Cheeks

What does blush do to your face?

When your complexion looks pale or dull, blush makeup brings it back to life. It adds a healthy flush of colour while defining your features for a vibrant, sculpted effect. Using cheek blush is a simple way to give your skin warmth and shape.

This step transforms your face makeup from simply done to polished and complete. The key is finding your ideal shade for a seamless, natural finish that leaves you with a beautiful blush glow. It’s a small addition to your cosmetics bag that gives your face colour, balance and a softer finish.

How to choose the right blush colour

Choosing the right blush colour makes all the difference in how fresh and natural your makeup looks. The wrong shade can look flat, while the right one adds warmth and balance to your complexion.

To find a match that works for you, start by looking at your skin before the shade. Follow these simple steps to pair your blush with your skin tone and preferences:

1. Check your skin tone: If your skin is fair, go for soft peaches and light pinks. Olive tones look great in warm corals, while deeper tones suit richer shades like berry or red.
2. Use undertones as a guide: Cool undertones work best with pink or mauve shades, while warm undertones glow with coral, peach or golden tones. Neutral undertones can usually wear both.
3. Match to your skin types: A long-wearing powder blush helps reduce shine on oily skin, while a cream blush blends smoothly into dry or mature skin for a dewy finish.
4. Add a blush stick to your kit: A blush stick is compact, easy to apply and ideal for quick touch-ups or building colour throughout the day.
5. Test before you commit: Always swatch on your cheek, not your hand, so you can see how the colour blends with your skin tone in natural light. If you are trying a palette, test more than one shade to compare which works best.

How to apply blush properly

Blush can change how your whole look comes together. It adds colour, balance and shape when applied the right way. To get the best result, start with the right skincare items and the right skincare tools.

Here are the steps to apply blush so you get a soft, flattering result every time:

1. Start with clean skin: Use a facial cleanser, then follow with a face moisturiser and sunscreen before makeup.
2. Choose your formula: Pick among powder, cream or liquid blush, and then choose a matte or glowy finish to suit your style and skin type.
3. Use the right brush: A blush brush helps place colour evenly without harsh edges.
4. Blend with light motions: Apply using soft circular motions so the colour blends into your cheeks.
5. Build slowly for a natural finish: Add colour in light layers until you reach a soft, natural finish.

What does bronzer do?

Bronzer is used to bring warmth back into your complexion. It helps add shape and depth, especially after the foundation evens out your skin tone.

With just a light layer, bronzer creates a healthy glow that mimics natural light. It gives your skin a soft sun-kissed finish and ties your makeup together so your face looks fresh and balanced.

Is bronzer the same as contour?

No, bronzer and contour are not the same. Bronzer adds warmth to your face and gives skin a natural glow, while contour creates shadows that define and shape your features.

If you want a healthy, sun-kissed look, choose bronzer. For sharper definition, we recommend contour. Both can work together in your routine, and when blended well, the finish looks natural.

Where do you apply the highlighter on the face?

A little highlighter goes a long way. It’s designed to add shimmer to the high points of your face so your features look brighter and more defined. With the right amount, you can choose between a soft glow or a stronger, high-shine effect.

Here are the areas where it works best:

• Cheekbones: Brush it just above the apples of your cheeks to make them look more lifted.
• Bridge of the nose: Apply a light line down the centre to create the look of a straighter, more defined nose.
• Brow bone: Add under the highest part of your eyebrow to make your eyes look bigger and more awake.
• Cupid’s bow: Dab on the dip at the centre of your top lip to make your lips appear fuller.
• Chin: Apply a small amount to the centre of your chin to tie the glow together across your face.

How to apply makeup highlighter

To apply highlighter, start with your makeup finished and set. A small amount is all you need, so begin lightly. This helps you control the glow and avoid using too much.

If you want your cheekbones to stand out, tap a little highlighter along the tops and blend until it looks soft. You can add more to your brow bone and the bridge of your nose to bring light to the centre of your face. If you like extra brightness, place a small dot on your cupid’s bow or the inner corners of your eyes.

With a brush, sponge or fingertip, blend the edges so everything melts into your makeup. For daytime, keep the glow subtle. You can build the layers for a stronger shine that still looks smooth for evenings.

To complete your look, shop blush, bronzer and highlighter in-store or online at Hairhouse. Our stylists can answer your FAQs and help you try on different shades. You’ll also find bestsellers, gift sets and the option to save your favourites to your wishlist.