Patchy, streaky and blotchy blush is certainly not ideal. It happens to the best of us: One minute, you have rosy cheeks, and the next, you have hot pink product clumps that resemble clown makeup. While a botched blush job can leave much to be desired, thecorrect blush application and productscan help give you a naturally flushed, rosy and fresh complexion. To help you say goodbye to blush mishaps once and for all, we’ve listed our top tips for avoiding too-pink, streaky cheeks, ahead.
Blush Tip #1: Exfoliate Your Skin
One of the best ways to ensure smooth makeup application is by creating a smooth base. If your skin is dry and flaky, your blush — or anything else for that matter — will look streaky and uneven. Lightly exfoliate once or twice a week with a gentle scrub like the Lancôme Exfoliating Rose Sugar Scrub. It will help remove dead skin cells and flakes that could be messing with your makeup.
Blush Tip #2: Prime Your Complexion
Make sure to moisturize. A hydrated base helps create a supple canvas for makeup. To take it a step further, use a pea-size amount of primer to help blur imperfections and give you a more flawless foundation application that will stay on and look fresh throughout the day. Recently, we’ve been loving the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer.
Blush Tip #3: Use the Right Tools for Application
In the same vein of keeping things smooth, it’s important to have an even base of foundation before applying your blush on top. We like to use a beauty sponge or foundation brush, like the IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7, so that the product is distributed evenly across the face. (Pro tip: If you have naturally oily skin, opt for a matte foundation so that your skin’s natural oils don’t interfere with cream or powder blush.)
Blush Tip #4: Select the Right Cheek Product
Selecting the right formula can have a big impact on how your product applies and wears throughout the day. If you have dry skin (thanks, winter!) look for formulas that are cream or liquid and easily blendable to help your complexion stay hydrated throughout the day. We’re obsessed with the Maybelline New York Cheek Heat. It gives a natural looking flush, comes in six different shades, is buildable and leaves behind a gorgeous glow.
Blush Tip #5: Use a Clean Brush
Blush brushes are designed to have tightly packed bristles for splotch-free application. They’re normally tapered or angled for even distribution and a naturally blended look. But, if your blush brush hasn’t been cleaned in a while, all the excess makeup and oil from your skin will build up on the bristles and keep your blush from going on smoothly. Be sure to wash your brushes around every two weeks. If you’ve cleaned your trusted blush brush and are still experiencing splotches, it may be because the density and shape of your brush may have changed. Try switching it out for the IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Boutique Blush Brush #4 — our personal favorite.
Blush Tip #6: Blend it Out
After applying blush to the apples of your cheek, make sure you blend out the product with your brush or a makeup sponge (ideal for gel or cream products) to create a natural, diffused look. If you’re using a gel-like blush, you can also use your fingers.
Blush Tip #7: Set it!
As the day wears on, your blush tends to wear off. Once the flush fades away, it can start to look blotchy as the pigment breaks down. To avoid this, after blending your makeup, set everything in place. Do a quick spritz of setting spray before walking out the door. We’re loving the Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Setting Spray.
We’re calling it: blush is going to be one of THE biggest makeup trends of 2020. While some of you may think blush is a little old school, it’s a classic for a reason! When applied correctly, blush warms up your entire face and gives you the most stunning youthful glow. It also adds an element of harmony to your makeup game that we can’t live without (more deets on that later). The thing is, it has to be applied correctly otherwise a sun-kissed goddess is the last thing you’ll look like, and trust us, it’s easy to go overboard if you’re not careful! Here are all of our top blush tips, and how to avoid any blush-mishaps.
How to Find the Right Blush Shade for Your Skin Tone
Finding the right blush for your skin tone is one of the most important elements to get right. If it’s too bright it can look harsh on your skin, and if it’s the wrong shade it can disrupt the harmony of your look. The key is to choose a shade that looks like a natural flush; as if you’re blushing.
For fair skin tones: Light, pink-toned blushers work well for fair skin tones – the Benefit Cosmetics Dandelion Box O’ Powder Blush, $30, is perfect!
For light to medium skin tones: Peach shades will warm up your complexion beautifully. We’re obsessed with the Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick in Formentera, $45.
For golden or olive skin tones: Opt for brighter pinks and soft corals like Patrick Ta’s Monochrome Moment Velvet Blush, $32, in the shade She’s Passionate – a beautiful coral-pink.
