So, what’s the big deal? It’s just about applying some blush to the apples of your cheeks. Right? Wrong! The problem is most people don’t quite know how to apply blush properly or even where. And the chances of ending up looking like a feverish doll are higher than sporting a pretty, fresh flush. Worry not, we’ll show you the correct way to apply blush on different face shapes, the shades that work for your undertone, as well as the best blush tips ever! Let’s get started.
HOW TO APPLY BLUSH PROPERLY
1. First Prime Your Face
Any and all makeup looks best on a well primed face. So, start by applying your moisturizer and foundation. Set it all with some face powder or a face primer and only then whip out your blush
2. Now Choose Your Blush Colour Based On Your Skin Undertones
If you’re a dusky beauty, applying a peachy pink blush will make you look washed out. Choose your blush colour based on your skin’s undertones. If you have yellow undertones, opt for pink orange or reddish pinks like Nykaa Get Cheeky! Blush Duo palette - Malibu Barbie 03 to make your complexion pop. Have pink or red undertones? Stick with light pinks to compliment your skin or try peach to cut out redness. Check out Makeup Revolution Blusher Reloaded - Peaches & Cream. For deeper plum or blue undertones, choose brighter orange or even terracotta like Maybelline New York Master Flush Creator Blush - 01 Afterglow to make your cheeks pop.
3. Choose A Formula Based On Your Skin Type
Clearly, if you have dry skin or fine lines and wrinkles, it’s best to pick a creamy or liquid formula like Kiko Milano Velvet Touch Creamy Stick Blush. Meanwhile, oily skins need a powder-based formula like L.A. Colors So Cheeky Blush And Highlight Palette that will soak up all the extra oil. It’s good to remember that powder blushes sit better in warmer months, while creamy formulas add that extra hint of moisture in colder weather!
The Correct Way To Apply Blush
1. Round Shaped Face
The idea is to use blush to make your face look slimmer and more angular. Apply the blush in an angular motion, blending from the apples of your cheeks toward your temples to emphasize your bone structure. Make sure not to blend it towards your nose because that will make your face look rounder. Just look into the mirror and smile. Then swipe the blush in two short swipes to the apples of your cheeks brushing up towards the temple and down towards the earlobe.
2. Square Shaped Face
Square faces have straight sides and a strong, flat jawline. To soften your angles, sweep your go-to blush brush across your cheekbones onto the higher side, moving upward with long, light motions. Pull the blush from the eyebrow down to the nose, gently and blend well. The idea is to cover the cheekbone, from the edge of the brow to the hairline. You could even apply a touch of blush to your lips and eyelids for a soft flushed look.
3. Oblong Shaped Face
If your forehead, cheeks, and jawline are about the same width, chances are you have an oblong face shape, another term for a soft rectangle. Hit the apples of your cheeks, starting at its most prominent part, and blend towards the nose, moving outward towards the temple. The trick is to not highlight the cheekbone area, allowing your face to naturally highlight it. You could try adding a touch of blush on the forehead and the sides of the brows to complete your look.
4. Oval Shaped Face
Blush is the perfect way to frame your eyes. Oval face shapes have prominent cheeks and an oval chin. Apply blush at the most prominent part of your cheekbone, stroking it downward towards the earlobe and blending it up towards the temple. You could add a hint of blush just above the temples for added glow.
5. Diamond Shaped Face
If your face is wider at the cheekbones and narrower towards the jawline, with a pointy chin, the its diamond shaped. You want to draw attention to the bottom half of your face. However, never apply blush in the hollows underneath your cheekbones. Instead, apply it to the top of your cheekbones, blending towards your ears.
6. Heart Shaped Face
A heart shaped face typically is longer, with prominent cheekbones and a narrow chin. If you have a heart-shaped face, apply blush along the bottoms of your cheekbones, in a “C” shape going from the top of your temple downwards. This is very similar to how you would contour. The idea is to balance your strong jawline and draw attention to your cheekbones.
Blush Formulas We’ve Tried (And Loved)
1. Swiss Beauty Baked Blusher & Highlighter
We love that it instantly highlights skin with a sheer wash of shimmering color. No need to invest in a separate highlighter. The powdery yet luminous silky formula adds that pretty glow to the dullest of complexions in a swipe. Perfect even for sensitive skins.
2. Faces Canada Ultime Pro Blend Finity Stick Blush
We love the idea of a blush stick! Just so convenient to swipe on a pop of color on the go. This extra creamy texture makes it a sensorial delight. The special blend of pearls gives an optical blurring and lifting/soft sculpting effect. Provides medium to high coverage with a soft velvety finish.
3. Maybelline New York Fit Me Blush
One of the most affordable—and popular—blushes in the market today. This lightweight, blendable powder blush wears evenly and enhances your complexion, whatever your skin tone, with a natural glow.
4. Makeup Revolution Blushing Heart Triple Baked Blusher - Bursting With Love
If you haven’t tried this one yet, do! It’s a perfect triple baked blusher palette that defines your face in a flash! The powders blend easily and layer together seamlessly for a professional sculpted effect. Added bonus: The satiny texture gives you a dewy glow, instantly erasing lines and wrinkles so you’re left with younger looking skin!
