It can be very tricky applying the first blush because most people often throw patience and caution through the window to mess everything up.  Using the wrong tools in blushing may also make you believe you are doing the right thing, until you step out of the door and people are staring at you with horror.  To get the best blush results, make sure that you are using the right blush brush, preferably fluffy enough to deposit color softly but dense enough pick up color.  Have a buffing brush ready too in case you make any mistakes.

Applying powder blush
Step 1: Prepare the skin and allow enough time for the products to dry or to sink in.  It does not matter whether you are wearing a plain or tinted moisturizer or foundation, you have to apply them before applying the blush.  Alternatively, it can also work wearing a heavy blush beneath the foundation but you may not put on moisturizer after the blush.
Step 2: Use a slightly fluffy but dense brush to tap onto the blush compact gently.  You can do this three or four times then sweep.
Step 3: The best way to find the apples of the cheeks is applying the blush while smiling.  Put on a gentle but conspicuous smile and the effects of the blush will pop out better than they do when you apply with a neutral expression.
Step 4: Tap the blush brush on the temples of your cheeks gently beginning on the most rounded areas then expanding upwards and downwards to the temple.
Step 5: Do a swoosh sweep starting from the apple to the temple in order to diffuse the color and blend the tone.
Step 6: You can rinse and repeat the application if the blush is not intense enough.  If you think that it is too bright, you can use the buffing brush to buff off some color or sweep upwards lightly with the blush brush.  Layering a translucent color over the blush can also help in softening the color.

Applying cream blush
Step 1: Finnish preparing the skin just like you would in a powder application.  Applying the cream on top of the foundation will leave a more natural looking color than applying it over natural skin, especially if you have any blemish or imperfection on the cheeks.
Step 2: It may be more practical and easier applying the blush using the finger than a brush but this mainly depends on the cream’s delivery system.  You can dab either cheek with dot of the cream on the apple area then spread in circles or use a stippling brush if it is in compact form then tap vertically three or four times.
Step 3: Put on a natural glad smile to emphasize the cheek apples as you apply the blush.
Step 4: Tap the blush color onto the apple of each cheek then gently towards the temple. Use the same brush to blend the colors in small circular motions till all the color diffuses and blends outwards.  You can even use your finger for this because it may heat up as you spread and make the process even easier.
Step 5: Lightly swoosh the blush brush starting at the apple to the temple and repeat severally if necessary.
Step 6: Finish with a translucent powder set and you are done.

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