Applying Blush and Powder

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)

Like most makeup, blush looks best when applied sparingly and with a light touch. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance or confirmation from a family member or friend.

Blush is available in several formulations: cream, powder, and stick. Generally, powder formulations are the easiest to apply and blend, but use whichever type is most comfortable for you.

Your skin tone and hair color generally determine your choice of blush color. If you’re unsure which color to choose, ask a family member, friend, or cosmetician for assistance. You can also get professionally color-matched at a department store or by contacting a representative from a cosmetic company, such as Avon or Mary Kay.

Use your fingertips to explore your cheekbones before applying blush. The area to cover extends from each cheek’s center (or “apple”) to the hairline. Your blush color should never extend below the center of your nostril.

Applying Cream Blush

• Press your fingertip once into the blush container.
• Place your fingertip at the center of your cheekbone (the “apple”) and stroke it lightly upward and outward toward your ear.
• Repeat this motion 2-3 times on each cheek. Blend the cream blush upward and outward with your fingertips (at minimum, use the index, middle, and ring fingertips) to achieve a subtle effect. Use your right hand for your right cheek and your left hand for your left cheek.

Applying Powder Blush

• Stroke the brush 2-3 times across the powder cake.
• Place the brush at the center of your cheekbone (the “apple”) and stroke it lightly upward and outward toward your ear.
• Repeat this brushing motion 3-4 times on each cheek.
• Blend the powder upward and outward with your fingertips (at minimum, use the index, middle, and ring fingertips) to achieve a subtle effect. Use your right hand for your right cheek and your left hand for your left cheek.
• Use a clean tissue to dust away any excess powder.

Applying Stick Blush

• Roll up or twist the blush stick and check with one finger to ensure the tip appears slightly above the container level.
• Place the tip at the center of your cheekbone (the “apple”) and stroke it lightly upward and outward toward your ear.
• Repeat this motion 2-3 times on each cheek.
• Blend the blushing cream upward and outward with your fingertips (at minimum, use the index, middle, and ring fingertips) to achieve a subtle effect. Use your right hand for your right cheek and your left hand for your left cheek.

Applying Powder

If you like to use face powder to finish or “set” your foundation, a colorless or translucent powder is best. Here is a technique for applying it:

• Stroke the powder puff or applicator 2-3 times across the surface of the powder compact.
• Touch the puff or applicator once on each cheek, the nose, the chin, and the forehead.
• Blend with the puff or applicator, following the same sequence as in applying moisturizer:
  • Upward and outward from chin to ears
  • Across and up from nose to temples
  • Upward from the tip of the nose to the forehead
  • Circular motions on the forehead to temples
  • Small circular motions around the sides of the nose
  • Circular motions on the chin
  • Upward on throat

By Maureen A. Duffy, M.S., CVRT