Wait, hold up. You mean our blushes come in shades other than pink?? It’s a whole new world out there once you decide to venture outside that little comfort zone of yours — be prepared to embrace the change, and have a brush with the unexpected, if you will. We’ll get you started.
1. Orange
Wearing an orange blush might sound scary at first, but once you ease into it, you might actually get used to that bright pop of colour on your cheeks. An orange blush would look amazing on those of you ladies with darker skin, as the warm undertones compliments the dark skin tone. It brightens and highlights your skin at the same time, something like what a bronzer would do. Those with fairer skin tones can go for coral shades that are much less intense than orange. Either way, orange might just be the new black.
Clinique Cheek Pop in Peach Pop, $39, available at Clinique counters and Sephora.
MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Blush in Tangerine, $52, available at Sephora ION Orchard, Sephora Ngee Ann City, and the MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Loft.
2. Red
A red blush might probably be the most natural flush your cheek’s going to get. Red gives the impression of life and vitality; and the red glow’s what you probably need when you’re just not feeling that great on a Monday morning. When applying red blush, be sure to gently tap it on the apples of your cheeks; then blend it out toward the edges of your face. To give your cheeks a more subtle glow, try to use your fingers instead!
Tarte Cheek Stain in Blissful, $49, available at Sephora.
NYX High Definition Blush in Crimson, $12, available at Sephora.
3. Purple
Purple? Before you stare at us in disbelief, trust us. It sounds strange, but you’ve got to embrace the unconventional.
For those who are less adventurous, start off with darker shades like plum that will help to sculpt your cheekbones. Wear this dark blush with a dark matte lip from the same colour family to avoid a jarring contrast.
Now for the real deal: the purple shade that everybody shys away from. While it appears to be a frightful shade of clownish purple, it will actually appear differently on your skin. For the fair skinned, stick to a lilac shade and swipe sparingly just below your cheekbones.
Ladies with darker skin tones, be brave and opt for a richer shade of violet. You’re welcome.
Colourpop Super Shock Cheek in Rain, US$8, colourpop.com
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector™ Luminous Blush in Dahlia, $54, available at Sephora.
4. Brown
This shade’s a godsend for those who are fair skinned and also happen to be extremely pale. If you’re anything like me, having pale skin means being constantly badgered for looking unwell whenever I have minimal blush on. Pink blushes just don’t do the job! So when my friend gave me my very first brown-hued blush, the sceptic in me tried it cautiously and then I realised: It actually works. Shades with brownish undertones help to bring colour to my unfortunately pallid face and define my cheekbones at the same time. Nuff’ said.
NARS Blush in Lovejoy, $50, available at Sephora.
Benefit Cosmetics Dallas, $51, available at Sephora.
