This picture of Rihanna should answer that question – the answer is…to blush!
London lacks blushing beauties. I’m a big fan of colour so cannot avoid the rows of powder and cream blush when scouting around beauty departments and make-up stores. The biggest benefit of blusher is the definition it provides (who doesn’t want razor-sharp cheek bones?!), not to mention that lovely healthy effect of looking like you have just walked in from a stroll by the sea.
Jennifer Lopez - looking like she's been strolling by the sea - don't be fooled, it is blusher! (Courtesy of Just Jared)
How to Apply
Do not be afraid of applying colour, the trick is to blend, start with a tiny amount on your brush and blend along the contours of your cheek bone, from the apple to the temple, then blend some more.
Alek Wek looking blusher brilliant on the runway
What to Use
The best way to find what suits you is to walk into any beauty department and have a play, for powder, grab a decent brush and away you go. I love M.A.C’s pink powder blush in Swoon and Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge in Calypso Coral.
You want one with staying power but that you can build up gradually when applying. I think it is safer to stay with powder if your skin is uneven and prone to breakouts, however if you don’t wear much of a foundation base and have that lovely even skin then cream away. I love peach and red based for darker skin tones and pink and bronze based colours on fairer skin.
January Jones with peach blusher
Ole fave Alexa Chung rocks pink blusher and pink dress
Can’t you just picture yourself in your newly purchased winter coat, scarf wrapped warmly and beautiful glowing cheeks?
V
Love, love, love that you’ve used images of women with varying skin colour! It really helps to show what can be achieved on different skin tones.
I’ve never been afraid of blush, in fact I often think I wear too much but I’m feeling slightly empowered after your post. Will be taking a trip to the beauty department of Selfridges very soon!
I love your comment, definitely agree about showing different skin colours and also shapes – my face shape is most like Alex Wek’s I think, with quite pronounced cheeks, so that’s the technique I would go for, while the colour is most like January Jones’ so I will be testing out some different pinks. I also feel motivated to go to some beauty counters and try some new things!
xx S Disconap