Even if you feel tired and your skin seems sallow, a little blush can do wonders. Your face is, for better or worse, the first thing that people tend to notice about you and is capable of making a big impression. The good news is that there are a lot of great cosmetics out there that can really elevate your face in both subtle and major ways.
Blush is one of the most commonly purchased cosmetics out there and comes in a large variety of textures, shades and formulas to suit the skin types of most women. Using blush can help smooth out textures, provide warmth to your skin, and hide small blemishes.
Contents
- 1 Key Facts
- 2 Ranking: The best blushes on the U.S. market
- 3 Shopping Guide: Everything you should know about blushes
- 3.1 What is a blush designed for?
- 3.2 How and with what should I apply blush?
- 3.3 How should I apply blush according to the shape of my face?
- 3.4 How much blush should I apply?
- 3.5 Should I change my blush depending on the time of day?
- 3.6 Can blush be used for contouring techniques?
- 3.7 Can I be allergic to my blush?
- 4 Shopping Criteria
- 5 Summary
Key Facts
- Blush typically comes in two main textures: creamy ones that tend to be better for drier skin; and powdery ones that are better for oily skin.
- Blush needs to be applied based on your face shape, as well as the effect you are going for and what you are trying to conceal/augment.
- You shouldn’t choose a shade to alter the color of your skin entirely, but rather to help elevate your natural beauty and the tone of your skin.
Ranking: The best blushes on the U.S. market
The below selection contains a compilation of five of the best and most popular products on the U.S. market at the moment. We have provided a summary of their main characteristics while keeping value for money at the forefront. There is undoubtedly something on here for almost any taste and preference, so let the browsing begin!
No. 1: Milani – Baked Blush
Milani’s Baked Blush is a vegan, cruelty-free blush powder that is made to provide shape, contour, and luxurious highlights all over your face. This is a great multi-use blush that can be applied to nearly every skin tone. The tone you are made to get from this blush is similar to sunbaked Italian terracotta tiles, that gives you that warm, healthy glow you would come back from a tropical vacation with. If this particular shade isn’t what you want, Baked Blush comes in 11 different ones.
This shade is slightly orange, but if you apply lightly and delicately, it produces a great, natural-looking effect. It also contains no glitter, so it is great for everyday wear. A nice, flattering color of a wide range of skin types, Baked Blush is a fantastic drug-store blush that deserves to be in the makeup bag of every woman. For the price, this is a product that will have people admiring your complexion from across the street, without knowing you didn’t pay an arm and a leg for it.
No. 2: NARS – Blush (Orgasm
NARS has been making some of the most beloved makeups (and especially blush) for years and their Orgasm shade is one of the most popular they have ever created. This blush provides a natural and healthy look that really elevates dull complexions. Keep in mind that this product does contain glitter, so if you are not a fan of glitter, or want something that will look appropriate in a more professional setting, you will have to find a shade that is glitter-free.
A small amount of this blush goes a long way, so be delicate while applying it. One of the most impressive things about this blush is just how fine the pigments are. They are so subtle that it is nearly impossible to tell that you are wearing any makeup. This blush is great for normal, mixed, and normal to dry skin types. After applying this blush you should give your skin a light touch and admire just how soft it feels.
No. 3: Stila – Convertible Dual Color Lip and Cheek Cream
Stila’s Convertible Dual Color Lip and Cheek Cream is a lipstick and blush all-in-one that adds a serious makeup tool to your arsenal. This is a nongreasy, sheer tint that brings out a natural warmth in your cheeks while at the same time adding great, natural-looking color to your lips. This is a great makeup to have in your purse or gym bag because you get multiple uses out of it while not taking up really much space at all. The mirror makes it simple to do fast, accurate touch-ups on the move.
To apply, simply tap it onto your cheeks and press onto the lips. This blush goes onto your face silky smooth and makes even dry skin look fresh and new. Transparent and soft, this gives off a nice, subtle glow that looks healthy but not overdone. Easy to put on and take off, this is a great dual product that is likely to become one of your go-to blushes. For the price and the versatility of this product, it is hard to find anything else like it on the market.
No. 4: Laura Geller – New York Baked Blush
Laura Geller’s New York Baked Blush is one of the most beloved on the market. You get an incredible warm blush on your cheeks with beautiful flourishes of pigments that create a natural, flowing look to your color. One of the nice things about this product is that it comes infused with natural antioxidants so it is much more delicate on your skin. You do need a brush to apply this blush, which you do you by applying the makeup to the apples of your cheeks and then brushing upwards in the direction of your hairline.
Laura Geller is one of the most respected makeup artists in the industry and she has put her years of experience and knowledge into an easy-to-carry affordable product. The textures and pigments that go into her New York Baked Blush are baked for a full 24 hours of Italian terracotta tiles. You really do feel as though you are applying the warmth of the Mediterranean sun to your face when you use this product, and it lasts a surprisingly long time.
