Make Blush Your Secret Weapon in Combating Dull Skin
Source: Cover FX
When you hear the word blush, what do you think of? Do cheeks turned rose out of embarrassment come to mind? Do you think of a bright pink pan of powder or the makeup of a geisha? Or do you think to yourself about how Black people “don’t blush?” Outside of my personal relationship with the beauty product, I think of how one of my aunties used to take a bit of red of lipstick, after covering her lips in it, and rub some on balls of her cheeks before stepping out. Back then I was but an observer, who never imagined she’d even wear a lick of makeup. But the whole concept of primping oneself intrigued me, and I’d watch intently. Later in life, however, blush would become one of my favorite beauty products, and one of the first to touch my cheeks.
Source: Kevin Aucoin
Over the years, I’ve heard many opinions on blush. Some wince at it, because they think that wearing it means having a huge ball of color on both cheeks )and if that’s the look you’re going for, more power to you). Others just think its too much work, or “too much makeup, “ and prefer something easy to do on the go. I’m here to tell you first hand that both of those thoughts are more myth and fact.
Although makeup trends have varied over the years, and some looks are more cartoonish than we would wear on a daily basis, all makeup - including blush - is really intended to enhance what you already are working with in the beauty department. We often see blush in shades of pink or red portrayed in movies and on TV, but there are actually blushes in all shades, to complement all the unique shades of skin that exist. With them, you can bring a little bit of color - a bit of life - to the skin, even after a rough week or night. Next time you’re makeup shopping, look for your perfect shade, and just experiment! Here are few bits of inspiration you can channel when playing with this Godsend of a beauty product.
LOOK 1: Soft & Sweet
This look is very simple and involves the minimum amount of product for just a smidgen of color on the cheeks. To get this look, one would usually use a matte pink or mauve blush. One could also get this look with a liquid blush. Take a medium-sized powder brush (no-bigger than the ball of your cheek), and dab it lightly into the product and then in an angle along your cheekbone. Blend well, but not so much that the product disappears completely.
My Favorite Soft & Sweet Blush: Bee & Zane from the Saharan Blush Palettes by Juvia’s Place ($36)
Source: Natasha Denona
LOOK 2: Ripe & Rosy
This look adds a little more color, and this time even some sheen! This look can be created with a combination of blush and highlighter, or better yet, a pigmented blush that has its own sheen. The actual blush palette used in the featured look is one of my favorite products to use, by Natasha Denona - the Bloom palette. With a rosy cream blush and multiple highlights, to turn on that light from within. I like to apply the cream blush with a lightly spray beauty blender, to give me a bit of control.
My Favorite Ripe & Rosy Blushes: Bloom palette by Natasha Denona ($55), Format by MAC ($25)
Source: Kevin Aucoin
LOOK 3: Warm Citrus
Add a bit of warm color with an orange based blush. In the pan it might look daunting, but on all shades of brown skin, oranges to siennas bring a gorgeous dimension and spectrum to the face.
My Favorite Warm Blushes: Kevyn Aucoin Neo-Blush in Sunset ($38), ‘treasure me’ from the Bouquet D’amour by Jouer ($42) , and Too Faced Perfect Flush Blush in Sparkling Bellini ($30).
