Cheeky

When I was beauty therapy training at college 20 years ago, a make-up artist came in and said that she always applied some blusher after the foundation and concealer stage so she could see the shape of the face and apply make-up accordingly.  At the end of the makeover, once everything is on, then you can apply more if needed.

However, not sure how I got into this habit but when I'm putting make-up on myself, I blush, bronze, contour or highlight near the end of my makeover ('the end' being before lipstick) so hence me leaving this blog until now.  BUT, unless its a cream blush, then I'll pop that on after foundation.

My little selection of blushers and bronzers

Talking of cream blushers, these are fabulous if you want a lovely natural finish with long-lasting results.  Best to be applied straight after liquid foundation so the products work in synergy with each other and can be blended easily.  If you apply a cream blush later on in the makeover, once the foundation has settled, any powder in the foundation can take hold of the cream and it can go patchy so best applied straight after foundation.  You can apply with your fingers and then buff the edges with your foundation brush.   Make Up For Ever do some fabulous ones, HD Second Skin Cream Blush (€28).  Remember ‘cream-on-cream’ and 'powder-on-powder' is the way to go - so if you're using a mineral powder foundation, use a powder blusher.  If you have extremely oily or blemished skin then best to choose a powder blush or a gel/stain instead.  

Err, think my Max Factor needs replacing

I have one cream blush, Max Factor’s Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Copper (€10) which I like and I’ve used it so much, that I’ve gone down to the pan so I need a new one.  I do have oily skin on my cheeks but the blush is of the consistency that it’s not greasy and is fine for me.  It originally came in two shades, copper and pink but there are now four to chose from.

I love my MAC Legendary powder blush, which has an image of the gorgeous Marilyn Monroe on the lid – I’m a big Monroe fan and only bought it due to her - LOL.  It’s a lovely pale soft coral with a hint of pink and subtle golden shimmer (‘subtle’ being the operative word).  It took a while to get used to it as it's so pale – could I see it? - but this is actually perfect for day time and actually suits my colouring.  I also have a MAC mineral blushed called Warmth of Coral which is nice on the cheeks too.

MAC - Marilyn's Legendary (left), Mineralise Blush (right)

My favourite blusher has to be Shiseido’s Face Colour Enhancing Trio in RD1 (€38).  You have a blush, contour and highlight for a bit of contouring or you can swirl a brush over all the colours and dab on the apples of the cheeks.  It comes in four shades depending on your skin tone.  I found this product made such a difference to my clients’ makeovers (talk about looking healthy and radiant) while on the counter, that I had to own one myself.

Shiseido RD1 - best for a radiant, healthy glow

I also have the Sleek Face Form in Light 373 (€14).  It has a blush, highlight and contour in the palette.  This is such good value for money, comes in four shades depending on your skin tone, gives a great effect on the skin and lasts the day.  However, I think I am still trying to find the perfect contour shade for my skin tone which is probably why I don’t contour that often.  As with bronzers, anything brown or orange on my skin, I tend to look grubby.  I have a big, round moon face as well so less is more for me.

Sleek Face Form - new to contouring?  Try this.

With regards to contouring/strobing/baking – yawn; personally I am not a fan.  I think it looks too much unless you are a model in a magazine editorial or a Kardashian on the telly (it's the lighting, people!) - both situations not being your normal every day.  I once saw a young girl on the train and I just couldn’t take my eyes off her.  Unfortunately this was for the wrong reasons - it was due to the fact that her face looked so artificial and not to mention silly.  Plus, I think there's a ‘cheap’ element to this look as well.

Simply put, the one product that is going to make you look fresh and give you a healthy glow is a good blusher.  Smile (so your cheeks lift up) and apply.  Let's go glow!