Cream vs Powder Blush for Women Over 50: My Picks and What Works Best
Let’s talk blush! Once we hit our 50s, the way color sits on our cheeks changes. Skin gets a little drier, a little softer, and suddenly the same blush you’ve used for 20 years doesn’t give that fresh glow anymore. ARGH. So, what works now? In general, cream blushes tend to be more flattering on mature faces because they melt into the skin and give a natural, radiant look. But don’t count powder blush out; there are still some good ones out there if you like that soft-focus finish.
Why Should I Wear Blush
Blush is like a little magic for your face. It adds a soft pop of color to your cheeks, making you look fresh, healthy, and awake. Foundation can sometimes make your skin look flat, and blush brings that natural glow back, kind of like you just came in from a walk or had a good laugh. It’s an easy way to brighten up your whole look in seconds.
Cream Blushes
MERIT Flush Balm Cream Blush
Gurls, it has taken me a while to get used to cream blushes. This Flush Balm Cream Blush by MERIT is the first one that I’ve used and actually liked. It’s a creamy, lightweight cream blush that melts into your cheeks and lips with a balmy sheen that’s so flattering.
Shade Swipe Blush Stick
This beautiful cream blush by VERSED is the other one that I use. I warm the blush up between my fingers, and then dab it on my cheeks. After I get the correct shade I want, I set it with powder to help hold it in place.
Clinique Black Honey Pop Lip + Cheek Oil
I’m not sure what category this Lip + Cheek Oil goes in since it isn’t a cream or a powder. But, I couldn’t leave it off because it is sooo pretty, and it also makes your lips feel so nice and hydrated. I have to give credit to my daughter for introducing this to me.
e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi Stick
Elf is always an affordable choice and this little stick is so versatile! You can use it on cheeks, lips, and even your eyelids for a soft, monochromatic makeup look. The formula is creamy, blends beautifully, and is easy to toss in your bag for quick touch-ups. It’s perfect if you like a subtle glow that looks like skin, not makeup.
- Cream stick that works on eyes, lips, and cheeks
- Travel-friendly size
- Gives a natural, easy flush
e.l.f. Putty Blush
This blush has a creamy texture that blends like a dream and then sets down to a semi-matte finish. It’s ideal for women who want that dewy look without feeling sticky. The pigment is buildable, so you can go from barely there to bold with a few taps of your sponge or fingers.
- Creamy, blendable formula
- Semi-matte finish that lasts
- Lightweight and natural looking
Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush
If you like a sheer wash of color, this one is for you. It’s a gel-cream formula, which feels fresh and weightless on the skin, and it’s oil-free. It gives a very natural flush, like you just came in from a walk, which works so well for mature skin.
- Sheer, breathable color
- Gel-cream texture for a youthful glow
- Easy to layer without looking heavy
wet n wild MegaGlo Makeup Stick
This is one of those budget-friendly products that punches way above its price tag. It has a creamy texture that’s easy to swipe on and blend with your fingers. Plus, it doubles as a lip color in a pinch, so you get a lot of use out of it.
- Super affordable
- Blendable and creamy
- Great multitasker for travel or a quick routine
e.l.f. Cream Contour Palette
This palette isn’t technically a blush, but it’s a great way to sculpt your face. The creams are easy to blend and can be layered under blush to add dimension to your cheeks. If you like a natural look with soft shading, this is a solid option.
- Cream palette for contour and bronzing
- Smooth and easy to use
- Can be combined with cream blush for a polished look
Powder Blushes
This is the blush that I’ve used for YEARS, and I still love it. The middle section is a highlight, but I blend the two parts together. I use the nude pink Pillow Talk, which is perfect for my complexion.
Sometimes, the Pillow Talk blush is slightly too dark for me, especially in the spring and summer. So, after I apply it, I go over it with this bright pink blush called Pinking of U. It brightens up my face and gives my face a beautiful glow.
