It was over a recent lunchtime conversation that we came to this somewhat upsetting conclusion: Our blush never lasts. We can have the most longwearing foundation, or the most durable lipstick that stays put no matter how many times a day we snack – but somehow, long before the day has come to a close, that light flush we so painstakingly applied on our cheeks has disappeared into oblivion.
If that’s not the case for you, good for you! For the rest of us, we obviously have something to learn, and that fateful conversation was what drove us to finally go figure out what we’ve been doing wrong when it comes to applying blush. Here, we’re sharing what our research has brought to light – and here’s to still having those “naturally” flushed cheeks at the end of the day, no reapplication needed.
#1: You might have been using the wrong formula all this time.
Sure, you love your cream blush for how pigmented and blendable it is, but you find that it seems to be eaten up by your skin in record time. That would make sense if your skin is on the oilier side, since cream formulas do tend to be quickly absorbed by oily skin. So stick to the powders if you have combination to oily skin, especially if you want to keep the shine at bay; gel and stains are good options as well, since these are known to be especially durable on oilier skin.
Try: Guerlain Rose Aux Joues Blush Duo in Smile, $91; Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Le Blush Encre de Peau, $50; Benefit Posietint Cheek & Lip Stain, $54.
#2: You haven’t been layering.
Ok, this was new to us, but apparently one trick to really make cream blush last longer is to apply a layer of powder blush above it. The powder blush has to be in a similar colour, of course, and the important point to remember is cream before powder, and never the other way – putting on the powder blush first will create an uneven base for the cream blush to go on, and cause it to become patchy.
Try: ETUDE HOUSE Berry Delicious Cream Blusher in #1, $15.90; M.A.C Flamingo Park Powder Blush in Spring Flock, $39.
#3: You’re not setting your makeup.
Why not??? It really is the key to getting your makeup to stay put in general, and especially necessary in our climate. We recommend first buffing translucent loose powder over your entire face (especially over your blush, in this case), and following up with a setting spray. Both steps combined will seriously extend the longevity of your blush, and makeup in general.
Try: MAKE UP FOR EVER Super Matte Loose Powder, $49; CHANEL Le Blanc UV Protection Whitening Loose Powder SPF50/PA+++, $82; Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, $48.
#4. You’re not using primer.
Another step you definitely shouldn’t be skipping. Primer is another big factor in getting makeup to stay, by providing a smoother base for makeup to adhere to. Apply primer with your fingers over the entire face, to ensure your makeup goes on evenly on all areas. A second big reason to always apply primer: many of them now come with skincare benefits as well.
Try: Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Mineral Primer, $84; Dr. Young Pore Eraser Balm, $40.90.
Main image: David Koma Spring/Summer ’16, courtesy NARS.
