be buffed away.

Easy to build and blend, the blush comes in six shades that give a rosy flush to the skin.
We loved that there is a large selection of shades that cater to all skin types.

While some customers found that this blusher was great for longevity, a few found it had unfortunately worn off by the end of the evening. However, we love that this comes in a blush pot that can conveniently be kept in your handbag for an easy top-up.

Pros

  • Easy to apply, build and blend
  • Comes in a blush pot
  • Lovely consistency

Cons

  • Some customers found that it didn't last as long as other blushers

Best multi-purpose blusher for mature skin

Available in eight vibrant shades, this stick from Jones Road can be applied to the lips and cheeks. But pick with caution as customers found the colours are very bright and need a lot of blending.

Providing a glossy, dewy finish, you can simply apply the creamy formula directly to the skin from the stick and tap in with your fingertips.

We particularly love that the formula is infused with castor seed oil, which contains Vitamin E and essential fatty acids. These oils restore the skin's moisture barrier and boost collagen production to help reduce hyperpigmentation and fine lines - perfect for mature skin.

Like the previous blush, customers found that this colour didn't last, but this stick can also be kept in your bag for a midday top-up.

Pros

  • Hydrating formula
  • Easy to apply, build and blend
  • Silky texture

Cons

  • Customers found that this product doesn't last the duration of the day but can be easily reapplied.

Best blush for a high-pigmented formula

REFY Cream BlushCredit: Refy Beauty

If you want a cream blush that builds and blends easily, you can't go wrong with the REFY Cream Blush. And because it is highly pigmented, you only need a small amount to achieve the natural glow you're after.

With intense pigmentation, you have more control over the level of colour you apply. You can easily build up the colour for a more dramatic look or sheer it out for a subtle flush, giving you versatility in your makeup application.

Available in five shades, the blush is long-lasting, easy to apply and has a lovely, smooth consistency. It can be built for a deeper colour, and we found it worked well as a lip tint, too.

Pros

  • Smooth, creamy consistency
  • Highly pigmentated - a little goes a long way
  • Doesn't need reapplying
  • Great value

Cons

  • Some customers would have preferred the product to come with a bigger quantity of blush

Best blush for shade variety

ILIA Multi-Stick
Price: £36.00
Alternative retailers
Sephora$36.00View offer
Walmart$26.48View offer
Groupon North America$32.28View offer
Ulta$36.00View offer

While most cream blushers are limited to a maximum of six shades, the ILIA Multi-Stick has a whopping 12 shades to choose from.

Beauty buffs love mixing and matching shades to create custom colours tailored to make the perfect blush. But if, like us, your skills are a bit more limited, finding a good colour match is easy to do with this large selection.

Designed to be used on the cheeks and lips, you can apply directly to the skin with the twist-up stick.

Easy to blend and build for a brighter pop of colour, this versatile product is also infused with shea butter that nourishes the skin and avocado oil that softens and replenishes the skin with antioxidants and fatty acids.

Some customers found that they needed to apply a lot of product to get the desired effect, so we think this blush is best for women who just want to add a little pop to their natural skin.

Pros

  • Multi-use product
  • Easy to use, build, and blend
  • Creamy and smooth texture

Cons

  • Some considered it almost too sheer

Best powder blush for mature skin

Look Fabulous Forever, a beauty brand specifically formulated for older skin, is on to a winner with this blusher (available in eight colours), that is my daily go too in this warm weather, says Suzanne Baum who tested and reviewed the Look Fab Forever Real Radiance Blush. Firstly, it is a cream to powder product which means it glides on to the skin like a veil and then settles as a powder so you get none of it creasing in your face lines. The powder effect stops any signs of shiny or oily skin showing and you are left with a radiant glow that lasts all day. My skin has got quite a few flaky patches on it and this blusher seems to sweep them away, thanks to the ingredient of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil that is meant to really help with dry skin.

Pros

  • The powder effect stops any signs of shiny or oily skin showing
  • Enriched with Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil to hydrate dry skin

Cons

  • Some reviewers found that you need to use quite a lot of the product for the pigment to show 

Best lightweight blush

Another fantastic budget find, the Max Factor Miracle Pure Moisturising Cream Blush adds a flush of colour with four shades available. Infused with both hyaluronic acid and squalane, the lightweight, non-sticky formula is plumping, hydrating and skin-smoothing, making it an excellent choice for mature skin in particular. 

This blush was tested and reviewed by beauty editor Suzanne Baum and she said: “It has a silky texture as you apply it to your cheeks. The product feels like you are using a moisturiser on the face as its infusion of hyaluronic acid softens the skin and the ingredient squalene helps hydrate it without excess oiliness. I don’t use a blusher brush when applying this as you can blend it with your fingers to get a nice sheer glow, and it helps lift the cheek area.”

Pros

  • Long-lasting and hydrating formula
  • Infused with both hyaluronic acid and squalane to hydrate the skin
  • Silky and sheer finish

Cons

  • Some reviewers felt that the pigment appears quite light on deeper skin tones 

Best blush for a glowy finish

MAKEUP BY MARIO Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil includes hyaluronic acid, which plumps and hydrates the skin making it perfect for more mature skin. This blush was was tested and reviewed by Suzanne Baum and she said: “This beautiful lightweight creamy blusher comes in ten shades and it melts into the cheeks like butter. With its use of pearlescent pigments, it creates a luminous finish on the skin and provides total coverage to the dark pigmentation patch I have on my upper cheek. It is a dream to wear as it makes skin soft to the touch, thanks to the hyaluronic acid that helps plump and hydrate the skin. The colour does not fade, so can be worn from day to night wear.”