No. 5: Maybelline New York – Fit Me Blush (Berry)
Maybelline New York is a cosmetic line that requires no introduction and their Fit Me Blush adorns the beautiful faces of women all over America. The true-to-tone color in this blush mixes flawlessly with your natural skin tone to give you a boost that is noticeable in all the right ways without looking unnatural. The creamy smooth texture is so simple to blend and the wide range of shades has something that will look great on women of a variety of skin tones.
This product does require some building up when applying, so budget a bit of extra time, but the results are stunning. Another really nice feature of this product is how well it stands up to the trials and tribulations of daily wear. Many more costly blushes have to be reapplied more constantly, but Maybelline New York’s Fit Me Blush goes on and stays on for a surprisingly long time. It has some shimmer and sheen, but it does not give you the glittery look you get from other blushes.
Shopping Guide: Everything you should know about blushes
Before you purchase anything for yourself you need to know about the most important features of this product. This will ensure you don’t get something that isn’t right for, or harmful to your skin while getting just what you want. In the next section, we get into the details of those key factors for you to be well informed when the time comes. We have also provided answers to some of the most commonly asked consumer questions.
Blush is great for smoothing out the appearance of wrinkles and rejuvenating older faces.
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What is a blush designed for?
Blush is one of the must-have products for many women before they leave the house. It provides radiance, warmth, and glow to almost any skin type and tone. You’ll need to apply it correctly and with the right amount to obtain these results. You can also enhance your skin tone.
Blush is great at reducing the look of imperfections on the surface of our skin and amazing for bringing out the natural strong features of your face and complexion.
Blush is one of the most popular cosmetic products on the American market and is used by millions of women of all ages.
How and with what should I apply blush?
Knowing how to apply blush is key if you want to get quality results. Makeup artists tend to recommend that you slightly smile while applying your blush so that your face is in the right shape for you to correctly highlight your cheekbones and “apples”. Using circular motions, gently rub the color in, and in whatever direction you desire to achieve the look you want.
A blush won’t simply brighten up your face and give a healthy look to your skin; it also has the particularity of creating various visual effects. This is why you can apply blush to help create an entirely new appearance, softening or emphasizing certain features, while concealing others. Most blushes are applied with special brushes, though you can use your fingers depending on the look you want to achieve.
There are a variety of different textures of blush out there, with powder and cream being the most common.
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How should I apply blush according to the shape of my face?
Blush does three things well: it conceals tiny flaws, softens your features, and gives you a more glowing look. It is necessary to know how to apply it properly in order to get the look you’re after. Below is a table with important information to keep in mind:
| If your face’s shape is: | And your goal is to: | Apply blush like this: |
|---|---|---|
| Round | Define it | You should spread the product from your cheeks to your temples. |
| Wide | Narrow it | Put the blush horizontally right under your cheekbones. |
| Thin | Widen it | Spread the product placed on your cheekbones up to your ears. |
| Square | Round it | Spread the blush from your cheekbones slightly downwards, or apply it directly to the apples of your cheeks in a circular movement. |
| Diamond | Soften the angles | Apply powder or cream on top of your cheekbones and towards ears, attracting the eye down and highlighting your cheekbones. |
| Heart | Smoothen your jaw line | Put the blush on the bottom of your cheekbones, in a similar way to contouring. |
How much blush should I apply?
Regardless of whether you prefer a brush or hand application, you should always start with a small amount so that it blends better. Starting small and building layers is the best way to go and provides a more natural look. It is also important to apply it gently.
In the end, it’s all about personal taste. With that in mind, professional makeup artists recommend using blush to create a great natural look, and not overdoing it. The ideal result you are after is one that makes it appear as though the warmth of the blush is radiating directly from your own skin. This takes practice, but over time, you will become an expert at it.
Molly R. SternCelebrity Makeup Artist
“To me, blush is the most essential beauty product to wear. It enhances the complexion and gives the skin a youthful glow.”
Should I change my blush depending on the time of day?
Many women like to choose different cosmetics (blush included) based on where they are going and the time of the day. This changes throughout the day, with more subtle tones being preferred during daylight hours and more striking ones at night. You can also switch up the texture of blush you use.
If you have oily skin, a matte tone is the best to use during the day. If you have dry skin, however, a more satin texture is generally preferred.
Brighter blushes tend to be more popular at night, although you should always strive to achieve the most natural look possible.
Can blush be used for contouring techniques?
It sure can. The common name for this style of application is called “draping” and it is done using your blush to create contours on your face, using a combination of light and dark tones. You can enliven your face considerably, for instance, by applying light flourishes of color to your chin, earlobes, and temple area.
Use draping on your cheeks and with darker colors if you want to add volume. Lighter blush tones are designed to add light to your face, so they look great applied to the tops of cheekbones. Makeup experts contend that doing this helps give your face a more natural and fresher look.
A good idea is to get a good mineral-based blushed to help protect your skin from UV.
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Can I be allergic to my blush?
