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27 September 2007

Blush like a pro

Lizna Snyman has the lowdown on using blusher to bring out your best.

Using make-up entails more than just mascara and lipstick: blusher reshapes the face and can brighten even the dullest of complexions.

1: Soften prominent cheekbones
Apply blusher in a contour colour directly to the cheekbone to darken the area, reshaping it and making it appear less prominent.

2: Add definition to cheekbones
Apply a contour colour below the cheekbone, darkening the area and making the cheekbone above it appear more prominent.

3: Add colour to your face
Apply pink or peach blusher to the apples of your cheeks. (Find your 'apples' by smiling at yourself in the mirror: they're the raised parts.)

Blushing-beauty tips

A blusher in a contour colour is slightly brown – pinkish – or reddish-brown for complexions with cool undertones or orange-browns for those with warmer undertones. Brown adds depth and can create a specific illusion. Choose one shade darker than your own skin tone.

Apply it as follows. Hold a pencil over the centre of your eye: never apply blusher between this line and your nose. For the most natural look, apply it only to your cheeks' apples.

There are many, many shades, so remember the basics when shopping: rose, pink and soft peach work well on most complexions; peach gives a sophisticated look; pink looks fresh and feminine; greyish pink is good on lighter skin; sandy pink is suited to medium complexions; and redheads look great in shades of coral and peach.

Less is definitely more: apply with a light touch and always blend well.

Choose a formula
A cream formula works best worn over foundation. If you'll be applying loose powder, use a powder-formula blusher. Use a gel formula on naked skin.

Cream formula

Annique Cream Blusher in Copper (R135). Call 012 345 9800 for your nearest distributor.

Gel formula

Revlon Pinch Me Sheer Gel Blush (R140) contains translucent pigments for a naturally flushed appearance and is available in four shades – pink, peach, plum and berry. Available at major retailers and pharmacies.

Powder formula

Clarins Colourful Horizons Express Face Palette (R290) has three neutral shades to apply to your eyes and cheeks. For the stockist nearest you, call 011 809 6300.

Clinique Shimmering Tones Powder in Bare Bronze (R250) adds glowing highlights and gives your face a natural, sunkissed look. It will be on sale in October as a limited-edition product. Clinique products are available from selected branches of Edgars, Red Square, Foschini, Truworths and Stuttafords.

Previously published in Ideas, Subscribe now and save