To give your complexion a healthy glow and add definition to your cheeks, blush is unbeatable! The finishing touch to a successful makeup look—how can you make sure you choose the right one? We’re sharing our best tips.

Just like our skincare routine and its many essentials (from eye contour serum to sunscreen, including lip balm), our makeup routine also includes signature products we simply can’t live without... blush is one of them. 

A Brief History of Blush

Blush, or cheek color, isn’t a new invention—it dates back to antiquity! Even back then, various substances were used to give the cheeks a soft pink hue... In ancient Egypt, women ground minerals such as malachite and red ochre to create pigments that they then applied to their cheeks. The Greeks and Romans also used natural dyes made from plants, flowers, and berries to add dimension to their complexion. It was during the Middle Ages and its dark period (too dark) that the use of blush became increasingly unpopular. At that time, fair, pale skin was considered a sign of high social status, and wearing color was frowned upon... During the Renaissance, beauty ideals changed once again, and women began incorporating makeup into their daily routines again. For their cheeks, they used mixtures of natural substances such as dried flowers, rose water, and berry pulp.

In the 19th century, it was associated with loose women before becoming a makeup essential. Women of the era then used lipstick to color their cheeks. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that blush as we know it today came into existence. The first commercial blushes were created and contained colored powders specially formulated for the soft, delicate skin of the face. Today, blush comes in a variety of forms: powder, cream, liquid, stick, and even gel. It is made from a variety of ingredients, such as mineral pigments, synthetic dyes, and binding agents, and its formulas are adapted to different skin types (oily, combination, dry, etc.).  

The Different Steps to Choosing Your Blush 

There are as many blushes as there are cheeks on this planet (or almost...), since it is the finishing touch to a successful makeup look. It is important not only to apply your blush properly but also to choose it carefully. To do this, several factors need to be taken into account. 

Choosing Your Blush According to Your Skin Type

Dry and mature skin can opt for the same type of blush since their skin has similar characteristics. In these cases, it is best to choose a cream, liquid, or gel blush. These moisturizing formulas will add radiance to the skin and prevent it from looking dull. Be careful: avoid powder blushes, as they can accentuate dry areas, settle into fine lines, and make the skin look older. 

Oily and combination skin prefer powder blushes because they have a lightweight, matte texture that prevents the excessive shine caused by excess sebum. If you have oily or combination skin, make sure to choose oil-free, long-lasting formulas to prevent the blush from melting away quickly. Avoid cream blushes, which can make the skin even oilier... In some cases, and if they have a suitable formulation, liquid blushes can work 

Sensitive skin, on the other hand, should pay particular attention to the formulation. Whether it is a liquid, cream, or powder blush, if you have sensitive skin, you must make sure to choose a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free blush to minimize skin irritation. For example, mineral blushes are a good option because they are gentler on the skin and less likely to cause allergic reactions.

What Blush Color for What Skin Tone? 

Blush means color, and color means complexion! To choose the ideal blush color, you must rely on your skin tone. Here are a few tips for finding the blush that will always hit the mark!

1. Fair skin: for fair skin, pale pink, light peach, or light coral blush shades can be flattering. Avoid colors that are too bright or too dark, as they can look artificial on very fair skin. It is always best to opt for subtle tones that add a touch of natural color to the cheeks...

2. Medium to olive skin: for tan skin (olive or yellow undertones), warm-toned blushes such as coral, peach, and bronze are generally very flattering. Medium pink or earthy pink shades (e.g., dusty rose) can also work well. Skip shades that are too light, as they may not stand out enough on the skin.

3. Dark skin: for dark skin, rich and intense blush tones are beautiful. Berry, plum, deep bronze, and terracotta shades undeniably enhance the skin. Brighter shades such as fuchsia and dark coral can also look stunning. Naturally, avoid shades that are too light, as they can leave the skin looking ashy.

4. Very dark skin: for very dark skin, nothing beats a blush in deep, rich tones such as plum, burgundy, chocolate, grape, or dark red and brick shades. They are also very flattering. Skip all other shades that are too light, as they may not stand out enough on your skin.

Pro tip: if the texture of your lipstick allows it, you can use it on your cheeks as blush. This two-in-one approach is actually becoming increasingly popular with cosmetic brands.