The right blush can give you a youthful, radiant look and contour your face. Applying the wrong blush can make you look clownish or garish.
The key to achieving a flattering Laura Mercier for your skin types application is choosing the right color for you skin type and using the correct technique.
It is important to understand the undertones of your skin before you decide on a blush shade. There are three types of undertones: neutral, warm, or cool. Shades of pinks or blues can be used to characterize cool undertones. Shades of yellows or oranges will give warmth to warm undertones. A balance of warm and cool undertones is what characterizes neutral undertones.
If you’re still not sure what undertone to use, ask your local makeup artist. They are happy to assist you.
Once you have a good idea of your skin’s undertone, choose a complementary blush shade. Choose a blush that matches your skin’s undertones. Warm shades will include yellow, brown and nge-based. Cool shades will include beige, pink, and blue-based. Warm or cool shades can be worn if you have a neutral undertone.
If you’re unsure whether a shade would be considered warm or cool, ask a sales associate or try it on. A sales associate can tell you if the shade suits your skin, even if you’re not sure. If it isn’t, the sales associate will likely suggest a shade that is more flattering. Here are some suggested shades for each undertone.
Warm
Madly, Nars blushes
Instant Blush Tint for Cheeky Pommette
Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Peach Satin
Cool
Blushing Bride: Tarte Cheek Stain
e.l.f. Studio Blush in Berry Merry
NYX Powder Blush Raisin
The formula of a blush is as important as the shade. There are many options available, including creams, powders, creams, stains, and gels. Here’s a quick guide for choosing the right formula.
Powder-great for all skin types but especially oily skin. They are highly pigmented, and can come in a variety of finishes like matte, shimmer, and frost. These formulas don’t last as long, but they can be easily reapplied throughout a day.
*Cream is great for mature and dry skin types. Creams can give the skin a glowy/dewy look, but this can be tempered with translucent powder if the desired effect is not achieved. These formulas look natural and more natural than others. Cream blush is not the best option for oily or trouble skin. This may be because cream blush can contain oils and other emollients that could cause it to break down more quickly on oily skin. Different brands have different formulas, so make sure to check the ingredients.
*Stain- Works well for almost all skin types. Because they “stain” skin, stain tends to be thin and runny. They must be blended in quickly. Stains leave a translucent tint of color that lasts for several days without needing to be reapplied. To improve blendability, moisturize before you apply.
*Gels- This formula lasts longer than a stain, but is easier to blend because it’s more emollient. To avoid uneven application, the gel must be blended quickly into the skin. All skin types are suitable.
Applying makes it easier to find the apples of your cheeks by smiling while you apply. The apples of your cheeks is the area under your eyes that you naturally flush with excitement, happiness, or activity. The apples of the cheeks will “ball up” when you smile, making it easier for you to apply your blush. Start at the apples of your cheeks, and work your way towards the hairline. The blush should be applied starting at the apples of your cheeks and gradually fade to the temple. You can start with very little blush and then increase the amount until you reach the desired intensity.
Tip: Many blushes begin to darken after an hour of use. This happens because the blush reacts with oils on your skin and other products such as foundation. This is important to remember when you apply blush for the first-time.
Apply too much blush, or your lines will look harsh. Use a fluffy brush like a kabuki to buff the skin. Use the translucent powder to dust the brush and buff the apples of your cheeks and cheekbones. This will lighten the intensity and fade any lines.
Use your fingertips to apply cream, stain, and gel blushes onto the apples of your cheeks. Blend out towards the hairline. A synthetic foundation brush, or a dampened cosmetic wedge are good options if you don’t want to use a traditional applicator. Powder blushes can be used over cream blushes or stain blushes to set them or create dramatic effects. Apply a shimmery highlighter to the cheekbones, above the apples of your cheeks. Apply translucent powder to the entire application.