Although it can be intimidating for those who rarely wear it, blush is a simple and effective way to bring your complexion to life and will help you look instantly younger, fresher and radiant.
Follow these application tips from Elizabeth Arden National Make-up Specialist Dorothy Ng to learn which shades will suit you best. You’ll also discover the perfect place to apply blush that will flatter your face shape.
Fair skin
A lighter coral or peach colour suits you best because it adds warmth to the skin. If you choose colours that are too deep or dark, the blush will appear quite heavy in contrast with your skin. Ladies with golden or yellow undertones could also opt for a soft pink. Light application is the key to a natural look.
Medium skin
Any colours ranging from a rosy pink or mauve to a deep peach will look great. Make sure the colour isn’t too light, otherwise it will appear ashy on your skin.
Dark skin
Darker skin tones can carry more colour and can pull off the brightest and deepest shades. Strong hues such as fuchsia, tangerine and terracotta will create a healthy look on dark skin.
Reese Witherspoon
Heart
Apply blush in a “C” shape, working from the apples of cheeks towards the temples. This will soften a wider forehead and take attention away from a strong jawline. By focusing on the apples, you’ll also emphasise your fantastic cheekbones.
Inspiration: Kate Hudson, Reese Witherspoon,
Scarlett Johansson.
Kim Kardashian-West
Long
You want to widen your face in order to break up the length, so apply blusher outwards from the apples
of your cheeks to the ear.
Inspiration: Courteney Cox, Kim Kardashian West, Liv Tyler.
Olivia Wilde
Square
Using a small, circular motion, apply blush, concentrating the colour on the apples of your cheeks. This will add dimension to your face and soften an angular jawline.
Inspiration: Jessica Simpson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Olivia Wilde.
Jennifer Aniston
Oval
Those who have this shape have a face that’s a good balance of roundness and sharpness, so most techniques will work well. For a natural look, apply blush on the apples of the cheeks and blend slightly upwards.
Inspiration: Jessica Alba, Beyoncé, Jennifer Aniston.
Miranda Kerr
Round
Apply blush just under the cheekbone and blend upwards in a straight line (towards the temple). Make sure you blend well so there is no powder line. This will create length and give you the appearance of a more sculpted cheek.
Inspiration: Emma Stone, Miranda Kerr, Demi Lovato.
