How to Apply Blush for all Skin Types & Tones

Blush helps to make your beautiful face glow and look alive. Application is fairly straightforward but it's important to get it right to avoid applying too much regardless of the look you are after.
Here are some basic tips: Select a shade of blush according to your skin and hair color:

• Blond and ginger hair with olive complexion - blush of oranges tones.
• Dark and auburn haired with fair complexion - pastel blush, called powdered.
• Pale or grey skin - salmon, coral or pink blush. brown blush₁

Make sure blush and lipstick are similar in color value. That is, even if you are going light on the lips and heavy on the cheeks or vice versa, wear corals with corals, etc.

Let's get started: Here's Jennifer Goodwin w/ a pinch cheek color & application.

•  Use a Kabuki Brush or Blush Brush and get an even amount of blush in the bristles. 
• Tap Excess.

pic from Motives

• Then, smile gentle use a circular motion around the cheek area that is elevated (the smile)

 For a longer stroke of the blush

• Smile gently and sweep the brush in a U shape along your cheek bone and out to your temple. Make sure you blend the blush with the rest of your makeup to ensure a natural look.

For very fair skin I recommend either light shade of pink ex. Flushed or for a more natural look, Naughty.  Motives Press Blush comes in a wide variety of shades so you can find a shade that works best for you. 

For oily skin, our press blushes works well on all types of skin. However, on especially humid days you may have to reapply your blush just once.

For dry skin , a cream blush is great! For even better results, combine cream and powder together. "It helps my blush stay on longer and looks more luminous," said makeup artist Laura Mercier in O Magazine. Keep in mind stains -- great for well-moisturized skin, not dry skin -- tend to dry very fast so blend well and fast. 

For combination skin, stay with a powder press blush for best results.

If you use a concealer and foundation, apply your concealer than foundation and finish with your blush. Make sure to blend as you go to create a natural and even look. When you’re satisfied with your coloring, dust Motives Translucent Loose Powder over your entire face to set your look and keep it looking fresh all day.


As a final touch, and to set your makeup for the day try a makeup finisher  as your final step!

There you have it. One of my favorite motto's is 'basics are best' and here you have it. What's your favorite way of wearing as well as shade of color?