laura mercier moisturizing foundation

TOP 14 BEST CREAM BLUSHES FOR MATURE SKIN

When it comes to makeup, blush is an essential product for adding a healthy flush of color to the cheeks. However, finding the right blush for mature skin can be tricky. You want a formula that is hydrating and buildable, and that won’t accentuate fine lines and wrinkles. The answer is in this article. Keep reading!

14 OF THE BEST BLUSHES FOR MATURE SKIN

NARS THE MULTIPLE

NARS The Multiple is a multi-purpose cream blush stick, convenient for all makeup needs. The product can be used on both cheeks, lips and eyes, helping you save time and space on makeup. Outstanding with a soft, smooth cream that is easy to spread, NARS The Multiple has good color and lasts all day, providing a naturally radiant beauty. The product is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and has a variety of colors to choose from. However, NARS The Multiple also has some disadvantages such as high price and poor water resistance.

CLE DE PEAU CREAM BLUSH

Cle de Peau Beauté Cream Blush offers a premium blush makeup experience with a smooth, easy-to-spread, long-lasting cream with a plump, radiant skin effect. Adding valuable nutrients, the product helps nourish soft and smooth skin. However, high cost, poor oil control and few color options are limitations that need to be considered. This blush is suitable for people who love light, natural makeup, have high needs and the ability to pay, and desire to own a high-quality, effective blush product.

MILK MAKEUP LIP AND CHEEK STICK

Milk makeup lip and cheek stick is a convenient, versatile blush and lipstick product that helps you easily create highlights for radiant cheeks and lips. With a smooth, easy-to-spread cream texture, the product has a natural color, providing a plump, fresh effect. Lip and cheek stick is supplemented with valuable skin care ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil, helping to nourish soft, smooth skin. The product has the ability to retain color well and last all day without causing dry lips or cheeks. Compact stick design, convenient to carry with you anywhere, anytime. Lip and cheek stick has a variety of colors, suitable for all skin tones and makeup styles.

WESTMAN ATELIER BABY CHEEKS BLUSH 

WESTMAN ATELIER BABY CHEEKS BLUSH is a high-quality blush product with a soft, creamy texture that is easy to spread, has beautiful natural color and lasts all day. Besides, the product is also supplemented with valuable skin care ingredients to help nourish soft, smooth skin. However, the price of WESTMAN ATELIER BABY CHEEKS BLUSH is quite high, the product only has 10 color options and the ability to control oil is not good.

RARE BEAUTY SOFT PINCH LIQUID BLUSH 

RARE BEAUTY SOFT PINCH LIQUID BLUSH is a high-quality cream blush product with a thin, light cream texture, easy to spread, beautiful natural color and lasting color all day. Besides, the product is also supplemented with skin care ingredients to help nourish soft, smooth skin. However, the price of RARE BEAUTY SOFT PINCH LIQUID BLUSH is quite high, the ability to control oil is not good and there are few color options.

LAURA MERCIER TINTED MOISTURIZER BLUSH

This tinted moisturizer blush is a perfect choice for anyone seeking a natural, barely-there flush of color. Its lightweight, hydrating formula melts seamlessly into the skin, leaving a radiant, dewy finish. Unlike traditional blushes, this product won’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles, making it ideal for those with mature or textured skin. The buildable formula allows you to customize the intensity of the color, from a soft hint of pink to a more noticeable rosy glow. Plus, the hydrating properties keep your skin feeling comfortable and nourished throughout the day. So, if you’re looking for a natural, easy-to-use way to enhance your complexion, this tinted moisturizer blush is definitely worth considering

TRINNY LONDON SHEER SHIMMER LIP AND CHEEK 

Trinny London Sheer Shimmer Lip and Cheek is a multi-tasking wonder, perfect for those who love a touch of effortless glamor. This product boasts a lightweight, silky formula that blends seamlessly onto both your lips and cheeks. The real star of the show, however, is the sheer shimmer finish. It adds a subtle, dewy luminosity to your complexion, mimicking the natural flush of health and vibrancy. Unlike some shimmery products that can look heavy or settle into fine lines, Trinny London Sheer Shimmer Lip and Cheek offers a buildable effect, allowing you to customize the intensity for a soft, romantic glow or a more dramatic, eye-catching look.

