Common Blush Mistakes and How to Fix Them

When I first began to experiment with makeup, blush was my enemy. I did not see the point in adding more red/pink to my face when I had just worked so hard to get rid of it with my foundation and concealer. It never looked right to me. That was until I got a bit older and realized it’s okay to have color and depth to your face! You don’t always have to look like a Victorian-era vampire.

As I’ve delved into the world of blush a bit more, I have learned a thing or two about proper technique. That made a world of difference in how I utilized and viewed blush.

In today’s article, I want to help you enjoy the world of blush by helping you correct some common mistakes. These techniques are easy and simple – anyone can do them!

Not Blending

Not blending is the most common mistake people make when applying blush; that’s why I put it first on this list. Unblended blush can look patchy, too dark, and overall unpleasant to the eye. It typically happens when you skip steps and quickly sweep your blush across your cheeks.

As easy of a mistake it’s to make, it’s just as easy to fix! You can achieve a more blended look to your blush in one of two ways.

If you want to keep the process uncomplicated, you can by using a larger fluffy brush to apply the product. You will want to sweep in a circular motion on the desired placement area. This technique will help give you a diffused and blended look without any extra steps or tools.

Another way you can blend your blush if you desire a more pigmented look is by grabbing one dense blush brush and one fluffy brush. Start by applying your blush using the dense brush to get the color payoff you desire. Once you are happy with the general placement and color, take the fluffy brush and begin to blend. Circular motions work best!

I like the first technique for everyday makeup looks and prefer the second for days where I’ll be taking a lot of pictures. I hate when the camera washes me out!

Contouring With Blush

This mistake isn’t as common as it used to be, but I see it often enough that I just had to mention it. Stop contouring with blush! Using blush as contour should remain in the 80s.

Now, you may be thinking, “why does it matter?” But trust me, it does! First, let me explain how contouring works.

Because contouring relies on a strict understanding of skin tone and color theory, you can’t just choose any shade you like for this task. That is if you want to keep your contour looking as realistic as possible.

Your contour needs to match the undertone of your skin, more specifically, the tone where the hollows of your face naturally are. We are trying to shade these areas and make them recede from the light.

For most skin tones, you will want to choose a taupe/cool brown contour powder. Blush colors do not match the natural shades found in the hollows of your face due to them being pink, red, and coral.

Every product has its purpose!

Poor Color Choice

Choosing the perfect color blush can be quite a task. Your skin tone is a significant factor. But how do you know if a blush color will match?

First, you need to find out if you have a warm, cool, or neutral undertone to your skin.

An easy way to figure this out is by looking at the veins on the back of your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. If they have a yellow or olive tone, you have a warm undertone. Another indicator is if you look better in brown or black. If you look better in brown, you have a warm undertone. If you look better in black, you have a cool undertone. If you look amazing in both, you have a neutral undertone!

Blushes carry these same undertones, no matter their color. We typically think of pink and red as warm colors, but makeup is so magical they can come with cool undertones too! You will want to choose one that matches your skin tone. It’s that simple!

If you’re not trying to achieve a natural flush, you can skip this tip!

Not Using Blush

Blush completes a look in a similar manner that a lip product does. Skipping out on this step can leave you looking like a ghost, and here’s why!

The face has depth and color naturally.

When we use foundation and concealer, it can wash away both of these things. That is perfect for the areas we are trying to reduce, but not so great when it’s all over the face.

The easiest way to replace that color is by utilizing blush and contour. And not just on the cheeks!

I recommend sweeping blush across the cheeks, nose, and eyes (when you’re not wearing shadow.) I would then suggest following up with your chosen contour shade and placing it in the hollows of your cheeks and nose. You can place a bit of contour in the orbital bone too if you wish.

*Warning*

Do not place too much blush on the nose! A cute cold-nipped nose can quickly turn into Rudolph. Not everyone is trying to look like an e-girl!

It’s Just Makeup

At the end of the day, makeup washes off. You don’t have to listen to a single tip I gave if you already love your look – that’s what matters most!

I always want readers to know that I truly believe that beauty and fashion are meant to be different for everyone. And nobody should judge you for marching to the beat of your own drum.

Experiment with your beauty products however you wish. The makeup and fashion world is your oyster – have fun!

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