Master your blush in 3 steps

There’s more to know besides picking the right shade for your skin tone

New Idea Contributing Editor / October 21 2016

Blush is one of the very last steps in our makeup routine that we tend to sweep on without giving it much thought or attention. Big mistake! Bad blush can ruin all the hard work you put in with the rest of your makeup in two seconds flat. From applying it too low for a droopy effect, to getting the colour all wrong that you end up looking sallow rather than luminous, a lot can go wrong. Here’s the right way to choose your blush texture and tone, and how to apply it so it has radiant-enhancing, face-lifting effects.

1

Pick your texture

There are so many different blushes that it can be hard to know where to start. If you have dry skin, try a cream formula like Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush in Charmed –it’s also the perfect texture for a dewy, luminous finish. Oily skin is better suited to a gel or stain like Dior Cheek & Lip Glow – Instant Blushing Rosy Tint. Blush powders are longer-lasting and easier to blend to a natural finish, and also suit normal to oily skin types. We like Rimmel London Lasting Finish Soft Colour Mono Blush in Pink Rose for a natural flush of colour.

Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush in Charmed
TOP TIP: Shimmer can light up skin for a brighter complexion, but matte formulas are better if you have fine lines.

2

Find your colour

Lighter complexions look best with baby-pink hues, while peachy shades look great on those with a more olive skin tone. If you have darker skin, you can pull off deeper pink and rosy hues. To find the right shade for your skin tone, check out our top blush picks.

Dior Cheek & Lip Glow

3

Apply it correctly

While applying blush to the apples of the cheeks (the fattest part of the cheek when you smile) gives a natural flush, as you age, your cheeks begin to droop. The fix? Blend it slightly upwards and out towards the ear to give a lifting effect.

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Soft Colour Mono Blush in Pink Rose

Want more tips on how to get your blush application just right? Try this unexpected blush trick makeup artists swear by, and here's your foolproof blush application tutorial.

For more beauty tips from the team at New Idea, stop by newidea.com.au.

Main image credit: Getty

Chelsea is BEAUTYcrew’s Contributing Editor. She has a sweet spot for anything that claims to make skin glow and won’t leave the house without a slick of mascara. Chelsea has 10 years of experience as a beauty editor and her words can be found on BEAUTYcrew, Women’s Health, Daily Addict, The Joye and Primped.

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