Even your crush doesn’t have the same effect a blush has on you. Nothing beats a natural flush, we get that. But it lasts no more than three seconds. Erm… Now you know why the world goes the extra mile striving to mimic the actual thing? Face it: blushes are no longer an afterthought. But truth be told, zeroing in on the right blush is tougher than finding ‘the one’ these days. *rolls eyes*
One wrong move, and you’ll be the butt of all jokes. Oh, and dare you even think about using the dense brush that comes with your palette. They make for sloppy application that lets out blobs of pigment in the apple of your cheeks. Instead, always opt for fan brushes to air out excess, like Nykaa BlendPro Blush Makeup Brush.
If you’re in the same (indecisive) boat as we are, consider this your one-for-all guide on blushes. We break it down to you by the texture and shade.
Different types of blush:
1. Pressed Powder or Compact
Your blush should never match the texture of your foundation. So, if you prefer liquid or mineral foundations, turn to powder pigments like this old timer. Now, aside from unidimensional pigments, they’re also available with swirls of colors for added depth.
2. Loose or Mineral Powder
Those with sensitive skin, save yourself the disdain with mineral powder. Mix two shades for a rosy luminosity or get creative by infusing a speck of bronzer or highlighter for a sun-kissed radiance.
What: Lakme Face Sheer Blusher
3. Cream Base
They glide on effortlessly, feels weightless on your cheeks and gives you a natural dewiness. To work your blush-first face, this and the tip of your ring finger is all you need.
4. Cheek Tint or Stain
Everything your cream blush can do this can also do sans the dewiness. This water-based hero is quite the multitasker as well. Use it on your lips and lids to ace that monotoned makeup look. Whatever you do, blend this quick-drying formula quickly
5. Blush Stick
This cream-based stick is meant for on-the-go convenience. It’s seamless in application that can be blended with a brush or fingers. Just ensure to not layer it on liquid formulas. You’ll be blotting away your oily mistake throughout.
6. Liquid or Cushion Blush
Either as a compact or a stick, there’s no better way to control a liquid blush. The cushion makes application rookie-level easy. And pretty darn blendable. Picking between a cream, tint or cushion blush; is a matter of choice.
Different shades of blush:
1. CHOOSING BLUSH SHADES
Pinch your cheeks and you’ll see the shade your blush ought to match. You could also try one that’s half a shade darker than your favorite nude lipstick. Then, go matte or metallic with your sheen. Sure, you can play around with other shades, but do so in small doses.
What: Milani Baked Blush
2. Shimmer
Our love for highlighters is indisputable. Then it’s a double whammy when your rouge does both jobs. It’s also why shimmer blushes are the most popular kind in the market. Some pigments are light diffusing giving you a soft-focus effect.
3. Ombre Tones
No matter how great your technique, it still doesn’t come close to a natural peaches-and-cream complexion. Enter ombre palettes. They’re 3D, shiny with light-reflecting pigments. With this, you can be a master without even being one.
4. Duo Stick
Contouring is addictive. But ever tried the technique with a blush instead? You’re seriously missing out if you haven’t. It gives you a rosy glow that also creates the illusion of high cheekbones.
What: Biotique Natural Makeup Diva Glam Highlighter Duo Stick - Pop - N - Perk!
5. Blush Palette
This one-for-all palette is nothing short of genius. The classic pressed-powder formula is perfect for every mood and occasion. Heck, it’ll even suit every skin tone if it boats of the four main shades required for a blush (matte shades of pink, orange and plum along with a shimmery highlighter). Together you mix, blend, match and go.
What: Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Blush Color & Highlight Kit
6. Illuminating Pearls
When you want to glow but not show, iridescent pearls come to the rescue. They give you a multi-dimensional, natural flush without making heads turn. However, a rounded blush brush is nonnegotiable. Exclude it and you’ll be a lost cause.