Blushes

Blushes are great for finishing a look.  They make your entire look polished and pulled together.  They also give the illusion of more chiselled cheekbones. Too much,  and you can end up looking like a clown.  There are soo many to choose from,  and I doubt you can every really go wrong with a colour once its well applied.
I know 2 major types,  Cream blushes and Powder blushes.  Anything else falls into these 2 main categories.

• Cream Blushes: I personally think these are best for Oily skin,  and for those who would like a less intense look.  I would advise if you are just starting to experiment, try a stick blush first,  they are easier to manipulate.  They can also be used as a base for powder blushes,  to intensify a look,  or make the blush last longer.  I would not advise that you use a creamy formula if you have large pores or extremely oily skin.  It's just going to make the pores look larger.

         With the Stick,  you don't really need a brush to apply,  you can dot it on the apple of your cheeks,  and blend upwards with your fingers,  toward your lower hairline.  Always remember to smile while applying your blush--Other than the fact that smiling is good for you,  it helps raise your cheekbones for easier application, and a more natural look.  There are brushes that are most suitable for applying cream blushes.  The best I have seen (and used) so far is the MAC 130 (Image to the Right),  or you can find something that looks similar,  if you are on a budget.

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  Powder Blushes:  These are my favourite as they don't require much thought, you can slap it on,  blend,  and off you go!  The best shades for darker skintones are Coral,  Plum, Brick or Rust colored ones.  Peachy and Earthy tones work well though,  but it has to be a well pigmented blush to show up.

Application:  After your foundation, or tinted moisturizer....  You can use your setting powder but avoid using the setting powder on the cheekbones.  This allows the blush sink into your skin,  and of course last all day.  I find that if you use the setting powder all over,  it slightly changes the color/intensity of the blush for some reason,  and by mid-day the colour fades off.  To apply,  swipe brush in the pan,  tap off the excess ( very important) and SMILE :)

Dot along the cheekbone, and angle up towards your hairline. Blend in a circular motion for a more natural look.  If you make a mistake and have applied too much,  you can use a Kabuki brush (Right) to blend out your mistake.  What are your favourite tips and tricks to applying Blushes? Please share :)