by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam
3 Ways to Wear Blush With Red Lipstick
Every time I reach for a red lipstick, I think, “What blush do I use it with?” Often I decide to go for nothing at all because I end up looking like I’m wearing too much makeup. But when I look over at a mirror in passing, I realise the “effortless red lip” look I’m going for just makes me look sallow. So maybe skipping blush isn’t such a great idea. What we need is a blush that complements our red lips without competing for attention and making us look too made up. We’ve pulled together our favourite blushes; choose the one that speaks to you.
The Neutral Bronze
If your red lipstick is matte and very pigmented, go with a bronze-y cream blush, giving your skin a natural sun-kissed look. We like the Nudestix Nudie Bronze-Matte Creams in Bondi Bae (SGD49) and the Nars Blush in Madly (SGD52).
The One Matching Your Skin Tone
If you know your skin tone and undertones, then you’re halfway there already. One of the easiest blush-and-red-lip combinations is to choose one with undertones that flatter your skin tone. For light to medium complexions, choose pinky browns like Tarte’s Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed (SGD48) or the MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush in Harmony (SGD29). For darker skin tones, terracotta oranges are the best — try Fenty Beauty’s Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick in Chili Mango (SGD39) or Bobbi Brown’s Blush in Clementine (SGD52).
The Fail-safe
A foolproof and fail-safe way to ensure your blush matches your lipstick is to use the same lipstick shade on your cheeks. Warm up the product between your fingers before you pat it on your cheeks so that you don’t over-apply. For more versatile and neutral colours, choose a red lipstick with a blue undertone, like the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Slim Matte Lipstick in Rouge Extravagant (SGD55) or the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso (SGD34).
