Get a Perfect Natural Blush in 3 Easy Steps
Photo: Sara Fleur Abou El Haj
Miki Monroe-Sheridan has incredible cheekbones. (And we're not just saying that because she's Val's new daughter-in-law.) But wanting to avoid a blush overdose, she wore a pale, almost frosty shade that made her complexion look washed-out—and did nothing to play up her bone structure. Makeup artist Maria Verel shows Miki a better, and brighter, way.
Photo: Sara Fleur Abou El Haj
Step 1
Blend a
tinted primer all over your face. (We like Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Primer, $33,
Sephora.com.) It neutralizes discoloration and redness, and creates a smooth canvas that helps blush last longer. Let the primer dry for a couple of minutes.
Photo: Sara Fleur Abou El Haj
Step 2
Swirl a medium-size (not too fluffy) brush over a
powder blush, and tap the brush to remove excess powder. (Powder formulas are more foolproof than cream or gel blushes.) Smile, then sweep the brush from the apple of your cheek, up along your cheekbone, to the top of your ear (pull the brush all the way past your hairline).
A couple of rules for choosing the most flattering blush:
If your skin has yellow undertones (like Miki's), look for a pink shade (like BareMinerals Ready Blush in The Tease, $22,
BareEscentuals.com).
For a ruddy complexion, use a blush with bronze tones (like Sonia Kashuk Beautifying Blush in Spice, $9,
Target.com, available mid-March).
Photo: Sara Fleur Abou El Haj
Step 3
Brush a
translucent powder with a touch of sheen (like Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder #2, $22,
LauraMercier.com) under the outer bottom corners of your eyes, blending it into the upper edge of the blush. The powder will highlight your cheekbones and soften the edges of the blush so it looks like a natural glow.
Tip: Overdid it?
Buff a dry washcloth over your cheeks to lift away excess color.
Next: O's step-by-step foundation guide
From the
March 2012 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
