Let’s start with a simple definition of what blusher is. Sometimes compared to bronzer, blusher is designed to add colour to the skin. Contrary to bronzer however, blusher is designed to create a rosy cheeked look whereas bronzer is meant to give a tanned, sun-kissed look. Right, so now lets get to the good bit.
Like we always suggest, in order to get the best results from the makeup you apply make sure that you keep your skin in the best condition possible. The simple fact is that if you want it to look good, take care of it. Cleanse, moisturise and keep hydrated (by drinking enough water). The basics really do matter.
It is important to choose the right blusher for your skin tone. But how do you pick? Have you heard of the cheek pinch test? Basically, pinch your cheeks (not too hard) and see what colour they go. This is your natural blush colour. Try to match it with the blusher that you choose. If you don’t want to do this then some general rules are:
For pale skin use light pinks and lilac
For light to medium skin use peachy pink shades
For golden or olive skin try brighter pinks
For darker skin try brighter tones like apricot.
And then of course you need to choose the right blusher for your skin type. If you have oily skin then try a cheek stain. Apply this a little at a time as applying too much will make it hard to blend. If you have combination or normal skin then a cream blusher would be a good choice and if you have dry skin opt for a powder.
Assuming you have that all under control let’s begin. You may want to begin by using a primer on your skin. This just helps to make sure that your makeup will stay how you want it all day. No sense putting the time in if your results won’t last!
Now, the application of blusher isn’t the same for everyone. Blusher is meant to accentuate the feature of your face and where/how you apply it will be determined by your face shape. We can categorise these shapes into the following groups:
Oval faces, Heart shaped faces, Square faces, Round faces, Oblong/long and Triangular.
For heart shaped faces apply the blusher to the outer corner of the cheekbone starting at the ear and ending just below the outer corner of your eye. Add a little bit to the temples and towards the middle of the forehead.
For oval shaped faces apply the blusher by sweeping it over the cheekbones but do this just above them rather than below them in the hollow that is made when you suck in your cheeks.
For round faces use a matte blusher and apply it from the ear, down the cheekbone and towards the mouth. Add a little bit to your chin to create the illusion of a longer face.
Square faces should have the blusher applied just under the cheekbones to help define them and separate from the jaw line. Apply it to your hairline too to soften the edges of your face
Triangular faces need to have it applied to the cheekbones and slightly towards the middle of the forehead. Do this by brushing up from the cheekbones to the temple and then the forehead slightly.
For long faces keep the blusher concentrated on the cheekbones just below the outer eyes and make sure not to apply it below the nose.
This basic guide should be a perfect place to start and will give you the building blocks to help you become a highly skilled. As with anything, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to try new things and if in doubt, there are lots of beauty counters that you can go to in order to get some hands on advice.
