How to Choose the Best Blush

Powder or cream blusher can give your cheeks a healthy, rosy glow. When you’re standing at the makeup counter, however, it can be difficult to choose between formulas that tout healthy skin benefits, long-lasting color or trendy new shades. Consider your skin type to choose the best blush to make your “blush” look natural, minimize any skin problems that can lead breakouts and make you feel confident about your appearance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine your skin type to help you choose the best blush that won’t cause excess dryness or leave an oily buildup in problem areas. Do this by washing your face with a mild soap and drying it with a soft cloth. When it’s completely dry, press a two-inch squares of tissue paper onto your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. If the paper pieces fall off, you have normal skin. If they all stick or appear to be absorbing oil, you have oily skin. If they fall off of your cheeks but stick to your chin and forehead, you have combination skin.

2. Select a cream blush formula if you have dry skin since powder makeup can make skin look flakier. Choose brands that feature moisturizing ingredients or even opt for a tinted moisturizer. If you have excessively dry skin, apply a moisturizer first, a moisturizing foundation second, and then the cream blush. Apply the blusher with your clean fingertips or a sponge applicator to blend it well.

3. Avoid cream blush if you have oily or combination skin, choosing a powder blush instead. Consider tinted mineral powder makeup that won’t promote oiliness. Apply the powder blush sparingly with a makeup brush or a disposable makeup pad so you won’t introduce excess oil to your skin.

4. Opt for a preservative-free blush in powder makeup form if you have sensitive skin prone to rashes or break outs when using new cosmetics, lotions or soaps. Choose hypoallergenic formulas of light mineral powder makeup instead of cream blush that can clog your pores or generate redness.

5. Choose the best blush color for your skin tone by gently pinching your cheeks and coordinating the blusher shade with the natural flush of your cheeks. If you’re buying mineral powder makeup and your have oily skin, select a shade lighter than you’d expect to use since the excess oil will cause the blush to darken as you wear it.

Tips & Warnings

• Even after you choose the best blush for your skin type, keep the product working at its best by washing makeup brushes or applicators once a week with a mild liquid soap and letting them dry on a paper towel overnight. This will remove buildup on the applicators that can alter the color of the powder makeup or introduce excess oil onto your face when applying the blush.

[goodselfme]

on 11/20/2009 TX for the make up tips to choosing the best blush.

[jaredsgirl]

on 11/20/2009 Thanks for the tips on choosing the best blush. I've found that I don't really like cream blush. Now I know why...I have combination skin and cream blush just seems to get into the creases of my skin after awhile. 5*