How to Wear Blush

Blush is often forgotten about when talking about make-up, but its advantages should not be underestimated. The right blush can add a pop of color to your cheeks, instantly making you look younger, healthier and prettier. However, many women are unsure about the right type of blush to use and how exactly they should apply it. Not to worry - start with Step 1 below to learn all there is to know about wearing blush!

Steps

Choosing a Blush

1. Choose a suitable color for your skin tone. When choosing a blush color, it's important to pick one that matches your natural skin tone.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • This means that the color you pick should be as close as possible to the color your cheeks turn when you're naturally flushed. Picking a color that doesn't match your skin tone can cause your blush to look unnatural and even garish.
   
   
   • A good tip for identifying your natural coloring is to make a tight fist with your hand for about ten seconds. The color that develops across your knuckles is the ideal color for your blush!
   
   
   • In general, pale skin tones will work best with light pink which mimics their natural flush. For a more dramatic look, peaches and mochas can work well.
   
   
   • Sallower skin tones will do best with orange or reddish-pink blushes which brighten the skin, adding a healthy glow.
   
   
   • Dark skin tones can get away with vivid oranges, pinks and reds which add a pop of life and color.
   
   
   
   


2. Decide on a type of blush. There are many different blush formulas on the market, including powder, cream, gel and liquid. The best option for you will depend on your skin type and personal preference.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Powder blush is good for oily to normal skin. It is also good for warmer temperatures, as it will not slide off the face.
   
   
   • Cream blush is good for drier skin as it s more hydrating. It also good for older skin, as it will not catch in fine lines and wrinkles like a powder.
   
   
   • Liquids and gels are great if you want to achieve a very exact and long-lasting application. Often these products can double up as a matching lip stain!
   
   
   
   


3. Purchase some applicator brushes/sponges. The best tool for applying your blush will depend on the type of blush you're using:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Powder blushes are best applied with an angled blush brush or with a wide-headed loose powder brush.
   
   
   • Cream blushes are best applied with your fingers or with a medium-sized flat-topped brush.
   
   
   • Liquids and gels are best applied with your fingers or with a synthetic make-up wedge.^[1]
   
   
   
   

Applying Blush

1. Choose a well-lit location. It is important to apply your blush in a well-lit location, otherwise you might underestimate how much you've applied. Natural light is best, however a well-lit bathroom or a lighted make-up mirror will do just fine.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


2. Apply your primer and foundation first. Your blush should only be applied after primer and foundation. The primer helps to neutralize any redness and will keep your make-up looking fresh for longer, while the foundation evens out skin tone, providing a flawless finish.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


3. Apply blush to suit your face shape. Although traditional blush application involves applying blush only to the apples of the cheeks, this advice does not work for everyone. Instead, you should take the shape of your face into account when you apply blush:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Round faces: To slim a round face, apply blush to your cheekbones (which you can find by sucking your cheeks in like a fish) and blend outwards and upwards towards the temple.
   
   
   • Long faces: To soften a long face, apply blush slightly below the apples of your cheeks (the roundest parts) but don't extend the blush any further.
   
   
   • Heart-shaped faces: To balance heart-shaped faces, apply blush beneath the apples of the cheeks and taper off towards the hairline.
   
   
   • Square faces: To soften a square-shaped face, apply the blush straight across your cheeks, beginning about an inch away from either side of your nose.
   
   
   • Oval faces: Oval faces can get away with just applying blush on the apples of their cheeks, and blending well around the edges. To find the apples of your cheeks, just smile!^[2]
   
   
   
   


4. Use the right technique. The technique you use to apply your blush will vary according to the type of blush and application tool you're using.
   
   
   
   • Powder blush: To apply powder blush, lightly pound the brush into the powder, then tap the handle to remove any excess. Use a swirling motion to lightly apply the powder to your cheeks,
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   • Cream blush: To apply cream blush, dab your flat-bottomed brush or fingers into the blush and lightly apply to the areas of your cheeks you wish to color. Then use a swirling motion to blend in the cream, working from the outside towards the center of your cheeks.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   • Liquid or gel: Use your fingers to apply two dots (no more) of the liquid or gel high on your cheek bones, then use your ring finger or a synthetic sponge to work the product into your cheeks using a dabbing motion.^[3]
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   


5. Know how much blush to apply. Most people are afraid of going overboard with their blush, so they tend to apply too little.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • However, you want your blush to be somewhat obvious - it shouldn't just blend into your skin like foundation.
   
   
   • Just keep in mind that it's easier to add more blush than it is to take it away. Therefore, you should apply your blush little by little, adding additional layers until the color is just a shade or two past what you think looks natural.
   
   
   • If you accidentally apply too much, use a dry washcloth to buff away any excess color.
   
   
   
   


6. Finish with a layer of translucent powder. To finish the look, get your hands on a translucent powder with a slight sheen.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Use a small brush to apply a little of the powder beneath the outer corners of your eyes, then use a swirling motion to blend it into the top edge of the blush.
   
   
   • This will highlight your cheekbones and help the blush to appear more natural. ^[4]
   
   
   
   


7. Understand the difference between blush and bronzer. Some people are confused about the difference between blush and bronzer and how each of them should be used.
   
   
   
   • Blush is used to add a pop of color and life to your cheeks, mimicking a natural blush, whereas bronzer is used to give a healthy, sun-kissed glow to the entire face.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   • To apply bronzer, use a powder brush to sweep a light layer over all the areas of the face that the sun would naturally touch - the forehead, the cheeks, the chin and the bridge of the nose.^[1]
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   


8. Finished.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Warnings

• The idea is to avoid too light or too intense an application. Make sure your blush doesn't compete with your look, or diminish it.If done incorrectly, blush application can look garish and harsh, or too neutral and lacking in pigment.

Sources and Citations

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from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1Arc66g

via Peter