Photo via Kosas, featuring the Kosas Color & Light Palette in Longitude Zero.

Few makeup products have the same complicated history as blush (relatively speaking, of course). For some, it was their first foray into makeup, being easy to apply and a simple way to get a pop of color. For others, it could look a little too overt when applied with a heavy hand — and went the way of powder foundation and eyebrow markers.

But blush deserves a comeback. For starters, “it’s playful, youthful, and full of fun,” says makeup artist Misty Spinney. After all, what other item in your makeup bag can make your skin look as though you just hit up the gym or came in from a brisk walk in the cold? There’s something revitalizing and joyful about a healthy flush. And, depending on the shade, blush can do it all, from providing a rosy wash of color to lending skin a subtly sun-kissed look. 

With that, here’s how to make the most of this wonder product.

Why you should be using blush

If we didn’t sell you on it already, buckle up. “Blush can bring that subtle hue of color to brighten your entire complexion,” says Spinney. “Wearing a small touch solo can give a sense of warmth and life that looks natural and fresh.” 

It can also restore dimension and structure to the face after applying a matte- or even satin-finish base, which can incidentally flatten out features in its effort to perfect skin.

How to find the right shade

The right blush color for you depends largely on your undertones, which can be cool, warm, or neutral. Your skin tone itself also plays a role. “There are certain hues and pigments that tend to be appropriate for pale skin, and others that work really beautifully with deeper skin tones,” says Spinney. “The 3-minute NakedPoppy assessment will help point you in the right direction.”

Once you get your personalized recommendations from the assessment, consider the world your oyster. “From there, play with a variety of hues that were picked for you,” Spinney suggests. “You may notice how certain hues make you feel differently.”

How to choose a formula

As with bronzers and highlighters, blush can come in a few formats — which each have their strengths, says Spinney. “Cream based formulas can have a slightly more dewy effect, which is ideal if you love hydrated, glowing skin,” she explains. That can offer an advantage for those with drier skin, or even combination types with dryness on the cheeks. 

Sound like you? Rituel de Fille Inner Glow Crème Pigment delivers moisture with a blend of jojoba, castor, and sunflower seed oils, while Ere Perez Carrot Colour Pot has a cushiony texture and gets its sheer pigment from (no surprise here) carrot. For those seeking added radiance, Kosas Color & Light: Creme pairs a botanical oil-infused cream blush with a corresponding cream highlighter.

Meanwhile, “powder blushes are great if you have slightly oilier skin,” says Spinney. These can deliver a matte finish that lasts to keep skin looking satin-y, not shiny, all day long. Lily Lolo Pressed Blush offers buildable, easy-to-blend coverage for a natural flush, while Vapour Blush Powder is infused with olive-derived squalane for a lightweight hit of moisture. 

If you’re not sure which is right for you, the 3-minute NakedPoppy assessment can (again!) give you options. And if you’re worried about your blush fading by the afternoon, consider picking up one of each. “Layering powder over cream makes for a multidimensional, longer-lasting effect,” says Spinney.

How to apply blush

Great news: Blush might be the easiest makeup product of them all when it comes to application. First, Spinney says, apply it to the apples of your cheeks with either a fluffy blush brush, if you’re using powder, or fingertips, if you’re using a cream. Then, blend the color using circular motions in the direction according to your face shape:

  • For oval or long faces: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it up towards your temples, which will balance out your face shape.
  • For round, square, or heart-shaped faces: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it outwards, instead of towards your temples, to balance the face.

Finally, dab leftover blush onto the lower tip of your nose, either sides of your forehead, and to the center creases of your eyelids for a natural flush. 

And that’s it — there’s no catch. So while blush may have gotten a bad rep in the past, consider this all the reason to give it another go…and get that preternaturally healthy glow while you’re at it.

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