Many women list blush as one cosmetic they aren’t 100% sure they are applying correctly.  Hey, it’s not our fault, when magazine ads tell you that this product can help you chisel out beautiful high cheekbones, we believe it!  Chances are, if there is a video to accompany the product, it’s going to be difficult to duplicate at home.  Here are some tips to help you master perfect blush application.

You should stop:

-Trying to contour your face with blush.  This process is used by pros in photo shoots, for television or movies, or on fashion runways.  Even if you can master the technique, you cannot control the lighting for your entire day, and this look will play out differently in natural light vs. indoor lighting.  Not to mention that people will see you at all different angles throughout your day.  If not applied with precision, you will end up having two different colored streaks swiping up your cheek.  This will only make you look old and as though you are trying to hard.

-Stay away from anything too dark.  In the same way dark lipstick can age you, so too can dark blush.  Think light and natural.  You want to have a nice flush and look like you just finished a good workout.  Fair skin looks great with a pale, rosy pink.  Medium skin looks wonderful with corals or peaches.  For darker skin, brownish oranges such as mango are recommended.

-If you are between 35 and 40 or fine lines are starting to show around your cheekbone area, stop using powder blush and switch to mineral or cream blushes.  Cream blush will fade faster, but it’s super easy to apply, so keep some in your cosmetic bag in your purse at all times to reapply as needed.  Mineral blush stays all day long, but if you have advanced fine lines, this may not be for you.

-Stop using chalky finishing powder – it will settle into fine lines and make you appear older.  I personally save the compact pressed powder for on the go to dab my nose and forehead only throughout the day.

-Going to the tanning booth, please.  This practice is so bad for your skin, with the least important factor being that it is drying to your skin, causing an increase in fine lines.  (I have a post scheduled in the coming weeks on spray tan and self-tanning products/services you will not want to miss!)

You should begin:

-Applying moisuturizer with SPF every day, without fail.  Cloudy outside?  Still apply the moisturizer.  Raining cats and dogs? still apply the moisturizer.  Why?  A good SPF can also protect skin against wind and environmental pollutants, both known to contribute to dry skin.

-Applying blush a little heavier than you actually want the color to be.  Apply blush after foundation but before finishing powder.  Lightly blend blush and set your foundation with a face powder brush by using a lightweight, translucent powder with sheen.  Powders should be light diffusing or light reflecting to minimize fines lines.  Most mineral powders fit the bill.

-Using mineral or cream blushes instead of basic powder blushes if you are beginning to wrinkle.  As previously mentioned, creme blush is wonderful for aging skin.  Some recommendations are: 1) NARS blush in orgasm – $26 (yes, that is the name of the color!) or NARS creme blush in Penny Lane – $26 are two very flattering colors for fair to medium skin tones. NARS cosmetics can be found in stores or online at Sephora or online at NARS.com.  I also like Maybelline’s Mineral Power Naturally Luminous Blush  – retails for about $7.50 and Maybelline Dream Mouse Blush – retails for about $5.99.  They have a nice array of rosy pinks and creamy peaches to choose from in each line.

From left to right:  NARS Blush – $26  www.NARScosmetics.com; Maybelline Mineral Power Blush – $7.50; Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush – $5.99.

Feel more confident about blush application?  Let us know if you have any tips to share!