6 Ways to Look Younger With Bronzer and Blush

Use cream formulas. 

“As we age, our skin loses luminosity, so using cream bronzers rather than powders with a sheen rather than a shimmer (it can exaggerate wrinkles) on the cheekbones can give off a more youthful appearance,” says celebrity makeup artist Jamie Dorman. “The balm from a cream blush delivers an added youthful sheen to the face and when blended, looks like lit-from-within color,” adds celebrity makeup artist Tasha Brown. 

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Bring back the blush.

“Nothing says youthful quite like a flushed cheek,” says celebrity makeup artist Courtney Hart. “When using a blush to instantly look more refreshed (and younger), try using a cream blush on the apples of your cheeks,” says celebrity makeup artist Amber Amos. “Choose a rosy or coral tone (depending on your undertones), and simply tap onto your cheeks.” 

Location, location, location 

“Avoid applying blush in the hollows of the cheeks,” says celebrity makeup artist Kira Nasrat. “This can make you look a bit dated.” Instead, choose a cream blush and apply onto the apples of the cheeks for a youthful glow. “Just make sure you blend it in so it’s seamless.”

Know your shade.

“For a youthful glow, use a shade that will complement your skin tone. Try and stay away from gray and ashy tones,” says Nasrat. “The trick is to choose a shade that’s just a few tones darker than you,” says celebrity makeup artist Jami Svay. “This way, you’ll avoid any streakiness. Plus, it’s easier to blend.”

Go easy on the bronzer.

“My secret for bronzer is to not use it all over the face,” says Svay. “Apply it on the outer rim of your face, nose and forehead for a believable glow.” Nasrat explains to add bronzer on the planes of the face where the sun would naturally hit it.” Brown adds that having on a bit of bronzer helps add dimension to cheekbones (a surefire sign of youth) and warms up flat skin tones. 

Think high.

“Applying a cream blush high on the cheeks and into the hairline creates a fresh look that gives you the appearance of an instant ‘facelift,’” says celebrity makeup artist Julie Hewett. Celebrity makeup artist Anton Khachaturian says applying a peachy-pink tone (this is universally flattering) onto the apples of the cheeks and blending through the crease of your eyelids can also make you look refreshed.