Ahhhh blush…I love blush…in fact I think its my favorite makeup items in general! I mean, if you’re looking for one quick thing you can do to kick up your look, refresh your complexion, add life to your face, or just look pretty in general, blush is your answer!!!
I love blush so much that I am totally guilty of over-using it on myself. Most days I’m like “I need MORE blush!” and I have to tell myself to calm-the-heck-down so I don’t look like I joined the circus! Just kidding…but for reals!
Blush can be intimidating though…I feel like many people seem confused over what shade is best or where exactly to place it . Then there are always questions like how do I make it last? What formulas are the best? Well, fear not and listen up…here is the skinny on blush!
Okay so first, a disclaimer: I hate “rules” when it comes to makeup. They are just counterintuitive for me…and anytime someone starts a piece of beauty advice with “Always…” or “Never…” just plug your ears and run for the hills! That being said, here are a few things about blush that I have learned along the way…
1. Pick a shade that compliments your skin tone: This point could get complicated so let’s boil it down to the age-old saying that opposites attract! I love how a blue (or cool as some people call it) undertoned blush pops on skin with yellow undertones (think pinks, roses etc)…and I think that if you have pinky-cool undertoned skin that you are best off using a yellow undertoned blush. Rosy complexions look best with peachy, golden or brown bronzey based blushes…a true pink just tends to make you look pink all over. Lobster much? Not sure what your undertone is? Ask a local makeup counter (or me if we run into each other!). So FYI, I have more of an “olive” tone, and I get pretty yellow when I pale-out in the winter…and I love all blushes…peaches? Yes! Hot pink? Double yes! I think olive skin can get away with most any shade…So ultimately, pick a shade that YOU love!
2. Placement…Ugh I almost don’t want to include this because there are SO many opinion on this…for the most part though, start at the high point of your cheek bone or the “apple” of your cheek and sweep back. Try to avoid getting too close the nose so you don’t look like Raggedy Ann (anyone remember who that is??) On a rounder face I like to start a smidge further back than normal since the closer the nose, the rounder I think it can make a face look.
3. Formula? Ah that my dear is a matter of opinion! Oh you want mine, you say? Well if you insist…Since I am a blush lover to the core I prefer anything that is super pigmented. NARS is one of my favorite brands, one light swipe and I am good to go! But for others, a more user friendly formula is the way to go…try Dior or Laura Mercier. If you’re on a budget try the ones from ELF they are great too!
4. How to get it to last: In makeup, longevity is partially based on formula, but also on technique and layering! Try layering a liquid or cream blush underneath and setting it with a powder blush for ultimate wear! I love the tints from Benefit and I even use my MUFE flash palette for that as well!
A little less confused? I hope so! Now go perk up your day and throw on some blush! You won’t regret it! 😉
Cheers to Peach, to Pink, and to things that make us blush,
Thanks for this great reminder, Jess! I am implementing 3 of your beauty tips today. Wearing lipstick, blush, and I did the chignon after watching your great tutorial!!!! I'm going to Tweet you a picture later. I love your site and all your wonderful ideas.
If I had $50 to spend on makeup, what would be a good way to build up my "inventory"?
I LOVE the pic you tweeted! You looked great! Hmm…$50 to spend…that is an intriguing question…I may need to do an entire post on that soon! Well, honestly it would depend on what you already own! But a general answer would be: make sure you own the PERFECT foundation…one you are head over heels with…a great complexion solves most beauty predicaments 😉 If you already have that…then i would say buy a fantastic new lipstick, a coordinating blush, and a nail polish shade that makes you wanna wear high heels and strut 😉