When you first start learning how to do your own makeup, it’s super important to master the basics. How to use blusher is one of those basics, alongside perfecting your brows and swiping on mascara. Even if you’re somewhat familiar with blusher, creating the perfect makeup look with it is another story.
Use a fluffy brush to apply powder blush directly to your cheeks, blending out to avoid harsh deposits of color. Liquid and gel blushers are best applied using a makeup sponge, again blend the blush to avoid harsh color contrasts.
Let’s go through the step-by-step tutorial on how to apply blusher, answering common questions about the way to use it for the best results. Get your makeup bag and mirror, and let’s get gorgeous.
What Is Blusher
Before we dive into how best to use blusher, you need to know exactly what it is. Blush (or blusher in the UK), is a face makeup product used to add color to your cheeks, creating the illusion of a natural flush. Though some makeup artists create a not-so-natural-looking flush, depending on the look/effect they want to create. Blushers can come in powder, cream, and even liquid formulas. Your skin type and the finished effect you want to create will determine which one you choose.
The Best Blushers To Add To Your Collection
One of the easiest ways to find the perfect blusher to add to your makeup routine is by considering your skin type. Let’s look at different skin types and which is the best blusher for each.
- Mature skin: Try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Satin Blush with Camellia Oil (available on Amazon), which is specifically formulated to flatter mature skin. The creamy, satin formula features camellia oil and instantly gives cheeks a healthy-looking, radiant color without caking or drying. Match your skin tone with one of the six shades available.
- Oily skin: Use the L’Oréal Paris Summer Belle Makeup Blush (available on Amazon), because powder formulas won’t slip and slide with excess oil. This blush seamlessly enhances cheekbones with a delicate shimmer and flattering, soft hue. It’s available in just two shades, a soft pink and summery coral, for a rosy, sun-kissed glow.
- Dry skin: The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Blush Shaping Sticks (available on Amazon) is a cream blusher stick that can be applied directly to the cheeks for a pop of color. It goes on smoothly and doesn’t fade or transfer. Its brightening pigments will flatter any complexion, and the compact, portable packaging makes it super convenient for on-the-go use. There are two pretty shades to choose from, a pale pink and a bright coral.
- Sensitive skin: The L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush (available on Amazon) has an oil-free and non-comedogenic powder formula. This makes it a suitable option for girls with sensitive skin. The blush is made to match your skin’s tone and texture. You can find True Match Blush in 10 flattering shades designed to complement your skin tone and undertones. It gives you the most natural-looking flush of color.
How To Apply Blusher
Before you begin applying blusher, first consider factors such as your face shape and your desired look. Both of these will play a role in where you apply color. With that said, there are still some basic steps that you’ll have to follow regardless of these factors. Let’s get going with your general 4-step guide on how to apply blusher.
1: Prime Your Face
To ensure your face makeup stays in place throughout the day without fading, begin by applying a good makeup primer. I use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer (available on Amazon). To learn more about makeup primer, read the Pink Femme article What Is Makeup Primer and How to Apply It.
2: Apply Foundation
Once you have primed your face, add foundation. I opt for a formula with buildable coverage, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight (available on Amazon). This is so that I can customize my look depending on my needs on any given day. To learn more about using foundation, read the Pink Femme article Foundation Basics: Face Makeup For Beginners.
3: Grab Your Blusher
The best way to apply your blusher will depend on the type of formula you’re using.
You need a fluffy brush for a powder formula. Dip the brush into your blusher and lightly sweep it onto your cheeks. Take care to blend well so as to avoid harsh deposits of color.
When using a stick, the application process is a little different. Swipe a stick blusher directly onto your cheeks and use your fingers to blend out the color. This is the easiest travel option.
If you are using a cream, gel, or liquid formula, you can use your fingers or a makeup sponge to apply and blend the color onto your cheeks.
Your face shape will determine exactly where to apply your blusher. Coming soon on Pink Femme will be an article with all the details called How to Apply Blush for Your Face Shape.
4: Finish Your Look
Complete your makeup look with highlighter, eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, and whatever other makeup products you choose. Once you are done, finish with a spritz or two of setting spray. I use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray (available on Amazon). You can also use the Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray (available on Amazon) to keep your blusher intact for hours on end.
Why not expand your knowledge even further by reading another makeup/beauty article here on Pink Femme. You can find them either via the menu at the top of the page or by clicking this link that will take you to the list of all the beauty articles.
When it comes to my choices for makeup and beauty products, I only use L’Oréal Paris (Available on Amazon). I have really sensitive skin and never once have I had any negative reaction to any L’Oréal product.