The Best Blush for Your Skin Type
For many of us, we start experimenting with blush in our teenage years. Still, into adulthood, it can be challenging to learn how to wear blush the right way—and avoid looking like a clown. If you desire a natural flush instead of one that makes you seem like you work at children’s birthday parties, read on.
In this guide, we’ll go over various types of blushes available for purchase, who should use them based on skin type and coloration, and how to apply them perfectly every time for a flawless finish!
Why We Use Blush
To start, let’s discuss what this product does. Blush isn’t designed to darken your skin like a bronzer, nor is it meant to highlight areas of your face.
Its purpose is to create the appearance of flushed skin, as if you just completed a strenuous workout.
Blush vs Bronzer
In contrast to other foundation products, bronzer usually has more metallic pigments and doesn’t have red or pink undertones.
You use it to give your skin a sunkissed appearance by applying in on the same places where the sun would hit; for example, on your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the middle of your eyelids.
Blush vs Highlighter
Products like highlighters, illuminators, and luminizers help make your skin look more sheer, dewy, and radiant. They don’t add any rosy color; instead, they give your skin a healthy and hydrated appearance.
There Are Many Types of Blush
There are several formulas for blush, each of which will produce a unique look. You can wear them individually or mix two varieties if you’re experienced enough.
Cream Blush
All skin types can take advantage of cream-based blushes. Even though you might think it is only good for dry skin, that misconception likely exists because makeup cannot completely fix the problem of dryness.
Rather, using proper hydrating skincare before applying any color cosmetics is paramount if you have issues with dry skin. Creams are easy to apply and usually leave a dewy finish, which users find more aesthetically pleasing than other finishes.
They’re also super blendable and buildable, so even those new to wearing cosmetics should have no issue getting the results they want with this type of blush product.
Powdered Blush
Pressed blush is ideal for those with dry to normal skin as it creates a smooth, airbrushed look. If you use the right brush, these blushes are also easy to apply.
Stain Blush
Stains are particularly effective for those with oily skin, as the pigments will last all day without being removed by oil.
They can be tricky to apply, but anyone can do it with a little practice. Note that while stains work well on any skin type, people with oily complexions will benefit most from its long-lasting nature.
Which Brush to Choose?
Before beginning, you need to have the proper supplies. Cream blush and stains are easy to apply with your fingers if you prefer.For those who like powdered blush, however, a good brush is necessary.
Blush Brush Pro Tip: The best brush is rarely the one that comes with the powder.
Cream and Powder
This Powder Blush Brush is an ideal foundation brush because its wide, featherlight bristles make blending a breeze while the dome shape mimics skin-to-skin application.
Powders And Stains
To avoid a patchy, unblended makeup look when using darker colors, you need a brush with synthetic bristles like this Blush Brush. Powder blush and bronzing powder will go on smoothly without looking cakey or overdone.
How to Apply Blush for a Natural Look
A few professional tips will help ensure you have a natural-looking application every time.
Where To Apply It
You can focus the blush on two different areas of your cheeks, depending on your face shape and the look you’re going for.
- Most people start with applying blush to the apples of their cheeks when using it. The apples are where we flush naturally when we feel warm, and adding blush there gives a youthful appearance.
- The best way to achieve a lifted appearance is by applying blush to the cheekbones. They are located higher up on your face than the apples of your cheeks, and adding color will give off the illusion of a lift.
You can start applying your blush on the apples of your cheeks and then blend it outwards and upwards towards your cheekbones.
Avoid Blush Mistakes
When using blush, don’t go overboard and apply it to your entire face. Blush should only be applied to the apples of your cheeks for a natural rosy glow.
Anything more will make you look sunburned or like a clown. This is an old trend that died out many years ago, thanks in part to newer products like bronzers and luminizers.
How to Apply Different Types of Blush
We’ll teach you the best way to apply blush, whether you prefer a cream, powder, or stain.
Cream
You can use any one of the following application tools: your fingers, a makeup sponge, or a blush brush. To apply the product, lift up a small amount with your chosen tool and then sweep it across the apples of your cheeks in an upward motion.
Because cream-based blushes are usually highly pigmented, keep in mind that less is often more to avoid going overboard. It’s easy to add additional layers if needed, but trying to remove excess product that you’ve applied can be much harder once it dries.
- Try this Powder Blush. This product is a cross between a blush and a creamy luminizer, making it so much more than just a powder. Formulated with ultra-hydrating rosehip oil and nourishing cocoa butter, this blush leaves your skin feeling smooth and moisturized every time you use it.
Sugar-derived Wet Powder technology creates a cream-based blush that is easy to blend for a finish that looks multidimensional. Gel to powder technology gives you the look of a bouncy texture with the ease of a powder.
Powdered or Pressed Blush
It’s best to use a brush when applying pressed or powdered blush. The type of brush doesn’t really matter, as long as it picks up and applies the blush well.
To apply, start with picking up a small amount of powder from your pressed blush compact. Next, tap off the excess on your hand or somewhere else before gently applying it to your cheeks in light strokes–start from the apples of your cheeks and work upward and outward.
If you have applied a little too much product in one area, use a fan brush to blend it out.
- If you’re looking for a new blush to try, we recommend this Pressed Blush. Always choose blushes formulated with hydrating ingredients that nourish your skin while giving you a natural-looking color. Wildcrafted buriti oil helps keep your skin smooth and quenched, while vegetable squalane helps support its elasticity.
Stain Blush
It can be difficult to correctly apply a stain, but the secret is to go slow at first. Begin with a small amount of product.
Use your fingers or a sponge for best results with our solid stains ( emails work well too), then softly pat the color onto the apples of your cheeks before blending it outward and up.
- Try this Lip2Cheek for a hybrid lip and cheek product that acts like both a hydrating cream blush and a stain. With Vitamin C, organic cocoa seed butter, and organic shea butter as just some of its nourishing ingredients, this one does double duty. Not only will it add a beautiful pigment to your lips and cheeks with its dewy finish, but it also provides long-lasting hydration.
Simple Tips to Up Your Blush Game
There’s always a way to improve your appearance if you’re not pleased with the results of your first try.
If You Put Too Much…
If you’re not happy with your current makeup look, don’t reach for a makeup remover wipe just yet. Instead, try using a setting powder or loose translucent powder to gently blend any obvious lines, tone down a color that is too pigmented, and create a more natural look.
If You Applied Wrong…
If you accidentally applied blush outside of your intended area, don’t fret! It is certainly fixable. The less makeup you have on your face as a whole, though, the easier it will be to correct the mistake.
Gently remove as much of the product from the errant area with a clean brush without scrubbing too harshly (which would also erase any underlying foundation).
Next, pat a small amount of foundation onto the problem spot and blend it into your skin with either your fingers or a makeup sponge. If there’s still evidence of the original colour pigment, finish by dusting over setting powder lightly.
Get the Perfect Blush for Every Day
Blush might not seem like an important beauty product, but it actually key to looking naturally youthful. Applying blush correctly can be tricky, but with a little bit of practice and a high-quality formula, you can get the perfect application every time.