For deep and rich skin tones: Hot pinks, fiery corals, and deep berry tones look divine. The Glossier Cloud Paint in Haze, $18, is perfect for rich skin tones; it looks super bright but it blends out like a dream.
How to Choose A Blush Shade To Complement Your Look
Of course, you don’t have to stick to one blush shade, you can experiment with different shades depending on your vibe. However, try to create an element of harmony by using similar hues for your eyes, lips, and cheeks. It’s an MUA rule that we live by – it’ll instantly elevate your look. Celebrity makeup artist Patrick Taactually created a makeup collection dedicated to the monochromatic mantra including four sets of Lip Cremes, lip liners and Velvet Blushes in complementary shades to create a truly harmonious look.
For example, if you’re wearing a bold coral or orange-toned lip, opt for a coral-toned blush. If you’re wearing a brown nude lip like our Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in Board Meeting$25, use a cool-toned blush with muted brown undertones like NARS Luster, $30. Check out our examples below for monochromatic makeup goals:
For fair skin tones: To match the Dandelion Box O’ Powder Blush, $30, we’d recommend Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in shade Rendez Vous, $25. It’ll create that soft feminine look that’s seriously trending right now.
Source: Benefit
For light to medium skin tones: The Beach Stick in Formentera, $45, is in fact, a lip and cheek stick, so you can use it to warm up your complexion as well as your lips. This is actually one of the easiest ways to create a harmonious look; either by buying multi-purpose products or using a lip creme as a blush. Simply try to find a shade that matches the blush shade for your skin tone, as we’ve recommended above.
Source: Charlotte Tilbury
For golden or olive skin tones: Patrick Ta’s Monochrome Moment Velvet Blush in shade She’s Passionate, $32, was created to be worn with Lip Crème shade She’s Independent, $24.
Source: Patrick Ta
For deep and rich skin tones: Once you’ve applied the GlossierCloud Paint in Haze, $18, to your cheeks, you can use it to stain your lips or try our Demi Matte Cream Lipstick in the shade Lady Boss, $20, which looks gorgeous on deep skin tones.
Source: Glossier
How to Find the Right Blush Formula
When you’re searching for your perfect blush, the formula is another crucial factor to consider. There are so many variations on offer from matte and shimmer powders, cream pots and sticks, and stains and tints. Each formula has its own set of pros and cons. Powder blush is great for those who love to set their foundation with powder and prefer a more matte skin finish. If you prefer the no-makeup makeup look and glowy skin and rarely set your base with powder, then you’ll most likely gravitate towards a ‘wet’ finish blush, like a cream or a tint. Blush stains are another great option and can be blended with foundation, but they can be harder to blend out, so you have to be very careful with the application.
Source: Benefit, Morphe
We recommend steering away from very shimmery or sparkly blushes, as these can disrupt the balance of your blush. Creams are also often not as long-lasting as a powder, which is why Beyoncé’s makeup artist Sir John suggests layering your blushes; first by applying a cream, followed by a powder to set it. He notes this is especially beneficial for dark skin tones to ensure it stays put and the pigment pops.
How to Apply Blush
For flawless blush application, use a tapered or rounded, medium-sized fluffy brush. If the brush is too densely packed, you run the risk of picking up and applying too much blush, and if the brush is too small, then the blush will be too heavily concentrated and won’t look well blended.
Our Fave Blush Brushes
The Spectrum A05 Blush Brush, $10, which has a tapered finish and works beautifully for targeted blush and contour.
The Patrick Ta Monochrome Moment Blush Brush, $35, has crimped synthetic fibers that easily pick up powder formulas and a tulip shape to disperse pigments for seamless application.
The Real Techniques Blush Brush, $9, is a classic and one of our all-time faves. The tapered bristles allow for precision application and flawless blending.
How to Apply Blush for a Natural Glow
For a healthy flush of color apply blush to the apples of the cheeks and blend outwards using a circular motion. Scott Barnes, J.Lo’s go-to MUA told us “Instead of applying blush to the sides of your face, apply it towards the front of your cheeks, more under the eye line.”
What You Should Never Do…
Scott warns; “Applying blush on the sides, or stretching it out really far like it’s some sort of blush contour, will make you look older or outdated. The only time you want to put blush on the sides is if you are doing an editorial shoot or fashion shoot with a specific reason. Proper blush screams youth and that’s the makeup gospel truth.” And if there’s anyone we can rely on for youthful makeup tips, it’s JLo’s makeup artist – that woman doesn’t age!
