When we grew up watching our moms apply blush, chances are you witnessed the oh-so-popular fish lips technique, as it reigned supreme. You know the drill: Suck in, pucker up and sweep a deep, tawny blush along those cheekbones. Thankfully, those days are - or should be - well behind us. Here's how to retrain yourself to apply blush for the 21st century.


More Is More

Blush looks so good because it mimics a natural flush, so more truly is more. In doubt? Look in the mirror during a heart-pounding workout. Are your cheekbones the only things glowing? Didn't think so! Almost everyone could stand to put on a bit more blush.

Pick the Apples

Instead of puckering up, grin to show the apples of the cheeks. And rather than back and forth, use a circular motion with a medium-large circular brush, starting at the apples. Then, blend upward. Take it all the way to the hairline along the ear (even brush a bit on the temple!).

Color Strategy

In general, pinker tones, like NYX Cosmetics Rouge Cream Blush in Hot Pink, can be concentrated more on the apples of cheeks, and peachy tones such as Lancôme Blush Subtil in Shimmer Peach Lingerie can be stronger on the cheekbones and the sides of the face. Beige blush, like L'Oréal Paris True Match Blush, combines the best of both worlds, so it works well on both cheekbones and apples.

What's your favorite way to get a natural-looking beautiful flush? Share in the comments below.

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