Skilfully applying blush on your cheeks takes more than just pressed rouge and a brush. To get the look that professional make-up artists create on models and actresses, you need to equip yourself with some blush essentials and learn the basics of rouge colors.
Blush is applied by women to keep from looking too sallow. During the day, blush should help you look naturally glowing, while you can go for added drama at night. A touch of color on the cheeks helps downplay the tiredness on your face. Generally, the color of the blush should also complement the rest of the face’s palette: foundation, eye shadow, and lip color.
Powder, cream, liquid, or gel blush?
Blush comes in various forms and are designed for different types of skin. Combination and oily skin work well with powder blush, and although liquid and gel blush can also be used, these forms are best for dry skin. Liquid stains the skin and can last all day long. Most are also waterproof. Cream blush gives the wearer a “dewy” effect and is applied with the fingers. Professionals may use a combination of different types, though, for lasting color.
Skin tone
Dark skin tones don’t go well with pale pinks and pastels. Instead, use deep colors which are bright enough to perk up the face – berry, red plum, or rust are the most popular shades for dark skin.
Medium-toned skin look best with warm colors which have a hint of yellow in them. You could layer on a deep-red coral blush over a base of antique rose cream blush for a natural look.
Dark and dramatic colors shouldn’t be used for pale skin, unless you’re going for the Goth look. The best colors for fair complexion are light pinks just a wee bit accented with darker berry or wine shades.
The tools and the procedure
1. First, you need to apply a light coat of foundation in order to have an even base for your rouge. Marie-Josee Lafontaine, a popular make-up artist in NYC, explains that skin is naturally rather sticky, so the blush won’t blend evenly without any foundation. Foundation should be a shade lighter than your complexion to make the blush stand out.
2. Apply a layer of cream blush. Cover the area just below your eyes up to the point below your cheekbones and blend outward to you’re face’s edge. Mix the cream blush with a small amount of foundation on the palm of your hand for a more natural gradation.
3. A sponge is useful for blending the rouge over the cheeks.
4. Use translucent powder to “set” the cream blush. Use a powder puff for an airy effect.
5. Use a fluffy brush this time for the final coat – a dose of powder blush in a rich color. First, dab a small amount onto the middle of your cheeks, right below the bones. Apply with a circular motion to blend, followed by an outward motion towards the edge of the face and a downward motion towards your mouth. Use just 1 or 2 strokes on the forehead and chin to balance the color.
Each season, a new range of makeup colors come up – there were the mauves of the ‘80s and the bronzes of the ‘90s. Remember, not all colors go well with all skin tones, so always follow trends sensibly.