Get Cheeky

If there's one thing that can make all the difference in looking awake and refreshed besides the obvious concealer, it would be blush. When I think of this complexion enhancer it makes me smile. I just love it! I have fond memories of my mom pinching her cheeks when she was looking a bit lifeless, and I actually do this myself now. I have often been known to pull out a lipstick from my handbag and apply it to the round apples of my cheeks to brighten myself up. My question is: why isn't this age-old, tried and true beauty product being utilized more? Are women fearful of looking lively? 

Skin had a beautiful, rosy, flushed look in our youth, and this is what we want to mimic by using blush. Choosing a shade of blush that works for you can take some experimenting. I have found that a rosy tone can be universal as long as it's not dull and has a mixture of pink, brown, red and sometimes gold. People with yellow undertones may want to avoid anything that is on the orange side, whereas people with strong pink undertones will want to stay away from anything that is too ruddy (reddish) and drab. I always say there are no set rules with makeup, it's really all about what makes you feel confident and beautiful.

Another thing to consider is texture. Blushers are available in many different formulas. Traditional powder blushes come in sheer, matte, shimmer and loose varieties.  Any texture is great for all skin-types. Cream blushes can give a beautiful, healthy sheen to the skin, which is ideal for drier/mature skin types or for those who want to capture a radiant glow. Liquids, which are very long-lasting and act more like a stain, almost become apart of the skin. Personally I favor a cream blush.  I love the finish it gives as it produces a youthful quality to the skin. After applying your blush don't forget to dab a bit of lip balm on to enhance your natural lip color. This gives a more finished the look.

Here is a list of a few blushes I just can't get enough of, and they come in a huge selection of shades to choose from. Smile and get your cheeks on!

http://www.narscosmetics.com/USA/maui-the-multiple/0607845015123.html#start=1

http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product/convertible-color.do?sortby=ourPicks

http://milanicosmetics.com/Baked-Blush.html