ALL ABOUT BLUSHES From that barely-there flush to the glamour girl highlights, there are many ways to tailor blush to your look. And for every look and every shade, there are a multitude of blushes to try: from the coveted liquid stains to the fawned-over creamy push-up sticks. But never fear; we’re here to help you sort out the world of blushes. Learn which shades to pick and how to apply them, and the top tools of the trade. The blush guide: because radiance never goes out of style. When you’re applying any kind of pigment to the skin, you want to make sure that color that stays fresh, and stays where you put it. For every skin type, this means beginning with a moisturizer. For oily skin types, a balancing moisturizer followed with a mattifying primer can be the best approach. That will help you create skin that isn’t too saturated and that will hold color and stay shine-free. Dry skin types will want a richer moisturizer, especially when using liquid or cream blushes. If your moisturizer is on the lighter side, pick up a primer as well. This will hold the color in place without letting dry patches of skin absorb any pigment you apply—an important consideration with liquid blushes on dry skin. You’re prepped, primed, and ready for color. Now, which blush to choose?
We’ll break the blushes into three categories, starting with the sheerest varieties and ending with the consistencies that bestow the richest hues. Liquid Blush
Many women are intimidated by liquid blushes, commonly labeled as cheek stain, but when applied correctly they are very natural looking, offering a dewy sheen to the skin. Our favorites include theBalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen and LORAC Sheer Wash. For your first pass at applying cheek stain, place two or three dots of color on the apple of the cheek, and blend immediately with a fingertip. Until you know how much liquid color you prefer, keep your dots small. If the dots are still visible on the skin after blending, you’ll want to use a bit more moisturizer. Liquid blush layers beautifully--if your first flush of color isn’t quite strong enough, try another few dots. However, as with layering any blush, you’ll want to check your look in natural light before going back for more. Powder Blush
Powder blushes offer denser amounts of pigment, and work well on many skin types. The key with powder blushes is even distribution, so a good blush brush is a girl’s best friend. Fluffy and professional quality, the Kevyn Aucoin Large Blush & Powder Brush is a great pick. When it comes to choosing a blush, we like the CARGO SuedeBlush that combines several warm shades for a universally flattering hue. For a little variety, the Too Faced Flushed blush comes with a matte shade on one side (to sweep under cheekbones for instant contour) and a shimmer shade to add a glamorous glow on the apples of the cheeks. And of, course, NARS Orgasm is the all time perfect shade for a natural flush. To apply the powder blush of your choice, sweep the brush over the compact to pick up powder. If you get carried away, tap away the excess product rather than blowing on the brush which can leave moisture on the bristles and cause blotchy color. Sweep color over the apples of the cheeks (smiling makes them stand out well), and blend back across the tops of your cheekbones. If you’re worried about blush fading over the course of the day, try setting it with translucent powder. Cream Blush
Like liquid blushes, cream blushes also seem as though they aren’t for the faint of heart; they offer the densest pigment, and their creamy consistency can seem all but fool-proof. But they can be incredibly flattering, and trying them is a must for any natural look. They have great staying power on all skin types, and work especially well on dry skin. Paula Dorf makes one of the most acclaimed options—her Cheek Color Cream Blush works well under powder or on its own. Another choice is Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Moist Glow Cheek Color for a seamless glow. Like powder blushes, the key to cream blushes is the right tool for the task. The teardrop-shaped hot pink Blender sponge from beautyblender is designed to expertly distribute makeup. Use fingertips to put cream color wherever you want a rosy glow. Dampen the rounded end of the beautyblender, then gently stipple it over color for an even, professional application. One of the makeup basics, blush is versatile and ideal for the look of bright, youthful skin. Take time to try out the different types—you may find a new favorite. |
