Didn't mean to make you blush:))

There are three makeup items that I think are essential even if you don't wear foundation.

Mascara, lipstick and blush. Mascara defines the eyes, lipstick the lips, and blush pulls it all together.

I used to be a powder blush gal, and I still use it but with all the new cream blushes out there, I now incorporate it in a different way. Which I'll talk about later:)

Blush does a couple of things. Besides adding a "flush" to the face, blush can contour and take years off depending on how it's placed. Which color to choose is another consideration and traditionally it's a pink or rosy tint to mimic that natural flush we get when we blush. But depending on your skin tone, there are so many hues to choose from. The general idea is to get a healthy flush of color that livens up our face to give it a youthful glow.

I never was quite sure where to place my blush. Swirl on the cheeks or swipe above the cheekbone? Well, it turns out that where to apply it depends on the shape of your face. First of all, smile slightly while applying your blush so you can see the apple of your cheeks, which helps find the right spot. If your face is round, apply blush slightly higher on the cheekbones and blend upwards towards the temples to create the allusion of a more sculptured look. For an oval face, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend outwards toward your hairline for a balanced, natural look. Square face? Focus the blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards to soften angular features and for the heart shape face, apply blush just below the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards to balance out a wide forehead. Remember, "less is more" in applying blush. You can always go back to add more.

Now, color. The best color blush depends on your skin tone as different shades can enhance your natural complexion. Generally speaking, soft pinks, light peach, and cool toned shades work best on fair skin, as they give a subtle flush without overpowering the complexion. If your skin tone is light to medium, peachy pinks, warm apricot, and soft corals complement the skin, giving it a natural glow. Olive skin is enhanced by warm shades of bronze, deep peach and rose hues, which bring out the golden undertones of the skin. Tan skin can opt for richer pinks, deep peaches, and berry shade that give a more vibrant look and darker skin can go with deep pinks, rich plums and bold oranges or reds to help add warmth and highlight darker skin tones beautifully. On top of all of this, you can consider finish, (matte, shimmer or satin) based on whether you prefer a natural glow or a more radiant look.

So where do we go from here? First off, when do you apply blush in your makeup routine? Two schools of thought. One is before foundation, and one is after foundation. I never felt I got enough color before foundation, so I opt for after foundation. These days, the first blush I reach for is a cream blush. And I apply it after my foundation AND powder. (I use a soft-focus powder called meteorites. ) As I said before, I love my powder blush but I'm using it in totally new way which I'll comment on later. But for now, I want to focus on cream blush. There are so many to choose from and I've tried quite a few. These are the ones that I keep going back to.

1. e.l.f. Putty Blush. I have a whole new appreciation for e.l.f. products. They are inexpensive and they perform. This is a cream to powder finish that's lightweight and buildable that leaves a "flushed from within glow". These are so affordable that its easy on the budget to pick up a couple of different colors and blend for a custom look.

   I have this in both "Carribean" and "Maldives" e.l.f makes another blush which is also great. It's called a "monochromatic multi stick" that you can not only use for blush but for lips as well. You can apply these directly from the stick and then blend with your fingers or by tapping with your makeup sponge. What I love about these is that they are small, so they fit in a evening purse and double as a lip tint as well! I have these in Dazzling Peony and Sparkling Rose and love them both!

2. Palladio I'm Blushing 2-in-1 Cheek and Lip Tint. I had never heard of this brand until I read a couple of reviews on their products, and they were so good I had to try them. They're produced in the U.S., are cruelty free and it's a line made with herbs, vitamins and botanicals. And they are budget friendly! This blush is another multi use product (cheeks and lips), buildable, and blends seamlessly. It has pearlescent pigments that provide a healthy flush of color. I have "Darling" "Sweetheart" and "Dainty" and love them all. Again, apply directly and blend with your sponge or fingertips. Couldn't be easier.

3. Revlon Blush Stick You can never miss with Revlon. I've used their "5th Ave Red" lipstick for years! This is a creamy blush in a stick applicator that blends effortlessly and gives your cheeks natural glow. Apply directly, blend with fingertips or sponge. Can also double as a lip tint. I have this one in Berry Kiss.

4. LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Serum Blush Tint. In one word, AMAZIMG! This blush almost feels weightless! It's infused with hyaluronic acid (that's where the serum comes in) and delivers a wash of color for a "just pinched look" or you can build it for more intense look. It's great for all skin types and if your dry like me, it is amazing!

   glow! The application is a little different as you twist the base of the product which flows up to the applicator and then you just dab on. Blend with your fingers, sponge or brush. I have this in Practical Pink and just added True Tawney and Refreshing Rose to my shopping cart!

5. ILIA - Multi Stick for Lips + Cheeks If you are looking for a natural, no makeup healthy glow look, this is for you! Ilia gives you a creamy soft wash of color for your cheeks and lips. It contains shea butter, and it literally melts like "butta" into your skin. I have "Lady Bird", a neutral rose and "Whisper" which is a pink peach. They are just the thing for natural, just flushed look.

6. WESTMAN ATELIER Baby Cheeks Blush Stick This is a cult favorite and for good reason. We all know what a baby's rosy cheeks look like. Well, this blush gives you just that! It's a blendable, applies easily, resulting in a natural dewy flush of color. And it buildable so you can decide just how "blushing" you want to be. It contains coconut oil, and something called" berry flux " which is claimed to nourish and hydrate the skin. Swipe on and blend and you're good to go. I've worn "poppy" with my tan all summer and now moving into "chouchette" for fall.

   
   

I mentioned in the beginning of this post that I've always been a "powder blush" gal, and I still am, but I use it differently. I can build color with cream blush but sometimes I just need a little more "oomph" and so I add a little powder blush. Not a lot but just enough to give it that extra punch! I like this e.l.f. brush for precision application. I just add a little to the center of my cheek, blend and then tap with my sponge for a seamless look. My favorites powder blushes are by NARS and they are Orgasm, Dolce Vita and Deep Throat.

Can't say I'm blushing right now but I am a little hungry so I'm having a piece of honey cake that was Deb Perlman's recipe in my last post. It came out just perfect and it's delicious!

Email me or send me comments or questions or topics you would like to read about.

I would love to hear from you!

For now,

Liz❤️

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