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Blush applied to the cheeks adds a natural flush to the face, brightens the overall complexion, and adds a healthy glow to the skin. However, applying too much blush or placing it in the wrong area adds an unflattering touch and (to be rude) can make you look like a clown 🤡 . What's the big deal? It's just about applying some blush to the apples of your cheeks. Right? Wrong! The problem is most people don't quite know how to apply blush properly or even where. And the chances of ending up looking like a feverish doll are higher than sporting a pretty, fresh flush.
Worry not, we'll show you the correct way to apply blush on different face shapes, the shades that work for your undertone, as well as the best blush tips ever! Let's get started.
How to Identify Your Face Shape
Identifying your face shape will help you find the right ways to apply blush as well as other makeup products. A great cheat is to measure the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline along with the length of your face from the forehead to the chin. Here's a breakdown of the 6 most common face shapes:
1. Oval
Oval face shapes have prominent cheeks and an oval chin. The face length is larger than the width of the cheekbones, the jawline is narrow as compared to the forehead, and the jawline is rounded.
2. Square
Square faces have straight sides and a strong, flat jawline. All measurements will be similar with this face shape.
3. Round
Round face shapes have a softer look with a rounded, less defined jawline and chin. The face length and cheekbones will have a similar measurement with a larger forehead and jawline.
4. Oblong
If your forehead, cheeks, and jawline are about the same width, chances are you have an oblong face shape, another term for a soft rectangle. The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar in size.
5. Heart
A heart-shaped face typically is longer, with prominent cheekbones and a pointed, narrow chin. The forehead measurements will be higher than the jawline and cheekbones.
6. Diamond
If your face is wider at the cheekbones and narrower towards the jawline, with a pointy chin - it's diamond-shaped. Those with diamond-shaped faces have the largest face length, followed by the cheekbones, forehead, and jawline in descending order.
Correct Way To Apply Blush Based On Face Shape
1. Oval
Blush is the perfect way to frame your eyes if you have an oval-shaped face. Apply blush at the most prominent part of your cheekbone, stroking it downward towards the earlobe and blending it up towards the temple. You could add a hint of blush just above the temples for added glow.
2. Square
To soften the angles of a square-shaped face, sweep your go-to blush brush across your cheekbones onto the higher side, moving upward with long and light motions. Pull the blush from the eyebrow down to the nose, gently and blend well. The idea is to cover the cheekbone, from the edge of the brow to the hairline. You could even apply a touch of blush to your lips and eyelids for a soft flushed look.
3. Round
Those with round face shapes can use blush to make it appear slimmer and more angular. Apply the blush in an angular motion, blending from the apples of your cheeks toward your temples to emphasise your bone structure. Make sure not to blend it towards your nose because that will make your face look rounder. Just look into the mirror and smile. Then swipe the blush in two short swipes to the apples of your cheeks brushing up towards the temple and down towards the earlobe.
4. Oblong
Apply blush on the apples of your cheeks, starting at its most prominent part, and blend towards the nose, moving outward towards the temple. The trick is to skip highlighting the cheekbone area and let your face be naturally highlighted. You could try adding a touch of blush on the forehead and the sides of the brows to complete your look.
5. Heart
If you have a heart-shaped face, apply blush along the bottoms of your cheekbones, in a “C” shape going from the top of your temple downwards. This is very similar to how you would contour. The idea is to balance your strong jawline and draw attention to your cheekbones.
6. Diamond
If you have a diamond-shaped face, you want to draw attention to the bottom half of your face. Avoid applying blush in the hollows underneath your cheekbones as it creates an unflattering look. Instead, apply it to the top of your cheekbones, blending towards your ears.
How To Choose A Blush Shade
- Skin Undertones: For cool and neutral undertones, opt for soft and rosy pink blush shades. Orange blushes are preferable for deeper and warmer skin tones, while peaches and corals are suitable for lighter skin with warm undertones.
