There is nothing like a fresh flush of pink or peach on your cheeks to give your skin a healthy glow! Blush is probably one of the most important components of completing your look because it adds a slight pop of color that looks beautiful. There are a variety of different types of blush that allow you to get that pop of color in different ways so you will want to familiarize yourself with them as well as how to most effectively apply them so they look natural and flawless. The formula, texture, and finish of a blush makes the difference in whether your face ends up being a masterpiece or a mess!
Blush can be sheer in coverage or more heavy depending on the formula you use and how you apply it. Unless you are going to be on stage performing, you will want your blush to add a slight flush of color that is definitely noticeable, but not overbearing. If you want more color intensity remember that you can build the color up. It is always better to start off light and build as you go, rather than apply too much product to your face and then have to try and tone it down. Let's look at the different types of blush and how to apply each:
· Powder blush is pigment with a color base and is the most popular choice for most women because it is the easiest to control and use. It also has a HUGE range of shades. Powder blush is applied with a blush brush which is a soft brush that allows you to dust the product on your cheeks. Blush should always be applied to the "apples" of your cheeks, which you can locate by smiling. Use a light hand when applying powder blush and dust the blush onto your cheeks, sweeping the color upward toward your temples. Benefits of pressed powder blush are that it is great for oily and combination skin because it provides a matte finish and the end result is very natural when it is blended properly into the skin. Always apply powder products on top of other powder products and not on top of creams. I always set my foundation with powder before applying powder blush.
· Cream blush is actually one of my favorite types of blush because it really creates that glow from within look that we all love. I love it because it can give a nice dewy finish to the skin if applied without foundation underneath, OR when it is applied prior to powdering your face I find that it is just the right color payoff. Cream blush is a pigment in a cream base and is a great choice for normal or dry skin but not for oily skin or skin that has large pores. It is very blendable as well and because you can apply it with your fingers directly to your cheeks and blend it in, you can create a really natural look. If you wear foundation, remember that cream products should always be used on top of or under other cream products, never on top of powders. If I am wearing cream blush, I typically apply it to the apples of my cheeks after I have applied foundation. Then I set my face with a light dusting of powder that allows the color of the blush to show through.
· Gel blush is composed of pigments wrapped in silicone particles and is best for people with normal to dry skin. It easily smooths over bare skin to create a sheer, translucent wash of color that is very natural. Not a good choice at all for people with oily skin. You can apply it with your fingers or a sponge.
· Liquid blush is actually more like a tint that lasts for several hours because it temporarily stains the skin. Some tints also come in stick form and have a similar effect. You have to work quickly when using tints/stains because they take effect on the skin fairly quickly. This is typically a waterproof product.
As far as my fave blush brands go, my top picks for powder blush are MAC, Bobbi Brown, and Nars. MAC and Bobbi Brown also have great cream blushes that are regulars in my makeup collection. Two great brands for tints/stains/gels are Tarte and Stila. These are just a few of the MANY fabulous brands that carry these great products. Experiment and try different ones so you can see what you like best!
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