As a long time powder blush lover, I’m shocked that I even have this many cream and liquid blushes in my collection! But the formulations have gotten significantly better over the years and they look so much better on the skin. Cream blushes are a great alternative to wearing powder blush if you don’t want to wear powder or what something with more moisture to it. Not all cream blushes are moisturizing but many are and can give you that healthy glow or radiance that powder blush cannot. And if you have more mature skin or dry skin, I highly recommend adding a cream blush formula to your makeup routine.
My skin is more normal to dry but I find myself reaching for non powder blush formulas now more than ever. They are often very easy to blend and don’t accentuate any fine lines or texture like powder blushes can do. I still own and wear powder blushes but it has to be the right formula and texture. As I get older, I have different requirements for my makeup formulations than I did when I was younger. If you struggle with finding cream blushes for mature skin, I have identified a ton of options that I personally love and would recommend.
11 Best Cream Blushes for Mature Skin
Not all cream blushes are created equal so it’s important to find ones that blend easily and have a bit of moisture to them. There are cream blushes that have a drier texture which makes them better for those with oily or combination skin types, but can be a challenge to work with on mature skin. I need a formula that doesn’t pull on my skin, won’t emphasize any fine lines and has a nice healthy skin finish. Occasionally I will also use a dewy or luminous cream blush which can also look beautiful but the glow needs to be more of a sheen on the skin rather than something glittery or sparkly. If you are looking for a new cream blush to try, hopefully you will find one from this list that will suit your needs.
Is Cream Blush Better for Mature Skin?
This is hard to state definitively but I definitely feel like cream or liquid blush works better on aging skin and dry skin. Powder blush can often be too drying and can accentuate texture and lines more prominently. There are always exceptions and it’s best to use what you feel looks best. Cream blush formulas have advanced so much in the past few years that there is a formula for every skin type out there. I personally like cream blush on mature skin because the added bit of moisture in cream formulations gives a more seamless and skinlike look.
What is the Best Cream Blush for Mature Skin?
Pixi On-the-Glow Tinted Moisture Stick Bronze and Blush
It’s super sheer but gives the cheeks a natural flush of color and has skincare benefits to moisturize. Easy to apply and blend, this product is foolproof. If you are someone who loves a no makeup makeup look, these blush and bronzer sticks are a must have. The bronzer especially is one of the best bronzers for fair skin. You don’t have to worry about applying too much and they don’t stay tacky on the cheeks. The only downside to these is that they aren’t as long lasting as other formulas on this list.
Tarte Maneater Blush & Glow Cheek Plump
I had to include a few liquid blushes in the group because they are also great for mature skin types. And this is one of my absolute favorite formulas so I had to include. I have the color Pink and it is gorgeous. The formula is moisturizing and brings the most subtle freshness to the skin. Pigment is medium but can be built up by adding another layer. It’s also designed to be a tad plumping which makes your skin look fresh, healthy and glowy. There isn’t any shimmer in it but it does have a slight radiance to it that makes the skin look amazing.
Pat McGrath Cheek Colour Balm
Most of the products I have tried from Pat McGrath are always intensely pigmented so I used a light hand when first trying this. The color went on richly but easily blended out and gave a really subtle tint to the cheeks. I was in love after the first use! And I can swipe this right on without worrying I’m applying too much. I have the color Paradise Peony which is more peachy than pink and has a warmer undertone. The formula is very long wearing and has a slight glossy look to it without being sticky or tacky. I love the shade range of this formula because it has great options for all skin tones.
Jones Road Beauty Lip and Cheek Stick
This cream stick can be used on either the lips or cheeks but I primarily use it on my cheeks. It’s super creamy at first which makes it really easy to blend but dries down after a few minutes leaving a soft focus finish. My favorite color to wear is Bright Pink. Even though it looks very bright in the tube, it’s more subtle on the skin and makes my face look so bright and healthy! Especially if my complexion is looking extra dull or sallow, I will always reach for this blush to instantly revive my look.
Jones Road Beauty Miracle Balm
This product was designed specifically for more mature skin types. It is a solid tinted face balm that is formulated with various oils to really help nourish and moisturize the skin. The texture is incredibly emollient and stays tacky on the cheeks all day. You are supposed to break the seal (just push your finger into the product) before using, rub a bit between your fingers and apply as your last step on the cheeks (can also be used on the lips). Due to the creamy nature of the product, this is definitely a product for those with mature skin.
NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush
Another great liquid blush option for mature skin especially if you like something very sheer. As soon as I swipe this on my cheeks, you can instantly feel the moisture in them. They feel incredibly hydrating and refreshing. My skin looks fresh with a dewy finish and just a hint of color. For those that want something long wearing, this won’t be your best option. Because they are so sheer and hydrating, they don’t the staying power quite like other liquid blushes with more pigment.
Laura Mercier Rose Glow Liquid Highlighter (code: MAREE20)
I wouldn’t normally recommend a liquid highlighter as a blush option, but this one is an exception. It gives the most stunning radiant glow to the face without looking too sparkly or glittery. My favorite shade is Peach Bronze and I wear it as a blush/highlighter combo and it makes my cheeks look radiant and healthy. I would start with just a small dab of one or two dots on the cheeks/cheekbones and blend out. If you want a more intense color payoff, build up slowly. While there is great coverage when you first apply, it easily blends into the skin and feels incredibly lightweight. And if you like to simplify your makeup routine and combine your blush and highlighter in one, this is the perfect option.
Rhode Pocket Blush
The Rhode Pocket Blush is a cream blush formula designed to give a diffused wash of color with a satin finish. They are portable so you can take them with you and touch up on the go if you want. They are a lightweight formula that melts into the skin easily without leaving a tacky or greasy feel. I find it best to apply them with a brush instead of swiping them directly onto my skin. I can control the intensity this way and they blend easier for me. They leave my cheeks looking fresh without being too dewy or shiny.
Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush
The Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blushes are a liquid blush formulation that have a skin like finish when applied and last up to 12 hours. They are easy to build up to achieve maximum color payoff or can be sheered out to give a wash of color. There are 7 shades currently in the range with a mix of coral, pink and berry tones. For those that like a blush with moisture and need that extra bit of hydration for their skin, these Unreal Liquid Blushes would be a great option. Because these are so pigmented, I recommend spreading out that one drop so you are only picking up a small amount of it at a time. This way you can better control the color and application. It’s best to start small and build up to your desired intensity.
Armani Luminous Silk Liquid Blush Cheek Tint
Initially these feel somewhat similar to the NARS Afterglow blushes but as they blend out, you can definitely see they are more pigmented. Not too much that it becomes difficult to blend them out. But just enough that you know they will be long wearing. They have a soft satin finish and has a slight blurring aspect to them as well. You have some time to play with them when you first apply but once they dry down, they are incredibly long wearing.
Haus Labs Color Fuse Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick
This blush formulation is the most dewy out of all the options I have mentioned. So I know not everyone will be a fan of that. These have a glassy look to them on the cheeks and stay dewy without ever drying down. Not tacky per se, but definitely creamy and emollient. I truly LOVE the way these look on the skin because they are so moisturizing and hydrating. But they are not very long wearing. So I only choose them for days that I need my makeup to last only 5-6 hours. The color range is gorgeous and I love that you can also use them on the lips!
How to Apply Cream Blush on Mature Skin?
Prep Your Skin
Regardless of the cream blush formula, your makeup will never look its best if your skin is not well moisturized and prepped. Be sure to use a gentle exfoliating toner a few times a week to remove any dead skin buildup. Try to choose a moisturizing SPF (this one is holy grail for me – code: MAREE works for 20% off) or a hydrating moisturizer (I love the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream) before applying your makeup. The more hydrated your skin is, the better your makeup will apply and look.
Warm Up the Product On the Back of Your Hand
If you find that your cream blush doesn’t blend into the skin, try putting some on the back of your hand and mixing it with your finger. Sometimes this will make the product easier to apply and it will melt right into the skin.
Use a Makeup Artist Mixing Palette for Liquid Blushes
I bought this tiny mixing palette from Amazon and put my liquid blush on there so I have something to work off of. You can also use it for cream blush if you don’t want to apply it to the back of your hands. After I put some blush on the palette, I will spread it around so that my brush picks up less product. This allows me to control the blush better and I can build it up to the intensity that I prefer.
Use a Makeup Brush
I get the best application and longest wear when I apply my liquid or cream blushes with a makeup brush. This is my favorite brush to use because it picks up just enough color. And blends it out effortlessly (code: MAREE10).
Build Up the Color
To ensure your blush lasts all day, it’s best to apply it in sheer layers. Apply one sheer layer first and then an additional layer to deepen the color payoff. By layering the color in sheer applications, you are blending the product into the skin ensuring it will last longer but look more natural.
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