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 |

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NARS Blush
Makeup
-makes a particularly beautiful powder blush that has an intense, but natural
looking range of colors.
|
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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.
Top Of Page: Blush Makeup
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