How to Apply Blush, Do you Know?

Blush, makeup’s unsung hero, instantly renders you less tired looking, more polished. Brush up on how to get it right.

Where to Apply It

Blush creates an optical illusion, drawing the eye wherever you dust it on. The best place to put it depends on the shape of your face.

To slim a round face: Sweep it along your cheekbones (suck in your cheeks to locate them) and extend the color out to your temples.

To balance a heart-shaped face: Apply blush below the apples (the meatiest parts) of your cheeks and blend out to your hairline.

To soften a long face: Blend blush beneath your apples, but not out to your temples.

How to Pick the Right Shade

Most makeup artists say that to find the blush that suits your complexion best, you should choose one based on your skin’s undertones. Of course, unless you’re a makeup artist, you may not be clear on the concept. “The idea is to use a blush that plays up or down—depending on the effect you’re after—all the subtle colors naturally found in your skin,” says Kate McCarthy, national makeup artist for GloMinerals, in New York City. Still need clarification? If you tan easily or your skin is olive, chances are you have gold or yellow undertones. If you blush readily, yours are probably pink or red. If your complexion is dark, you probably have plum or blue undertones.

Gold or yellow undertones: Pick orange or reddish pinks. They enhance brightness and diminish sallowness.

Pink or red undertones: Stick with light pinks to complement your coloring (for a natural look), or try peach or mocha to cut redness.

Plum or blue undertones: Opt for vivid oranges or pinks, which will stand out against your skin.

Blush FAQ

How Much Should I Wear?

“More than you think,” says Mathew Nigara, a makeup artist for NYC Color Cosmetics. (You want blush to show, not blend in like foundation.) So it’s best to be slightly heavy-handed—a swipe or two past what you think looks natural. “Once you’ve been moving around for a few minutes, your body temperature heats up, which makes even stains begin to fade a bit,” says Nigara. “So the contrast won’t be as jarring.”

What’s the Best Tool for Applying?

For creams, fingers work color into skin best. For powder formulas, a wide-headed loose-powder brush may be more user-friendly than a traditional blush brush, since it’s better at distributing color. Smooth on gels and stains with a synthetic makeup wedge.

What’s the Difference Between Blush and Bronzer?

“Blush gives your face a concentrated pop of color, while bronzer can be used all over your face for a healthy glow,” says makeup artist Paula Dorf, the creator of Paula Dorf Cosmetics. You’ll want to use a lighter hand with bronzer; apply a single sweep wherever the sun would hit: forehead, cheeks, chin, and down the bridge of your nose.