How to Apply Blusher on an Older Face Using the 2-Finger Technique

Tools and materials:

• Blush
• Makeup brush
• Highlighter (optional)

1. Where to apply blush 

You’ll often see articles and tutorials that tell you to apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, but this isn’t what you should do when applying blush if you’re over 50.

This is because, as we get older, our faces begin to sag - including our cheeks. Since our goal is to lift the face up and out, ideally, blush should be applied to your cheekbones. 

To find your cheekbones, place a finger on the top of your ear and your thumb on the top of your nose then slide them across until they meet. Congratulations! You found your cheekbones. 

2. The two-finger technique

The technique I’m going to show you is called the two-finger technique. All you have to do is place two fingers by the side of your nose.

The goal is to not apply blush any closer to your nose than two fingers. This helps to give the lift you’re after.

3. Applying blush

Now let’s apply some blush. Be careful not to overload your brush with too much product, because it’s much easier to add blush than to remove it so you want to work in layers until you get the right amount.

I like to use a sweeping and circling motion, making sure not to bring it past those two fingers. 

Here’s a better look at the placement. As you can see, I’m applying the blush along my cheekbone.

A good tip to give you an illuminated, youthful glow is to add some highlighter. The blush I’m using already comes with a bit of highlight so I decided not to add any more. 

4. What NOT to do: applying blush to the apple of your cheeks

When applying color to your face, it can have the tendency to push things back and it can also drag things down if placed incorrectly.

Here’s what this looks like. Not only has it made the area darker and deeper, but it also drops the whole side of my face where I applied the blush. This is exactly what we do not want.

It makes this side of my face look a little bit hollow, despite having naturally chubby cheeks. So this is especially a thing to avoid if you don’t have much volume in your cheeks. 

This is why you should always stick to the two-finger technique and keep your blush to the cheekbone area for a beautiful, lifted effect. 

How to apply blusher on an older face

If you liked this guide on how to apply cream blush to mature skin, please let me know down below! I’d love to hear how this trick has transformed your makeup routine. 

Products used:

• Laura Mercier Blush Color Infusion