When it comes to selecting powder or cream, “it depends on the level of maturity of the skin, but it’s in the application technique,” Westman says. “If you’ve created a radiant finish using foundation, then you can absolutely either use a powder or a cream blush. It really all depends on the skin’s finish and the preparation you used.”
Jenny Patinkin, a makeup artist and the founder of Jenny Patinkin Eco-Luxe tools, says: “I generally think that liquid or cream blush is better for mature—or ‘lived-in’ skin as I like to call it—because it has a reflective appearance, even if it’s formulated without any shimmer. A reflected bounce of light off of skin that has started to thin or droop can create the illusion of a smoother, more glowy appearance. Not to mention that as skin ages it doesn’t retain moisture as well, so liquid or cream blushes can also give the appearance of being more hydrated and plump.”
As for powder blush, Patinkin doesn’t generally recommend it for everyday wear on mature skin. “Powder blush formulated with shimmer can give the same effect of making the skin appear more glowy and fresh, but that’s mostly when you view it either on camera or from a distance,” she says. “Close up, powder blush with shimmer can settle into fine lines and pores, which can make them appear more pronounced.”
Westman adds a caveat: Powder blush can work on mature skin types, but only if the skin has been properly prepped—and that’s particularly true for those with moisture loss. “If your skin is very dry to the touch, you would need to add some sort of radiance, whether that be from your moisturizer or a skin enhancer, to ensure the skin feels a bit more alive,” she says. “If skin is prepped, it will ensure the products are blending seamlessly together for a softer finish.” That soft finish is key to Westman’s general makeup philosophy for aging skin. “Less is more, especially with mature skin,” she notes. “You don’t want to overdo it.”