If you notice certain reactions on your cheeks after applying blush, you may be allergic to one or more of the components found in your product. If you notice small red blotches on your face, especially if they are sore to the touch, you might be reacting to your product. It is a good idea to give your skin a break from the blush for around 5 days.
If you find yourself suffering from eczema, or breaking out in acne, then your blush likely has ingredients in it that are reacting with your skin. In this instance, you should speak to a doctor or dermatologist. If you find that after application your skin feels extremely dry and rigid, that is another sign that your body disagrees with your choice of blush. It is best to stop using the product at that point.
Shopping Criteria
At this point, you have a lot of information about how blush works and how to apply it. In the below section we will provide you with the most important buying criteria to use when choosing your blush. Having all of it in mind will make sure you get the product that is right for your skin and your purposes. These criteria are:
- Textures and characteristics
- Blush tones
- Blush according to the origin of its components
- Age of the skin
- Potential allergens
Textures and characteristics
As previously mentioned, powder and cream are the most common textures found on the market. When choosing either or there are a number of important considerations. You must understand what kind of skin you have, the makeup effect you are going for, and the result you expect. Below are the main characteristics of most blushes on the market:
| Texture | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Powder | For oily skins, as they can absorb excess sebum. More comfortable if you are looking for contouring. Favor applying it with a brush rather than your fingers. |
| Cream | For dry skins, as it provides moistness. It can make greasy skins shine in an unpleasant way. Very natural results. It can come in sticks or boxes. Its solid texture makes it more difficult to obtain an even result. |
| Liquid | Very natural look. Ideal for dry skins, as they are nutritive. Better for young skins that do not have acne than mature skins. |
| Meteorites or balls | The combination of colors they offer allow for different tones and effects using light. Best applied with natural hair brushes. It is probably the texture that most brightens the face. |
| Mineral powder or loose powder | Similar to compact blush. It tends to coat the brush quite a bit, which means you need to be careful before applying. More suited to dry oily skins. |
Blush tones
When evaluating a tone of blush it is best to compare it to your natural skin tone. Get a product that doesn’t stray too far from your natural tone. You don’t want to just get a color because it looks beautiful, or one that will make you more or less fair. You want something that will augment what you naturally have.
Lighter-skinned women often go for light pink tones, while medium skin tones often buy darker pinks, fuchsia and orange with golden highlights. Darker complexions often like russet, terracotta and dark gold hues. You will also need to consider what kind of glow you are going for.
Makeup artists recommend using blush to help enhance natural beauty and not overdoing it.
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Blush can also be chosen based on your hair color. Black hair and dark brown look great with brown or bronze colors. Light brown and blonde hair looks great with orange, coral, and peach hues.
Blush according to the origin of its components
Blushes contain pigments and soluble dyes. Many are naturally-based, while others are artificial. You will also encounter titanium oxide or zinc to cover the skin, and mica or glitter. Kaolin or magnesium carbonate are used to absorb perspiration.
Many skin experts and makeup artists alike suggesting getting a blush that contains minerals as they help protect your skin from the sun. They also give you a nice matte finish that is more natural-looking and are more non-comedogenic. Since these products do not contain oils, they are suitable for dry, mixed and oily skins alike.
Calvin KleinAmerican Fashion Designer
“The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural.”
Age of the skin
If you are getting older and your skin is not as elastic as it once was, you should opt for a blush the same color as your base. Make sure to blend it properly to make sure you don’t make your cheekbones look too high. These blushes will give your face a nice young and healthy look.
If you are younger, you should focus on drawing attention to your most beautiful features. Rose, orange, and iridescent shades tend to look best on young skin. They are also nice for rejuvenating the skin of older women. If you wear strong tones you tend to appear older (just something to keep in mind).
We wear cosmetics for hours every day, so it is important that they do not contain anything that will damage our skin.
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Potential allergens
We have cosmetics on our face for many hours a day, so we need ones that are not going to harm or irritate our skin. Dermatologists suggest applying blush to the inside of your wrist and letting it rest for 48 hours to see if your skin reacts. The below can cause allergic reactions:
- Scented blushes, because their scent ingredients can be irritating
- Conservatives such as parabens. The good thing is most modern makeup lines don’t use these anymore.
- Products designed to be much longer-lasting can be those that are the most harmful.
- Any petroleum derivatives and paraffins
- The metal, nickel, which tends to be present in brighter colors. If you have sensitive skin it is best to stick to more neutral and earthy colors.
Summary
A good blush is a fundamental component of any cosmetic arsenal. They make you appear younger and fresher, and your face looks warmer and healthier. They come in a wide variety of colors, hues, and textures, so you will need to do some research and know your skin to get the right product for your skin type, age, desired look etc.
There are great blushes available for all occasions and skins. The best products will elevate your natural beauty without being harsh on your skin. You should always consider your face shape when applying your makeup to achieve the best effect. Always be aware of your allergies and skin sensitivities and check the ingredient list accordingly.
If you enjoyed our shopping guide to blush and found it helpful, share it with your friends and family on social media. Additionally, you can leave us a comment in the below section and let us know what you think.
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