Yahoo Lifestyle 10 blushers that promise a pretty pop of colour on mature complexions
Never (ever) underestimate the skin-enlivening power of a good blush. The right one will restore healthy colour to winter complexions, help to pull the rest of your make-up together, and even enhance your natural facial structure. Pair with the right foundation for mature skin and an accompanying bronzer, and you've got the perfect recipe for a fresh, vital, polished-looking complexion.
With so many options available, from unctuous creams to liquids, gels and velvety powders, finding the right formula, finish and colour can feel overwhelming. Plus, a bright shade in a compact can often feel a little intimidating for the uninitiated. Then, there are also the myths surrounding blusher for mature complexions, one being that you should steer clear of it due to natural changes in skin texture and hot flushes. Rather, it's just about finding the right blush for you.
"As we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner and sometimes drier, and if menopause is in the mix, you may also experience fluctuations in redness," says Ruby Hammer MBE, revered make-up artist and founder of Ruby Hammer Beauty. "But that doesn’t mean you should skip blush. On the contrary, it’s essential for bringing life back into the complexion."
How to find the right blush texture for every mature skin type
First, consider the textures. According to Hammer, cream blushes are easy to blend and impart a fresh finish on dry skin, but it might not have the longevity of powder formulas, especially if you're on the oilier side or are prone to hot flushes.
Powder formulas boast long-wear capabilities, but make sure to find one that's finely-milled and without harsh specks of glitter for a more elevated, natural-looking effect. There are also liquid blushes, which tend to have sheerer pigments so you don't risk going overboard which, like the cream textures, are great for drier skin types.
How to apply blush on mature skin
For powder blushers, Hammer suggests applying in "whisper-light layers rather than a heavy-handed sweep" to avoid a jarring, doll-like look. Make sure your skin is properly prepped with a good moisturiser, then "follow that by setting with a fine veil of translucent powder to create a smooth canvas. A finely-milled powder formula with a satin or luminous finish will prevent the skin from looking flat or dry," says Hammer — this will also stop the blush clinging to dewier areas of skin.
An oversized brush can deposit too much product and emphasise texture, so consider a smaller, tapered brush. "Tap off any excess before application and press it onto the skin rather than swirling – this can help prevent it from catching on fine lines," shares Hammer.
For cream textures, apply using either your fingertips or a denser brush. "Use tapping motions to seamlessly blend into the skin. For extra longevity, lightly set with a translucent powder to lock in the colour without dulling the glow," Hammer suggests, name-checking Westman Atelier as a firm favourite.
Where to apply blush on mature skin
"Blush placement should always mimic the way we naturally flush. When we’re full of life, colour appears from the apples of the cheeks and lifts upwards — so that’s the blueprint," says Hammer, who recommends smiling to determine the fleshiest part of your cheeks and applying the blush there, blending up towards the temples to "lift the face, creating a youthful, fresh effect rather than dragging the features down".
How to find the right blush shade
Heed Hammer's advice: "Blush should look like you, at your freshest." Often, the easiest way is to find a shade that replicates the natural flush of your skin, but if that proves to be a little confusing, try a red-based blush for a universally flattering warmth as it "mirrors the natural blood flow beneath the skin and suits all complexions," says Hammer.
"If you have cooler [blue-ish] undertones, a pink blush will feel most natural, instantly brightening the face," says Hammer. Similarly, if you know that your skin's undertone is more yellow, then peach and coral shades can work really well. Either way, "if a shade leaves you looking ashy or washed out, it’s not the one for you," says Hammer, adding how it's also a myth that certain colours are off-limits once you get older; it's about you skin tone, not your age.
"You don’t suddenly hit a milestone birthday and have to swap pinks and corals for browns and neutrals. It’s all about choosing tones that bring vibrancy to your face," she says.
Ahead, the best blushers for mature complexions
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint
As the name suggests, this liquid blush contains just the right amount of luminosity to restore liveliness to the cheeks without looking shimmery or greasy on the skin. A little goes a long way, so start with a dot on each cheek and build up for more intensity.
