makeup

A LOYAL FLUSH

POST + PHOTOS BY AMY NADINE, GRAPHIC DESIGN BY EUNICE CHUN

Today our Blush & Bronzing Series continues with the first of three blush forms (cream blush, powder blush and liquid blush).  Cream blush is my personal favorite type of blush because: 

1. It melts into the skin nicely
2. You can really control its placement
3. It’s very blendable
4. It looks the most natural
5. It adds instant warmth.

TOOLS:

• Cream blush — my all-time favorites for at least the last five years are Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Moist Glow in Euphoria (above), TanSoleil and Pravella and Stila Convertible Colors.
• Natural-bristled Angled Blush Brush —  we’re trained to believe that you should use natural bristles with powder products and synthethic bristles with cream products but I prefer natural bristles with cream blush because of the way it moves the products across the skin. And I love an angled brush because it gives you almost a flat surface to dip into the product and place flatly on your cheek.
• Your fingers — if you’re on the go and don’t have a blush brush, your fingers are great tools because they warm it up and give it an even better slip.

STEPS:

1. Dip the brush into the compact by dragging the flathead across the top of the blush.
2. Give it a quick sweep across the top of your hand to smooth it out.
3. Look in the mirror and smile to find the apples of your cheeks. Then suck in your cheeks like a fish to see where the cheekbones pop out.
4. Now that you know where yours are, start at the apples and using short quick strokes, sweep the brush along the cheekbones until your almost reach your temples.
5. Repeat on the other cheek.
6. Take a step away from the mirror to get perspective and turn side to side to make sure you’re even. Add more to one side if necessary.
7. Take a step closer to the mirror to check your work and use your finger to blend any edges that are detectable.