Secret to Applying Cream Blush

Streaking is a common problem many women have with blush, whether it is mineral blush, cream blush or regular powder blush. The trouble is the result of improper application rather than poor taste. Many women want to achieve a certain look from a movie or magazine, but they don't have a professional team of cosmeticians nearby to help them out. Blush is one of those looks that can start with the best intentions and end with bold pink patches.

The secret to blush is simple. First, the colored powder needs to be swept into the skin in a circular motion with a brush, not in long, straight strokes. Stroking blush onto your cheeks creates rigid, unnatural lines that appear hard and can sink into wrinkles. By using a circular motion, you're dusting smoothly over the entire skin surface.

Be careful not to make actual pink circles on your cheeks; you're not a cartoon character. Just use a circular motion to cover the natural cheek area with blush. This is the technique used to apply many face powders, so just think of it as adding a red-tinted face powder.

Always smile to find your natural cheek line when applying blush, and start at the flesh on your cheeks near the nose. Start the circles small, widening the area as you move toward the back of the cheek, stopping just before the ears.

The second secret to blush is that it's important to blend the color after applying. Though you can use your fingers, it's always best to use a large, soft blending brush. Again, using a circular motion, the color should be mixed into the skin and foundation, creating a natural look.

By blending the blush, you soften the edges around the color, creating a natural transition from plain skin to slightly rosy skin to glowing rosy skin. This is how you appear when your cheeks are naturally flushed with blood and how you should always appear when your cheeks are highlighted with blush.