If you’re looking for a sun-kissed vibe, even in the dead of winter, blush is your BFFL. The trick is to apply a dusting (and we mean the lightest of dustings) of blush wherever the sun would hit. Think about the apples of your cheeks, the center of your forehead, and the tip of your nose. This looks works particularly well when it’s layered on top of a bronzed glow.
For a warm sculpted finish, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks as instructed by Scott, then lightly warm up your contour with any excess product, like under the cheekbones, and the top of your forehead. This will warm up your face and balance a grey-toned contour; the key is to go lightly – only use whatever is on your brush after applying your blush.
Do you guys wear blush? Let us know in the comments below.
With the start of not only a new year but a new decade, it’s time to awaken the goal-getter within you. Stop leaving things to chance, set goals, manifest your future, and most importantly dream big. We realize we may sound like a cheesy Instagram caption but trust us; it works, and we have studies to prove it. With 2020 forecast to be the decade of health and wellness, don’t get left behind… Here’s how to make 2020 your best year ever.
1. Set Goals, Both Minor and MAJOR
When it comes to setting goals, we like to split ours into two categories: little and large! Start with smaller more achievable goals, like walking to work more often or eating a handful of berries in the morning, this way you’ll continue to feel motivated when you achieve them. If you set yourself a goal like ‘exercise five days a week’ when you currently don’t exercise at all, you’re likely setting yourself up for failure. Instead, think: ‘I will do three activities a week that get my heart going!’ There’s nothing more disheartening than setting goals you’ll never achieve. So don’t set yourself the unlikely goal of never getting an Uber to work (those rainy days can be a b*tch). Once you start smashing your targets, build on them, and eventually, you’re more likely to reach more major goals. Remember, it was the tortoise who won the race – baby steps!
Then there are those major goals – your BIG dreams. When setting these, try to think about what you’d aim to achieve if failing wasn’t a possibility. It will help you get past those negative thoughts. Once you’ve outlined both sets of goals, write them down and move onto manifestation. It’s also helpful to give yourself a time frame to complete them and don’t forget to check in with yourself each quarter.
2. Manifestest Your Success
When it comes to manifestation, there are three typical standpoints: first, the doubtful – you’re seriously skeptical that manifestation can bring positive results. Second, the confused, and third, the firm believers and daily practitioners. Let us begin by explaining that manifestation is the transformation from thought into its physical equivalent, aka an idea or goal that becomes a tangible reality through the work of your own feelings, thoughts, and positive affirmations. It doesn’t translate from “I want a pink Lamborghini” into a pink Lamborghini springing up on your doorstep one day, rather it opens your mind to positive thoughts and brings about the dedication and motivation to achieve a goal and the success that will enable you to buy your own pink Lamborghini.
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To manifest your goals for 2020, start by letting go of any negative thoughts, feelings, and doubt that surrounds that goal. The best way to do this is by writing down your fears, for instance, my move to Dubai will fail, then alongside it, acknowledge the feeling but follow with “This feeling will not serve me.” Once you have eliminated those emotions, you can start to cultivate the positive and manifest your happiness with a clean slate. Begin by writing positive affirmations, for instance, “I’m committing to moving abroad and I will open my heart, mind, and body to new opportunities.”
Another helpful manifestation tool is a vision board, which can contain any aspect of your life including relationship goals, career goals or materialistic goals using pictures or even words written on a post-it. Once it’s completed, light a candle and manifest.
3. Practice Gratitude Daily
The practice of gratitude, aka taking time to actively be thankful for what you have, may seem like a simple practice, but it’s hugely beneficial for your state of mind and even your physical health. One study showed that it’s been shown to reduce depression and increase happiness, while another study showed that it reduced aggression and increased empathy. In fact, we’ve noticed a definite impact on our mental health when we are practicing gratitude as opposed to when we let the habit slip; we have a more positive outlook and feel less anxious. Beyond our mental health, it’s also been shown to improve your physical health as people who practice gratitude are more likely to exercise and have frequent health checkups.
So, while you’re enjoying your cup of tea or coffee in the morning think of three things you’re grateful for; it can be anything from a tasty meal to having a supportive partner. Try to make them different each morning. Alternatively, saying them aloud at night by thinking of three things you were grateful for that day also works – it helps get past the craziness of your day and remind you of the positive things.
