Makeup artists and cosmetic mavens know one thing: blush, possibly the most overlooked beauty product, is probably one of the most important. It makes women look younger, healthier, more alive. The problem is, choosing the right formula and figuring out how to apply it can be daunting. The good news is that blush now comes in so many textures and colors that it's now easy to find a fool-proof product, made just for you.
Powder
Powder is the most popular type of blush, and the easiest to apply. It's great for oily skin and on humid days, as powder formulas don't tend to slip and slide in hot weather.
How to apply: Ditch the little brush that comes inside the package and invest in a good quality blush brush (try MAC #129, maccosmetics.com). Dip the brush lightly on the pan so as not to pick up too much product; this will allow you to start with a sheer layer. Start on the apples of your cheeks, and blend by using small, circular motions toward your hairline. Add more blush if you want more depth and intensity, but remember not to overdo it.
Best buys: NARS Blush in Amour, Laura Mercier Cheek Colour in Nectar, Jane Blushing Cheeks in Blushing Petal
Mousse
Mousse is a fairly new addition to the cosmetic industry. A forgiving texture, it applies like a cream but finishes like a powder. It's portable and travel friendly, requiring only your fingers for application. Mousse is best for oily skin, but drier skins can use it as well, so long as skin is soft and well moisturized. An added advantage to mousse blush is that it can be applied on top of liquid or powder foundation.
How to apply: Touch a quarter sized drop of mousse on fingers or a brush. If using a brush, make sure it's one that's made for cream products, like Paula Dorf Cheek Cream Brush (pauladorf.com). Smile, find the apples of your cheeks, and blend quickly.
Best buys: Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Whipped Strawberries, Clinique Touch Blush in Fresh Apricot
Cream
Best for dry or mature skin types, cream blush offers a soft, lit-from-within finish with or without (liquid) foundation. It can also be applied using just your fingers or a brush.
How to apply: Lightly dot the apples of your cheeks with the cream blush. Let the product melt into your skin, and blend outward in small strokes until there is no more outline. Cream blush is buildable, so if it's too sheer for you, go ahead and repeat the process until the color payoff is satisfactory.
Best buys: Becca Creme Blush in Frangipane, Stila Convertible Color in Peony, Rimmel Soft Cream Blush in Coral Kiss
Stain/Gel
The trickiest of all blush formulas, stains are also the longest lasting. Gels and stains are unique in that they don't look matte or dewy; if applied correctly, they just look natural, as if you woke up that way. They're good for all skin types, but make sure your skin is well hydrated, with no flakes or dry patches. No brushes are needed here - your fingers have to do all the work, and quickly!
How to apply: Again, concentrating on the apples of your cheeks, place a small dot of product on your finger and blend quickly. There's little room for error with a stain; taking too long might leave you with uneven, patchy color. But once you get the hang of it, you may find yourself toting around a tube of it in your purse - it can double as a lip color, too!
Best buys: Vincent Longo Lip & Cheek Gel Stain in Liquid Kiss, Tarte Cheek Stain in Blushing Bride, BeneFit Benetint
