(Last Updated On: June 3, 2023)

Blush is having a moment right now, and it’s well deserved! But if you’re totally new to blush, you may be lost. You may be wondering how to apply blush correctly or what blush formula is the right pick for you. So whether you’ve never worn blush, or you’ve used it in the past and have no idea how to make it work for you, these blush tips for beginners will help you learn all about how to wear it, and wear it well!

No more avoiding this must-have makeup product! Follow these blush tips for beginners and you’ll learn exactly how to apply blush! You’ll be able to change up your makeup looks, and give your skin that stunning flushed and glowy look effortlessly!

How To Apply Blush Perfectly | Blush Tips For Beginners

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Different Blush Formulas & Finding The Right One For You

Before we get started on all you need to know about how to apply blush perfectly, and a few other indispensable blush tips, let’s first talk a little about the different blush formulas and how to find the one that works best for you.

Like so many other makeup products, blush comes in a few different formulas, and each one works well for different skin types and preferences. One of the best blush tips for beginners is to know the difference between the three main blush formulas and discover which works best for your skin type or preference.

Powder Blush

Powder blush is your standard, classic blush. It’s a popular choice for all skin types, especially those with oily skin, since it’s easy to work with and doesn’t move. You apply a powder blush with a soft, fluffy brush. Powder blushes are super beginner-friendly since they usually apply more subtly, unlike cream or liquid that tend to be more pigmented, so you don’t have to worry about over doing it on the first application. (Just make sure you tap off any excess on your brush before applying!).

Powders are typically more lightweight and can often offer some blurring or mattifying effects, which those with oily skin might benefit more from. On the downside, anyone with very dry skin might find that powder blushes are harder to blend out and they may cling to dry patches. The same goes for anyone with textured skin or breakouts.

You’ll want to apply your powder blushes over your setting powder, since trying to apply on top of any liquid or cream products could result in blotches or uneven application.

If powder blush sounds like your thing, here are a few best-selling, and gorgeous, powder blushes to try: Colourpop Super Shock Blush, Nars Powder Blush, and Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush.

Cream Blush

Cream blush is another well-liked blush option, and it’s quickly gaining more popularity right now thanks in part to dewy makeup looks being so popular! A cream blush is exactly what it sounds like, an emollient or balmy blush. Another easy to work with formula, cream blushes are a favorite for people who love a more natural or glowy flush of color! Cream blushes sometimes include ingredients that are beneficial to skin, like hydrating Vitamin E or natural oils.

Since cream blushes are heavier than powder blushes, they could clog pores and cause breakouts in acne-prone skin. Those with very oily skin may find cream blushes too heavy or oily as well. But cream blushes are one of the best choices for people with dry or mature skin, since it adds more warmth and glow, without drying out skin or emphasizing wrinkles or texture.

Cream blushes can be applied with a brush, beauty sponge, or clean fingers. It should be applied before your setting powder.

Looking for stunning cream blush options? Check out these: Glossier Cloud Paint, Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush, and Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush.

Liquid Blush

Liquid blush is another option and if done correctly can leave skin with a gorgeous flushed look. A liquid blush would be applied similarly to a cream blush, after foundation and before powder products.

These are the best liquid blush options out there: Benefit Benetint Lip And Cheek Stain, Giorgio Armani Beauty A-Line Liquid Blush, and Milani Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush.

Shades Of Blush

Just like with foundation, concealer, or bronzer, you always want to use the right shade of blush for your skin tone if you’re looking to achieve the most natural look.

If your skin is fair or light, the best blush shades for you are lighter peaches, corals, or pinks. When it comes to a natural look these shades compliment fair and light skin tones best. Bolder colors usually appear less natural on these skin tones.

Gorgeous blushes for lighter skin tones: Benefit Dandelion Box O’ Powder Blush, ILIA Multi Stick in Tenderly, and Milani Baked Powder Blush in Dolce Pink.

If your skin leans more towards a medium tone, the best blush shades for a natural look include mid-tone pinks, mauves, and peaches. Blush shades that are super light may not give you enough color and bolder shades may not look as natural.

Super pretty blushes for medium skin tones: Maybelline FitMe Blush in Peach, NARS Orgasm Blush, and Charlotte Tilbury Cheek To Chic Blush in Ecstasy.