Pros

  • Gives a natural glow
  • Easy to build and blend
  • Hydrating formula
  • The pearlescent pigments create a luminous finish

Cons

  • Some reviewers found that it does not last very long and needs to be reapplied a few times during the day 

Best blush for a natural finish

With a hydrating formula that adds a healthy glow to your cheeks, the By Terry Brightening CC Blush is enriched with white rose stem cells which help to eliminate toxins.

It's only available in two shades, but Melanie says, "My go-to is the Brightening CC Blush in Rosy Flash; it is buildable, offers hydration and looks perfect on bare skin." It has a natural, dewy finish, and some even found dual use for it as an eye shadow.

Although online reviews are somewhat mixed, with some customers finding it slightly challenging to use, we place our trust in the expertise of our specialist. However, it's worth noting that this product might be most suitable for individuals who are more confident in their makeup application skills.

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Light and buildable
  • Nicely scented

Cons

  • Some found the applicator a bit difficult to use

Best blush on a budget

e.l.f. Halo Glow Blush Beauty WandCredit: Boots
Price: £9.00
Alternative retailers
Target$9.00View offer
JCPenney$9.00View offer
Walmart$9.00View offer
Ulta$9.00View offer

With glowing reviews and a budget price of just £9, the e.l.f. Halo Glow Blush Beauty Wand is a great blush to add to your makeup arsenal if you're new to the blusher scene.

Available in four shades, the lightweight liquid formula can be easily applied to the apples of your cheeks with the cushion-tip wand and then blended in colour with your fingertips.

Infused with squalene, it has skin-smoothing and softening benefits that make it easy to apply.

With more than 1600 five-star reviews, this blusher is an affordable Charlotte Tilbury dupe, and whilst most customers found that the shades are uncanny, a few people found it a little more tricky to blend. But at a fraction of the price, this is an excellent purchase.

Pros

  • An affordable alternative to the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Wand
  • Blends nicely
  • Easy to apply and use

Cons

  • It is not as pigmented compared to some other blushers

Are there certain ingredients or formulas worth looking for?

As we teased above, the answer is yes!

Simone says, "Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient when looking into ingredients. Due to its ability to hold 1000x its weight in water, applying Hyaluronic acid to mature skin will help plump, repair and hydrate the skin throughout the day, avoiding creasing and leaving the skin looking dry." It's an ingredient popular in most makeup for mature skin, including anti-ageing eye creams and foundations.

Melanie also recommends keeping the skin hydrated: "Hydration is a vital part of a suitable blush for mature skin types, so make sure you’re choosing one with nourishing ingredients to prevent any dry patches on your skin post-application. I recommend vitamin E, jojoba oil and shea butter for that dewy yet nourishing effect."

What is the best way to apply blush to mature skin?

While you could use a beauty blender or makeup brush, Simone recommends applying with your fingers.

"Using your fingers allows the product to warm and spread smoothly across the desired area, and the natural push of the fingers allows the product to sink into the skin and create a more natural look, which is what you are after when applying to mature skin."

"The way you apply blusher is also important because as we age and lose collagen, our skin drops. Unlike the rule of applying blusher to the apple of our cheeks when we were younger, keep in mind that this area on mature skin is not as perky as it once was so by adding your blusher a little higher up nearer your cheekbones, you can help create a lifted effect," Suzanne Baum adds.

How do I choose the right blush for my skin tone?

Looking at the array of blushers online or in your local pharmacy can be a bit daunting, but you can rely on the experts for simple tricks of the trade. "I always recommend matching blush to lipstick," shares Simone. "Applying a blush that compliments your lips creates that healthy finish. I usually take the 19/99 water colour tint in Parna and apply to the lips and then lightly work into the cheeks to create a flushed, healthy glow, for deeper skin tones, Tegla works perfectly to add that hint of colour to create a defined finish." And if you already have a favourite lipstick, consider finding a matching hue.

Woman applying blush
©Getty Images

You can also consider the undertone of your skin. "If you want a bold-looking blush, pick one with the opposite undertone as your skin," suggests Melanie. "Therefore, If you have a warm skin tone (a yellow undertone), choose a warm blush shade for a natural look and a cool blush shade for a pop of colour."

But at the end of the day, the beauty of a creamy formula is that you don't need to be too careful. "My two top tips with blush are, to work with a creamy formula that you can build and blend, and don’t shy away from a bold or bright shade for the cheeks," says Simone. "Once you blend it it will be sheer and seamless, if you start with a pale or muted shade you won’t see it or get that lovely colour you are looking for."

So if there's a shade that's caught your eye, don't be afraid to give it a go!

Meet the experts:

Simone Otis is the Global Artist for 19/99 Beauty, a beauty brand that aims to narrow down the generational beauty gap with makeup that works for people of all ages, from 19 to 99. Simone plays an active role in 19/99’s product development and is the brand’s lead makeup artist, bringing a wealth of knowledge on products and artistry.

Melanie Baress is the Head Artist for By Terry, the award-winning French luxury beauty brand dedicated to premium skincare-infused makeup. They are leaders in makeup that cares for your skin, the environment and for who you are to suit all people, all ages and all kinds of beauty.

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