ICONIC LONDON SHEER BLUSH

This sheer, buildable blush is a breath of fresh air for your complexion. The lightweight, buildable formula allows you to achieve a natural flush of color, from a soft kiss of pink to a rosy radiance, depending on your desired look. Infused with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, this blush goes beyond just adding a pop of color. These nourishing ingredients work to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day, promoting a plump and healthy appearance. The result? A natural, healthy flush that seamlessly blends into your skin, leaving a fresh and radiant finish that looks like you were born with it.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY PILLOW TALK LIP CHEEK GLOW 

That’s right, that’s a convenient multi-purpose product! Not only does it adorn radiant rosy cheeks, it can also be used on lips and eyes, bringing harmonious beauty to the entire face. The soft, smooth texture blends into the skin, creating a naturally healthy, shiny finish. Like vibrant skin gently illuminated, this product helps you shine brightly without the need for too many layers of elaborate makeup.

BOBBI BROWN POT ROUGE 

The Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge is more than just a cream blush; it’s a luxurious treat for your skin. This product is formulated with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil, which coddle your cheeks while delivering a pop of color. Unlike drying formulas, Pot Rouge hydrates and plumps, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple.

The unique texture melts into your skin, creating a beautiful satin finish. This finish strikes the perfect balance between natural and polished. It adds a touch of sophistication to your look without ever appearing cakey or heavy. The result? A healthy flush that looks like it comes from within, not a makeup product.

YVES SAINT LAURENT NU LIP & CHEEK BALMY TINT 

Yves Saint Laurent Nu Lip & Cheek Balmy Tint isn’t your average makeup product. This innovative tint goes beyond a simple blush, offering a weightless, balmy texture that effortlessly enhances both your lips and cheeks. Imagine a burst of sheer, natural color that hydrates as it beautifies. Unlike heavy makeup, the Nu Lip & Cheek Balm Tint builds to your desired intensity, allowing you to create a subtle flush or a more vibrant pop of color. The key lies in its lightweight, comfortable formula that melts into your skin, leaving a radiant, healthy finish. It’s like a touch of sunshine bottled up, ready to bring a natural glow to your entire look.

NO7 LIP AND CHEEK TINT

Cool breeze for mature skin is here! This tint cream is not only affordable, but is also a great option to find at popular cosmetic stores. Rich, moisturizing formula that penetrates deeply, making skin smooth and elastic. The foundation is thin and light, can increase coverage as desired, bringing a natural, fresh and healthy look to the skin. Say goodbye to thick, stuffy makeup, this product will be the ideal companion to help you shine every day.

MAX FACTOR MIRACLE PURE INFUSED CREAM BLUSH

The Max Factor Miracle Pure Infused Cream Blush is a multitasking product that combines makeup and skincare. It delivers a pop of color while hydrating your skin for up to 24 hours. The creamy, blendable formula comes in a variety of shades to suit different complexions. It leaves your cheeks with a healthy, natural-looking glow.

CLINIQUE CHUBBY STICK CHEEK COLOUR BALM

The Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm is a convenient and user-friendly cream blush. Its stick design allows for easy application and mess-free touch-ups. The formula is mistake-proof, blending seamlessly for a natural flush of color. It comes in a variety of shades to flatter different skin tones and provides a buildable amount of color for a healthy-looking, sun-kissed glow.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING BLUSH CREAM

To choose a suitable blush cream product for yourself, you need to keep in mind some important factors:

SKIN TYPE

Oily skin: You should choose powder or tint blush that has good oil control properties, avoid cream because it can easily clog the skin.

Dry skin: You should choose a cream or tint blush that contains moisturizers to help keep your skin soft and smooth.

Normal skin: You can choose any type of blush cream, but be careful to choose a good quality product to avoid skin irritation.

COLOR

Light skin tone: Choose gentle blush colors such as peach, coral orange, or nude pink.

Medium skin tone: You can choose more blush colors, from orange pink, earthy pink to reddish brown.

Dark skin color: You should choose darker blush colors such as earthy orange, bronze brown, or wine red.

EFFECTS

Matte effect: Brings natural, elegant beauty.

Glossy effect: Brings radiant, fresh beauty.

Glitter effect: Brings shimmering, sparkling beauty.

GRIP

Good grip: Suitable for long days of activity.

Medium grip: Suitable for everyday use.

Light adhesion: Suitable for those who want to easily adjust the color of blush.

WHAT TYPE OF BLUSH IS BEST FOR MATURE SKIN?

