Step-by-step guide · Cheeks
How to apply blush
Where you put blush changes your face shape more than you'd think: in the right spot it lifts, in the wrong one it drags. Placement by face shape, shade by undertone, step by step.
What you'll need
- Cream or powder blush
- A soft, round brush for powder blush
- Your fingers or a damp sponge for cream blush
Step by step
Use the right order
Cream blush goes on before powder, right over foundation. Powder blush goes on after powder — on damp skin it turns patchy.
Find the apple
Smile slightly: the part of your cheek that rises and rounds is the apple. That's where blush starts.
Start with a little
Tap the brush into the blush lightly and shake off the excess on the back of your hand. Giving the cheek less color at first is always easier than taking it away later.
Follow your face shape
Start at the apple and sweep the brush in the direction that suits your face shape (see the diagrams below). Keep the color most intense on the apple and fading toward the ends.
Erase the edge
Blend the edges with a clean brush or sponge in small circles. Nobody should be able to tell where your blush ends.
Tip: Too much? Press a tiny bit of foundation or powder on top with a sponge to soften it.
Blush placement for your face shape
Oval face
On the cheekbones, lifting slightly toward the temples.
Round face
Diagonally from the apple to the temple — it lengthens the face.
Square face
In small circles on the apples — it softens the angles.
Long face
Horizontally, from the apple toward the ear — it widens the face.
Not sure of your face shape? Take the face shape test.
Blush color for your undertone
Don't know your undertone? Take the skin undertone test.
Common mistakes
- Putting blush below the apple, in the hollow: it drags the face down and looks tired.
- Loading the brush: you get a stripe of color. Start light.
- Not blending the edge: blush sits on the cheek like a separate patch.
- Powder blush on damp, unpowdered skin: it goes patchy. Powder first, then powder blush.
FAQ
Where exactly should blush go?
Start on the fullest part of the apple and sweep toward the temple or ear depending on your face shape. The apple is the part that rises when you smile.
Blush or bronzer first?
Bronzer or contour first, then blush, highlighter last. That way the blush color doesn't get muddied by the bronzer.
Cream or powder blush?
Cream looks more natural on dry and normal skin; powder lasts longer on oily skin. Cream goes before powder, powder blush after.
Step by step, in front of your mirror
In Yarvia's lessons every step appears on screen, and the live mirror shows on your own face where to apply it. Color and placement tips follow your skin tone, undertone and face shape.
