How to Put Blush on Cheeks

Translucent powder helps blush last all day.

Applying blush to cheeks helps a tired face glow. Applying the correct formula and blush color for your skin is essential for creating a natural, long-lasting flush. Oily skin benefits from dry powder blush, while dry skin needs the moisture of a cream blush. Finding the right color can be tricky, but a simple trick lets you find the right shade with ease. Pinch your cheeks and observe the color of your natural flush, then use a blush that closely matches the rosiness of your natural blushing cheeks.

Things You'll Need

• Light moisturizer
• Large powder brush
• Translucent powder
• Medium to large blush brush
• Powdered blush
• Makeup primer
• Liquid blush

Instructions

Dry Blush

1. Smooth a light moisturizer over your entire face, paying special attention to your cheeks. Dry blush will enhance any dry or flaky patches, and moisturizer will soothe the places that powdered blush might highlight. Allow the moisturizer to sink in for three to five minutes.

2. Dip a large, fluffy powder brush in translucent powder and tap it several times against your wrist to remove unnecessary product. Whisk it lightly along your cheeks; this will absorb any excess moisture or oil, leading to longer-lasting blush.

3. Swirl a medium to large fluffy blush brush in your blush, then strike the brush several times to shake off the excess blush. Smile and sweep the blush across your cheeks, starting at the apple, or fullest part, of your cheeks and blending outwards. Let the color fade as you approach your temples for a natural flush.

Liquid Blush

1. Use the right liquid formula for your skin type. The drier your skin, the more moisture your blush should provide. Skin with moderate dryness should use a cream formula, while dry skin would benefit from a liquid blush. Gel blushes and stains are too harsh for dry skin and should be avoided.

2. Dab makeup primer on the apples of your cheeks and blend outward. The primer will give skin additional moisture while smoothing out rough patches, resulting in an even finish. Primer takes longer to settle into skin than moisturizer; allow five to ten minutes for primer to sink in thoroughly.

3. Dip your fingers into your liquid blush preparation, smile, then stipple several small dots of blush onto your cheeks. Blend the blush outward in quick, upward strokes in the direction of your temple hairline while following the natural contours of your cheekbones. Speed is essential when working with liquid blushes, as these formulas tend to dry quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• Invest in a powder brush and a blush brush, and discard the small brushes included with your makeup products. The packaged brushes have bristles that are usually too harsh and badly tapered, which will lead to to streak applications.

• To extend the life of your blush throughout the day, layer both a liquid and a powdered blush. Apply the liquid first, then dust on powdered blush to set it.

• Smiling while applying blush results in the most natural application, as the apples of your cheeks are at their most prominent when you smile.

• If powder blush is too intense after application, lightly run a cotton ball over the cheeks to pick up excess color and blend harsh edges. If liquid blush is too intense, blend a small amount of foundation over your cheeks.

References

• "Allure" magazine; The 10 Commandments of Blush; Abbie Kozlchyk et. al.
• "Marie Claire Hair & Makeup"; Jane Campsie et. al.; 2006
• Temptalia; Beauty Lessons - How to Apply Blush; Christine Mielke; April 2010
• "Cosmopolitan": Better Blush How-Tos