First and foremost, apply less and build up! It is so much easier to build up than it is to sheer out and diffuse if it’s more product than one wants. I like using flatter, more buffer-style brushes for really diffusing and buffing out a product as opposed to a flatter brush. When in doubt, use your foundation sponge or brush and/or translucent powder to cheat the edge.
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I prefer buildable blush than super pigmented from the get go blushes. Much easier to use. However, if I feel my blush is too intense or it’s not blending how I like, I use a flat top kabuki brush, med thickness for buffing and helping blending my blush!
Same. I start with a sheerer formula.
If a blush is super pigmented and I know that it’s going to be more than enough color on my cheeks, I will use a stippling brush. These work wonderfully with those sort of over pigmented blushes!
For everything else I use one fairly fluffy slightly flat yet rounded brush. This one almost always can handle whatever one I chose to wear.
As you referred to above, I would have to call myself the queen of cheating the edges! Especially with my highlighter along the upper perimeter.
Glossier Cloud Paint is effortless to get a perfect blend. Besides that, once you’ve used a REALLY bright light at home for complexion work, there is no going back. My ring light totally changed the game. It’s hands down my favorite makeup tool I own.
Excellent tip about the lighting.
Thank you! Lighting is the only makeup tool I’m pushy about. For most other stuff there is a substitute or a workaround IMHO. đŸ™‚
Bright color in a sheer/buildable formula works out best for me. If I have a more subtle blush I often end up popping a small bit of brighter color on the apples and doing a light blend. I also like layering colors/finishes, w/ the more luminous layer on top (natch).
You have to know your product.
Some really need a light touch: hourglass, Jouer and ND are three I can think of off the top of my head. Benefit is generally the opposite, you can go in heavier…
I use a smaller brush with creams (pouncing the product–or fingers) and larger dome brush for looser versions. For shiny highlighting versions I tend to use a flat-top brush with a buffing action, to really make it glow.
I think having the right kind of brush to pick up and sweep the blush over your cheeks is the best way to add blush. I use an angled brush bought specifically for blush application from Real Techniques. And, as you say Christine, start with less.
I created a blush palette from MAC that I enjoy but I find myself using my NARS liquid blush in orgasm. I put small dots and blend with a small round flat head Luxie brush. If I use yo much blush I simply use my foundation brush to diffuse or powder over it
I like to put some blush on my hand, and go on my face very lightly and building it up. I am not a huge fan of blush on my face, so I like to keep it light just to juice up my skin !
POWDER: Build it up. Use a fluffy brush is you want lighter color or have light skin (I love the Real Techniques Blush Brush). For more pigmentation, us a denser brush (like an angled blush brush). If the blush is too pigmented or not blending well, use a little translucent powder to help. If you have really oily skin oxidizing your blush, or the blush is super-pigmented and/or hard to blend, put setting powder on BEFORE your blush. Flat-topped kabukis are the way to go to really buff out a stubborn powder.
CREAM/GEL/LIQUID (including ColourPop SSC): Build up your coverage. Apply before powdering your face. Use a small stippling brush (e.l.f.’s works great and is inexpensive) to apply. Blend with your fingers.
Great advice about powder before or after depending on the product!
Are use the elf small stipple brush for liquid formula and it cosmetics angled brush for powder formula is