If you’ve ever applied blush and thought, “Why do I look more sunburnt than sunkissed?”, know that you’re not alone.
Blush is that one little trick that can change everything. It brings life back to your face, lifts your features, and ties your whole look together. But it can also go wrong, fast.
We have good news. With just a few simple techniques (and the right product for your skin tone), you can master a natural, flattering flush that looks like you’ve just strolled off Clifton Beach at sunset.
Here’s your no-stress, step-by-step guide to blush like a pro.
Step 1: Choose the right formula for your skin type
Before you even think about colour, you need to get the texture right. The formula you choose can make the difference between a glow that lasts all day and one that melts by lunchtime.
- Cream blush: Best for normal to dry skin or anyone who loves a dewy finish. They melt in naturally and look especially gorgeous in daylight (perfect for brunch in breezy Joburg mornings).
- Liquid blush: Ultra-blendable and sheer-to-buildable. Think of it as that effortless “skin-like” wash of colour, but you need to work quickly, they set fast in our humid SA summers.
- Powder blush: The go-to for combo or oily skin, or if you’re clocking in for a long day of meetings plus evening traffic. Great for staying power and shine control.
Pro tip: If you have textured skin or larger pores, skip the shimmery blushes on the apples. Stick to satin or matte finishes and highlight only the high points.
Step 2: Pick a flattering shade
Now for the fun part. Blush is about faking that healthy, natural flush, the one you get after a jog up the stairs or a laugh with friends. Your undertone is your best guide:
- Cool undertones: Rosy pinks, soft berries, mauves.
- Warm undertones: Peach, coral, terracotta.
- Neutral undertones: Lucky Sista! you can swing both ways. Soft pinks and peaches always work.
And because our South African skin tones are beautifully diverse, here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Fair to light: Petal pink, peach, light coral.
- Medium/olive: Warm rose, apricot, terracotta.
- Tan to deep: Raspberry, rich coral, brick, berry-plum. Look for high-pigment formulas that won’t go ashy under our fierce Highveld sun.
Hack it: Pinch your cheeks gently and check the colour that comes through. That’s your perfect family of blush shades.
Step 3: Prep your canvas
Even the best blush won’t sit right if your base isn’t ready. Think of this step as priming your canvas before you paint.
- Skincare first: Moisturiser + SPF (non-negotiable, even on cloudy Cape Town days). Let it sink in before makeup.
- Base matters: Cream/liquid blush works best on hydrated skin or liquid foundation. Powder blush is happiest on set foundation – dust on translucent powder first to avoid patchiness.
- Tools of the trade:
- Cream/liquid → Fingers, stippling brush, or dense synthetic brush.
- Powder → Fluffy, medium brush for that soft, diffused finish.
LotsOfLove, SL
