Blusher is a product that is designed to mimic a natural, healthy flush - which sounds simple but it comes in myriad forms and colors. It can be cream, gel, liquid or powder, although cream and powder formulations are the most common.
It is important to take into consideration your natural coloring when choosing the right blush for your skin tone. As a rule of thumb, the deeper your skin tone, the deeper your blush can be. Peach and pink blushes are generally the most flattering, although deep roses, nutmegs, browns and even bright fuchsias and reds (used sparingly!) can also be interesting variations to give you the look of pretty health you want.
Creams give a very natural appearance to the skin and can be blended in with fingers, a sponge or a brush. Powders offer more staying powder, and are applied with a blusher brush. For the more adventurous you can use a cream blush first and then top with a powder blush, or combine with a bronzer for a healthy, sun-kissed glow. The options really are endless, and blush is the finishing product to any look. Powder blush is particularly pretty when there is a hint of shimmer to the product (Chanel blushes have just the right amount of shimmer).
Fair - pale pinks and peaches
Medium - deeper pinks and peaches
Dark - very bright colors (magenta, red, orange) and deep tawny or rust shades
Good brands to try for cream blush are Becca, MAC and Bobbi Brown Pot Rouges.
Good brands for powder blush are Bobbi Brown, MAC, Chanel and NARS.
Rose toned liquid blush also creates a lovely, healthy flush on all but the darkest skin tones - the most famous one is Benetint by Beneft Cosmetics.
In all cases, the most flattering place to apply it is on the apple of the cheek - the soft part of the cheek that protrudes when you smile. Racing stripes of blush underneath the cheekbones are best left in the 80's!
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Weekend Warrior- the Natural Face