How to Properly Apply Blush - Contouring Your Face

Properly applying blush as part of your makeup routine can add so much to enhance and accentuate your facial features. For instance, if you have a round face, blush can elongate your face. If you have sunken check bones or cheek bones that are not really prominent, blush can define your check bones and give dimension.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a blush. The first is selecting the right color and the second is selecting the right blush for your skin type.

Blush Color:
When selecting your blush choose a blush shade that is correct for your skin tone. Additionally stay away from blushers that are to bright, too dark or to pale for your skin tone. Below are a few tips to help you choose the right color.

Fair skin tones are best suited to pink, tawny, and beige blushes. Darker skin tones look best in plumbs if they are cooler and auburns or rich bronzes if they are warmer. For olive to yellow skin tones, try blushes in copper, almond, and warm brown shades. Finally, tanned skin often looks best on warm colors like peach, coral, apricot, and orange. Varying the intensity of blush -- bolder colors for darker skin and softer colors for fairer skin-- will help you achieve a natural glow.

Fair skin tones -pink tawny and beige blushes
Warm skin tone - (you skin has a yellowish hue) brown shades
cool skin tones (your skin has a bluish hue) pink, tawny
Dark skin - plum and  bronze shades
Sun tanned skin - orange, apricot, peach and coral shades
olive to yellow skin tones - copper, almond and warm brown shades.

In general bolder colors for darker skin and softer colors for fair skin will help you achieve a natural glow.

Blush Type:

Blush comes in a variety of textures such as creams, powders, and gels.

Powder blushers provide a natural looking finish. Generally it is easy to apply, goes on smooth and blends well. Apply with a wide brush after you have applied your foundation or powder. Select a texture that is sheer and can easily build upon. Additionally powder blush is recommended for oily.

Application: A wide good quality quality brush is recommended. To ensure an even application tap the excess blush off the brush before application to the face. A good blush brush will give you a nice application and follow the natural curves of the cheek bone. Smile in the mirror and apply the blush to the fatty part of the check going upward and back, blend as you apply. A good tip is to apply blush where color naturally arises.  Use short up-and-down vertical strokes moving toward the top of your ear.  Consider a teardrop shape with the thinner part at the top and the wider part pointing toward your nose. 

Cream blushes are oil-free. Apply with fingertips to give a more precise and even result. Additionally, cream blushers blend easily and provide a natural result. Cream blushers are appropriate for normal to dry skin types. Furthermore, cream blush is recommended for dry and mature skin as it blends easily.

A proper blush application with the right color can add dimension to your face and accentuate your facial features. A blush can add depth and elongate your face and make it look thinner.

Tip to make a round face look longer and well defined:
Purchase a blush palette which enhances your skin tone. The palette should consist of a dark tone, medium tone and light tone.
Apply the darkest tone just below the check bones; even if not prominent at this time. Do not apply past the corner of the outer eye.
Apply the medium shade and blend well all the way to the hairline.
Finally, highlight the check bones with the lightest shade. You should see that your round face will look naturally thinner and has an apparent glow.

A blush palette will add dimension which can not be achieved with just one ordinary color.

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