Here’s How Much Blush You Need to Apply, Based on Formula

Blush has always been a makeup routine mainstay, but it’s recently gained even more popularity in recent months as beauty lovers have rediscovered just how much it completes a makeup look. However, it can be hard to figure out just how much blush to apply, especially with all of the different blush formulas out there. Here’s what you need to know about blush application, including how to correct a heavy hand.

How to Choose a Blush

The three main blush categories are powder, liquid, and cream, and while you can generally make any formulation work for you, you want to choose a certain type of blush depending on your coverage preference, as well as your skin type.

If you have dry skin, a liquid blush is your best bet, as the formula will be hydrating and won’t accent any dry patches you may have. Oily skin types will work best with the mattifying power of powder blushes, but a liquid or cream blush can also work if you apply setting powder on top of it. 

Cream blushes are ideal for mature skin (and also dry skin), because there’s no cakey finish or grainy texture with them. If you’re looking for full coverage, a cream blush is a great choice, while liquid blushes tend to offer sheerer coverage.

How Much Blush Should I Wear?

The insider tip here is actually quite simple: Your ideal blush application will depend on your own personal beauty preferences, as well as the color payoff of the blush itself on your skin. Some people want a bright and bold blush look that stands out, while others will opt for a more subtle, slightly flushed look. Either way, the best way to not wear too much blush is to work in small but even layers, and each blush type is going to work best with a different type of application.

Powder Blush

For powder blushes like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Blush, you want to swirl a blush brush into it before tapping off the excess on the side of the container. Take the brush and sweep the color onto the apples of your cheeks while blending it out in a circular motion.you can also move the color slightly diagonally towards your temples for a lifted look. 

If you’re satisfied with how much you’ve applied, you can stop there, but if you want a brighter application, repeat the steps, pausing between each layer to look in the mirror and examine before proceeding.

Liquid Blush 

Most liquid blushes come in tubes with applicators or pumps, and you should first apply the blush on the back of your hand or a mixing plate and then apply it to your cheeks, temples, and even the bridge of your nose. The L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip and Cheek Tint and other liquid blushes like it work best with sponges, blenders, or your fingers, and as with powders, you want to work slowly, making sure to blend out the product before proceeding with another layer.

Cream Blush

When It comes to uber-trendy cream blushes, you can expect a stick formula, or a cream compact such as the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Match Radiant Satin Blush with Camellia Oil. Cream blushes tend to be very pigmented, so you’ll want to start even more lightly than with other types of blush. the good thing is that you can use either a blush brush or your fingers to apply it and cream tends to be the most natural looking of the options.

What Do I Do If I Apply Too Much Blush?

If you find yourself with a heavier blush look than you would like, an easy fix is to grab a translucent powder or a lightweight liquid foundation like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation, then apply and blend it over the blush. This will leave you with a lighter application, but you’ll still get the color payoff from the blush underneath.

Next: How to Find the Best Blush Color for Your Skin Tone

Written by: Témi Adebowale, Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier