Makeup Tips: How To Apply Blush Right

What can wake up your face and make you look younger, sexier, and even happier in an instant? Blush, of course! Here’s a guide on applying blush the right way:

Applying Blush For Your Face Shape

• Oval: Sweep color up toward your temples, like a Nike swoosh.
• Round: Add definition by applying blush at a 45-degree angle, following your cheekbones.
• Square: To soften your jaw line, apply blush in small circles, focusing on the apples of your cheeks.
• Long: Balance out length with more horizontal strokes of blush. Keep the strokes wide and blend well to avoid the “warpaint” look.

Blush Colors For Your Skin Tone

• If you have fair skin, choose pink shades;
• For medium skin tones, corals and cinnamons work best;
• Those with dark skin should try plums and merlots.

Here are some tips on applying blush in general:

1. Keep blush texture consistent with the rest of your makeup; if you’re wearing shimmery eyeshadow, choose a shimmery blush.
2. When you’re wearing bright shadow or lipstick, go easy on blush to avoid clashing.
3. To prevent blush fading, prep skin with a shine control gel or set foundation with a translucent powder before applying blush.
4. Don’t toss out broken blushes — just dump the pieces into a travel jar and crumble them into a loose powder. Or, mix the powder with Vaseline for a sheer lip gloss.