Blush Shades to Avoid as You Age

The fact that even our most beloved shades can eventually turn on us is a cruel twist. But the good news is, knowing what to avoid makes finding flattering colors all the easier. With a few smart swaps, you can bring blush back into your routine in a way that feels fresh again. “Ladies with older skin [should] avoid bright saturated colors and matte browns,” Luna Viola said, adding that these colors can read as “harsh” and “accentuate fine lines.” Matte brown tends to sap light from the face rather than reflect it. Meanwhile, high-saturation hues demand more attention than they deserve, calling out contrast instead of creating harmony.

If you’re embracing silver hair, tone matters even more. The best makeup colors to wear with gray hair lean towards warmth and softness, like soft roses and warm corals. In an exclusive interview with Women, Viola notes these shades “can smooth imperfection and add a fresh radiant appearance,” in addition to helping restore the natural warmth that silver hair can mute.

Texture matters too. Chalky, matte powders cling to dry patches and settle into the skin’s creases — an effect that seldom complements. Viola suggests a softer approach: cream blushes that blend more naturally into the skin, offering a healthy sheen. You could even try the watercolor blush trend for a more natural, moisturizing look. Some of the most fine-tuned cream blush formulas include Beauty Pie’s Supercheek and Fenty’s Cheeks Out Freestyle, which deliver the color without the heaviness.