For mature skin, makeup artists unanimously recommend cream blushes due to their radiance-boosting properties and skin-plumping ingredients. “Cream blushes also bind to mature skin easier, and give the complexion that natural flush,” says Neil Scibelli, a makeup artist based in New York City. He also notes that liquid blushes are excellent for those seeking a more intense color.

However, mature skin doesn’t need to avoid powder blushes altogether. Emily Gray, a makeup artist from Nashville, Tennessee, suggests choosing lightweight, radiant powder formulas. “Lightweight, radiant powder blushes will glide seamlessly onto the skin and not feel or look too heavy,” she explains. Scibelli also mentions that powder blushes are ideal for oily skin, regardless of age.

HOW TO APPLY BLUSH ON MATURE SKIN

The perfect blush shade isn’t everything – how you apply it makes a big difference on mature skin. Makeup artists recommend using a makeup sponge, a dense brush, or even your fingers. “Mature skin tends to get thinner and dryer, so the skin will be more delicate,” explains Gray. “Fingers or beauty sponges used in gentle taps to blend a liquid or cream blush would be the best to not disturb mature skin.”

For a lifted appearance, Tobi Henney, a makeup artist, suggests applying blush higher on the cheekbones. She uses a cream blush, taps a dot with her finger on the high point of the cheek, and then blends it outwards with a brush.”My client, Diane Von Furstenberg, loves her blush on the high points of her cheeks. She taught me this trick when I started doing her makeup and it really works,” she says.

No matter your chosen method, Gray emphasizes blending upwards for a lifting effect. “I like to put the blush on or right above the apples of the cheeks and blend them up. Do not blend down, as that will drag the face down,” she concludes.

CONCLUSION

Cream blush is an indispensable makeup product, helping you achieve a fresh and radiant look. With the variety of colors, textures and brands, choosing the right blush can be confusing. However, by considering factors such as skin type, skin color, desired effect, adhesion, brand and price, you can completely find a product that suits you.

12 OF THE BEST WATER BASED PRIMERS, ACCORDING TO MAKEUP ARTISTS 

In the world of makeup, a good primer is the unsung hero. It creates a smooth canvas for your foundation, helps it last longer, and can even address specific skin concerns. But with so many primers on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for a lightweight and hydrating option, then a water-based primer might be the perfect fit. Here’s a look at some of the top picks according to makeup artists, designed to give your foundation a flawless finish and keep it looking fresh all day long.

WHAT IS A WATER BASED PRIMER?

A water-based primer is a makeup product formulated with water as the main ingredient, unlike silicone-based primers. This makes them:

Hydrating: The water content helps keep your skin from drying out, which can be especially beneficial for those with normal, dry, or combination skin. If your skin is too dry, pay attention to adding a moisturizing mask to your face, especially Korean face masks for hydrated and glowy skin.

Lightweight: Water-based primers feel lighter on the skin compared to silicone-based ones.

Less likely to clog pores: The lighter formula is generally less likely to clog pores, making them a good option for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

BEST WATER BASED PRIMERS

MILK MAKEUP HYDRO GRIP PRIMER

If you’re looking for a water-based primer that ticks all the boxes, the MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Primer is a popular choice among makeup artists. This award-winning gel primer is all about longwear hydration. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide plump and hydrate the skin, while blue agave extract acts like a magnet to grip your makeup for up to 12 hours. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and free of common irritants like silicone, oil, fragrance, and gluten, making it suitable for most skin types.

ILIA, TRUE SKIN RADIANT PRIMING SERUM 

Focusing on more than just makeup application, ILIA’s True Skin Radiant Priming Serum bridges the gap between skincare and cosmetics. This silicone-free formula is a great option for those with sensitive skin or those who prefer a natural approach. It combines skincare benefits with a priming effect. Packed with nourishing ingredients, the serum helps to firm, moisturize, and soothe the skin while protecting it from environmental aggressors. It also boasts a subtle, radiant finish that creates a flawless base for your makeup. Like other water-based primers, it’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving a soft, touchable feel.

PEACE OUT INSTANT PORE PERFECTOR

Peace Out’s Instant Pore Perfector goes beyond just a basic water-based primer. While it is lightweight and formulated without pore-clogging silicone, it offers more than just hydration. This multitasking product acts as a primer and a treatment in one. The key ingredient is a special hyaluronic acid blend that plumps and hydrates skin, instantly blurring the appearance of pores. It also tackles redness with its formula containing niacinamide. But Peace Out doesn’t stop there.  This product boasts long-term benefits too, with ingredients like mushroom extract that work to refine skin texture over time. So, if you’re looking for a water-based primer that minimizes pores, reduces redness, and offers lasting results, the Peace Out Instant Pore Perfector could be your new makeup must-have.

