THE BASICS OF BLUSH

Avoid A makeup mistakes by nailing these techniques that will earn you a flawless finish

Scared of looking like a clown?

The knack to avoid overdoing your blush is to build it up in sheer layers. Apply just a little, stand back and look in the mirror, then reassess it again after you’ve applied your lipstick, to see if you need more colour.

Build up a blush booty

Don’t get too hung up on which colour to choose. Invest in at least a couple of colours: a soft, peachy shade and a pinky tone are good places to start, plus reasonably universal. You’ll find that, once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to add more to your kit.

The difference between bronzer and blush?

Bronzer is traditionally applied where the sun would naturally hit your face to warm up your complexion, as well as under cheekbones to create definition. Blush, on the other hand, looks its most flattering blended out from the apples of your cheeks, where you’d flush naturally. They work wonders when worn together.

What about highlighter?

Apply it after bronzer and blush, on the top edge of your cheekbones to really make them pop. Aim for a seamless, blended effect with no harsh lines.

Know your boundaries

Blush worn too low or too close to your nose can really drag your face down and age you. Try holding one finger down the side e of your nostril as a guide for where your blush should stop. Another trick is to smile and use the apples of your cheeks as a place to start, working your brush h in circular motions, up and out.

Get the right brush

Brushes that come with blush are e very rarely big enough, so it’s well ll worth investing in a blush brush for a much nicer finish. Tap the brush onto the blush and shake off any excess (with powder variety), or blend onto the back of your hand (with cream variety) so you don’t deposit too much colour onto your cheeks at once.

Work with it

You’ll find powder blush easier to blend if you allow any liquid products, such as your moisturiser, BB cream or foundation, a minute or two to dry before applying your colour so the pigment doesn’t grab.

Get rid of redness

A green colour-correcting primer worn underneath your foundation will help knock out any redness on your cheeks before you apply your blush. If you prefer to wear a more lightweight base, such as a tinted moisturiser or BB cream, skip the blush and let your natural colour come through. In this case, consider using a highlighter on the top of your cheekbones.

Gone a little overboard?

Don’t panic! Simply work a bit of foundation over the top of your blush blunder with a buffing brush. Too easy! easy