How to Buy and Apply Blush Cosmetics

Many women shy away from using blush cosmetics, but when applied properly, these can be a huge asset to your appearance. Below are some tips on how to buy and apply blush cosmetics which are flattering and beautiful.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Select the right blush type.
   
   Powder blush is the most common of blush cosmetics, and can be sold loose or packed. Because it is dry, it is well suited for oily skin. If you have wrinkles, powder blush can settle into them, producing the wrong effect (consider cream blush instead). Powder blush is generally soft and less pronounced, and may not last as long as cream or liquid blush. The softer color results make it a good option for daytime wear.
   
   Cream blush cosmetics can be more challenging to apply evenly, but offer more staying power than powder. Cream blush also produces a more noticeable effect than powder, and can contain moisturizers, making it a the best choice for dry or aging skin.
   
   Like cream blush cosmetics, liquid or gel blush also boasts longer staying power, but these are slightly more challenging to apply. Liquid blush offers a darker and more pronounced color than powder blush, yet it is more suitable for oily skin than cream.

2. Pick the right color.
   
   You want a color that matches your skin tone, in order to avoid looking fake. Look for a color that matches your face when flushed. You can pinch your cheeks to judge this. Another trick is to pick a color similar to your natural lip color.
   
   Cool skin tones (bluish veins, fair skin) tend to look better in shades of pink and rose, whereas warm skin tones (greenish veins, olive skin tones) look better in shades of peach or tan. Dark skin can benefit from many colors, and depending on the shade, you could get away with a reddish tone.

3. Use the right blush brush or applicator.
   
   If you use powder blush cosmetics, you may want to buy a Kabuki brush. Kabuki brushes are used by professional make up artists all around the world, and a good quality Kabuki brush is certainly worth the money.
   
   Otherwise, select a blush brush made of all natural materials. The bristles should be soft but not too fluffy, and should not come loose with use. You also want a wide brush (not those dinky little brushes that come with many blush cosmetics). The reason for a wider brush is that you want an even sweep across your cheeks – not uneven streaks!
   
   If you are using a liquid or cream blusher, the best tool is your fingertips, or else a simple sponge applicator.

4. Get ready.
   
   Apply all of your other make up first.
   
   Find the apples of your cheeks. To do this, smile while looking in the mirror. The round portion of your cheek is the apple.
   
   If you are using liquid or cream blush, apply a dab to your fingertips. If you are using powder, swirl your blush into the powder, and then tap it lightly to remove extra powder.

5. Apply the blush.
   
   Apply the blush cosmetics to the apples of your cheeks, and aim for even application. With powder, this should be done with a swift stroke of the brush, in one direction, typically in the same direction as the hair.
   
   With liquid, you should apply in the center with your finger, and then blend with your fingertips. You may alternately dab a tiny amount of blush on the cheekbones, and a bit on the apples of the cheeks, and blend.

6. Finish.
   
   Allow to rest for 1 minute. Then, finish with a sweep of translucent powder to seal the effect.

[sonni57]

on 5/21/2009 Good tips on make up application I need some new blush mine is at the falling apart stage.