How to apply cream and liquid blush

Blush might be the most underrated item in a makeup bag. When someone swipes it on — whether as a cream, liquid or powder — their complexion instantly brightens. Their cheekbones pop, and that flush of color is everything.

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What is the difference between cream and liquid blush?

A good first step would be to learn how these blush products differ. "It's largely about the consistency and finish," says Nydia Figueroa, a New Jersey-based celebrity makeup artist. "Liquid blush is usually lighter in coverage, while cream is more opaque and of a thicker consistency." Both can work with all skin types depending on the formula.

"Some products dry down to a matte finish, which is ideal for oily skin, and some have an illuminating finish that adds a stunning glow to dry skin. Personally, I prefer liquid blush on oily skin and cream on dry skin textures," Figueroa adds.

And each blush type has a different look on skin depending on its chemical makeup. "Cream blush offers a natural, flushed finish to the skin and is flexible when applying," explains Andrea Santiago, a Los Angeles-based makeup pro. "Liquid blush has high-impact pigment, dries down quickly and is long wear."

She explains that cream blush has more slip to its formula, making it great for dry or mature skin, while liquid blush sets at a velvety finish.  

Blush techniques for every face

How to apply cream or liquid blush

It's a crucial first step to know how to apply blush. It's a good idea to prepare the face with a hidratante and/or a base to ensure a smooth, even canvas. That can help makeup last. Then apply base before the blush of choice.

But Figueroa notes that makeup users can mix the order up for a different look. Another option is to “add liquid or cream blush under the foundation, so the color looks like it’s coming from within,” she says.

When it comes to the blush application itself, makeup users can use either their fingers or a blush brush. The ring finger, which is the weakest finger in the hand, will apply the blush the lightest.

To nail the application, use the brush or the fingertips to increase pigmentation. "Begin to apply where the most pigment is desired," Santiago says. "If starting at the center of the face, brush the color back toward the ear. If starting at the hairline, brush toward the nose, stopping at the arch of the brow or two fingertips from the nose."

For maximum staying power, Santiago recommends layering liquid or cream blush with a translucent powder or a powdered blush along with a few spritzes of setting spray.

Where to apply cream or liquid blush

Usually, blush is best applied on the apples of the cheeks - the area between the cheekbones and the nose, underneath the eye socket. "I love to apply blush high on the cheeks to lift the face," Figueroa says. "People can also use the blush draping method, which pulls up the color to the temples for an added lift."

Pro tip: Optimal blush placement varies, depending on the shape of the face. Consider the following:

• For round face shapes, Santiago recommends applying blush higher on the cheekbone for that lifted appearance.
• For oval face shapes, apply blush to the apple of the cheek to accentuate the cheekbones.
• For heart face shapes, apply blush starting at the high point of the ear and blend out toward the nose, using the outer corner of the eye as a guide.
• For square face shapes, apply blush directly below the cheekbones to define them.

What color blush should someone wear?

Shade-matching is based on skin tone and undertone. Not all blush colors will complement everyone, but everyone can find a tone of that color that will work for them, Figueroa says. "For example, if someone is fair skinned, they can consider a light peach; if medium complexion, try apricot; and for darker complexions, they can use a brighter coral to pop and compliment."

Santiago has a method that takes out the guesswork: Choose a color based on how a makeup user likes to wear jewelry. "If they wear gold, they can go for a warmer blush," she says. "If they wear silver, they can go for a cool-toned blush. If they wear both, they can experiment with both!"

Finding the best drugstore cream blush

Cream blush newbies should look for an extra creamy formula because that makes it more blendable, hence it is easier to apply. "My favorite drugstore cream blush is NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick blush,” Santiago says. “This blush is buildable, pigmented, and layers beautifully with powder blushes. It offers a natural flushed finish to the skin and is flexible when applying.”

Figueroa’s go-to drugstore cream blush is Pixi On-the-Glow blush . "It is incredible for someone that is looking for an easy application and buildable coverage," she says. "It has a skin tint formula that is hydrating and can be blended easily with the fingers for a pop of color."

Another great option is Milani Cheek Kiss cream blush. It’s lightweight and buildable, and it contains antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E) to hydrate and brighten the skin. 

Finding the best drugstore liquid blush

Figueroa prefers Milani Cheek Kiss liquid blush. "I love this formula because of the staying power and color range," she says. "It's a great multitasking staple because it melts into the skin while adding radiance. Anyone can use their fingers or a brush, but I also love applying liquid and cream blushes with a sponge, which can sometimes give more control over the absorption of the blush into the skin."

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consulte con su proveedor de servicios de salud antes de tomar alguna vitamina o suplemento y antes de comenzar o cambiar alguna práctica relacionada con el cuidado de su salud.