Think blush is just a pretty pink powder? then, think again! It’s the unsung hero of your makeup bag, capable of transforming your face from drab to fab in seconds. Whether you're a blush newbie or a seasoned pro, there's always something new to learn about this versatile product. From choosing the right shade to mastering the perfect application technique, we'll cover it all!

Introduction

What does a blush bring to the table? A blush is a finisher that can make or break your look. It adds a pop of colour that brings your entire look together. If you put too less, the blush becomes invisible making you look like a bit of a ghost but if you put too much, you may start resembling a clown. Of course, what kind of blush you use makes a whole lot of difference and even if you choose the right type of blush, does the tone of that particular blush match your skin tone? And… it has to match the type of makeup you're going for. Sounds like too much? Don’t worry this guide is going to help you hit your makeup target, every time!

Skin Undertones

Before we deep dive into the kind of blushes you should play around with, first you have to know what undertone your skin has. Are you a warm-toned or cool-toned girlie, or are you a neutral Nancy? The common belief is that if you check your hands have blue veins visible you’re a cool-toned person, if you have green veins visible you are a warm-toned person but if you have both blue and green veins visible you are a neutral-toned person. While this is a good place to start, this method might not provide the most accurate results. 

• Start by examining your skin in natural light. Look closely at the overall colour of your skin. Does it have a pinkish or rosy cast (cool undertone), a golden or peachy hue (warm undertone), or a balance of both (neutral undertone)?
• Check your reaction to the sun. Do you tan easily or burn? Those who burn easily are often cool-toned, while those who tan easily tend to be warm-toned.
• Look at your jewellery preferences. Do you look better in silver or gold jewellery? A preference for silver often suggests cool undertones, while gold typically suits warm undertones.

Remember, skin undertones are complex, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It's often helpful to combine multiple methods to get a clearer picture of your undertone.

Blush Basics: Choosing the Right Shade

Now that you know your skin undertone, you can match the right shade of your face. Of course, if you pinch your cheeks your natural blush is the best indicator to let you know what type of blush shade will work best for you. So, cool-toned girlies should use bright pink, rose or pinkish-red colours for their blush shade whereas warm-toned girlies should use deeper colours such as brown, peach, red or even a mix of peach pink provided the peach is the underlying colour for the base. If you’re a neutral Nancy then congratulations, you can wear almost any shade under the spectrum and you’d look amazing in most of them. However, your skin tone also matters. Being lighter or duskier will affect how a blush shade looks. To find your perfect match, always swatch blush on your cheeks in natural light.

Hot Tip: On Indian skin, purple blushes look absolutely stunning! Yes, it's a bit risky but the key is choosing the right purple shade. Lighter shades like lavender or lilac can work well for fair to medium skin tones, while deeper purples like plum or berry can be gorgeous on darker skin tones.

Choose Your Blush: Powder, Liquid, or Cream?

There are many factors that come into play when choosing the type of blush for yourself. Your skin type as well as the type of makeup you like to use makes a difference when it comes to the right blush for you:

Liquid Blush

Liquid blush gives you that dewy, natural look that's perfect for that glass-skin effect. If your skin's feeling a bit dry or combo, this is your go-to because it adds a hydration boost while giving you that pretty flush. You can layer it up for a bolder look, too. But, heads up if you're oily – it might make your skin a little shiny. Still, it's perfect for that fresh-faced, glowy look we all love.

Powder Blush

Powder blush is super versatile and works for almost any skin type. If you're oily, it's your new best friend because it helps keep shine at bay. It's also a totally beginner-friendly option because it's easy to apply and blend. Plus, you can layer it up for a bolder look, or use it to set your cream products. But, a heads up — if you pile it on or have super dry skin, it might look a bit cakey. So, just go easy! 

Cream Blush

Cream blush is like a hug for your cheeks! It's that perfect blend of soft and glowy that just wakes up your face. Imagine a creamy, dreamy texture that melts into your skin, leaving behind a natural-looking flush. It's like capturing that post-workout glow but without the sweat. Plus, it's a total lifesaver for dry skin, adding moisture while giving you that healthy colour boost. And the best part? You can build it up from a subtle flush to a bold pop of colour while still looking natural.

Best Blush Application Techniques

Basic Blush Application

So, you want to give your cheeks a healthy flush? Let's do this! First, put on a big grin to find those plump apple parts of your cheeks. That's where the magic happens! Gently sweep on your blush, starting from the apples and blending upwards towards your temples. It's like giving your face a little lift! But if you want something a bit more defined, apply the blush a bit higher on your cheekbones and blend outwards. Think of it as adding a subtle contour to your face.

 

Trendy Blush Techniques

If you’re feeling bold and need a dramatic look then pack on that blush to the apples of your cheeks, then extend it towards your temples and even a tiny bit under your cheekbone. It's like a spotlight for your face, perfect for those glam nights out.

Ever thought of using blush on your eyes? Yep, it's a thing! Apply it to your crease and blend outwards for a soft, romantic look. It's a subtle way to tie your whole makeup look together. For a sculpted look, try reverse blush. Apply it to the outer part of your cheeks and blend towards your temples. It's like adding a little definition to your face shape.

 

Flattering Your Face Shape with Blush

Let's talk about how blush can enhance your unique features!

• Round face: To create a little definition and lift, apply the blush higher on your cheekbones, aiming towards your temples. This will help elongate your face shape.
• Oval face: Lucky you! Most blush placements look great on oval faces. For a classic look, focus on the apples of your cheeks and blend outwards.
• Heart-shaped face: Balance out your features by placing blush on the apples of your cheeks and blending downwards towards your chin. This will soften your jawline.
• Square face: To soften your angles, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards and outwards towards your temples. This creates a more rounded appearance.

It’s important to remember to have fun with it! Nothing looks better than confidence, so go ahead and experiment with your look, if you like something stick with it even if it doesn’t fit general guidelines, these are just put in place to find your best style!