While the '80s trend of excessive blush is going viral on TikTok, most prefer a more natural-looking flush. Applying blush properly can be tricky, especially for the heavy-handed. Liquid formulas require quick blending, while powders require control. According to Mind Body Green, here's what to do if you've applied too much blush.
Tips for Overapplication of Blush
Buff away.
Celebrity makeup artist Mary Irwin tells Mind Body Green that the best way to fix "overapplication" is grabbing a clean fluffy brush and blend out the excess blush. That is, if you used a powder formula. Swirl your brush gently over the cheeks to diffuse the product evenly. The bristles will also help lift excess pigment away from your skin. Once you're satisfied, finish off your look with a setting powder or spray to help makeup last longer. Some of Cosmopolitan's top picks are Beauty Bakerie Spray Your Grace Setting Spray, Fenty Beauty What it Dew Makeup Refreshing Spray and Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray.
Use a BeautyBlender.
Most makeup junkies have a BeautyBlender in their makeup kit. Dampen the sponge and use gentle taps or bounces to blend blush properly. Using a BeautyBlender will prevent you from smudging your makeup base and starting all over again. This technique works best on powder formulas. If you don't have a BeautyBlender yet, consider their BioPure sponge. It's the clean and eco-friendly version of their iconic pink sponge.
Apply foundation or concealer over it.
If you've used a cream or gel formula, buffing won't do any good. Instead, apply a dot of foundation or concealer on the area and blend away. If you're into liquid blush, a pro tip is to apply it before your foundation. This creates a more diffused and natural flush.
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Basic Blush Application Tips
Using blush is one of the best ways to add a healthy glow to your complexion. While bronzers and highlighters help, blush is irreplaceable when perfected. Here are excellent hacks from the Good Housekeeping for perfect blush application every time.
Start with a clean base.
If you prefer powder blush, make sure your skin is clean and moisturized so the powder can have something to stick to. You can also use a primer to make it last longer. If you're wearing a full face, apply powder blush over your foundation.
Find the right shade.
Going to bright or dark can be aging. Choose a shade closest to your natural color when your blush. You can pinch your cheeks to help you figure that out. A peachy-pink shade like the cult favorite NARS Blush in Orgasm is flattering on most skin tones.
Consider your skin type.
When choosing a formula, consider your skin type. Oily skin works well with stains or powder blushes. Normal and combination skin tends to work well with cream blushes. For dry skin, Good Housekeeping suggests powder blush on well-moisturized skin. While many people think that creams or stains would work best, GH says that they can crack on dry skin and will make it look even more dry.
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