Milani Rose Blush Powder
Milani makes some great products and is always very affordable. The finish is matte, but it doesn’t look flat. I like to use powder on top of a bit of cream blush when I want extra staying power.
- Powder formula with a soft, natural look
- Long-lasting color
- Lovely rose design in the pan
Maybelline Fit Me Powder Blush
You can’t go wrong with Maybelline! This is a smooth, blendable powder that works well if you prefer powder formulas. It’s lightweight, so it doesn’t sit in fine lines, and it comes in classic shades that go with any makeup look. It’s a great budget-friendly choice.
- Smooth and blendable powder blush
- Doesn’t feel heavy on the skin
- Affordable and easy to find
Physicians Formula Multi-Colored Powder Blush
I like a multi-colored palette. It always seems to look more natural, and it gives a softer color payoff. Plus, Physician’s Formula is especially nice if your skin is sensitive,
- Silky powder formula
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Mix of shades for a natural effect
Blush Brush
109 Mini Contoured Foundation
Don’t forget a good brush! This is the one that I use, and it’s great for blending cream blush seamlessly into the skin. It buffs everything in, so there are no harsh lines, just a smooth, natural flush. It’s also great for applying powders if you like a more airbrushed look.
- Works for both cream and powder formulas
- Blends everything evenly
- High-quality and durable
Why Cream Blush Often Works Better
- Adds a Natural, Fresh Glow
Cream blush tends to blend seamlessly into the skin, giving a dewy, youthful look. Powder can sometimes sit on top of the skin and emphasize fine lines or dryness. - Hydrating
Mature skin often becomes drier with age. Cream blush formulas usually have emollients that add a bit of moisture, which helps keep the skin looking fresh. - Less Likely to Emphasize Texture
Powders can settle into pores or lines, while cream products tend to melt into the skin.
When Powder Blush Is Better
- If you have very oily skin or live in a hot, humid climate, a powder blush might last longer and stay in place better.
- Powder also works better over powder foundation or setting powder because cream products can disturb the base.
For women over 50, cream blushes usually win because they melt into the skin and bring back that natural glow. Powder blush can still be your friend, especially if your skin is on the oilier side or you like a longer-lasting, more matte look. Try both and see what makes you feel your best.
In Case You Missed These Blog Posts:
- I Tried These Teeth Whiteners for Women Over 50—Here’s What Actually Works
- The Best Korean Skincare Finds for Glowing, Hydrated Skin Over 50
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Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
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🙂 thanks for the choices
😀 i ordered the elf monochromatic stick. I travel a lot and being this can be used three ways it’s perfect
🙂
I struggle so much with finding the right shades. What works this week doesn’t work next week!!! So I have a drawer full of products that no longer work… sometimes I think it’s easier just to go without makeup these days. LOL
🙂 Thanks for the tips using cream blush. The Versed cream blush looks easy to use.
😊 I always debate between dry or cream blush.
Found it! I started using a cream blush this past year. It works better for me if I use a brush to blend. And, the blush looks great on my lips.
😃 Great story! Laughter is so good for us. After being introduced to Laura Geller makeup and giving it a try, her brand is what I use for my lips, foundation, blush, and eye color. The foundation and blush that I use are baked powder and they give me a very natural look, which is what I prefer.
🙂 Good tips for blush for everyone! So helpful!
😀. Cream blush for the win! Love the elf putty blush. Powder blushes just seem too dry for my skin.
😀thanks for so many pretty options- I really want to try a cream blush when I finish my powder.
Blush is a non-negotiable part of my make-up routine. I recently started using e.l.f. cream blush in peony and I love it. Blends well and looks natural. 🙂
🙂 Found it. I liked you in cheek to chic blush – pillow talk & pinking of you. I like the powder blushes for myself.
Love all the blush choices Tania
I prefer powder but love seeing what’s out there
☺️ I’ve always used powder blush but I think I may need to try a cream. Thanks for the ideas.
I might consider using a cream blush. Thanks for sharing this information. 🙂
😊Very helpful.