ELTAMD, UV DAILY TINTED BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 40 

EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 falls into a different category compared to the other products mentioned so far. It’s not specifically a primer, but rather a tinted sunscreen. While it can provide some smoothing and evening of skin tone due to the tint, its primary function is sun protection.

This product is a good option if you’re looking to streamline your morning routine. It combines broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection with a hint of color, potentially eliminating the need for a separate sunscreen and primer.  However, it’s important to note that sunscreen should always be applied generously and evenly, which might not be ideal if you’re aiming for a lightweight priming effect.

If you have dry or combination skin and prioritize sun protection, the EltaMD UV Daily Tinted could be a good fit. However, for those seeking a dedicated primer with pore-minimizing or other targeted benefits, this product might not be the best choice.

ARMANI BEAUTY LUMINOUS SILK HYDRATING MAKEUP PRIMER

Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer is a luxurious option for those seeking a radiant and hydrating base. This lightweight formula, suitable for all skin types, combines skincare and makeup benefits.  Like other water-based primers, it provides a surge of hydration with ingredients like shea butter and glycerin, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple.

However, where the Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer truly shines is in its ability to enhance radiance. It utilizes a unique technology to capture and reflect light, creating a subtle, natural glow that complements your foundation. This primer is perfect for achieving the signature “lit-from-within” look that Armani Beauty is known for. If you have dull or dry skin and want a primer that promotes a radiant and flawless canvas, the Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer is definitely worth considering.

MAYBELLINE, FACESTUDIO MASTER PRIMER 

Maybelline’s Facestudio Master Primer is a drugstore favorite that offers a budget-friendly option in the world of water-based primers. This color-correcting primer comes in a variety of targeted versions to address specific concerns.

Looking for a blurring effect to minimize pores and imperfections? They have a “Blur + Smooth” version. Want to combat redness? Try the “Blur + Redness Control.”  Each version utilizes lightweight, water-based formulas to create a smooth canvas for makeup application while addressing your unique skin concerns.

Given the variety of options and its affordable price point, the Maybelline Facestudio Master Primer is a great choice for those who want to experiment with water-based primers and find the perfect fit for their skin type and makeup goals.

TOO FACED HANGOVER REPLENISHING FACE PRIMER

Targeting those late nights and early mornings, Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer promises to be your beauty sleep in a bottle. This hydrating, water-based primer is formulated to combat the signs of fatigue and dehydration. Enriched with coconut water, electrolytes, and probiotics, it aims to revive and replenish your skin, leaving it looking bright and healthy.

Whether you’ve had a long day or a short night, the Hangover Primer aims to create a smooth and dewy canvas for your makeup. If you have dry skin or tend to experience dehydration, and want a hydrating primer with a touch of radiance, this Too Faced option could be worth a try.

SMASHBOX, PHOTO FINISH PRIMERIZER+ 

Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primerizer+ is a multi-tasking primer that combines the benefits of hydration with skincare-inspired ingredients. This water-based formula features a key ingredient: triple hyaluronic acid. This powerhouse hydrator plumps and hydrates the skin for up to 72 hours, ensuring a smooth and comfortable canvas for makeup application.

But the Photo Finish Primerizer+ goes beyond just hydration. It also boasts niacinamide, a vitamin B3 that helps strengthen the skin’s barrier and protect it from environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light.  This primer is suitable for all skin types, but those with dry or dehydrated skin might especially appreciate its long-lasting hydration benefits.

SHISEIDO SYNCHRO SKIN SOFT BLURRING PRIMER

Shiseido’s Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer is a water-based primer that promises a flawless, soft-focus finish. Designed to be lightweight and universally flattering, it tackles multiple concerns to create the perfect canvas for your makeup. Its Light Diffusion Technology utilizes light-diffusing powders to blur imperfections and create a smooth, airbrushed appearance.  

For those with oily skin, mattifying peptides and sebum-absorbing powder work together to keep shine in check throughout the day. But hydration isn’t forgotten –  the formula boasts ingredients that provide up to 8 hours of moisture, ensuring a comfortable wear. So, if you’re looking for a water-based primer that minimizes imperfections, controls shine, and keeps your makeup looking fresh all day long, the Shiseido Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer is definitely worth considering.

