Blush Makeup
Easy Steps To Clown Proof Finish

Blush makeup has got to be one of the most misunderstood, and poorly applied types of makeup...so much so that a lot of people don't wear it because they can't get it to look the way they want it to look...namely more natural.  Not anymore...here is a fool proof guide to choosing blush makeup, applying it and getting the look you want. Choosing A Blush: First of all, choose a blush that meets your objectives...it comes in a variety of formats.   Blush Powder Cream Gel Tint Finish:   -soft, opaque , dressy, good evening wear -strong pigment that can be blended to desired finish but transparent enough to allow skin through -very sheer subtle color -sheer natural looking glow How to use:   -after foundation that is set with translucent powder, will give powder blush the best base and staying power -either on bare skin or makeup prior to light powder set (can be done after powder but more work in blending)  - on bare clear skin (very transparent so skin needs to be problem free) or on makeup -tend to dry quickly so make sure skin is well moisturized and blend quickly Tools: -proper blush powder brush -clean fingers are fastest, cream blush brush effective, sponge -clean fingers  -usually come with some kind of applicator Placement *Note: A combination of good placement technique and blending will achieve a subtle yet effective result...   -dip brush into powder pad and dab off excess on tissue -then smile and place, with a gentle sweep, along your cheek bone starting at the "apple" of cheek, moving toward hairline and up the temple along the hairline * pigment strongest at apple, fading in concentration as it moves back towards hairline -blend well -smile and dab along your cheek bone using clean fingers, starting with biggest dot at the "apple" of cheek, and a couple smaller dots moving toward hairline -then blend at apple and downward as you move toward hairline * pigment strongest at apple, fading in concentration as it moves back towards hairline -blend well -concentrate color at the apple of cheeks, blending in a circular motion outward an back along cheek if using gel from tube, squeeze out pearl size dollop onto your finger, place on "apple", blending outward in a circular motion etc. -if using a stick dab at apple, placing another smaller dab behind it, then blend with fingers starting at apple,etc.  -place and work into the apple of your cheeks and blend in a circular patting motion around the apple and just beyond blending to the cheek side. Try      NARS Blush Makeup -makes a particularly beautiful powder blush that has an intense, but natural looking range of colors.  Bobbi Brown Cream Blush Sticks tarte cheek stain in a gel stick formulation LORAC Sheer Wash Applying Blush Makeup: Blush Makeup: PREPARATION BEFORE ADDING COLOR First step, understand this your face is not a flat single toned canvas...it is multi-planed, with a variety of tones....both flattering (natural flush in your cheek) and unflattering (dark blue under you eyes and the purple on your eyelids). Second step, understand your objective is to enhance your coloring by building up sheer color dimension to create a natural believable radiance ( And, of course, conceal tones that diminish your coloring like uneven skin tone, blotchiness, dark circles and blemishes.). Third step, make sure your skin has a good moisture level...hydrate and moisturize before you add any makeup to your skin (applies to everyone except those with very oily skin). Fourth step, even out your skin tone with a light hand, in an *excellent skin tone match, use tinted moisturizer, to light coverage foundation, to heavier coverage as needed by your unique complexions needs.  Try to maintain as sheer a quality as possible to your overall foundation application...enough to create even tone but still sense your skin, not the presence of makeup. Next, use concealer formulations to deal with dark circles and blemishes. *excellent skin tone match-  anything less makes the pursuit of a radiant complexion, an exercise in futility (the 'off' match will, by far, out way any apparent technique success).  A department store cosmetics counter will happily apply a few recommendations to your jawline and you can check them in natural light with a handheld mirror, and make an excellent choice. Blush Makeup: ADDING COLOR Begin with a large powder brush, lightly dust your face with loose translucent powder. Add first shade of blush, a more natural looking blush shade close to own skin tone, with large blush brush start at *apple of cheek sweeping out along cheek bone to hairline, blending well (strength of color should diminish as you move outword.  Place a small stroke on your forhead and chin, and if you really want youthful, on your nose too...all this creates a balanced placement of color and even flow to the eye of the observer (not just to patches of color at the cheeks). Add second shade of blush, a more vibrant shade of pink, peach or coral, depending on your skin tone, in circular shape at *apple of cheek, blending downward into immediate area cheek bone Optional, consider a third shade, like a bronzer, to sweep across the tops of the cheeks, nose, sides of forehead, jaw for that sun kissed radiant look. This is great combination of 'punch' pink and bronzer. *apple of cheek is area of cheek that protrudes when you smile. Blend Well-There is NO detectable transition line of color. Blush Makeup: Getting The Look You Want: We all have style icons that we can relate to...this is usually how we see ourselves potentially...one thing that seems to be universal when it comes to makeup style using blush, the objective of a natural radiant looking finish.  Regardless of the drama to the eye of a diva or the minimalist style of bare, or somewhere in between with soft smoky eyes....the goal of color on the face, blush makeup, is fresh and radiant (hence the origin of the word).  Why?  Because it is so complimentary to everyone...you can't ignore the vibrancy it brings to the rest of your features. Return To Make Up Applying Tips From Blush Makeup

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