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The Blush Guide: Every Texture And Shade Explained!

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This comprehensive guide will help you pick from the different types of blushes and choose the right blush shade for your skin tone.
The Blush Guide: Every Texture And Shade Explained!

Even your crush doesn’t have the same effect a blush has on you. Nothing beats a natural flush, we get that. But it lasts no more than three seconds. Erm… Now you know why the world goes the extra mile striving to mimic the actual thing? Face it: blushes are no longer an afterthought. But truth be told, zeroing in on the right blush is tougher than finding ‘the one’ these days. One wrong move, and you’ll be the butt of all jokes. If you’re in the same (indecisive) boat as we are, consider this your one-for-all guide on blushes.

How To Choose The Right Blush For Different Skin Tones

A simple trick is to pinch your cheeks and you will see the shade your blush ought to match. You could also try a blush that is half a shade darker than your favourite nude lipstick. Cool undertone skin needs soft pinks and peaches while those with neutral shades should opt for deep peach shades. Those with warm undertones should pick blushes closer to coral, red, or orange tones.

All skin shades are unique and looking for the right blush shade will take trial and error. The world of cosmetics largely categorises skin as fair, light, medium, and dark to make the process easier. Soft pinks and peaches are recommended for those with fair and light skin, medium tones can opt for rosy pink and mauve, and rich plum or terracotta shades are suitable for deeper skin tones.

What To Look For When Shopping

We’ve already covered the number 1 thing to consider while buying blushes – skin undertones and complexion. Let’s dive into other things you must look for when shopping for your perfect blush:

  • - Skin Type: If you have oily skin look for a matte formula that will reduce shine. Those with dry skin should look for a hydrating cream or liquid blushes for a dewy look. You can also look for blushes with SPF for sun protection. Those with sensitive skin should pick loose mineral powder blushes that don’t cause skin irritation, as per a study.
  • - Formula And Finish: If you’re applying blush over your base makeup, you should consider a powder product as it helps set the liquid foundation. Cream and liquid blushes can be considered if applied directly to the skin. You can also opt for a blush palette with a shimmer finish for an extra glam look.
  • - Pigmentation: Sheer or buildable blushes usually don’t have pigmentation and are meant to add a soft glow. If you want a bright look, opt for a highly pigmented product. Longevity: If you wish for your blush to last for long hours, opt for a stain or tint that will blend with your skin for a flawless finish.
  • - Pigmentation: Sheer or buildable blushes usually don’t have pigmentation and are meant to add a soft glow. If you want a bright look, opt for a highly pigmented product. Longevity: If you wish for your blush to last for long hours, opt for a stain or tint that will blend with your skin for a flawless finish.
  • - Longevity: If you wish for your blush to last for long hours, opt for a stain or tint that will blend with your skin for a flawless finish.
  • - Applicator: Consider if you want to apply the blush with just your fingers, dab with sponges, or a brush that allows you to build pigment. Oh, and dare you even think about using the dense brush that comes with your palette. They make for a sloppy application that lets out blobs of pigment in the apple of your cheeks. Instead, always opt for fan brushes to air out the excess, like Nykaa BlendPro Blush Makeup Brush.

Different Types Of Blush

1. Pressed Powder Or Compact

Maybelline New York Fit Me Mono Blush
Maybelline New York Fit Me Mono Blush
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Your blush should never match the texture of your foundation. So, if you prefer liquid or mineral foundations, turn to powder pigments like the Maybelline New York Fit Me Mono Blush. Now, aside from four matte shades, they are also available in two shimmer shades for the ultimate glow. The blushes promise 16-hour wear time, blend smoothly, and are breathable.

2. Loose Or Mineral Powder

Paese Cosmetics Mineral Blush
Paese Cosmetics Mineral Blush
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Those with sensitive skin, save yourself the disdain with loose or mineral powder blushes. Opt for the mineral blush from Paese Cosmetics that has a velvety smooth texture. It leaves behind youthful and fresh skin and blends like a dream with its lightweight formula.

3. Cream Blush

Insight Cosmetics Blusher - Strawberry Drip
Insight Cosmetics Blusher - Strawberry Drip
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Cream blushes glide on effortlessly, feels weightless on your cheeks, and gives you a natural dewiness The Insight Cosmetics Blusher and the tip of your ring finger are all you need to work your blush-first face. Available in six shades suited to Indian skin tones, the blush is certified toxic-free and vegan.

4. Cheek Tint Or Stain

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint
Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint
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Everything your cream blush can do the Benetint can also do sans the dewiness. It is also super long-lasting and a favourite of celebs and their makeup artists. The viral water-based hero is quite the multitasker – use it on your lips and eyelids to ace that monotoned makeup look.

5. Blush Stick

PIXI On The Glow Cream Blush - Ruby
PIXI On The Glow Cream Blush - Ruby
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Cream-based stick blushes are meant for on-the-go convenience. They’re seamless in application and can be blended with a brush or fingers. Just ensure you don’t layer it over liquid formulas or you’ll be blotting away your oily mistake throughout. We recommend the viral PIXI On The Glow Cream Blush that hydrates and conditions the skin with ingredients like aloe vera and a mix of fruit extracts.

6. Liquid Blush

Swiss Beauty Cream It Up Blusher With Shea Butter - 4 Copper Cheeks
Swiss Beauty Cream It Up Blusher With Shea Butter - 4 Copper Cheeks
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Liquid blushes blend seamlessly into the skin but the application can be quite tricky. Regardless, it’s nothing a beauty blender and a little practice can’t fix. Once mastered, you will be applying liquid blushes for that natural flush glow all the time. Try the Swiss Beauty Cream It Up Blusher that is available in 5 different shades, blends like a dream, and has shea butter for that ultra moisturising feel.

FAQs

Which type of blush looks most natural?

All blushes can look natural if you pick the right shade and work with light layers. We recommend going for a stain or tint on bare skin for the most natural look flushed look and powder blushes over foundation.

Which type of blush is best for beginners?

Cream blushes blend effortlessly and are best for beginners. If you tend to over-apply with sponges, try lightly dabbing with your fingers.

How to get blush to last all day long?

Apply a primer and liquid foundation, and then blush to ensure all your makeup products have layered seamlessly. Finish it off with a setting spray to set your makeup in place for long hours. Cheek tints or stains can also last all day long.

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