Clowns are for kids and circuses, not for the hip, professional woman wearing her favorite NARS blush.
Unless you’re Anna Piaggi, who has the world’s sole “Get Out Of Jail Free” card for applying perfectly round circles of blush to apple cheeks, every blush-toting lady needs to learn the rules of application.
Powder Blush
Do not use the brush that comes with blush sets. They’re too small and definitely not contoured in the proper shape.
Smile pretty into the mirror to locate your apple cheeks.
Dip your brush into the blush — I know it’s like a beauty junkie broke record, but NARS Orgasm still takes pole position — and shake off excess powder like a polaroid picture.
In light strokes, brush over the apple cheek in short, vertical movements while moving gradually toward the ear.
To blend in blush, stroke once horizontally along the top of just-applied vertical strokes and, if you so desire, dust lightly with a powder.
For extra color, stroke once more horizontally above your eyebrows, where sunlight usually hits the face.
Cream Blush
Dab a small amount of cream or gel blush onto apples of cheek.
Gently blend in with a finger, preferably the ring finger because it gives just enough pressure.
Blend, blend, blend until the color is evenly distributed on apple cheeks.
If your fingers aren’t getting the job done, try a sponge or brush and stroke upwards.
My picks for blushes are anything from NARS, Cargo and M.A.C, while Lola Cosmetics and — once again — M.A.C. are best for brushes.
Try to stop making me blush, I dare you.
