Beautiful woman smiling
Image: Shutterstock/Nina Buday

Applying Blush For Your Face Shape

Chances are, you’ve been told the same blush mantra: apply blush over your cheekbones. And in a rush it works. But if you want to give your face more definition, you’ll need to take your face shape into consideration when applying blush. Different strokes will naturally look better on different face shapes, so below is your guide to applying blush for your face shape.

set of woman face shapes
Image: Shutterstock/Alpha C

Heart

Heart faces are defined by their strong jawline and cheekbones. Break that up a bit by drawing some blush on the bottom of your cheekbones, which will highlight that area, while drawing the attention down a bit.

Oval

Apply blush over the top of your cheekbones and blend toward your ears. That will also add a contoured, defined look to an otherwise roundish frame.

Long

These face types do great with long swipes to counteract the length of the face. Lead a long line across your cheekbones and blend toward your temples.

Round

Round faces require a bit of chiseled definition. For that look, you’ll need a line of blush under each cheekbone. It will give you a contoured look.

Diamond

This shape requires that you draw the eye down to the bottom of the face. To do that, run the blush along your cheekbones to accent that whole area. Blend the blush in the direction of your ears.

Square

You’ll want to use blush to soften the harsh lines of this face type. Apply the blush directly to the center of your cheeks by the apple areas in a circular pattern.

A Note On Types Of Blush

In addition to applying blush for your face shape, you’ll also have to keep in mind the type of blush you’re using in relation to your skin type. If you have dry skin, try to opt for a cream blush, which will give a more dewy look. Oily skin should opt for powder blushes, as the oil will soak up that powder.

You may also want to keep in mind the other types of makeup you are using. For instance, a powder foundation will look more natural with a powder blush, and the same goes for liquid foundation with cream blushes.

A Note On Blush Color

Another important aspect of blush to keep in mind is, of course, its color. A good general rule is that if you have lighter skin, go for lighter, subtle shades like your light pinks and peaches. Medium skin tones can get away with deeper colors like apricot and mauve. Olive skin tones should look for warm tones like rose and bronze to cancel out the green undertones to the skin. Darker skin tones can get away with deeper blush shades like tangerine and terracotta.

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