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How to Use Blush on the Face
Many women don't wear blush on their face because they either don't know how to put blush on their face; or they are unaware that blush is a means to add life to skin that otherwise may look tired and pale.
How to use your natural color as a guide
One of the most frequently asked questions women have about blush is what color to buy.
Since physical activity puts color in your cheeks, the next time you exercise, pay attention to the color of your cheeks; or another popular little trick is to bend your head down between your knees until your cheeks turn rosy. The color in your cheeks from either of these techniques will guide you to an appropriate blush color.
How to choose a blush type
Your second step on the road to a beautiful blush is to decide what type of blush to purchase. With a variety of different blush types on the market (powder, gel, cream and tint), first consider your skin type before shopping. Here is a brief breakdown of blush types:
- Mineral Powder blushes are universal, meaning that most skin types can wear them. They are long lasting, and if not over-applied, look very natural. Applicator: Brush.
- Gel blush provides more of a translucent shine and are best suited for women with oily to normal skin types. Applicator: Brush or fingertips.
- Cream blush is usually thick in consistency, but not overwhelming on the skin. Because cream blush is rich in moisturizing ingredients, they are best suited for women with dry skin. Applicator: Sponge, fingertips, brush.
- Tinted blush is sometimes referred to as a cheek and lip stain. A common complaint expressed by women about using tinted blush is that it "eats up their foundation and dries too quickly when applied." However, women who prefer not to to wear foundation seem to love the natural glow tinted blush gives them. Applicator: Brush, fingers (has been reported to stain fingertips).
How to apply blush
Now that you have an idea of the types of blush to choose from, it is time to apply the product to your face. Blush is considered the final touch of makeup, and should color coordinate with your lipstick. See Blush and Lipstick Color Chart for more information.
To begin putting blush on your face, load your blush brush, and then tap off any excess. Look into your mirror and smile - the round fleshy part of your cheeks are called the “apples” and that is where you start applying your blush.
Starting at the “apple”, follow the natural contour of your cheekbone. From the apple, move the brush towards your hairline. Feather the edges to eliminate fine lines or any streaks of blush left over from your brush. You want the color to look as if nature put it there. Don't worry if you apply too much blush, because translucent face powder can be used to gently blot over the blush to tone it down and make it look even more natural.
Hint: Recognizing your face shape is also helpful when learning how to use blush on the face. Knowing if you have a round, oval, square, or heart-shaped face will give you a better guide to where you should apply your blush.
How to use blush on the face – In a nutshell
- Blush can perk up a face that appears washed out, tired, and pale. If you are tired and decide only to apply a few beauty essentials to your face, blush should be one of those items (mascara is a definite second item).
- Bring out the natural blush in your cheeks to help you determine the correct color of blush to buy.
- To get your best results, purchase a quality makeup brush designed for your type of blush. Blush brushes that are included with many compacts are simply too small to do the job right. You need a nice stiff, but fluffy brush.
- Take into consideration your skin type when buying blush.
- Recognize the shape of your face.
- Coordinate blush and lipstick colors.
- Tone down over-applied blush with translucent face powder.
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