A little blush on the apple of your cheeks will make you look glamorous and add confidence to your personality. Read on to know what shade will suit your age and skin tone.
A flush of colour on your cheeks goes a long way in transforming your look. However, most women are wary of it since there is the risk of overdoing. But with the right colour — for your age and skin tone and a bit of research, you can always attain perfection.
Says beauty expert Sunethra Selvam, "A brush of blush can add an instant breath of freshness to your face. The simplest trick to find the blush perfect for you is by pinching your cheeks and then picking a shade that is closest to your natural flush. Powder or gel-based blush is typically best suited for oily and combination skin types. Those with dry skin can use a cream-based one.
For every age
Says Taniyaa Khanna, technical educator for makeup artistry at a leading salon, "It is crucial to choose the right-coloured blush for every age. It makes you look glamorous and also adds to your confidence."
Early and late 20s
Choose colours like soft pink and peach. If you are fair, pinks and peaches will add colour and make your face look subtle and toned down. If you have an average or dark complexion, choose warmer shades in coffee tones or brown.
In your 30s
Women in their thirties should tone down the palette of their makeup, as this is the age that starts showing the first signs of ageing. Wearing muted tones of blush is recommended.
Says makeup expert Clint Fernandes, "Those in their 30s should ideally opt for a semi-matte blush. By this age, the skin develops lines and open pores. Before you brush blush on your face, use a matte foundation to even out your skin tone. Follow this with the blush. If you have dry skin, use one with a cream base and if you have oily skin, use a powdered or gel-based one."
Also, keep the T-zone matte and let only the apples of your cheeks have sheen. If you have a porcelain complexion, choose apricot or peach shades with warm undertones — that will make your skin look gorgeous. If you have a medium or medium-dark skin tone, use cool undertones like beige, amber or pale pink. That'll brighten your face. 40s and above
Now, it is time to age with grace. Be kind and gentle to your face and avoid makeup that is matte-based. Frosty, shiny or metallic colours are a big no-no. Says Fernandes, "Use a compact after you've applied foundation. Opt for a matte blush on your cheeks to camouflage any lines or open pores. One should use a hint of highlighter, just at the top or the centre of the apple of your cheeks. Blend it well with a brush. In case your skin is too porous or has too many lines, avoid using a highlighter altogether."
Choose tawny or rose shades with cool undertones if you have a medium to dark skin tone. If you are fair, consider a bright pink or almond shade to make your face look clear and intense. Also, do not apply too much blush. Start with very less and gradually build until one sees a hint of the colour. In case you've applied too much blush on your cheeks, use a makeup sponge to wipe off the excess and then correct it with a compact.
Which one to choose? Expert Nikos Narkissos gives a few tips:
1. If you have oily skin and you crave for a blush that will last longer, go for a powdered one.
2. If you have dry skin, choose from a variety of cream blushes. Don't forget to choose one that suits your skin tone.
3. Those who want their blush to dry off fast should opt for a tint one.
4. When you want your blush to give your cheeks a translucent and natural effect -- even while keeping your skin hydrated -- a cream-based one is the best option.
5. Choose a shimmer blush in the right shade if you want to add glitter to your face for parties.
Dos and don'ts
Do: Rather than concentrating the blush on the apple of your cheeks, brush it sparingly, up along your cheekbone, using the centre of your eyes as a guide for your starting point. The upward sweep will also give the illusion of pulling your face up, giving it a slimmer look.
Don't: Brush on blush too far below your cheekbone; this will visually pull your face down, making you look jowly.
A flush of colour on your cheeks goes a long way in transforming your look. However, most women are wary of it since there is the risk of overdoing. But with the right colour — for your age and skin tone and a bit of research, you can always attain perfection.
Says beauty expert Sunethra Selvam, "A brush of blush can add an instant breath of freshness to your face. The simplest trick to find the blush perfect for you is by pinching your cheeks and then picking a shade that is closest to your natural flush. Powder or gel-based blush is typically best suited for oily and combination skin types. Those with dry skin can use a cream-based one.
For every age
Says Taniyaa Khanna, technical educator for makeup artistry at a leading salon, "It is crucial to choose the right-coloured blush for every age. It makes you look glamorous and also adds to your confidence."
Early and late 20s
Choose colours like soft pink and peach. If you are fair, pinks and peaches will add colour and make your face look subtle and toned down. If you have an average or dark complexion, choose warmer shades in coffee tones or brown.
In your 30s
Women in their thirties should tone down the palette of their makeup, as this is the age that starts showing the first signs of ageing. Wearing muted tones of blush is recommended.
Says makeup expert Clint Fernandes, "Those in their 30s should ideally opt for a semi-matte blush. By this age, the skin develops lines and open pores. Before you brush blush on your face, use a matte foundation to even out your skin tone. Follow this with the blush. If you have dry skin, use one with a cream base and if you have oily skin, use a powdered or gel-based one."
Also, keep the T-zone matte and let only the apples of your cheeks have sheen. If you have a porcelain complexion, choose apricot or peach shades with warm undertones — that will make your skin look gorgeous. If you have a medium or medium-dark skin tone, use cool undertones like beige, amber or pale pink. That'll brighten your face. 40s and above
Now, it is time to age with grace. Be kind and gentle to your face and avoid makeup that is matte-based. Frosty, shiny or metallic colours are a big no-no. Says Fernandes, "Use a compact after you've applied foundation. Opt for a matte blush on your cheeks to camouflage any lines or open pores. One should use a hint of highlighter, just at the top or the centre of the apple of your cheeks. Blend it well with a brush. In case your skin is too porous or has too many lines, avoid using a highlighter altogether."
Choose tawny or rose shades with cool undertones if you have a medium to dark skin tone. If you are fair, consider a bright pink or almond shade to make your face look clear and intense. Also, do not apply too much blush. Start with very less and gradually build until one sees a hint of the colour. In case you've applied too much blush on your cheeks, use a makeup sponge to wipe off the excess and then correct it with a compact.
Which one to choose? Expert Nikos Narkissos gives a few tips:
1. If you have oily skin and you crave for a blush that will last longer, go for a powdered one.
2. If you have dry skin, choose from a variety of cream blushes. Don't forget to choose one that suits your skin tone.
3. Those who want their blush to dry off fast should opt for a tint one.
4. When you want your blush to give your cheeks a translucent and natural effect -- even while keeping your skin hydrated -- a cream-based one is the best option.
5. Choose a shimmer blush in the right shade if you want to add glitter to your face for parties.
Dos and don'ts
Do: Rather than concentrating the blush on the apple of your cheeks, brush it sparingly, up along your cheekbone, using the centre of your eyes as a guide for your starting point. The upward sweep will also give the illusion of pulling your face up, giving it a slimmer look.
Don't: Brush on blush too far below your cheekbone; this will visually pull your face down, making you look jowly.