- Skin Type: Pick a formula that is creamy, hydrating, and nourishing if you have dry skin. Powder blushes are ideal for oily skin as they absorb excess moisture.
- Season: If your skin complexion fluctuates between the summer and winter, pick a shade depending on when you will be wearing the blush. You can also opt for shimmery blushes based on occasion.
- Coverage: Depending on whether you're wearing it day or night, you can pick from a wide range of natural, sheer, or pigmented coverage for the desired look.
- Additional Concerns: Several blushes offer SPF and address concerns like dry skin and pigmentation, which help nourish your skin while helping it look great.
Blushes We've Tried (And Loved)
1. Swiss Beauty Baked Blusher & Highlighter
We love that it instantly highlights skin with a sheer wash of shimmering colour. No need to invest in a separate highlighter. The powdery yet luminous silky formula adds that pretty glow to the dullest of complexions in a swipe. Perfect even for sensitive skin.
2. PIXI On The Glow Cream Blush
The viral PIXI On The Glow Cream Blush nourishes the skin with its unique formula that includes ginseng, aloe vera, and a mix of fruit extracts. It provides a one-sweep colour pay off and its retractable stick form makes it perfect for on-the-go application.
3. Maybelline New York Fit Me Mono Blush
One of the most popular - and affordable - blushes in the market today. This lightweight, blendable powder blush wears evenly and enhances your complexion, whatever your skin tone, with a natural glow.
4. ETUDE HOUSE Dear Darling Water Gel Lip and Cheek Tint
If you prefer a lit-from-within glow that looks natural, don't miss out on the ETUDE HOUSE Dear Darling Water Gel Lip and Cheek Tint. It is available in 5 different shades with a deep and rich colour payoff. I'm also obsessed with the cute ice cream packaging that makes it more special.
5. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Blush Wand
The Gen-Z loved brand Charlotte Tilbury's 'Pillow Talk' lip liner and lipstick that has its separate cult following is now also available in this blush wand form. It is lightweight, wearable, and suitable for most skin types.
How To Apply Blush
1. Prep & Cover
Any and all makeup looks best on a well-primed face. So, start by applying your moisturiser and foundation. Set it all with some face powder and only then whip out your blush. (Check out products to Prep, Cover, Set the right way)
2. Use a blush brush
Blending is key to getting a flawless blush application. Use a blush brush to pack the product on your face in the correct way. Use sweeping motions for a natural flushed look.
3. Set The Look
Use a setting spray or a compact powder to set the look in place and seamlessly bring your makeup look together.
FAQs On Blush For Indian Skin
- Which is the best blush shade for Indian skin tones?
- Which blush is best - liquid, cream, or powder?
- How do I know my natural blush colour?
If you're a dusky beauty, applying a peachy pink blush will make you look washed out. Choose your blush colour based on your skin's undertones. If you have yellow undertones, opt for pink orange or reddish pinks like Nykaa Get Cheeky! Blush Duo palette - Malibu Barbie 03 to make your complexion pop. Have pink or red undertones? Stick with light pinks to compliment your skin or try peach to cut out redness. Check out Makeup Revolution Blusher Reloaded - Peaches & Cream. For deeper plum or blue undertones, choose brighter orange or terracotta shades like MyGlamm POSE HD Blush Duo-Coral Punch to make your cheeks pop.
If you have dry skin or fine lines and wrinkles, it's best to pick a creamy or liquid formula like the Just Herbs Halo-Glow Blush Drops Creamy Liquid Blush. Meanwhile, oily skin needs a powder-based formula like L.A. Colors So Cheeky Blush And Highlight Palette that will soak up all the extra oil. It's good to remember that powder blushes sit better in warmer months, while creamy formulas add that extra hint of moisture in colder weather.
Many say the skin tone of the skin inside your lips is your ideal blush tone. You can also simply use the age-old method of pinching your cheeks lightly and let your natural flush tell you the perfect shade. You can also look at the undertones of your skin as a guide.
