RED - THE COLOR OF YOUR NEXT FAVORITE BLUSH

I can't believe I was walking this green Earth thinking blush was the enemy of my makeup routine. I seriously thought it would give “clown.” Ronald McDonald. Well, my oh my, has that changed because here I am, about to tell you to run and pick up a red blush.

Yes. Red.

It is the most universally flattering shade. And by the end of this, let’s see if I can convince you.

Red is the color of blood, which means it naturally mimics a true flush. Think about it. When you’re cold, your nose and cheeks turn red. After a good run? Red. When you see that fine man or woman walk into the room and your face gets hot? You already know. Red. So, using a red blush makes the most sense when you’re going for that effortless “natural flush” look in your glam.

In the ’90s, Rose-Marie Swift used red blush on the Victoria’s Secret models. It was the go-to. The girls always looked naturally flushed. Like the blood was rushing to their cheeks in real time.

And because red is a primary color, it usually doesn’t have that white base that a lot of pink blushes do. That means it has depth. On deep, rich skin tones? Oh, it goes crazy.

You can get an angelic, innocent look if you apply it right on the apples of the cheeks—or go sultry and sculpted by placing it higher up on the face. A cream formula in red is a must-have for me. Not only does it melt beautifully into the skin, but you can also tap it onto the center of your lips for a "just-bitten" look. (And if you love a juicy effect to the lip, try a gloss like Lawless Forget The Filler Lip Plumper in 'Cherry Vanilla'.) I recommend applying this shade of blush with your fingers and a cream formula for a natural flush effect. For powders, I would use a brush with less density so that way it isn’t applied to strong on first swipe. This is one that you want to start light and build up.

Red blush also works beautifully as a base. Blush is usually the first thing to fade throughout the day. But if you apply a red cream blush first, you can layer another shade on top and get beautiful dimension. Layer a pink over it? You’ll get a juicy watermelon shade. Pop an orange on top? The red will ground it, and you’ll get a warm, sun-kissed finish.

Have I convinced you yet?
If so, here are a few red blushes I highly recommend:

• Morphe Cheek Thrills in ‘Cabana Club’ – $19
  A trio with three finishes including a shimmer you don’t see often in red blushes. Versatile and pretty.

• Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double Take Cream and Powder Blush Duo in ‘She’s Left Me on Red’ – $38
  Extremely pigmented. A little goes a long way. The formula allows you to put the cream on top of the powder for a dewy, long-lasting finish.

• NARS Powder Blush in ‘Exhibit A’ – $34
  A warm red with orange undertones. Gorgeous on deeper skin. It’s a classic for a reason.

• Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed in ‘Red Velvet’ – $25
  This one has a blurring effect thanks to upsalite (great for texture). It is also multi purpose so it’s perfect for anywhere on the face.

• Haus Labs Color Fuse Blush in ‘Watermelon Bliss’ – $32
  If you want more of a watermelon red, this powder blush is so fresh and summery.

• Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in ‘Grateful’ – $25
  Don’t let the pigment scare you. It blends out beautifully and gives that natural flush that lasts. This is a great liquid formula option.

Alright now go ahead and get you one, and let me know what you think.

xoxo,
MeghanBStudios