“Because color in our face diminishes as we age, we can use blush to replenish that color and add a healthy, youthful glow. Is the blush you are wearing now giving you the appearance you want?” This is a direct quote from page 105 of QUINTESSENTIAL STYLE: Cultivate and Communicate Your Signature Look.

Blush Color

Does your blush make you look fresh and energized? It’s a good idea to periodically consider the blush color you are using to see if you need an adjustment. The goal is to find a color that helps your skin look radiant and healthy.

If you think your blush may not be giving you the look you want, you can test colors by applying one color to one side of your face and another to the other side. (Works well at cosmetic counters with good light.) Can you see a difference? (Don’t just look at your cheeks…look at your entire face. Same premise goes for lipstick.)

Placement of Blush

We’ve all heard that you should “smile” and then apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. This is fine for cherubic children, but may create jowls in a more mature face. When you smile, your cheeks are at attention, but when in repose, they drop and droop.

Proper placement of blush can give a lift to the face.

Beginning no lower than the bottoms of your nose, apply blush directly on the cheekbone, in an upward diagonal direction, to the hairline.

This is the most flattering and uplifting line for the mature face. It resembles the letter “V.” Which is just the opposite of the pull of gravity.

It doesn’t matter whether you are applying cream or powder blush, the placement should be the same. No lower than the nose and upward diagonally to the hairline.

Brush Size Matters

In Q Style, we say, “You need the right brush for the right job. You wouldn’t want to paint your house with a cotton swab, would you?”

The more compact the brush, the more definite the line; the larger and fluffier the brush, the less definite the line.

The size of your face and the scale of your features, along with the specific area of application, will literally determine the size of brush you need.

The hardest blush brushes to use are those that come in a blush compact. They are flat and narrow and can give you a harsh line. (If you must use one, remember to blend well after application.)

Bright Blushes

Bright blushes can give you the color you want, but may be harder to control. If you find your blush is too bright, tone it down by using a layer of powder over the color.

Our Model, Lori

Some of you will remember Lori, our lovely friend who had her colors done by Janna a few years ago. We could describe the color of Lori’s blush as looking a little like “dirt.” (Lori agreed.) Janna gave her a quick update on blush color (and a little lipstick). Here’s the result.

Remember…A little color can make a BIG difference.

And a picture is worth a thousand of my words. Thanks, Lori!