How to Apply Blush Properly

This one’s really for my own indulgence. It is a personal pet peeve of mine to see a gorgeous girl with clown cheeks or a naturally beautiful girl with muddy hollows where her cheekbones used to be (or maybe she thinks they SHOULD be)! I give you Exhibits A and B:

Not to worry, I’m not being a snooty beauty blogger…I’ve done these things myself and sometimes continue to do so when I’m overly excited about a product. Luckily (for the sake of everyone), I decided it was time to post a quick step by step guide to applying blush…you’re welcome!

So before you whip out that old compact palette you got for Christmas that has a quarter inch sized blush blurb in it, consider the fact that your blush needs to suit not only your coloring but your skin type. Figure out what shade is best for you, then figure out what formula is right for your skin type. The color needs to be reminiscent of how you’d look when flushed or exposed to cold air. Smacking yourself in the face should do the trick! Just kidding, but go ahead if you want to. Olive and Darker skin tones look amazing in peach, coral or even red. Fairer skin types look best in pinks and rose colors.

Next you need to choose your formula. Powders, gels and liquid work great on oily skin while cream based formulas work best on dry skin. Not to say that someone with oily skin can’t use a cream based formula, it’s all in how you prep your skin. I ALWAYS recommend a primer before applying any makeup.

1. Apply your foundation and eye makeup. I always do my cheeks and finish with my lips. Don’t know why, it’s just my thing.
2. If you’re using a powder or cream formula, use a professional blush brush; those synthetic plastic crummy brushes that come with are awful. Sorry but I’ve yet to find one that’s not completely useless. I use Sigma Brushes and this one is a Large Angled Contour F-40.
3. Once you’ve decided how you’re going to apply (brush or fingers) make sure that you either tap off the brush after you’ve grabbed some product or dab off your fingers. This removes the excess and prevents over application.
4. Look at you’re mirror and smile to determine where the apple of your cheek is. Apply only to the apples of your cheeks for a healthy flush. Anything more and you’ll end up with that muddy off kilter cheekbone I spoke of.
5. Don’t fret if you overdo it. A blot of tissue will remove excess cream blush while some translucent powder does the trick with powder blush.
6. Finish your look with a dusting of translucent powder on a Kabuki or large powder brush.

That’s it, easy peasy lemon squeezy! You should have a gorgeous flushed look and NOT look like you’re off to the circus!

Thank you for indulging me, I will now practice what I preach and STOP CLOWNING AROUND! 

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