4. Meditate
We’ll be real with you; meditation is a habit that you have to maintain to reap the rewards but once you do, it’ll quite literally blow your mind. The added bonus? It can amp up your glow game as it boosts blood circulation, delivering more oxygen to your skin. It also helps you stay focused, calm, and more balanced and there are SO many studies to prove it!
Onestudy examined the impact of an eight-week mindfulness and meditation course on a group of people and found that their ability to stay focused increased. Other studieshave also shown that it makes you more compassionate and kind to others as you’re more considerate of other people’s emotions. Try apps like Headspace (they have a great 10-day free course) and Calm for helping you understand and practice meditation.
5. Get Active in the AM
It’s no secret that being active improves your mental, and of course, physical health. In short: it improves your mood, focus, and quality of sleep while lowering the risk of health conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure. Even if you commit to walking for thirty minutes a day or taking the stairs every day, you’ll start to notice a positive impact in weeks.
If you’re ready to go the extra mile, start by exercising in the morning. By working out in the morning, you’ll instantly increase levels of dopamine (the happiness hormone) while lowering levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), which spikes first thing in the morning. Not only will you boost your mood, but morning workouts kick start the process of neurogenesis; the creation of new brain cells. If the idea of dragging your butt to the gym each morning sounds hellish, try Flattummyco fitness app that provides simple, effective and quick at-home workouts. For a longer workout, flattummy app have 450+ workouts that is customized for your fitness level.
Let us know your 2020 goals in the comments below.
Since time immemorial, poets, gurus, and philosophers have toiled to define the most potent and indispensable word in the human language—LOVE. Some have heralded it as the force that makes the world go ’round. Others have described it in terms of the pain it can cause when it’s not returned. It’s been used to denote the feeling a parent has for their child and that a lover has for their beloved. In truth, we hear about love all the time but don’t discuss as often as we should how important SELF-LOVE is—and more importantly, how it is the foundation for a healthy life, full of self-compassion. When we can establish habits, practices, and routines of self-love, we will find ourselves to be more authentic and honest, we will tend to enforce healthy boundaries in relationships, and we will be more grateful and compassionate.
PRACTICE SELF-CARE
To begin the journey of self-love, begin by implementing healthy routines for yourself. Be consistent! Go to bed at a decent hour and get six to eight hours of sleep every night. Establish a physical commitment, like walking 30 minutes a day, signing up for a workout class three days a week, or stretching and practicing breathwork when you wake up. Go grocery shopping and make healthy food choices every Sunday for the week ahead!
Create a routine that works for you and that you will be proud of. And when your head hits the pillow every night, congratulate yourself on how you honored yourself that day, that week, and that month, and see how much better you feel.
LEARNING COMPASSION THROUGH AFFIRMATIONS
One of the best methods for silencing the negative voices in our heads is to work with affirmations, especially guided meditations that can be listened to aloud. The gentle words of a healer can land deeply within our consciousness and replace the voices of those who damaged us. Over time, we can’t help but believe the new messages we are absorbing. There are many free apps on our phones. Or go online and Google “guided meditations”—YouTube has tons, and there is plenty of literature out there you can use too!
Looking into the mirror and reciting affirmations is likewise highly effective. Making eye contact with yourself and expressing love, appreciation, and respect may strike some as corny or over the top, but if that is your reaction, perhaps it’s time to give it a try. People who love themselves unconditionally can express self-love without making a joke out of it.
TRY: – You are strong and capable. – You are a lovable person. – You deserve self-care and self-respect. – You are beautiful inside and out. I have lists of affirmations plus more information on self-love, self-compassion, and how to create healthy habits in my book, The Rewired Life.
Another extremely useful exercise I developed to help clients is called the Compliment Log. It’s a small journal you carry with you to record every nice thing that others say about you or you catch yourself saying to yourself. Being smiled at, invited out, hugged, or otherwise included/embraced also counts. If you do this consistently, you will be amazed by the changes in your perception. Suddenly, you may find the world full of benevolence rather than hostility. You will begin to accept your own wonderfulness and own it, no longer able to deny the evidence before you, all of which is attesting to your true value.
Erica Spiegelman is a wellness specialist, recovery counselor, and author of the new book The Rewired Life (2018) as well as Rewired: A Bold NewApproach to Addiction & Recovery(2015), the Rewired Workbook (2017), the Rewired Coloring Book (2017), all published by Hatherleigh Press. Erica holds a bachelor’s degree in literature from the University of Arizona and is a California State Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADAC)-II from UCLA. For more information, visit Erica’s website or follow @espiegelman on Instagram.
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