Here at Stanford we learn so much, but you can’t learn about makeup while sitting in a classroom (unless, of course, you’re reading this during lecture). Blush can transform a face with minimal effort, yet there are too many girls sporting bright pink splotches on their cheeks. It’s time to get schooled ladies. Which colors should you pick? Which consistency works for you? Blush application takes almost no time (if you know the right technique), so it’s picking the right blush that takes the most work.
For fair skin, you should stick to colors that are light and rosy. Any plums, reds or deep corals will be too harsh on your skin (unless you’re going for an extreme look). For a natural looking flush, you should look for a classic rose. This will give you a hint of color without overwhelming your skin color. If you want a bit of a pop without looking too harsh, try a bubblegum pink that will brighten your face, without being too severe. If you want to try a blush that’s more sun-kissed than rosy, try a light peach.
Try: Cover Girl Blush in Rose Silk
For olive or medium skin try to remain in the middle of the spectrum. Essentially, the deeper your skin is, the more intense your blush can be. For pinks, you can apply colors ranging from a deep bubblegum pink to a light magenta. Corals look especially beautiful on women with olive or medium skin, bringing out the skin’s natural warmth. Women with olive or medium skin should stay away from reds, because they tend to look garish and too overdone.
Try: Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera
Women with dark or deep skin can experiment with either deep or bright colors. If you’re looking for a pink blush, look for a deep rose or a bright fuchsia; lighter pinks will look too unnatural. Additionally, there is a small collection of red blushes that complement dark skin tones tremendously when used correctly. Plum, berry and coral blushes also look beautiful on darker skin tones. While there is a large spectrum of both natural and bright colors that look great on darker skin, remember to take care to find colors that don’t come off as too light or chalky.
Try: Nars Blush in Exhibit A*
*One blush color that works for everyone is Nars Orgasm ($24). It’s a bit pricey but lots of girls love it.
When choosing a blush, consistency is also very important. There are three different kinds of blushes: powder, cream and gel. You should pick a consistency based on your skin type. If your skin is dry, you should use a cream or gel blush, which moisturize the skin. A powder blush will only emphasize dry patches. If your skin is oily, a powder blush works best, as the cream or gel blushes will smear off after only a few hours. For normal skin, any kind of blush will work, but remember to keep the blush consistent with the rest of the makeup on your face. For example, if you use a powder foundation, then you should also use a powder blush.
Remember: makeup should be fun! Work it!