Blush 101

Blush is a basic product in all of our makeup bags.  It is an easy way to add warmth and color to your complexion.  It can also be used to complement your features or give your face a different shape.  If you've ever been intimidated by blush, follow our tips for the best blush application.

A few factors to consider with blush:

• Formula
• Shade
• Application
• Placement

Blush formulas and their advantages:

• Powder: The most common and easy to apply formula works on all skin types and comes in a variety of single shades or duo sets.  Look for sheer or soft formulas for the most natural hint of color. 
• Cream: adds a bit of moisture and dewy finish to dry, mature, or dull skin types.
• Stain: A long-lasting formula that can also double as a lip shade.  Best to apply sparingly because the color can be ultra concentrated.

Tips on shade selection:

Just like your foundation, you need the proper blush shade for your skin tone.  You want a natural shade, as if you are actually blushing.  Easy ways to find this natural color are by pinching your cheeks or choosing a shade that is in the same family as your natural lip color.  Choose a shade with the same undertones as your skin.  Follow our easy tips to learn How to Determine Your Undertones.  

• Peach is a universally flattering shade, enhancing all skin tones.
• Pale and baby pink shades compliment Fair skin tones.
• Apricot shades will lightly enhance the natural warmth of Medium skin tones, while a cool berry pink will add a fresh flush.
• A warm peach, rose, or bronze shade will complement Olive skin tones.
• Dark skin tones can flaunt deep shades like dark mauve, brick red or cranberry.  Bright orange or coral will make features pop.

Application tips:

The key to proper application is blending!  Also, apply a little at a time to build your color.  Keep in mind the rest of your makeup look when applying your blush.  You may be surprised how little extra makeup you need once your face has a brightened glow from blush or bronzer. 

• Use a blush brush, cream blush brush or your fingertips depending on your formula. 
• For a "lit from within" glow, apply your blush before your foundation. 
• For extra staying power, first apply a cream blush, then a powder blush in the same shade. 
• Apply cream blush in a dabbing or stamping motion so you don't smudge your foundation underneath.   

Proper blush placement for different face shapes:

It only makes sense that the best place for you to apply your blush is where your skin naturally flushes.  The most common recommended placement is on the apples of your cheeks and blended up towards your temples and hairline. 

• The apples of your cheeks are the roundest parts that are more pronounced when you smile.  Your cheekbones are easiest to see when you suck in your cheeks.
• Add definition to a round face by brushing blush in an angled motion up along the cheekbones to the temples, as if you are contouring the face.
• Soften a square face by applying blush in a circular motion on the apples, being sure to blend well.
• To compliment an oval face, focus blush on the apples of cheeks and blend.
• Add balance to a heart shaped face by applying blush just below the cheekbones and blend down towards your ears.
• For a long face, add shape by adding blush to the apples of cheeks, blending out to the middle of your ears.

For more tips, see how to Contour and Highlight Like a Pro.

For customized recommendations, contact our beauty experts. Shop Blush | Shop Bronzer | Shop Makeup Brushes