And if your skin is deeper you should opt for brighter blush shades. Bold and bright reds, pinks, or berry shades. Bright colors really do offer darker skin tones a natural and absolutely gorgeous glow.

Stunning shades for deeper skin tones: Nars Blush in Exhibit A, Revlon PhotoReady Cheek Flushing Tint in Starstruck, Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked Blush in Warm Berry.

Of course you can use whatever blush shade you’d like, but if you’re looking to achieve the most natural looking finish, pay attention to which blush shades go with your skin tone. But if you’re looking to have fun with your makeup, do it! Get creative, use fun colors, and rock your look!

Application Methods For Different Blush Formulas

Different blush formulas have different application methods, and it’s a really good idea to know the right way to apply different blush formulas if you’re going for a flawless and natural look.

Powder blush is typically applied with a soft and fluffy brush. Light and fluffy brushes work best for applying powder blush because it allows you to lightly apply color and blend for a more natural look. Two of my favorite blush brushes are this one from elf Cosmetics and this one from Real Techniques. You can also use a BeautyBlender to apply and blend your powder blush!

When it comes to cream and liquid blush formulas, many people choose to apply with their fingers. Using your fingers to apply blushes with a cream or liquid formula can really give your cheeks that gorgeous flushed look. Brushes can be used to apply cream and liquid blushes also, but can also make blending a little tricky. If you’re going to use a brush try using this brush from Smashbox , which is denser than your typical powder blush brush. And if you’re choosing to use your fingers, make sure you wash your hands before!

How To Apply Blush

There is no “right way” to apply blush, (or any makeup product for that matter), but there are certain ways to apply it if you’re going for a more natural look.

Where you apply your blush can be determined by your face shape and the look you wish to accomplish. You can put blush on the apples of your cheeks, (the round part), or you can apply it right above. When applying blush, you always want to sweep upwards. This helps to give your face a more “lifted” appearance.

And don’t forget, one of the most important blush tips for beginners, make sure you blend! Like all other makeup products, blush looks more natural when you blend it. Make sure you’re blending your blush for a truly flawless and natural look.

PS for an extra cute look, try applying a little blush on your nose!

Set Your Cream or Liquid Blush

Unlike powder products, cream or liquid blush may move around or fade away depending on formulas and your skin type. If you find that this tends to happen with you, make sure you set your cream or liquid blush!

When it comes to setting your cream or liquid blush there are two techniques that work well.

If you want more color, or you want to mix and match shades, layering your cream blush products with a powder blush is a great option for setting your cream or liquid blush. When you layer your blush products, you can choose to use similar shades or totally different ones for varying looks. Use a similar powder shade to layer and set your cream blush if you want a more natural look. And use a different shade if you want your look to be more bold.

Happy with your cream blush color pay-off already and don’t want to change it? You can use a translucent setting powder to set your blush, like the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder. Just blend a little on and your blush will stay in place all day!

Using Blush To Contour

Not only is this one of the best blush tips for beginners, it’s also a really great tip for those who have been wearing blush for years!

When most people think of contouring, they typically think of bronzer, concealer, and highlighter. But blush can also help contour your face and give your makeup, and you, a totally different look! You can use blush alongside your typical contouring products, or you can swap out your bronzer or highlight for blush instead.

You don’t want to set your blush too low on your face. like you would bronzer, but you can use blush to contour your cheekbones, nose, and the side of your face by your temples.

A light, shimmery blush can also be used in place of a highlighter. This blush from Hourglass is perfect for highlighting and adding a pop of color to your cheeks!

Applying too much

It happens to the best of us. Sometimes you don’t realize just how pigmented your new blush is and apply a little too much. No worries though, and certainly no need to remove all of your makeup to fix it! Just take a little bit of a sheer foundation, like this one from Lancome, and dab it on. Your skin will be left with an absolutely gorgeous glow-from-within look!

Blush really is that makeup product. It can add depth and color to your face, help highlight your features, and give you a fun and flirty glow. So, don’t skip out on it, and take your blush to the next level with these blush tips for beginners, (or anyone!)

More Makeup Tips:

Makeup Tips For Beginners

Mascara Tips For Beginners

Foundation Tips For Beginners