Blush can be a game-changer for bringing warmth and dimension to the face, especially as we age. But for mature skin, not all blush formulas or application techniques are created equal. In fact, the wrong blush can end up emphasizing fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture—rather than giving you that fresh, healthy glow. From overly shimmery powders to heavy creams that settle into pores, certain blushes can actually make skin appear older. Knowing what to avoid—and what to use instead—can make all the difference in achieving a flattering, youthful finish.
Margina Dennis, celebrity makeup artist, revealed the one type of blush women over 50 should steer clear of because they can draw more attention to “texture and wrinkles.” According to her, older women with aging skin should avoid powder blush. Read on to get all the details.
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Avoid Powder Blush
Powder blush isn't always ideal for mature skin because it can exaggerate dryness, fine lines, and texture. As we age, our skin naturally loses moisture and elasticity, which means it’s more prone to looking dry or uneven. If your skin has uneven texture or larger pores, powder can sit on top of the skin and highlight these areas instead of blending seamlessly.
Skin naturally becomes drier with age, and powder blushes could make this even more apparent, Dennis says. Instead, she recommends trying out cream blushes for a youthful and hydrating look. "Many people make the mistake of using powder blush instead of cream, which can look more natural and radiant," she says. Since mature skin tends to be drier, powder blushes can make the skin look even more matte or chalky, rather than fresh and radiant.
What to use instead
The best kind of blush for aging, wrinkled, or textured skin, Dennis says, is one with a "cream or liquid formula" that does not have an "added shimmer" or glittery element in it. Powder and shimmer formulas, she stresses, can "draw more attention to texture and wrinkles."
She also says she would "shy away from the cream-to-powder formulas because these can sometimes highlight texture in the skin."
She concludes that it's best to "choose colors that invoke a youthfulness," like "rose, cool peach, coral, terracotta, and soft reds." The more you know!
