How to apply cream blusher in four simple steps

We hope you love the gift of cream blusher with this issue of FAIRLADY! Make sure you choose the print copy with the blusher best suited to your complexion: there are three lovely shades to choose from. Here’s a quick refresher course on how best to apply it in four simple steps.

◗ For a darker complexion, opt for 3 or 1

◗ For a paler complexion with a yellow undertone, opt for 2 or 3

◗ For a paler complexion with a blueish undertone, opt for 1 or 2

We love the texture of cream blusher – properly applied, it gives you a dewy glow rather than the pasty, powdery finish often associated with powder blusher. There are a few tricks of the trade that are worth knowing, though, and we thought we’d share them with you here.

Cream blusher is ideal for those of us with mature or dry skin – it doesn’t crease into wrinkles and gives a lovely luminous finish. The thing is, it generally comes in more intense colours than powder blusher does, so you need to use it sparingly, otherwise you may end up looking a bit more Coco the Clown than Coco Chanel.

STEP 1

Prep your skin: cleanse, moisturise and apply foundation. Use a liquid foundation in preference to a powder one – it works better if the two consistencies are the same. Your skin has to feel smooth, hydrated and nourished; if it’s too dry it will just absorb all the blusher.

STEP 2

Smile! This is to establish where the apples of your cheeks are – they’re the most rounded bits. You can use a brush or your fingers to apply the blusher. Just dab it directly onto the apples of the cheeks and then swipe outwards along your cheekbones. Using your fingers warms and melts the blusher slightly, which gives it the sheer finish you’re after. Start with a little and layer up if you need to – with blusher, less is always more. If you’ve overdone it, use a little sheer foundation over it to tone down the colour a little. Make sure you have the same intensity of colour on both cheeks.

STEP 3

If you have a little busher left on your fingertips, dab it on your eyelids (not too close to your lashes; you don’t want it to look as if you’ve been rubbing your eyes). The right amount – just a touch – makes for a fresh, youthful look. You could also use it on your lips (a great Bobbi Brown makeup trick for an un-made-up look).

STEP 4

Add highlighter if you prefer. If you’d like your skin to be slightly more luminous, apply the highlighter exactly where you used the blusher for a little extra gleam and polish. It works wonders, especially if you’re heading out to a party.