So, you’ve mastered the make-up basics – you’ve found your perfect foundation shade, you’ve learnt how to apply eyeliner, and you know how to do a smokey eye like a pro, but do you know how to apply blusher?
There are so many benefits of blusher - it’s a go-to for makeup looks when you want a natural-looking glow, or for enhancing your facial features for a more sculpted look. The key to achieving gorgeous rosy cheeks is to truly know how to apply blusher, and that includes understanding the best placement for it, and knowing how to choose the best formula.
What is blusher?
Blusher is a cosmetic product that gives skin a natural flush of colour. It’s applied on the apples of your cheeks to make them pop and add a natural-looking contour. Blusher not only highlights the higher points of your face, but it can also define your cheekbones and make your face appear thinner.
Types of blusher
Cream
Cream formulas are hot news in the beauty world right now, but if you’re wondering how to apply cream blusher, don’t fret, it’s much easier than it looks. Cream blush can be applied with a brush, or simply with your fingertips, tapping on to skin to add a light pop of colour to your cheeks for a youthful glow.
Powder
Long-wearing powder blushes are oh-so-easy to apply, simply sweep over cheeks for flawless results. Use a silky, fluffy brush for light radiance, or an angled blusher brush for more precise, sculpted placement, and make sure to blend thoroughly for the most natural-looking finish.
Stain
A stain blush is the perfect tool for when you need a long-wearing blush that won’t fade after a few hours. Not only do they work great for every skin type, especially oily, but they feel super light on skin despite their staying power. Dot onto the apples of your cheeks and blend in an upward motion to give your face a lifted look.
How to choose the right blush for your skin tone
Blusher comes in a vast array of shades to choose from, and it isn’t a one-fits-all kind of deal – it’s important to find the right shade to flatter your complexion. If you’re wondering what colour blusher is right for you, the key is to opt for something that’s similar to your natural flush. The easiest way to do this is to pinch your cheeks and see what type of hue appears. If you’re still unsure, read on for some tips on how to find your best shade:
If you have fair/pale skin: use shades that have more of a soft pink or light coral finish.
If you have medium-toned skin: warm shades in rich pink, warm mauve and deep peach will suit you best.
If you have dark skin: richly pigmented shades will complement a deeper skin tone. Opt for deep fuschia, berry and tangerine hues that pop on darker skin.
Where does blusher go?
To get the most out of your blush, you’ll want to apply it to accent your individual features according to your face shape. There are four main face shapes: square, heart, oval and round. If you’re not sure which one you are, try taking a selfie with your hair pulled back to get a clear view of the outlines of your face. Take a closer look at your jawline, forehead and cheekbones to determine which shape is your best fit.
Square
Start by sweeping the product over all of the cheekbone from the corner of the brow over to the hairline. Using long, light motions, apply the blush across the cheekbone, starting low and moving upwards to give you that lifted look.
Heart
Apply blush onto the apples of the cheeks, starting a bit lower and following a curved, U-shaped motion along the cheekbones and up towards the temples. By swinging your brush back and forth to blend out the edges you can make your blush look much more seamless and give your cheekbones some much-needed lift.
Round
Round faces will benefit from adding some structure back into the cheekbones. You’ll need to place your blush relatively high on the face, close to the eyes, and try not to blend out too far towards the outer edges to balance out the rounder shape.
Oval
If you’ve got an oval face then, great news, you’re already very well balanced. Any blush placement can work for this face, but try focusing it high on the cheekbones for a lifted and youthful look.
What are the benefits of blusher?
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It’s an excellent contouring product. You can apply blush strategically to define your cheekbones and add dimension to your face.
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It can brighten up your complexion. Adding a pop of colour to your cheeks can instantly make you look more awake and add some warmth to your face.
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It can be applied in seconds. If you’re pressed for time in the morning, just dab a little on each cheek and you’re good to go.
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It makes you look younger. Who needs anti-aging cream when you’ve got blush? Dab a little blush on the apples of your cheeks to offset any wrinkles or sagging you’re beginning to see. Just a small amount can give you that youthful look and give the face some much-needed lift.
Can you wear blusher and bronzer together?
Not only can you wear them together, but you should wear them together. These two face-shaping hero prods look great paired together, especially if you’re looking to create a strong contour or make your face appear slimmer.
Trust us, once you add blush into your routine, you’ll never want to be without this makeup bag hero ever again. Not only will it make your face come alive, but it’s one of the most versatile beauty products out there with tons of shade and formula options to choose from.