LAURA MERCIER, PURE CANVAS PRIMER 

Laura Mercier’s Pure Canvas Primer is another strong contender in the water-based primer category. This silicone-free formula caters to a variety of skin types, offering a breathable, hydrating base for your makeup. Like many water-based primers, it boasts long-lasting wear – up to 16 hours according to the brand –  helping your makeup stay fresh and vibrant throughout the day.

While Laura Mercier offers a few variations within the Pure Canvas line, the core benefit remains consistent:  hydration.  The Pure Canvas Primer aims to improve the look of bare skin over time with its skincare-infused formula. This makes it a great option for those who want a primer that goes beyond makeup application and offers a touch of skincare benefit.

HONEST BEAUTY EVERYTHING PRIMER, GLOW

Honest Beauty’s Everything Primer, Glow caters to those who want a radiant, all-in-one base. This water-based primer is infused with hyaluronic acid, a powerful hydrator that plumps and smooths the skin’s surface. But the glow doesn’t stop there. Mica, a light-reflecting mineral, gives your skin a subtle, luminous finish, perfect for achieving a dewy look. Honest Beauty doesn’t forget about nourishment – the primer also includes a blend of fruit extracts like watermelon, apple, and lentil, along with two types of hyaluronic acid to provide deep and lasting hydration.  This vegan and cruelty-free option is suitable for all skin types and aims to prep, brighten, and hydrate your skin for a fresh, healthy-looking complexion that’s primed for flawless makeup application.

MAKE UP FOR EVER, STEP 1 PRIMER SHINE CONTROL 

Designed for normal, combination, and oily skin types, Make Up For Ever’s Step 1 Primer Shine Control is a mattifying water-based primer. This lightweight formula minimizes shine and mattifies the complexion, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. It’s formulated without oil or silicone, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types. If you struggle with excess oil throughout the day and want a water-based primer that keeps shine in check, Make Up For Ever’s Step 1 Shine Control Primer could be a great choice.

BENEFITS OF USING A WATER-BASED PRIMER

Water-based primers offer a variety of advantages over their traditional, solvent-based counterparts. Here’s a breakdown of some key benefits:

Lightweight and Breathable: Water-based primers feel lighter on the skin compared to silicone-based ones. This is because they use water as the main solvent, resulting in a more comfortable and breathable wear, especially beneficial for normal, dry, or combination skin types.

Hydration Hero:  Many water-based primers are packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. This helps to keep your skin from drying out throughout the day, ensuring a smooth and plump canvas for makeup application.

Less Likely to Clog Pores: Due to their lighter, water-based formula, these primers are generally less likely to clog pores compared to silicone-based primers. This makes them a good option for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Farewell to Fumes:  Water-based primers are known for their low odor or lack thereof. This is a major benefit for those who are sensitive to strong smells or have respiratory concerns.

Easy Cleanup:  Cleaning up after application is a breeze with water-based primers. Simply use soap and water to wash away any residue from your brushes or sponges. No harsh solvents or special cleansers are required.

WHEN NOT TO USE A WATER-BASED PRIMER?

While water-based primers offer many advantages, there are situations where they might not be the best choice. Here’s when you might want to consider a different primer option:

VERY OILY SKIN

If you have extremely oily skin, a water-based primer might not provide enough mattifying power to control shine throughout the day. In this case, a mattifying silicone-based primer could be a more effective option for shine control.

SEALING STAINS

Water-based primers aren’t the strongest when it comes to sealing stubborn stains like watermarks or tannins on wood. If you’re priming a surface with such stains, a solvent-based primer might be necessary to create a good barrier.

EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS

Water-based primers may not be the most durable option for very humid or cold environments. If you’ll be wearing makeup in extreme weather, a more heavy-duty, weatherproof primer might be a better choice.

CRACKED OR DAMAGED SURFACES

For surfaces with cracks or significant damage, a water-based primer might not fill in the gaps effectively. Opt for a thicker, filler primer in these cases to create a smooth and even base.

CONCLUSION

So, that concludes our look at 12 of the best water-based primers according to makeup artists.  With a variety of options to choose from, there’s a perfect primer out there for almost any skin type and makeup need. Whether you’re looking for long-lasting hydration, a radiant finish, or shine control, a water-based primer can provide a smooth, prepped canvas for flawless makeup application.  Consider your skin type, makeup goals, and budget when making your choice, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find the water-based primer that works best for you!