The runways this season were almost an ode to the blush with makeup artists turning this often overlooked product into a look-changing powerhouse.We spoke with celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni, who gives us tips on how to go from romantic to sexy and everything in between using just your trusty blush.
Romantic: Gel and cream blushes are the stuff fairy tales and princesses are made of.
“They glide onto your skin, making it look dewy and the lasting power is fantastic” says Soni, who recommends using a soft pink gel or cream blush under your foundation for the innocent romantic look. Keep the color restricted to the apples of your cheeks. We recommend Smashbox O Glow and YSL Creme De Blush – Powdery Rose for this dreamy look. “On deeper skin tones, a coral tint like Benefit Cha Cha tint brings a similar effect,” she says.
Sexy: For a sexy bond girl effect “go for a beautiful mix of coral and pink with gold undertones,” says Soni. The gold reflects off your skin giving you a sexy gleam on your cheek bones
Use a small blush brush to apply color from the top of your cheeks moving towards the temple. The high placement of blush draws more attention to your bone structure. We recommend Guerlain Blush G Serie Noire for a great mix of coral and pink. For a sun kissed twist on the sexy look, Soni recommends Vincent Longo Sole Mio Duo Bronzer – Copper Kiss.
Dramatic: Time to move the bright tangerines and fuchsias from your lips to your cheeks.
“For high drama, deep colors like mocha, bronze with oranges work very well” says Soni. With an angled blush brush,first apply the bronzer to your cheekbones to create depth followed by an orange blush on your cheeks. We recommend Lancome Blush Subtil – Mocha Havana and MAC Powder Blush – Devil to make a bold statement.
Androgynous: Models at the Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2011 brought the androgynous trend to life on the runways.
“Its all about contouring and highlighting your face in the right places and using products that don’t have too much shine.” Use a matte bronzer or a latte colored blush along the natural hollow of your cheeks starting a little away from the center. Move the color out towards your hairline and blend upwards into your cheek so the shading appears flawless. Dust a little translucent powder and blend if the color appears too strong or use a gel bronzer for easy blending. Leave the apples of your cheeks bare and instead go for a highlighter on the outer corner of your eye. We love the Sue Devitt Beau Soleil Gel bronzer for its seamless finish.
I prefer Romantic and Sexy and a light contouring at times..
Which look do you prefer ??