As a makeup artist, I get asked about blush all of the time. Blush really gets a bad rap. It seems hard to apply, there are so many shades out there and it can be confusing. Then, you’re afraid if you don’t get it all right, you’ll look like a clown!

Do you know what color blush looks best with your skin tone? Do you know how to apply blush for your face shape? You’re in the right place! This month, I going to dive into the subject and teach you all of the tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years. Blush is THE one makeup product that can make the sleepiest, most stressed out person look refreshed, so this is definitely a step you don’t want to miss!

Should You Use Warm or Cool Blush Tones?

There’s an easy tip in deciding whether you should use a warm or cool tone blush. For a natural look, choose a blush with the same undertone as your skin. If you want a pop of color, pick one with the opposite undertone as your skin.

In other words, if you have a warm skin tone (yellow undertone), choose a warm blush shade for a natural look and a cool blush shade for a pop of color. If you have a cool skin tone (pink undertone), choose a cool blush shade for a natural look and a warm blush shade for a bit more pop of color.

• Warm Blushes: Coral, Peach, Tangerine, Brown
• Cool Blushes: Fuchsia, Pink, Raisin, Berry
• Neutral Blush: Mauves

But let’s dive into this a bit more…

The Best Blush Colors for Fair Skin Tones

When you have fair skin, your best blush shades are soft pink, light coral, and peach. Anyone with lighter skin can’t really go wrong with a cool-toned pink blush. And, if you’re someone whose skin tends to be the palest of the pale, then opt for a formula that’s iridescent or shimmery to subtly brighten and warm your complexion.

For those with fair skin with cool undertones, you should wear the soft pink shades for a natural look and the peach/coral shades for a pop of color.

If you have fair skin with warm undertones, wearing peachy coral shades will give you a natural look and using soft pink blush will give you a pop of color.

My picks:

Cool Blushes For Fair Skin

Warm Blushes For Fair Skin

Neutral Blushes For Fair Skin

If you feel as though you have both cool and warm undertones, then you could play it safe in the neutral blush zone. But don’t be afraid to play it up!

The Best Blush Colors for Medium Skin Tones

Medium skin tends to have green or yellow undertones that can easily look sallow. When you have a medium skin tone, try rich pink, warm mauve, and deep peach blush shades.

If you have cool undertones, you should wear the rich pink or mauve shades for a natural look and the deep peach shades for a pop of color.

Those with warm undertones should wear deep peach shades for a more natural look and the rich pink or mauve blushes for a pop of color.

Here are my picks:

Cool Blushes For Medium Skin Tones

Warm Blushes For Medium Skin Tones

Neutral Blushes For Medium Skin Tones

If you aren’t sure what your undertone is, you could have both cool and warm undertones, and you could play it safe in the neutral blush zone. But don’t be afraid to play it up!

The Best Blush Colors for Deep Skin Tones

Very deep skin tones need bold, intense red pigments—anything too light or milky will look too ashy on deep skin, and anything too dark (like plums and burgundies) can look bruise-like. A super-vivid, almost fluorescent red blush may seem crazy, but it actually translates to bright, fresh, and natural on deeper skin.

If you have cool undertones, wearing fuchsia or light berry shades will give a natural look and the tangerine hues for a pop of color.

On very dark skin tones, you also want to keep it matte. If you use anything with shimmer, it can look too reflective.

Those with warm undertones, should wear the warm brown or tangerine shades for a natural look and the pinks and berries to give a pop of color.

Here are my picks:

Cool Blushes For Deep Skin Tones

Warm Blushes For Deep Skin Tones

Neutral Blushes For Deep Skin Tones

A Fool Proof Trick

If all of this talk about undertones has you overwhelmed, and you are still unsure of what your skin tone is, or still not sure which color is best, take a peek at the inside of your bottom lip. This color, which is different on everyone, is a great guideline to what color ‘exists’ organically in each individual skin tone.

In other words, the color inside your bottom lip depicts your perfect, natural, goes-with-everything, every day blush color.

Of course you can still wear other blush shades if you’re looking to make a more dramatic impact. But this simple trick will save you whenever you need to invest in a new, everyday blush.

Not All Blushes are Created Equal

Have you ever purchased a blush, and have to apply a lot to even see it because there’s barely any pigment in it? There’s so many blush options out there, but be sure to go with a high quality makeup.

I featured the Motives Cosmetics Blushes because they are very pigmented and a professional quality product.

Create perfectly flushed cheeks with this complexion-enhancing, high-quality pressed blush that provides you with a healthy glow, flattering every skin tone. Designed to be worn alone or layered together for more depth, this long-wear blush features a smooth texture and boosted color intensity.

• Blend well and layer exquisitely 
• Creates a natural, healthy-looking glow so skin looks renewed and flawless
• Soft and luxurious texture in a satin-smooth, non-irritating formula
• Instantly minimizes the look of imperfections and visible pores
• Works well for women of all skin types and colors
• Conditions the skin without clogging pores

And the best part is, they won’t break your bank!!

Stay tuned for: HOW TO APPLY BLUSH FOR YOUR FACE SHAPE