How to Apply Blush

Complement your features using these simple steps

Co-authored by Yuka Arora

Last Updated: February 12, 2022 References Approved

Blush is an essential makeup item that can give you a pretty, youthful glow. However, it can be challenging to know exactly how to make it look the best on your unique face. Use the right application methods, apply in areas that best complement your face, and choose a color and texture that work well for your skin to make your blush look fantastic.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Nailing Down the Basics

1
Apply your base before your blush. For the best results, you should first apply your foundation, then your concealer, your bronzer and then finally your blush. After applying your blush, you’ll put on your eyebrow makeup, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and finally mascara. It’s important to do this in order to make sure that your makeup looks balanced and stays where you apply it.
2
Lightly sweep your brush through your powdered blush. If you’re using a powder, lightly sweep a medium-sized fluffy brush through the blush and then tap it to remove any excess. Apply the blush to your cheeks and then use a separate clean brush to blend well.^{[1]
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- Brush downward at the end of blending to allow your facial hairs to lie smoothly on your skin's surface.^{[2]
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3
Dot and blend liquid blush with your finger. If you’re using a cream or gel, dab a little on your ring finger. Dot the color first, then use your finger or a makeup sponge to blend it in. For the most natural look, finish blending with a blush brush.
- Use a cream foundation if you’re using a cream blush for the best results.^{[3]
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4
Blot excess with a tissue. Don’t soften your blush by going over it with a translucent powder because this can make your face color look dull. Instead, hold a tissue flat against your face and lightly and continually press a makeup sponge through it to your cheeks to remove a little powder. If you use cream blush, you can lightly dab your cheeks with just the tissue.^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Complementing Your Face Shape with Blush

1
Apply blush to a heart-shaped face in a “C” shape. If your face is more heart-shaped, apply your blush in a curved line from the top of your temple down to your cheekbone. Apply the blush a little more softly on your temple and gradually increase pressure as you approach the cheekbone area.^{[5]
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2
Avoid the apples of your cheeks if your face is round. You can add more definition to your face if you suck in your cheeks and lightly sweep the blush brush in a line underneath your cheekbones. Don’t apply blush to the apples of your cheeks because this will make your face look more round.^{[6]
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3
Go from the cheekbone to the temple if your face is more oval. Using soft strokes, move from the most prominent part of your cheekbone down towards the earlobe. Add a touch of blush just above the temple as well.^{[7]
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4
Apply blush in a circular motion if you have a square face. Apply your blush directly to the apples of your cheeks in a circular motion to soften angular features and also draw attention to the most round part of your face.^{[8]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Choosing a Blush

1
Buy a baby pink, peach, or sheer plum color if you’re fair-skinned. Light pink and peach tend to be the best on lighter skin because they are the most natural-looking blush colors. Anything sheer, especially plum, also works well on fair skin because it’s on the translucent side and not so overwhelming in contrast.^{[9]
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Use an apricot or mauve color if you have a medium skin tone. Apricot is great for adding a subtle warming effect to those with medium skin tones while mauve provides a more bold sense of depth.^{[10]
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Get a rose or bronze-colored blush if you’re olive-skinned. Rose provides just the right delicate, natural flush for olive skin. Bronze blush adds a little warmth while also brightening.^{[11]
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4
Opt for raisin, brick, or bright tangerine if you have a dark complexion. Bold colors like raisin or brick highlight darker skin tones the best without looking too over-the-top. For a neutral look, try a bright tangerine blush.^{[12]
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5
Use a powder blush if you have normal to oily skin. Powder blush is a good go-to because it works well on nearly all skin types, goes on silky, and leaves a matte finish. Also, powder blush is very likely to stay on and not need reapplication over longer periods of time.^{[13]
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6
Go with a cream blush if you have dry or aging skin. Cream blush can hydrate your skin to keep it from looking too dry. It tends to look a little dewy when applied and feels very lightweight, which helps in providing a more authentic blush look.^{[14]
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When Should You Use A Cream Blush Instead Of A Powder Blush?

Expert Q&A

Question

Where do I put my blush?

Yuka Arora
Makeup Artist
Yuka Arora is a self-taught makeup artist who specializes in abstract eye art. She has been experimenting with makeup art for over 5 years, and has amassed over 5.6K Instagram followers in just 5 months. Her colorful and abstract looks have been noticed by Jeffree Star Cosmetics, Kat Von D Beauty, Sephora Collection, among others.

Yuka Arora

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

I always say experiment! I actually figured out where I want blush when I got sunburned. I got a little bit red, but when I looked in the mirror, I realized it was exactly how my blush should look. Because of that, now I put blush on my face in basically a stripe. I start right under my eye and go all the way up onto my temple and then onto my nose.
Question

How can I make a contouring look instead of blush?

Community Answer

Contouring is the use of darker and cooler shades to accentuate the hollow of the cheeks, minimize or change the shape of the nose, and to shape the forehead, whereas blush is more for highlighting the cheek bones and adding a rosy glow. Contour by using a figure 3 shape, swooping up around the forehead, into the hollow of the cheek and then under the jawline. Blush the apples of the cheeks.
Question

Can I use orange blush?

Community Answer

You can, but use a smaller brush to apply it. If you use too much, you will look like an Oompa Loompa.

Warnings

Don't rely on makeup to make you beautiful. Remember, real beauty comes from the heart and you are beautiful inside and out no matter what.

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