Everything You Need to Know About Blush and How to Apply It
Blush is one of those products we grew up seen on our mom’s vanity and in every glamorous woman’s purse we looked at, but when we have it in our hand, we “now what?” Let’s talk about what it is, what it is for, and how best to use it.
What is blush?
First, blush is a mild pigment, available as powders or creams, that mimics the natural glow of your face for a healthier, more vibrant complexion.
Now I have to slow down, because there is a drawback. Not everyone has a natural blush, including me. I’m not blushing! Because of this, it took me longer than most to learn how to use the blush as I didn’t have a natural color or position to mimic. If you’re like me and can’t blush naturally, then don’t worry, you can still use blush to, well, you get what I mean.
Whether your face is naturally pink or not, blush is also great if you’re using a medium to full coverage foundation . Full coverage foundations are designed to mask imperfections, but they also knock out your natural color when you reach for the blush to bring it all back.
The two types of blush and when to use them
Before we start, there are two main types of foundations:
- Powdery blush can be applied to bare face or over foundation. They are available in the widest range of shades with finishes from matte to satin and shine. They are usually applied with a brush and can be easily shaded for a soft sheen of color or created for drama. When applying powder blush to bare skin, it’s a good idea to use a makeup primer first so that the blush sticks to something and helps it hold on.
- A creamy blush can be smudged over foundation and is especially good for nude skin. They are more durable than powder and do not need a primer to adhere. They can be applied and shaded with your fingers, brush or sponge. Creams have a reputation for being overly pigmented, but when you start with a new product everything needs to be applied with ease, so don’t be intimidated by that.
I actually prefer creams. They tend to look a little more natural as the color appears to penetrate the skin rather than sitting on top of it. They’re also perfect for the winter months as they moisturize a little more and don’t accentuate dry skin.
The best way to apply blush for the perfect look
Everyone tells you to smile and apply blush to the apples on your cheeks, which are the most prominent parts of your cheeks, the parts that protrude when you smile.
It’s a good way to start, but blush, like eyeliner, like everything else, differs depending on the shape of your face. Feel free to experiment with placement. Personally, if I only apply to the apples on my cheeks, it stains the front of my face too much and smoothes it out, making me look like Thomas the Engine. I usually start to blush halfway to the apples on my cheeks and then comb them back and up towards (but not actually reaching) the tip of my ears. This creates pleasing movement and shape.
I am not from the school of thought “less is more”, anyway. However, when we start with the blush, remember that it is much easier to add a little color and then intensify it than to scatter too much of it by blending. You usually don’t need much to get a pretty shade, so don’t go crazy.
Choose a brush for a small to medium sized face with not too thick bristles. A spot brush is perfect for this. This is my favorite . Ideally.
The bristles are not too densely packed and vary in length, so they blend the product gently without imparting too fast color. If the bristles are too dense, you risk setting aside too much product that you cannot spray so easily, and the brush will build up more and more blush.
Tap the brush against the pan, tap with the shaft of the brush to remove excess product (a good rule of thumb for anything you apply with a brush). Tap lightly on the cheek, then blend in with gentle rotating movements. I pull my brush back and up a bit while blending, but you can work out which location works best for your face shape.
If you are not used to using makeup, you may find it looks a little odd on your face. No, you’re just not used to it yet. Inhale, step away from the mirror, and come back in five minutes. When you let your eyes rest and then scan your entire gaze, you will be surprised how much you like it.
If you still feel like you’ve applied too much, don’t worry! Just put some foundation on it . If you’ve used a powdery blush, use a powder foundation to tone down the color. This is the only thing I use powder bases for, but it never fails me. If you’ve used a creamy blush, a thin layer of creamy foundation will soften it pleasantly. It also makes your skin look more natural, so it’s a good idea to keep this in mind.
As for color … There are hundreds of articles out there that will tell you about warm and cool tones and what colors NOT to wear. Here’s the thing: you. If you think it’s a pretty color, if you think you like it, wear it. I wear purple blush every day. My hair is purple, so it’s actually very flattering, but I would still wear the same shade, even if my hair was his natural color, whatever that means. You are clever. This is your face. You name it.
A few things to keep in mind: A light hand is always the best place to start. A good brush is just as important as a good product, and will do just as much. There is no right way to do this, you can play around with the placement and change things until you find what works for you. If you think you look great, then yes. You look great already.