Amidst a sea of bronzers, highlighters, strobing and contouring, it’s easy to overlook the humble blusher and assume it’s gone out of fashion. We’re challenging this idea and have been rediscovering the beauty of a pop of colour on the cheeks. If (like us) you’re the au naturel type, the idea of blush can seem a bit too ‘makeup-y’ - but not if it’s done right. Think frosty winters day flush rather than Boy George circa 1986.
As well as the contouring craze, it seems to us that recently a lot of focus has been on a bold eye or lip paired with nude, untouched skin. This might work well in an editorial context, but for day-to-day life we think blush is one of the easiest ways to add dimension and (obviously) colour to your face - without it looking too harsh. Historically speaking, society associates rosy cheeks with youthfulness and vitality, so what better way to make yourself look wide-awake and fresh than a Liv Tyler-inspired peachy flush?
Whether you’re an English Rose or coral is more your shade, it can be helpful to remember that blush doesn’t always have to be pink. We love Diabolique Lip2Cheek by RMS Beauty – a rich, burgundy colour that’s perfect for winter and looks incredible on darker skin tones. Also from RMS is Spell Lip2Cheek, a slightly warm nude that adds a touch of tawny glow to the complexion whilst still being incredibly natural. If pink is the colour that suits you best, RMS Lip2Cheek in Demure is the ultimate soft rose with a hint of mauve. The good thing about blush is, unlike many other beauty trends, it doesn’t always have to be a statement. It can be as full-on or as barely-there as you like.
Ilia Beauty also offer some beautiful cheek colours in the form of their Multi-Sticks, like the warm sienna shade Cheek to Cheek or A Fine Romance which is a berry hue. All of the above products are cream-based formulas, which we love for their blend-ability and dewy finish, and can be worn on lips and eyes too. They can also be applied with either brush or fingers – for brush lovers we recommend the Jane Iredale Blending Brush, which is formulated with both synthetic and natural (cruelty free) hair, and can be used with powder and liquid formulas.
If all you’ve got on hand is a lipstick, use that! After applying to your lips, dab off some colour with your fingers and pat it onto your cheeks for a perfectly undone, natural flush. There are so many options for what you can do with blush, we encourage you to experiment with texture and products - find what’s right for you, and always keep your tongue firmly in your cheek.
Words: Rosie Herdman
Cover Image: Oyster Magazine
