by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

How To: Choose the Right Blush for Your Skin Tone

Anyone would think that the most essential part of a makeup routine is a popping lip colour or great brows, but blush is just as important in makeup. It brightens up the rest of your face, making you look fresher and younger. But just like choosing lip colours, it can be a tad difficult to choose a blush colour that doesn’t make you end up looking like a clown. So the question is, how do you pick the perfect blush for your complexion? Ahead, a guide to looking beautifully flushed all year round.

When choosing a blush colour, the goal is to pick a shade that matches the colour of your cheeks when you have a natural flush. Pinch your cheeks and see the colour they turn; your natural colouring is the best indicator of what tone of blush your skin is best suited for. Another tip is to check the veins on your wrist, to determine what skin undertone you have. If your veins look greener than blue, you’re warm-toned, and if your veins are bluer, chances are you’re more of a cooler undertone. For a natural look, choose a blush with the same undertone as your skin for a natural look, and pick one with the opposite undertone for a bold-looking blush.

Once you determine the best blush tone for your complexion, picking a formula is easier: if you have acne-prone or oily skin, go for a powder formula. Liquid or cream blushes are good for clear skin and darker complexions, but keep in mind that you will probably need to reapply after a few hours. For an extra-fresh and monochromatic look, match your lip colour to your cheek colour.

Fair

Cool undertones: Soft pink shades work well for a natural look, like the NARS Dual Intensity Blush in Adoration (SGD68). For a bolder evening look that can double up as a contour, choose plum shades. Look for a translucent stain or cream with purple or blue undertones, like the Nudestix Gel Colour Lip and Cheek Balm in Wicked (SGD 41), and dab some in the hollows of cheeks for extra definition.

Warm undertones: A universally-flattering shade that works well on warmer skin tones? Peach. It’s especially flattering if your complexion has yellow undertones as it enhances the natural flush. One of our favourites is the NARS Blush in Orgasm (SGD52), which works to flatter and brighten your complexion. If you want a little more oomph, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Radiant Magenta (SGD67) is perfect.

Medium

Cool undertones: Wear richer shades of pink or mauve for a natural flush. Medium pink is flattering on medium skin tones; berry pinks are soft, delicate and pretty, brightening up your skin. A great recommendation is the Anastasia Beverly Hill Blush Trio in Berry Adore (SGD55).

Warm undertones: Apricot-orange shades are flattering and subtle, enhancing the warmth in your skin tone while keeping it soft and fresh. It allows you to go bolder with the rest of your makeup. Our pick would be the NARS Blush in Luster (SGD52).

Dark

Cool undertones: If your skin is on the darker side, reach for a contrasting tone instead of a complementary one. Anything too cool or anything with a weak pigment won’t show up on your skin, so grab a red-orangey shade like the NARS Blush in Exhibit A (SGD52). Deep raisin shades are also gorgeous on darker skin, like the Sephora Collection Colorful Blush in Love Sick (SGD22).

Warm undertones: Those with dark skin shouldn’t be intimidated by highly pigmented shades—warm browns, deep terracotta and tangerine blushes pack a punch, like the RMS Beauty Pressed Blush in Moon Cry (SGD40) and Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush in Tigerlily (SGD52).