And enjoyed the story about your mom. Too funny!!!1
She is such a fun time.
🙂 Your mom is a hoot! You look so pretty and fresh faced. I use Laura Geller foundation and blush and have been happy with it.
☺️Live this post about cream blushes because I’m not a fan of powder anymore. Too messy for me! I will definitely try one of these
🙂 Man O man, I have a dozen or so blushes I rotate thru. And now I see some new ones here I am real anxious to try. So much fun to experiment with.
😊great information. I have been wanting to try Merit.
🙂 I use powder because I have oily skin.
😊 I prefer the brush stick over powder blush but I do use both.
Thank you for these product reviews and tips for blushes. This was very helpful.
🙂
😊 I just recently tried cream blush & I like it a lot,
😊 recently started using cream blush and love it!
I have the Merit cream blush in a different shade and it is wonderful! I haven’t tried setting it with powder…thanks for the great idea! 🙂
🙂 I switched to a cream blush a year ago but I may try one of the ones you tried as its almost gone and not as creamy as I would like.
🙂 Thanks for sharing the cream blush options, I just recently changed to cream blush & have tried the elf monochromatic & am looking forward to trying some new ones.
: ) lots of awesome blush ideas. Laughed out loud at the story about your mom!!
🙂 I want to try that Merit blush.
😊 Great selections for blushes. I use Rare Beauty and have been happy with it so far.
🙂 I’ve been using the e.l.f putty blush for a while now and I like it much more than the powder blush.
😃 I LOVE blush! You are correct about the tone of our faces can look flat, blush makes my eyes sparkle and gives my face definition. Needless to say my makeup drawer has a lot of blushes in it, many are the ones you highlighted.
🙂 cream
🙂I use both powder and cream
😊. My skin is oily, live in a hot and humid climate and in the summer I use a powder blush. When winter rolls around( if it does🙄) I revert to cream blushes which I love. The Clinique blush is a favorite. Treasure the moments with your Mom and sister.
😄 I use cream blush and tinted moisturizer. It’s not always easy to find cream blush. Thank you for providing a great variety! Great story about your mom – very cute.
🙂 Great suggestions. I have recently started wearing cream blush also.
😊Thanks for all the great suggestions
I’ve been using creamy blush for the moisturizing properties. These are some great suggestions. 🙂
😀I love the cream, but find it fades so quickly. But during the summer outside it’s better than powder. Btw funny story😀
Found it 🙂 thanks for the info, I will have to give cream blushes another thought.
🙂 I love your mother!!😂
She is a hoot!
😊 Thank you for the post on blushes. I usually use a powder one but maybe I should start using cream blush since I’m in my early 60’s now. The ones you show are really pretty looking.
Lana, I still love my powder blushes; I waffle back and forth between them.
🙂 I might try the elf multi stick. Does it have a lot of shimmer?
I’m not sure. I’ve not tried that one but I saw a lot of people liked it.
😊This year I decided to change my blush to cream instead of powder. I have been liking the cream blush. I like to try different makeup.
Laura Geller makes a balm blush that I’m trying at the moment. I do like it and it plays well with powder for layering if desired.
🙂I’m using e.l.f. Putty blush.
I am looking for a pencil eyeliner that doesn’t smug any suggestions? Also what is the best mascara that doesn’t end up under your eyes in a few hours? Thanks for any suggestions
I think a lot of it is dependent on your skin. My mascara never smears, but I dint have oily skin. I’ll also apply powder under my eyes to help.
Hi Tania!! Sometime ago, you recommended the Charlotte Tilbury blush in one of your posts. I tried it, and I haven’t stopped using it since! Just ordered a replacement yesterday! My skin is on the older side. This blush is perfect!!
I really like it too. The only issue is if you do it, it will break into hundreds of pieces. 😏
😀oily skin still at 72years old, sticking to powder blush. Will check out your suggestions. Thanks.
🙂 Found it! I love Clinique’s Black Honey!
😀very pretty