How To Apply Blush 4 Ways For A Fresh, Youthful Glow
When you hear “blush” you might picture classic rosy cheeks, but talc free blush can do much more. With the right placement you can tint lips, fake a healthy tan, lift features, and create a soft monochromatic glow using just one little compact.
In this guide you will learn four easy ways to apply blush, plus tool tips and product ideas from Red Apple Lipstick’s talc free blush collection so you can feel confident every time you pick up your brush.
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Blushing Lips
You have an important meeting and realize your lipstick has gone missing, but your blush compact is still in your bag. You are saved. Powder blush makes a beautiful lip tint when you apply it the right way.
Tap a small amount of blush onto clean fingertips and press it onto the center of your lips, then gently diffuse toward the edges so the color looks soft and blurred. For a pretty neutral tint, a shade like M'Lady talc free blush gives a dusty pink look that feels polished but not heavy.
Finish with a light layer of Rallye Balm or a touch of gluten free lip gloss to add comfort and shine. Keep the rest of your makeup simple so your blushing lips stay the focus.
Healthy Tan
If you are careful with sun exposure but still crave that healthy, just-got-back-from-vacation glow, bronzy blush is your best friend. You can fake a soft tan without risking sun damage.
Sweep a warm shade across the high points of your face where the sun would naturally hit: forehead, temples, bridge of the nose, and tops of the cheeks. Sundrop Bronzer works beautifully as both a gentle eyeshadow on your lids and a flattering warmth on your cheeks.
Blend everything in with the vegan blush brush, using light, circular motions. The buildable formula and lack of shimmer keep the finish natural, smooth, and kind to textured or mature skin.
How To Apply Blush To Look Younger In Seconds
Makeup artists always remember blush because the right placement brings instant life back to the face, even when the rest of the makeup is minimal. When applied well, blush can soften sallowness and make you look more rested.
For a lifted effect, move your blush slightly higher. Start with a good angled blush brush and a finely milled powder from our talc free blush collection. Sweep color in a soft C-shape from the outer cheekbone toward the temple instead of packing it on the very front of the cheeks.
Load your brush with a small amount of product, tap off the excess, and build in thin layers. This keeps edges soft and avoids harsh stripes that can highlight texture or fine lines. Brighter shades like Dolly or Gotta Glow add quick, youthful color without feeling heavy.
Monochromatic Glow
Imagine finally taking that long awaited trip to a tropical island. You want to look pretty for the photos, but heavy makeup in heat and humidity never feels great. This is when a monochromatic blush look truly shines.
On light makeup days you can skip foundation and let your skincare and sunscreen handle the base. Then, press a small amount of powder blush onto your cheeks, a whisper along your nose, and a touch on your eyelids. Using the same shade in several spots pulls the whole look together in seconds.
Pro tip: avoid smiling when you place your blush. The apples of your cheeks rise when you smile and drop when your face is at rest, which can drag color lower than you want. Look straight ahead and place the color where you want it to stay lifted. Soft, sunny shades like Good Vibes, Coy, or Tango are perfect for this kind of monochromatic glow.
How To Apply Blush FAQ
Quick answers to the most common blush questions
How do you apply blush correctly?
There are many ways to apply blush, so it helps to start with the basics and build from there. Use a good quality blush brush, choose a shade that suits your skin tone, and apply a little at a time so you can control the intensity.
If you want a full step by step breakdown, the How To Apply Blush Basics blog and video walk you through placement, blending, and how to pick the right formula for your skin type.
How do you apply blush to your face?
If you are using a powder blush, begin by picking up a small amount of product on your brush and tapping off the excess. Lightly dot the color from the front of your cheeks toward your temples in a soft diagonal line that follows your cheekbones.
Then, use your blush brush in gentle oval up and down motions to blend that line into the rest of your skin. This gives you a natural looking flush without obvious edges.
Do you put blush on before or after foundation?
Apply blush after your foundation. Match textures whenever you can. For example, if you are wearing a cream or liquid foundation but plan to apply a powder blush, set your base with a light layer of powder first. This makes blending much easier and helps everything last longer.
Does blush make you look older?
Blush can make you look older only when the placement or formula is not quite right. Applying too much color, using a shade that is too dull, or concentrating blush too low on the cheeks can emphasize dryness, lines, or sagging.
When you choose a flattering shade, use a light hand, and place it slightly higher on the cheekbones, blush usually makes the face look fresher and more awake.
Where do you apply blush to look younger?
For a more youthful effect, apply blush a little higher up on your cheekbones instead of directly on the apples of your cheeks. Focus the color on the outer half of the cheek and blend it toward the temples to create a gentle lifting effect.
How do you apply blush on an older face?
On mature skin, look for a bright but believable color that brings life to the face without glitter. Many people love a matte cream blush texture because it sits smoothly on the skin. If you only own powder blush, you can still enjoy a creamy finish.
Our DIY cream blush tutorial shows how to mix your talc free powder blush with skincare to create a soft cream or liquid tint. No matter which formula you use, keep color away from the sides of the nose and mouth by using your index finger as a guide so everything stays lifted.
These are all the tips for today. If you have questions about blush placement, shade selection, or what might work best for your skin, feel free to leave a comment or reach out on Instagram at @cleanbeautybarbara or on YouTube at Clean Beauty Barbara.
*Copyright of the pictures belongs solely to the author of this article.