How to Apply Blush Like a Pro – Tips and Tricks from a Makeup Artist
Applying blush can seem like an intimidating task if you’ve never done it before, but it’s actually pretty simple once you know how to do it right. Makeup artists have plenty of tricks up their sleeves that make applying blush quick and easy, and you can use them too! The following article will walk you through all the different techniques in detail so you can get the perfect application every time.
Step 1: Prep the skin
Before you can start applying blush, you need to prep your skin. This means cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. If you have oily skin, you might also want to use a primer. This will help create a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup.
You’ll also want to make sure your face is clean and dry. You don’t want oil or moisturizer getting in between your blush brush and your cheek, which can make it harder for you to apply blush evenly. Instead, use powder or finishing spray to set your makeup before applying blush so that it sticks better. For more information about prepping skin for makeup, check out our guide on how men can prepare skin for shaving .
If you’re applying blush for daytime wear, apply your foundation first. Then, use concealer under your eyes, on any blemishes, or anywhere else you have imperfections. Next, set your face with powder using a large brush. This will help keep your blush where it belongs while also making sure it stays in place all day long. For more information about prepping skin for makeup, check out our guide on how men can prepare skin for shaving .
Step 2: Pick the right color
When it comes to blush, the color you choose is important. You want to pick a shade that compliments your skin tone. If you have fair skin, go for a cool toned pink or peach. If you have medium skin, go for a warm toned pink or coral. And if you have dark skin, go for a plum or berry shade.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! If you have fair skin, play around with deeper shades of pinks, which will create more contrast. If you have dark skin, try on bronzer first before applying blush so that it looks natural. The key is to match your blush color with your lip color. For example, if you are wearing pink lipstick, pick a pink or berry shade of blush that is similar in tone.
Applying blush is easy once you get used to it. With your cheekbone in mind, sweep on just enough blush so that it looks natural. If you’re not sure how much is too much, start off with one finger-full of blush, then work up from there if needed. You should never apply so much that it looks like you have an unnatural flush of color on your cheeks!
Step 3: Add just the right amount
Now that you have your perfect shade, it’s time to add just the right amount of blush. Start with a small amount on your brush and build up from there. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take away once it’s on. Smile while you apply blush to the apples of your cheeks—this will help you place the color exactly where you want it. Then use a light hand to sweep the color up toward your temples. For a cool, stylish look, try contouring with blush by adding a touch of color along your hairline, jawline, and neck.
You’ll want to add blush to your face shape, hair color, makeup style, and personality. For example, if you have round features, opt for a rosy hue with an apricot base. Oval-shaped faces should use blushes that are more on the cool side of pinks. If you have sharp features or an edgy style, choose something bolder like plum or tangerine. Keep in mind that blush shades can look different depending on your hair color—blues will look darker when paired with dark hair but brighter when paired with lighter locks. And remember that deeper skin tones may require darker shades than those used by pale-skinned individuals.
Step 4: Blend it in, blend it out
To blend your blush properly, start at the apples of your cheeks and work your way up in a sweeping motion. Be sure to use a light hand, as it’s easy to go overboard with blush. Once you’ve applied the color, use a clean brush to blend it outwards towards your hairline. This will help create a natural, flushed look. And voila! You’re now a pro at applying blush like a makeup artist.
While you want your blush color to blend seamlessly into your skin, there are some simple techniques that can help you apply it smoothly. First, choose a brush with an angled head and synthetic bristles (we love MAC’s cheek brushes). Next, tap off any excess powder before swiping on your color. This will prevent a heavy application or cake face in makeup lingo. When applying blush at home, always use a light hand when applying color. It’s easy to go overboard with blush since it’s such an intense product! To keep things under control, start by applying only one layer of color on each cheekbone.
Step 5: Know when to use more than one color
Applying blush is all about finding the right shade(s) for your skin tone. And while you can definitely get away with just using one color, sometimes it can be fun (and beautiful!) to mix things up a bit. If you have fair skin, try using a pinky-peach shade on the apples of your cheeks and a nude brown in the hollows of your cheeks for definition. Or, if you have olive skin, try using a peachy-pink shade on the apples of your cheeks and a bronzy-gold shade in the hollows of your cheeks. The possibilities are endless! Just have fun with it and experiment until you find what works best for you.
As for powder vs. cream blush, I personally like both! Powder blush lasts longer on your skin so it’s perfect if you’re looking for that color-intense look that will last throughout your day. It also tends to be lighter, which is great if you have a dark complexion (you can always build up to get just the right amount of color). However, cream blush is great for those who don’t like powder on their skin or are looking for more of a natural flush. The best part about cream blush is that it won’t dry out your skin as much as powder can over time because it often contains moisturizing ingredients (like shea butter) to keep your cheeks healthy.
