As the economy has reopened and the lockdowns faded, women are beginning to wear makeup once again, reviving the beauty industry. The cosmetic that seems to be trending this season is blush, which is a reflection of the post-COVID energy. After a year of no makeup, everyone is attracted to a healthy, sun-kissed outdoorsy look, which can be replicated with the help of tawny blush or bronzer. For a natural look, you can use a matte bronzer, strategically applied instead of blush. This will sculpt your face without looking contrived. Next, apply a soft rosy hue on top of the bronzer, only on the apples of the cheeks, which will punch up the color and brighten the cheeks in a natural manner.
Natural blush always gives the face a soft and healthy glow, but is not always simple to achieve. First, you need to find the most flattering shade, then you need to figure what type of product to use, i.e. cream or powder. Lastly, you need to know the order of application, i.e. which comes first: bronzer, highlighter, or blush. The key to looking pretty is to have your blush complement your skin tone. For fair skin, opt for pink, peach, or pinky/peach soft tones with a hint of brown. A high-contrast complexion such as light skin and dark hair calls for a light and vibrant color, from a pale shade to a brighter pink. If your skin has cool undertones, avoid muddy hues, since they will make you look ruddy. Complexions with yellow undertones sometimes tend to look sallow or have an olive cast. In this case, peachy colors that warm up the face look best. Stay away from shades that are too orange and opt for peachy shades with a touch of pink, to lend a natural softness. Dark skin is a great canvas to showcase strong colors like pinks, burgundies, and plums. First decide how much emphasis you want to give the cheeks. Then test colors directly on your skin with a cotton ball or hold the color next to your face in natural light. Always bear in mind that blush is usually half a shade darker than in the compact.
It always helps to know your skin type, which will be beneficial in figuring out what suits your needs, but as far as texture goes, it also involves your personal preference. For those who have oily skin and want to prevent blush from streaking, becoming shiny, or turning orange, always begin with an oil-free foundation, followed by translucent powder. Then choose a sheer powder blush and blend to a soft finish with a natural bristle brush. If your skin is dry, creme blush is a good alternative. If you love incorporating both, you can layer powder blush over cream to set the product. This will insure no midday touchups. Plus, the color will not slip or slide. Apply the blush to the apple of the cheeks, which will lift the face, then blend upward and outward. You can also place a bit on the nose and forehead to add a tinge of color to the face. To finish the look, you can add a highlighter to the top of the cheekbones to reflect some light and lift the cheeks.
A bit of color always goes a long way. Blush is the fastest and easiest way to impart some life into a dull complexion.
Risselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consultant. She carries an extensive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti-aging products. Risselle is also available for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, photo shoots and any of your beauty needs. She can be reached at 718 263-5517.