Now that the days are getting shorter, I'm sure your skin is getting lighter. So why not put those bronzers away, and bring out the blush? Even if you absolutely can't live without your bronzer, you can always apply it underneath! Rosy cheeks will look amazing against your fall skin.
No matter what your price range, blush is fairly simple to shop for. While on a budget, Wet N Wild is my favorite make-up brand. They have every product for an inexpensive price. To get you started, here are four recommended blushes:
(On the left): Wet N Wild Silk Finish Highlight and Contour Blush $4.98 (On the right): Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush $6.00. (Both items are available at most drugstores).
The great thing about the Silk Finish, besides it being extremely budget-friendly, is that it comes with three different shades. So you can use one by itself, or to create some depth, use all three! These come in four different variations, so you can choose which three colors you'd like depending on your skin tone. Tip: Don't forget to buy a medium size blush brush if you don't have one already!
I personally love the Dream Mousse because all it takes is a couple dabs of it on your fingers, and some blending to get a natural look. Plus, if you don't like powders this is a great alternative! I have the "Rose Petal" and it's subtle sheen gives me a nice radiance, even if I'm not wearing any other beauty products!
(On the left): Bare Escentuals Blush $18.00-$20.00 (On the right): Nars Blush $25.00 (available at any Sephora store, or Sephora.com).
Bare Escentuals blush is perfect for you if you have sensitive skin like me. Mineral make up is less irritating than the regular kind. You can actually apply this blush lightly over your forehead and chin for a pretty glow, just like you'd do with bronzer! It comes in fifteen different shades, so you're bound to find the perfect one for you! (There are three shades that are only available online. Those three are $20.00 each).
Nars blush is a popular favorite from make up artists to beauty editors. It always goes on very naturally and the golden shimmer gives you an amazing glow. This is a great product if you're looking for a long-lasting, high quality blush. Don't be afraid to spend if you're going to use it often.
How-to apply blush
Now that you found the perfect blush, we're going to explain how to perfectly apply it! We don't want you to go out in public with two obvious streaks against your cheeks. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to avoid mistakes.
1. (Skip this part if you already found the shade that matches you best). The easiest way to avoid a blush mistake is by finding a shade that matches the color of your cheeks when you're flushed (for example, after exercising). Most people with fair or light skin look best in a rose or peach color, while people with dark skin look better in apricot or red.
2. If you buy a blush that comes with that small, can-barely-fit-into-a-doll's-hand brush, just chuck it out. You want to apply blush as naturally as possible, and by using a brush with such a small surface area as the one that's given, you're just asking for a beauty faux pas. Buy a full make up brush, and don't use the same one you use for your foundation. (Look
here for some brushes if you don't have one already).
3. Now put the blush all over the top the brush, and tap it to get rid of the excess. Don't worry about it being too little. You can always re-apply. Now if this is your first time, look into the mirror and smile. This makes it easier for you to find the apples of your cheeks, where you should be applying the blush.
4. Apply the blush with a light hand over the apples of your cheeks. Blend, blend, and blend so you don't get "clown-ish" cheeks. You can also try blending upwards on your cheekbones, toward your temples to create some depth.
5. To finish it off, gently dust some translucent powder to ensure that the color stays on longer.
Extra Step: Like I said in the beginning, you can apply your bronzer along with your blush. It's very simple, and it's another great look to try! Before applying your blush, take some bronzer and dust it on your forehead, chin and nose for a sun-kissed sheen, even in the winter!
♥ Celeste
