It's almost universally agreed on by makeup artists that cream and liquid blushes are the preferred formulas for mature or aging skin. “These styles give the skin a dewy flush and a subtle, lit-from-within glow,” celebrity makeup artist Kat Guevara previously explained to NewBeauty. Powder blushes in particular, Guevara adds, tend to highlight imperfections, texture and any unevenness.
One of our favorite ways to wear a creamy or balmy blush for a pretty flush comes in stick form because they're user-friendly, versatile (so many can be used on the lips and eyelids too) and are perfect to throw in any bag for when you need a quick pop of color on the go.
We're not the only ones who loves a blush stick; lately it seems like every brand has created its own version, and some are better than others when it comes to supporting aging skin. Ahead, our favorite blush sticks for a healthy glow that are hydrating, don't accentuate fine lines or dry skin and seamlessly blend into skin.
Our top blush sticks for aging skin
1 / 9
Best Overall
Westman Atelier's Baby Cheeks is absolutely worth the hype—do one search on Google and you'll find thousands of people with only glowing things to say. This buttery blush leaves a satin finish and has a moisture-boosting, antioxidant-rich formula of berryflux vita (raspberry), jojoba seed oil and vitis vita fruit (grape) extract to replenish skin for a smooth, supple finish. Three of its biggest fans are Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Garner.
BUY ON SEPHORA - $48
BUY ON CREDO BEAUTY - $48
2 / 9
Best Overall, Runner-up
If you're a fan of Jones Road's Miracle Balm but wish it were a little more pigmented, you'll love the brand's Lip and Cheek Stick. Wear it as cheek color, lip color, alone or on top of your favorite powder blush—it looks natural and pretty any way you wear it.
BUY NOW - $36
3 / 9
Best Natural Flush
French beauty brand Violette_FR is best known for its Bisou Balm, a lipstick-meets-lip-balm that delivers the coveted blurry "just kissed" lip look. The Bisou Blush lends the same effect. With marbleized swirls of sheer cream infused within the blush itself, the flush it creates is multidimensional and true-to-life, "like the one your cheeks get when you receive an unexpected compliment," says the brand.
BUY ON VIOLETTE_FR - $36
BUY ON SEPHORA - $36
4 / 9
Best Skin-Nourishing
Iris&Romeo use ceramides, organic olive, jojoba and avocado oils, plus mango butter and organic shea butter to create a hydrating color that flatters your complexion while protecting and nourishing the skin barrier. If you have particularly dry skin, consider your search for the perfect blush over.
BUY NOW - $32
5 / 9
Best Long-Lasting
If you want your cheek color to stay put all day long, Milk Makeup's Jelly Tint is worth a try. Vibrant color stain aside, it's made with vegan collagen, seawater and aloe so it's especially hydrating and soothing and leaves a cooling effect on skin as you apply it.
BUY ON SEPHORA - $26
BUY ON ULTA - $26
6 / 9
Best Dewy Finish
Blushes that leave a glossy glow have a reputation for fading fast—but not Haus Labs Color Fuse Glassy Blush Balm Stick. The fade-resistant, high-performance formula is buildable, blendable and focused on skin care (it's formulated with 70 percent skin-care actives) for a glassy finish.
BUY ON HAUS LABS - $34
BUY ON SEPHORA - $34
7 / 9
Best Custom Color
For a cheek color all your own, grab Dior's Rosy Glow Blush Stick. It adapts to skin's pH for a custom color and is infused with cherry oil for a hydrated glow that keeps skin comfortable for hours of wear.
BUY ON SEPHORA - $44
BUY ON DIOR - $44
8 / 9
Best Multiuse
One stick, two sides, seven different uses. Wander Beauty's dual-ended stick can be used in various ways on the cheeks, lips, eyes and body. Both the blush and highlighter are super creamy and buildabe, and infused with vitamin E for free radical protection.
BUY ON NORDSTROM - $38
BUY ON AMAZON - $38
9 / 9
Best Drugstore
Another wear-it-where-you-need-it color stick, this $5 cream-to-powder makeup from e.l.f. is made with shea butter and vitamin E for an effortless glide of buildable, melts-into-skin color.
BUY NOW - $5
