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Blush has been a beauty staple, dating way back to ancient times. It’s primarily used to give a natural flush to the skin, giving the complexion a more youthful and natural appearance.
CHOOSING A FORMULA
When it comes to picking the right blush, choosing the right formula is just as important as the shade you choose! I've compiled a list of the most popular blush formulas, as well as my top recommendations!
CREAM
(dry and/or mature skin)
leaves a dewy, youthful finish to the skin
often contains moisturizing ingredients
great alternative to powder blush in cold/dry climates
LIQUID
(all skin-types)
a lightweight alternative to traditional powder blush, especially during warmer weather
buildable formula allows you to apply a sheer wash of color to the cheeks, or layer it for a more dramatic effect
GEL
(normal-to-dry skin)
a lightweight formula that gives the skin a natural flush of color
often contains skin-hydrating ingredients
MOUSSE
(normal-to-dry skin)
air-soft, mousse-like texture
blends easily and seamlessly on the skin, leaving a natural and radiant finish generally a satin finish
POWDER
(normal, combination & oily skin)
most common form of blush
available in the broadest range of shades
available in multiple finishes, including matte, satin & shimmer
buildable formula allows for a soft flush of color or a more dramatic application
CHOOSING A COLOR
When it comes to choosing a shade of blush, the key is to pick a color that’s close to your skin’s natural flush, while being flattering to your complexion.
It’s important to consider your skintone. The fairer the skintone, the lighter the blush shade should be. On the other hand, for those with darker skintones, you’ll need more vibrant or deeper colors, in order to be seen on the skin.
If you’re going for a natural look, choose a blush with the same undertone as your skin. For a bolder look, pick a blush with the opposite undertone as your skin.
Fair-to-Light Skintones
Cool Undertones
Natural Look = soft-pink shades
Pop of Color = peachy/coral shades
Warm Undertones
Natural Look = peachy/coral shades
Pop of Color = soft pink shades
Medium Skintones
Cool Undertones
Natural Look: rich pinks, roses or mauve shades
Pop of Color: deep peaches & corals
Warm Undertones
Natural Look: deep peach/coral shades Pop of Color: rich pinks or warm mauve/plum shades
Dark/Deep Skintones
Cool Undertones
Natural Look: deep fuchsia/berry shades
Pop of Color: tangerine/orange shades
Warm Undertones
Natural Look: warm brown or tangerine/orange
Pop of Color: deep fuchsia/berry
BLUSH APPLICATIONS/TECHNIQUES
The most simple and common area to apply blush is along the length of the cheekbone, beginning at the outer-corner of the eye and working back towards the hairline. However, there are many different techniques for applying blush, in order to achieve your desired result.
APPLES OF THE CHEEKS
What Is It?
Another common and natural way of applying blush is on the apples of the cheeks. This gives the skin a natural flush as if you just got back from a light jog. This technique can also be used to help widen and brighten the face.
How to Apply
Apply a small amount of blush onto the apples of the cheeks, buffing it out in circular motions
TIP: Make sure you keep the formula two fingers away from your nose and two fingers away from the bottom of the eye
Draping Blush
What Is It?
The technique of “draping” is essentially contouring with blush. It creates a more dramatic, sculpted look that’s fresh and glowy, while sculpting the facial features.
How to Apply
There are three different techniques for “draping” blush.
Application #1: First, apply a deeper shade of blush to the hollows of the cheeks (under the cheekbone). Then, apply a lighter blush to the high-planes of the cheeks (apples and temples), gently blending it into the deeper color (to buff out any harsh lines/edges)
Application #2: Apply blush to the temple area, “draping” the color downward, across the cheekbones
Application #3: Sweep blush from the tops of the cheekbones towards the hairline, gently wrapping it around the brow area in an arc
Natural Flush
What Is It?
This technique creates the appearance of a naturally flushed complexion, as if you just got back from a run or if you were outside playing in the cold. This technique works best with a gel or cream blush and should be used with pink/rosy tones of blush, for the most natural finish.
How to Apply
Using your fingers or a brush, lightly apply the blush high-up on the cheeks—just below the eyes—being sure to diffuse any harsh lines. Gently tap whatever’s left on your fingers/brush onto the tip of the nose.
Sculpted Look
What Is It? This technique helps to sculpt and add definition to the face, without contouring. How to Apply Apply and buff blush directly onto and just above the cheekbone (almost where you’d normally apply highlighter), blending outward and upward.
Sun-Kissed Glow
What Is It? This technique leaves the skin with an all-over, sun-kissed glow. How to Apply Gently apply bronzer to the high-planes of the face (cheekbones, bridge of the nose, forehead and chin). Then, apply a soft amount of blush to the cheekbones and lightly dust whatever’s left on the brush onto the high-planes of the face (where the bronzer was applied).
COMMON BLUSH MISTAKES
While there are many different applications & techniques for applying blush, there are also many common mistakes and unflattering ways of applying blush.
Bringing Blush Too Far Forward
Problem: Bringing blush too far forward will give the effect of pulling the face down.
Example #1: If you have a naturally thin face and very defined cheekbones—which need no contouring—bringing the cheek color too forward will further emphasize the hollows of the cheeks, resulting in a gaunt look
Example #2: If you have a very full face, without defined cheekbones, bringing the cheek color too forward will pull the focus of the face downwards. This will result in the illusion of jowls, which is not flattering.
Placing Blush Too High on the Cheekbone
Problem: If you apply blush too high on the cheekbone, it can have an effect of “flattening” the face, instead of giving the cheekbone dimension.
Placing Blush Too Low On The Cheekbone
Problem: If you apply blush too low on the cheekbone, it can have the effect of lowering the natural cheekbone.
Applying Too Much Cheek Color
Problem: Applying too much cheek color can overwhelm the face. When it comes to a natural cheek color application, the general goal is to bring a warm and natural glow to the skin. Too much cheek color can look harsh.
Poorly Blended Cheek Color
