The perfect blusher can lift your entire makeup look, tying everything together in a rosy glow. The wrong blusher, however, can leave you looking – and feeling – like a clown.
Not only do you have to think about the shade that best suits your skin tone, but also to suit the rest of your makeup. If you’re wearing a brown, smoky eye you might wear a different shade of blusher than if you were wearing a statement red lipstick, for instance. Then you have to consider the placement of the product; do you focus on apples of cheeks for a youthful look, or dust along the cheekbones for something more subtle?
Plus, there’s an array of textures and finishes to choose from including shimmers, powder and creams, all of which create unique effects and can be applied and layered differently with other products.
To help you find the perfect shade for your skin tone and your makeup style, we’ve called upon the expertise of Ninni Nummela, Chanel Makeup Artist, to answer every question you may have. “Blush is often forgotten when applying makeup, we tend to concentrate more on the eyes or the lips, but blush is actually your quickest way to achieve a youth boost and to lift your skin tone,” she says. “A blush adds femininity but can also give you an edge.”
Here are Ninni’s top tips…
How do I select the perfect shade of blush to suit my skin tone?
According to Ninni, one way of determining the perfect blush shade if you’re after a super natural finish is to pinch your cheeks. “I like using the old trick of pinching my cheeks for a natural flush,” she says. “Not only does it give you an instant radiance, it also reveals the most natural and suitable blush shade for your skin tone.”
Ninni also has other helpful guidelines to help you select the most flattering shade; “As a rule of thumb, choose warmer shades, like golden peaches, earthy pinks and sun-kissed corals if your skin easily tans, and cooler pinks, such as soft roses, and beautiful mauves if your skin tends to redden in the sun.”
That’s not to say you can’t choose a statement shade. “If you want to go bold, skip the rules and choose a bright pop of colour that you are drawn to,” Ninni says. “Be creative and have fun with your blusher!”
Where should I apply my blush?
“You can easily achieve different effects with the placement of your blush, which makes blusher a staple product in my make up bag,” says Ninni. “By applying blusher high on top the cheeks, you will achieve a more youthful effect. Smile to find the apples of your cheeks and with a rounded brush, start by applying the colour in the middle and blend softly outwards in round strokes, allowing the colour to be more intense in the middle for depth.”
“For a more healthy flush, dab a blusher on the cheeks and blend slightly downwards. This is the blush you naturally get when out in fresh cold air. When mimicking a natural effect, I like using a cream blusher blended with the warmth of my fingers. A cream texture is also great for gradually building up the colour intensity and is easy to wipe off if you’ve applied too much.”
Should I choose a cream or a powder formula?
“I’m a big fan of a cream blusher, as it tends to create a more natural finish, and allows your skin to shine through,” Ninni says. “A cream texture is also quick and easy to blend with your finger, and is a great choice for summer skin, or if you are scared of blusher. Another luminous texture for a more natural finish is a liquid blush, which sinks into the skin and creates a beautiful stain.”
For more oily skin types, or if you’re in a hot or humid climate, Ninni recommends you consider a powder formula. “If you feel a cream blusher tend to just slide off your skin and you want more staying power, a powder blusher will be ideal. When using a powder blusher, especially on more oily skin, apply a thin layer of translucent powder on the area before applying the blusher. This will make it easier for you to blend the colour seamlessly.”
Whatever you choose, the secret to great application lies in the blending. “Blend well to create a soft, fading effect and build it up rather than applying a lot of colour at once,” Ninni says. “By layering, you will have more control of the intensity, and the effect it has on the transformation of your look.”
Should I choose a blush with shimmer?
According to Ninni, blushers with a subtle shimmer can instantly brighten the skin. “My favourite is Joues Contraste by Chanel. It is foolproof as it glides on seamlessly and instantly give you a subtle radiance.
How do I layer blush with bronzer?
Bronzer is an everyday staple for many of us, but how does it work when you want to apply blusher as well? “Blush and bronzer complement each other beautifully,” Ninni assures. “A bronzer gives your complexion a fresh glow, and the blusher gives your skin a health boost.”
“I like applying bronzer with a big, fluffy brush on the areas where the sun would naturally tan your face; the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, chin, middle of the forehead and on the décolletage. For this sun-kissed effect, it’s important to really blend the bronzer into the skin. Apply the blusher on top of the apples of the cheeks to emphasise that healthy holiday glow. Because of the bronzer or a natural tan as a base, you can play with brighter shades of corals and pinks in the summer to lift your complexion.”
Now you know what to look for, check out our round up of the best blushers available.