Shades: Six
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Radiant
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick
Gucci Westman has worked with some of the most recognisable faces in Hollywood, from Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Aniston to Anne Hathaway, and her products truly reflect her expertise. This blush stick is beloved by beauty editors for its hydrating formula, which sits comfortably on the skin. The buildable pigments impart a natural flush of colour and blend out seamlessly even when applied with fingers. There's enough luminosity here to lift the complexion without any shimmer in sight.
Shades: Eight
Formula: Cream
Finish: Natural, radiant matte
Beauty Pie Supercheek Cream Blush
At the recent Critics Choice Awards, make-up artist Soo Park used this little pot of wonder to create a whisper of beautiful colour on actress Michelle Yeoh. Made with lightweight oils, waxes and a silicone elastomer gel (which gives a smoother finish), this cream blush has an elasticity to it that means it doesn't look patchy or sink into fine lines. The formula is perfectly balanced, neither too matte nor too radiant, making it a useful blush for all occasions, seasons and skin types.
Shades: Eight
Formula: Cream
Finish: Soft matte
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush
Hourglass has really nailed its powder textures. The finely-milled pigments are soft as cashmere and the radiant formula — despite its gentle pearly particles — simply brings glow to the skin without highlighting any fine lines or blemishes. The finish is elegant and appears impeccably natural.
Shades: Eight
Formula: Powder
Finish: Natural radiant
Chanel No1 de Chanel Lip And Cheek Balm
This nourishing, balmy colour is ideal for anyone looking for a dewy finish. The pigments are impactful, yet it blends out easily to create a veil of fresh, juicy, vitality-bringing colour. It works as a tinted lip balm, too.
Shades: Nine
Formula: Balmy cream
Finish: Dewy
Ruby Hammer Cheek Colour
Don't let the vibrant colour deter you from swiping on this creamy blush; the end result (as is the case with all Ruby Hammer's make-up) is extremely natural-looking. Hammer developed this blush in Korea where texture innovation is second to none. The result? An easily buildable formula that melts seamlessly into skin without highlighting dry patches or uneven texture. The solid stick format is excellent for travel, too.
Shades: Three
Formula: Cream
Finish: Satin
19/99 Cream Blush Stick
Designed to work for those aged 19 to 99 (and beyond), 19/99 creates useful products in well-curated shade ranges to simplify shopping. If all you're looking for is a bit of healthy colour for your cheeks, this is it. There are only two shades, but both deliver punchy pigments to suit all complexions. Tuti is a vibrant pink that's perfect for a rosy spring glow while Szolo is a rich plum that feels right for the cooler seasons.
Shades: Two
Formula: Cream
Finish: Natural radiant
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Blush
Whether you're looking to mimic a golden glow or prefer a gentle rosy tone, Laura Mercier's extensive blush shade range has something for everyone. The cream-liquid texture has gentle pigments that are easy to work with. If you love the lightweight feel of a tinted moisturiser, this performs similarly and feels invisible on the skin.
Shades: Fourteen
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Natural
It Cosmetics Sun Blush
For that post-French Riviera, sun-kissed glow, look no further. All five shades are designed to bring warmth back to a winter pallor, no matter your skin tone. The cream-balm texture imparts a long-wearing, satin finish. It's a generous pot that will last you ages, too.
Shades: Five
Formula: Cream
Finish: Soft matte
Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint
This jelly-like stick might have gone viral on social media, but it's an unsung hero for older complexions — especially those with a tendency for hot flushes. The product feels delightfully cooling upon application (not minty, but rather as though you've left it in the fridge) and delivers a gentle stain of colour that works across all skin tones. It doubles as a lip tint too, and makes your mouth appear as if you've just had a popsicle.
Shades: Six
Formula: Gel
Finish: Sheer matte
You Might Also Like
