Applying blush can be one of the more difficult make-up techniques to learn. Blush creates the difference between a young, healthy look and a sallow, tired look. Unfortunately, applying too much or to the wrong area of your cheek instead transforms you into a clown. Add to that the difficulty of finding the correct shade of blush and correct brush and you've got a make-up technique that takes practice and patience to conquer.
Applying Blush
An attractive blush application takes some practice, so don't try to learn this technique when you are rushing off to work or school. Take some time in the evening or weekends to practice. Preview your blush in the mirror when you're done to make sure your overall makeup looks good, as well as your blush.
Powder Blush
- Apply blush last, after everything else is completed, including your eyes.
- Place a small amount of blush onto the brush and tap off any excess.
- Smile, or suck in your cheeks and apply the blush to the apple of your cheek. Brush it up toward your hairline.
- Use a circular motion or short vertical movements when you apply blush.
- Use a clean make-up sponge to blend in any edges.
Cream Blush
- Clean and moisturize your skin.
- Apply liquid or cream to powder foundation for a smooth finish.
- Tap your fingers across the surface of the blush or use a damp makeup sponge to pick up some of the product.
- Swipe the blush across the cheeks starting at the back, pulling forward.
- Use your sponge or fingers to blend the blush into your cheekbones.
Gel Blush
- Apply moisturizer to your skin.
- Squirt a drop of gel blush on to a clean cotton ball.
- Swipe the gel blush across the cheeks to avoid staining your fingers.
Blush Application Tips
The following tips help when you are applying blush:
- If you have a full face, focus your blush near your hairline. If you have high cheekbones, apply the blush to in the center of your face.
- Do not apply blush to the underside of your cheeks.
- Blush should never go below the bottom of your nose or any closer than the iris of your eye. When you apply blush high on the eyes can help your eyes to sparkle.
- To go with a natural look, apply blush sparingly.
- Brush a little amount of blush your forehead, right where the sun normally hits your face, if you look very pale.
- Toss any unused blush after six months to avoid bacterial infections.
How to Find the Correct Blush
You will want to select a blush that is close to the natural glow of your cheeks after exercise and you should keep your blush in the same color family as your lipstick. Of course, this isn't very helpful when you're staring at row after row of blush in the make-up store.
Evaluating Your Skin Depth and Tone
To find the perfect blush, you'll want to first start with your skin depth. If you have a darker skin, you can wear a darker blush like burgundy or wine shades. Lighter skin tones need to wear lighter blushes like pink or coral shades.
Next review your skin tone. If you have yellowish skin, you should wear cool colors like pink or plum. Olive skin tones should wear apricots or if you have a dark olive complexion, an orange. Neutral shades can wear anything, though rose and mauves are recommended. Blue skin tones (usually only seen in very dark skin) can wear reds or berries.
Hair and Skin
After choosing your shade, you'll want to look at the contrast of your hair against your skin. If you have dark hair and light skin, you'll need a more vivid blush. The closer your skin and hair color are to each other, the more neutral the color should be. If you are a redhead, use a very mellow shade of blush, like a peach so your cheeks do not compete with your hair.
Finally, check your blush in natural light, rather than fluorescent. If you are really having difficulty, ask a make-up professional for help.
Two Final Tips
- Try a bronzer rather than a blush for a natural look
- Daytime blush should be light, while nighttime blush should be a little heavier
How to Find the Perfect Blush Brush
- Employ a round full brush for your blush application.
- Avoid the little brush that comes in the blush package.
- Use a different brush for your powder and blush.
- Keep your brush clean with make-up remover and let air dry.
Get a Rosy Glow
Use your preferred blusher to get a pretty glow whenever you need it. A little touch of color will make you look fresh and youthful. Remember to start with a light application and go heavier as you need it.
