Blush can seem intimidating for makeup beginners. With so many shades and formulas to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. But finding the right blush doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide will walk you through how to choose the most flattering blush color for your skin tone and undertone. We’ll also provide application tips and product recommendations to help you look glowy and gorgeous.
How to Choose Blush Based on Your Skin Tone
The most important factor in picking the right blush is finding a shade that complements your complexion. Here’s a quick overview of which blush tones tend to look best with different skin tones:
| Skin Tone | Best Blush Shades |
|---|---|
| Fair/Porcelain | Soft pinks, peaches, rose |
| Light | Apricot, soft pink, rose, mauve |
| Light Medium | Peach, coral, rose, soft berry |
| Medium | Warm pink, coral, bronze, plum |
| Medium Tan | Peach, coral, deep berry, bronze |
| Deep/Dark | Plum, raisin, deep orange, bronze |
As a general guide, lighter skin looks great with softer blush shades like pink and peach, while deeper skin can handle richer tones like berry, plum and terracotta. But your undertone is important too!
Choosing Blush Based on Undertones
Along with your overall skin tone, your undertone will impact which blush shades are most flattering. Here’s how to pick blush for different undertones:
| Undertone | Best Blush Shades |
|---|---|
| Cool (pink, red, or blue undertones) | Pink, rose, mauve, berry |
| Warm (yellow, golden, or olive undertones) | Peach, coral, bronze, terracotta |
| Neutral (a balance of warm and cool tones) | Pink, peach, beige, or brown shades |
People with cool undertones look great in blushes with a berry or rose tone. Warm undertones are complemented by peaches and oranges. And neutral skin benefits from a mix of both, like pinky browns or mauvey nudes.
Blush Colors for Fair Skin
Those with fair or porcelain skin need to be especially careful in choosing the right blush shade. Going too dark or bright will look garish. The best blush colors for fair skin are:
- Baby pink
- Soft rose
- Peach
- Apricot
- Mauve
Look for shades with a matte or satin finish. Shimmery blushes can emphasize skin texture on paler complexions. And stick to sheer formulas – highly pigmented blush is harder to control.
Best Blush for Olive Skin
Olive skin has both warm golden/green and cool pink undertones. Because of this unique mix, olive skin looks great with blush shades on both the warm and cool side of the color spectrum. Great options include:
- Coral
- Rose gold
- Red
- Raspberry
- Terracotta
- Brown with a pinky undertone
A sheer coral or rosy-brown blush mimics a natural flush on olive skin. Bold shades like true red and deep berry work too thanks to the complex undertones.
Best Blush Shades for Medium Skin
Those with light to medium skin can wear a wide variety of blush colors. Great options include:
- Peach
- Pink
- Mauve
- Plum
- Soft rose
- Coral
The sweet spot for medium skin is soft, warm pinks and peaches. Rose with a touch of mauve flatters cooler undertones. And vibrant coral adds a summery glow. Sheer to mid-coverage formulas look most natural.
How to Apply Blush
Once you’ve chosen the right blush color, application is key for a natural, flattering flush. Follow these tips:
- Prep skin first – Apply blush over foundation, concealer, and powder for smooth blending.
- Smile to find the apples – Apply blush to the “apples” of the cheeks when smiling to lift your face.
- Use a soft blush brush – Stiff bristles will apply too much pigment. Choose a fluffy brush and tap off excess.
- Start light – Build up color gradually. You can always add more, but it’s hard to tone down too much blush.
- Blend well – Softly sweep blush up towards your temples to diffuse any harsh lines.
With a fluffy brush and light hand, you can achieve a natural, seamless flush. Apply a touch to the nose and chin too for an all-over glow.
Blush Mistakes to Avoid
When first using blush, it’s easy to make these common mistakes:
- Choosing a shade that’s too bright or dark for your skin tone
- Applying too much product
- Forgetting to blend out harsh lines
- Putting blush in the wrong spot like too low on the cheeks
Following the color and application tips above will help you avoid clown-like blush. Always do a makeup trial run before an important event. And if you go overboard, tone down blush with foundation or powder.
Best Blush Products for Beginners
Look for these beginner-friendly blushes as you build your makeup kit:
| Product | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Nars Orgasm Blush | $30 | Universally flattering pinky peach with subtle shimmer |
| Milani Baked Blush | $8 | Lightweight powder formula in a variety of shades |
| Glossier Cloud Paint | $18 | Sheer, watery liquid formula for natural color |
| Colourpop Super Shock Cheek | $8 | Creamy, blendable formula with many colors to choose from |
These top-rated blushes provide buildable coverage in shades that work for a variety of skin tones. Their formulas also make it hard to apply too much pigment.
Conclusion
With so many blush options, choosing the right shade and formula for your skin tone may seem tricky at first. But focus on soft corals, pinks, and berries for fair and medium skin. Deeper complexions can opt for rich plums and bronzes. Apply with a fluffy brush and blend well. And stick to newbie-friendly products like the ones above as you get used to wearing blush. Before you know it, you’ll have that natural, flushed glow.
