Blushing Beauties
by Emily Oliver
Hello readers! This week we must discuss blush. Blush is something we tend to think about in terms of embarrassment or a make up pre-requisite for an ’80′s dance party. Often they go hand in hand. I would like to clarify the “then and now” ideas of blush or what our grandmothers called “rouge.”
Once upon a time we applied rouge to the apples of our cheeks in a circular motion. Over time less became more in makeup application trends and all of a sudden it was the 80′s and people were begging for color! For some reason this manifested itself as a razor stripe of brash color that enveloped the face. Nowadays, we are looking at face make up and blush in a whole new light- think “J-Lo Glow.” If you do not know who Jennifer Lopez is, this look is characterized by blush being a hint of color radiating almost from within the skin. So how do we achieve this natural and defined glow?
Dry skin is best suited for a cream or liquid blush. Oily skin types should stick with a cheek stain or powder blush. Let’s talk technique! For liquid blush and most cheek stains (if not in stick form) squirt a small amount into the palm of your hand. Buff your brush into the liquid and work it into the brush. For cream and powder blush, buff your brush directly into the blush in its given container. Now begin by thinking about a check mark- the beginning of the check starts at the apple of your cheek and swooshes downward under your apple then straight back onto your cheek bone and continuing outward toward your ear. Repeat on the other side. For cheek stains in a stick, do this motion straight from the stick onto your face in the above direction. You may need to take your fingers and gently blend the product into your cheek so you look more “glow-y” than “show-y.” There should be a larger concentration of color at the front of the check mark than the back.
Onto the glow part of this topic if your blush does not have some form of light reflecting technology (slight shimmer.) We are over sparkles, people, and and we are into dewy and shine. Use a fluid sheer or liquid highlighter to blend on top of your makeup. These work well with all skin types and will give you a radiance and glow so you look perfectly poised and polished.
Yay! We did it! Another crisis avoided! Remember you can always ask for a professional’s opinion regarding colors and formulas that will best suit you. Please tell your beauty advisor if you are allergic to any ingredients you know of before you receive your consultation. And keep in mind these are trained professionals and they will put you into exactly what you need! Enjoy your new “I just ran around the block and am always this glamorously and naturally flushed” look and throw away the old idea that piles of caked makeup! Send any beauty questions you would like answered to the link!
Love and Beauty,
-E-
August 19th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
I never knew the correct motion for applying blush, but have always wondered if I was doing it right. I wasn’t! But I will be now. Thank you!
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Emily oliver Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Fabulous! Of course!
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August 19th, 2011 at 10:52 pm
My mom was horrified when I started buying Nars’ “Orgasm” blush, but it’s been my go-to blush for YEARS! Perfect peachy-pink for fair skin!
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Emily oliver Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Yes! The name throws off a lot of clients! Lol! Another favorite from NARS in the blush arena is Gilda! I usually enjoy Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #10 for myself and most of my clients!
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August 19th, 2011 at 10:55 pm
My mom was horrified when I started buying Nars’ “Orgasm” but it’s been my go-to blush for years! Perfect peachy-pink for fair skin.
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Emily Oliver Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
Haha! Oh yes, the name throws people every time! I do enjoy “Orgasm” as well by Nars. You should check out, “Gilda,” another one of my favourites from the Nars collection! I tend to use Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #10 or Fluid Sheer #11 on myself and clients!
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August 20th, 2011 at 11:57 am
I have very “moisturized” (aka, oily) skin except during the summer, so Nordstrom Clinique reps recommended liquid foundation almost a year ago. Chris is right in that it is just too thick on my skin, even when I try my damndest to go light with it. I’ve wondered if I need a new brush, or just a new foundation – perhaps back to powder? Or is it due to my summer-dry skin? The brush was $45 and I got it 7 months ago and it would peeve me to have to buy a new one, but I’m willing to figure this out in case it’s the brush’s fault.
Thoughts?
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Emily oliver Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Hi Jen! There is always a fine line with looking made up versus natural. It sounds ad though you may be using an oil free foundation which is great for your skin type. However, sometimes they feel a bit thick. I suggest cutting your foundation with a dallop of oil free moisturizer to thin the formula and save you from buying a whole new product when you already have a perfectly fine one! Make sure to wash your brush 1 x per week or buy a simple brush cleaner and make sure to use between applications- your skin will thank you! If ever your make up is looking like it is sitting on the skin it may be time to exfoliate- I like Kiehl’s Pineapple Papaya scrub as it uses enzymes to help clear away the dead skin without being too aggressive. Try these recommendations and let me know if it helps! Also make sure to put your foundation on shortly after you moisturize your skin to avoid it looking cake-y. A primer can also help the product to go on more smoothly- this is a substance made up of mostly silicone and dimethcone that goes on after moisturizer and before foundation! Ok! Try and let me know! Xxoo love abd beauty!
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Emily oliver Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Excuse the typos- answering on an iPhone!
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August 23rd, 2011 at 10:15 pm
Is there somewhere I can see a picture of this application method? I am a visual learner…
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Emily oliver Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Hi Jane! I will work on putting together a picture for you so you can learn- I too am a visual learner!
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Emily Oliver Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
Hi Jane- I did some digging for you and this is a nice demonstration of how to apply the blush. Please disregard the amount of product they say you need- you really only need your blush brush and one blush. I like the way this looks and I think you’ll see the check mark in action!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FZg0OG2F2g
Please let me know if this helps… In the future I could attach a video per subject to help with visual learners (myself included!!)
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