Starting Off: Blusher

This week we're talking about my BFF - blusher! Without it I feel so washed out and lifeless. It really does add some colour to my face and I refuse to go a single day without it.

I use two types of blusher - powder and cream. A powder blusher is great for all skin types, but especially those with oily skin, where as cream blushers are usually preferred by those with normal-dry skin. Personally I like to use powder blush in the summer months and cream blush in the winter months.

As always I stick to affordable, high street makeup and so my current favourites are the MUA Blusher, which costs a measly £1 but the colour pay-off is pretty fantastic for the price, and the VIVO Cheeky Cream Blush, which you can pick up in Tesco for £3.99.

As aforementioned I like to use the powder blush in the summer months which is why my MUA blusher is in a bright, bubblegum pink. With a tan I can get away with a brighter colour and I prefer to use powder blush when I'm feeling a little sweaty. You should try a colour that is not too dissimilar from the colour your cheeks go when you naturally blush. If you're unsure what colour this is then stand in the mirror and slap your cheeks. You make want to do this in the privacy of your own home though...

To apply powder blush I use this Front Cover Blush Brush. Don't use a blusher brush that is too large - it is much easier to add more blush than it is to take it away! Dab the brush into the blusher, tap off the excess, smile and apply in small sweeping motions from the apples of your cheeks to your ears. I then like to take a clean powder brush and sweep over the blusher I've just applied to give a more natural finish.

When it comes to cream blush I love to use this Real Techniques Stippling Brush. I much prefer cream blush in the winter months as it can give an extra glow to my dull, dry skin. I gently dip the brush into the cream blusher and stipple (tap) the blusher onto my cheeks in the same place as you would a powder blush. Then using the stippling brush, blend into the skin so there are no visible lines. You can also apply cream blusher with your finger.

That's pretty much all there is to say about blusher, I really do think it's pretty easy to do but I hope this post gives you a few tips. What are your favourite blushers? Do you prefer cream or powder blusher? Let me know in the comments below.