Having rosy, flushed cheeks – that natural glow you get when you blush – is a sign of beauty and health. It can be hard to recreate that natural, healthy look with cosmetics, but mastering the art of flushed cheeks is easy and achievable. Here we provide a few blush application tips to help you get that natural glow you’ve always wanted.
1. Learning to Love Your Blush — Enhancing Your Natural Glow
Loving your blush doesn’t come from a bottle, but from the power of self-confidence. Learning to embrace the look of healthy, flushed cheeks can be a difficult endeavor—but with the right techniques, anyone can show off their natural radiance.
Pick the Right Shade
Nothing can ruin the look of a healthy blush more than choosing the wrong color. To find your perfect hue, start by using colors that compliment your skin tone. Cooler skin tones will benefit from blue-based shades of blush such as pink or rose, while warmer tones will do better with yellow or orange bases.
Create Depth and Dimension
Creating a natural look with blush requires more than just one layer. To get a subtle, flawless effect, use hues in the same family but different intensities. Start by applying the lightest color to the apples of your cheeks and building up a bit of color as you move out to your temples and onto the bridge of your nose. For an even more dimensional look, use a darker shade to contour along the sides of your cheekbones and the hollows of your face.
Cinch Natural Glow with Setting Spray
To set your blush for lasting color and to make your cheeks look extra dewy, use a setting spray. If you have oily skin, opt for an oil-controlling setting spray to give your skin a naturally matte finish. If your skin is dry, a hydrating setting spray will give your skin a gorgeous, luminous glow that won’t skip a beat.
Make it Natural
When it comes to blushing, it’s important to remember the key to a natural look is to use small amounts of product and build up color gradually. Additionally, avoid blending the blush up too far or below your eyes, since this will make the flush look artificial. Keep the focus on your cheeks and the apples of your face for a natural, soft glow.
- Pick the right shade to compliment your skin tone
- Create depth and dimension with different shades of blush
- An oil-controlling or hydrating setting spray can cinch the look
- Using small amounts of product and avoiding blending too far down the face will keep the look natural
2. Tuning Into Your Cheekbones — Perfect Placement Strategies
Contouring and highlighting your cheeks is all about playing with light and shadow to create an illusion of structure and shape. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach — the placement of the contour and highlight product will be unique to your specific facial structure and shape. But a few techniques will work for just about everyone.
First, start by locating the hollows of your cheekbones. This is where you will apply the contouring shade. Feel along the outer edge of the face and you should find a natural dip. Place the contour shade below this spot and blend upwards. It’s important to create a slightly pointed shape — this will be the base of your definition.
The highlight shade also should be placed in a specific spot. Take the highlight shade and place it right above the contour shade. The size of the highlight area will depend on the size of your bone structure, but generally it should extend just outside of the contouring shade. Two adjacent triangles will give the face a natural lift and shape.
However, even after you’ve figured out your base shape, there are plenty of options to further customize the look. Play around with different shaped contour and highlight shades. For example, you could try a heart-shape or a soft line when you initially place the product. Experiment with different shades and textures for a subtle or intense look. With these strategies in mind, you can amp up your cheekbones in a uniquely you-style.
3. Blending for a Flawless Finish — Expert Techniques for Applications
Whether you’re eye-shadowing for a special event or applying your everyday makeup routine, no one wants telltale lines or a clumped-up finish. To achieve a flawless visage, the last step should always involve blending.
Tip 1: Choose the Right Brushes
The devil is in the details, and your brushes are essential. Invest in quality materials – natural, synthetic, fluffy, pointed – the right brush for the job will determine the success of your application.
Tip 2: Blend, Blend, Blend
Once your preferred product is applied, this is the time to master the art of using circular, stroking, and feathering motions to blend in the lines. You may be surprised at what difference such quick and easy technique can make.
Tip 3: Have the Right Perspective
Although the quality of your brushes and the amount of effort and time you spend are important, having the right perspective is key. Use a circular mirror or stand back and squint when looking in the mirror – this ensures an even and natural-looking coverage.
Tip 4: Don’t Overblend
It’s easy to overblend, causing the colour to become weaker or “muddy.” To avoid this, use a small brush to lightly blend the edges of your product.
Tip 5: Set With Powder
Set your look with loose powder in the exact same shade as your product. This will create a stunning yet subtle long-lasting finish.
Tip 6: Lip Blending
Lip blending can seem tricky for beginners but with practice and precision, it can be done perfectly. Learn how to blend your lip colour with a brush and the back of a spoon to create stunning out-of-the-box looks that won’t budge.
4. Taking the Stress Out of Blushing — Statement Looks with Minimal Effort
When blushing isn’t an option, sometimes it can seem impossible to create a statement look for any special occasion. Fortunately, with some helpful tips and shortcuts, you can create stunning outfits with minimal effort. Here are a few of our favorite ideas:
- Pick a color palette: A well-crafted look starts with choosing a color scheme that speaks to you. Opt for three complementary shades to create a cohesive feel for your ensemble. Then choose one key piece that can serve as a focal point for your outfit.
- Choose a signature piece: A statement jewel or bold belt can instantly add a subtle sophistication to any outfit. An accessory like a long boho necklace or a striking pair of earrings can help you look polished and put-together.
- Keep your makeup clean and easy: Many times less is more and this is especially true when it comes to makeup. Sticking to a natural color palette can help create a timeless look. Try a classic winged eyeliner or an elegant cat eye to really rock your look.
- Embrace simplicity: A fun and effortless way to tell an individual style story is to showcase unexpected combinations of basics. Pack a punch with unexpected hues like burnt orange or a deep midnight blue. Add texture to your look with an oversized scarf or a chunky sweater.
These tips may seem simple but can help create a stunning look with ease. Remember, the most important element is to feel comfortable in your look and you can easily achieve this with the right color cohesion and minimal detailing.
Have fun and express your personal style without excessive stress or fear of blushing. Make sure you keep a variety of wardrobe staples in your closet and then simply select a few pieces to create a great look.
Achieving the perfect natural glow is possible with the right blush technique. With a bit of practice and the help of these expert tips, you’ll be rosy-cheeked in no time—so rock it with confidence!
