5 Blush Tips For Women Over 40 That Help Your Makeup Work For Mature Skin

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Considering our faces change so much as we age, it makes sense that our makeup should change with it. But while some swaps are obvious, like opting for a more flattering foundation application technique for older skin, one change we often forget to make involves our blush. Most of us are guilty of keeping the same blush in our makeup bag for much longer than we'd like to admit, but the effect it has on mature skin should never be underestimated.

"Getting flattering blush results on mature skin often comes down to three key factors: placement, shade selection, and the product formula itself," Luna Viola, fashion/red carpet hair/makeup artist, exclusively tells Women.com. Get just one of these factors wrong and it could affect your whole makeup look. But don't fret, because applying blush in your fifth decade and beyond doesn't have to be daunting. From the ideal formula to the perfect application technique, we're breaking down the tips you need to know to ensure your blush works on mature skin to create a flattering, ageless blush you can wear year after year.

One trap many women 40 and over fall into is applying too much blush at once. Sure, it's quicker to dip your brush in your powder and swirl it around to pick up loads of product or apply several dots of a cream blush at once, but it's not always flattering. "Start sheer and build slowly," Luna Viola tells us, exclusively. "Applying the blush lightly makes the skin look fresh and youthful," she adds. That means putting on multiple (how many is down to personal preference) subtle layers for a softer finish that compliments the skin without harsh lines.

Too much blush can make your makeup look garish (just ask these celebrities found guilty of blush blindness) and can accentuate the likes of pores, wrinkles, and/or dry skin, which is more common in older people. A blush overload is also much more difficult to blend or remove, but softer layers will allow you to apply more on the areas you need it without creating harsh lines. Because too much blush can be particularly unflattering on mature skin, those over 40 may prefer to avoid liquid blush products, which are notoriously pigmented from the first application.

Another big mistake many women over 40 make when applying blush is getting the placement wrong. That usually involves placing it too low on the cheek. Though that may not sound like a big deal, it can have a dramatic effect on the overall look of your face and your makeup. "Mature skin naturally loses some lift. Placing blush low on the cheeks can visually drag the face," Luna Viola exclusively tells Women.com. "Apply blush slightly higher on the cheekbones blending upward toward the temple. This creates a more sculpted refreshed result," she adds.

Though the most flattering placement will differ from person to person as it can be highly dependent on your face shape, the 'L-shaped' blush trend that went viral on TikTok is a good place to start. The method involves using your hand to create an L with the thumb across your cheekbone and your index finger pointing to the sky. Then (subtly and in stages, remember) apply your blush in the area between your two fingers. Once you have a better idea of the blush placement that works for your face shape, you can experiment and take it a little higher if you want to. "The most flattering blush application on mature skin is usually one that creates softness and lift rather than obvious color placement," Luna Viola tells us.

Blushes with frosty or glittery finishes don't have to be avoided totally by women over 40, but it's important to think carefully about how you're using them. "Frosty or glitter heavy blushes tend to accentuate texture and wrinkles," Luna Viola shares with Women.com, exclusively. If you really love sparkly finishes, try applying a blush without sparkle first to get the color pay off, then add a single, subtle layer of your favorite frosty or glittery product after.

If you find frosty and glittery blushes are emphasizing your texture and/or fine lines and wrinkles too much though, it may be time to swap to a more hydrating cosmetic. These blushes tend to be powders (which can be drying), whereas cream blushes are often more hydrating. That means they're less likely to cling to the dry patches that can develop as we age or highlight skin texture and/or wrinkles. Cream products look dewier on the skin as well, so offer a similar finish to glittery/frosty powder products. Cream blushes also have more staying power with a light dusting of a powder product over the top, so they're perfect for pairing with a single, light layer of your favorite glittery/frosty powder blush for a hint of sparkle.

It's just as important as we age to think carefully about the shade of blush we're using, because there are blush colors to stay away from as an older woman. "Ladies with older skin [should] avoid bright saturated colors and matte browns," Luna Viola she tells Women.com, exclusively. Overly bright colors that don't look natural can draw too much attention to parts of the face many of us would prefer it not to, such as wrinkles or age spots, and it doesn't create a flattering, soft effect either.

Instead, Viola suggests investing in blushes that are rose pink shades or warm corals. "[They] can smooth imperfection and add a fresh radiant appearance," she says. Laura Geller's Baked Blush-n-Brighten is specifically formulated for mature skin. Try the shade Skyline Sunset to get that rose pink look, or Cherry Custard fits the bill as a warm coral. For those looking for cream blushes in complimentary shades, try Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm in Sweet Rosé.

Making blush look its best on mature skin can also come down to using the right application tool. That will depend on your blush's consistency. For powder blushes, steer clear of brushes that pick up too much product at once or create harsh lines on the face that are tough to blend out. Instead, reach for a kabuki brush that offers lighter application and will make it easier to apply soft layers. Banidy's Retractable Kabuki Brush and Laura Geller's Free 02 Retractable Angled Kabuki Brush are both angled too, so will make it easier to apply the product higher on the cheekbone, diagonally toward the temples.

For cream blushes, it may be better to skip brushes all together. Applying and blending the product with your fingers can help warm it up, which will make the application easier. A lighter touch from your fingertips can also stop the blush disturbing any makeup, such as foundation, underneath and can offer more precise positioning and blending. Just make sure you always wash your hands first to keep your blush sanitary. If you don't like the idea of getting your hands a little dirty though, try a makeup sponge. Beauty sponges, like the Beautyblender or the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, are ideal for layering blush, as they offer a more sheer application and can help minimize the look of wrinkles or pores under makeup.