When you use it well, the right kind of blush — placed correctly and in the perfect color for your skin tone — can do wonders for your overall look. It can make your skin more radiant and create an illusion of lift and health in the face. But blush is also one of those makeup products, like eyeliner, that can drag your face down or give you a more sallow appearance if you make some very common blush mistakes. It’s easy to go wrong with blush. There are thousands of blush brands and they offer a universe of colors (and undertones), as well as different formulas like cream, powder, or even serum, from which to choose. Blush shopping and blush application can be intimidating. That’s why we turned to professional makeup artists to give us the scoop on the most unflattering blush mistakes for your skin tone. Keep these tips in mind the next time you go makeup shopping or sit down to turn blush into makeup magic.
Using the wrong colors
Sometimes the biggest makeup mistakes we make happen when we follow trends that don’t suit us (early aughts frosty shadow, looking at you). Trendy blush colors and techniques are fun to look at — and there’s nothing wrong with being inspired by them. But, from there, the best thing to do is adapt them to suit your face shape and skin tone.
“Okay, purple is the newest trend in blush color and everyone is rushing out to buy it and try it, but does it work for you and your skin tone?” says Makeup Artist Mary Winkenwerder. “If not, don’t worry. Using a lighter tone of the trend color may be the best option for your skin tone. Remember to apply lightly; it’s always easier to build color than decrease color when applying makeup.”
Wearing high-fashion or party culture trends in the wrong settings
A fully contoured face with sculpted blushed cheeks or supremely rosy cheeks that make you look like you’ve just been skiing can give you a really sophisticated or fun look — and there’s no doubt they’re fun to try when you’re headed out to dinner or a party. Unfortunately, these looks don’t always translate to daytime or your work space. “High-fashion or party culture blush trends elevate our appearance in new and exciting ways, but they are not always fit for all occasions,” Winkenwerder says. “Wear them out while they are in trend and skip wearing them to the office or on video work conferences with team members and clients! Stick to simple and feature enhancing colors when wearing blush in professional settings.”
When a blush product turns color
Before you apply a stitch of makeup, including blush, always apply a primer first. “When used on the face, color cosmetics occasionally change color,” Winkenwerder says. “When it occurs, it comes as a surprise and is disheartening. When applied to the face, a primer with a holographic or blurring effect formula may aid to counteract any blush discoloration. Before wearing the color out in public, try it out first. If necessary, revert to a different formula color.”
In other words: don’t always assume that the color on the packaging is the final color result on your skin. Try out your blush and see what it looks like in daylight — then check the color again in a few hours.
Wearing a texture of color that does not work well for your skin type
It’s not all about color. The right blush for you has to suit your skin type and needs as well. That means: if you have dry skin and notice that a powder blush dries your skin out even more, choose a cream version instead. And if your skin tends to be oily and creams clog your pores, they may not be the right choice for you. Remember: you have plenty of options. “If a certain texture of blush is notorious for making your skin break out or causing skin issues, don’t wear it,” Winkenwerder says. “Find a formula in a texture that is compatible with the care needs of your skin, and wear carefree.”
You may find that a number of different blush colors work well for you, but avoiding trends and unusual placement (unless you’re headed for a party), priming your skin, and choosing formulas that enhance your skin type are the best tips for making blush work its magic on you.
