Everything You Need to Know About Applying Blush on Dark Skin Tones

Published on 1/12/2022 at 6:52 PM

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With the rise in the skinimalism trend, blush has become an essential part of people's makeup routines.
However, some people with deep skin tones have been avoiding blush altogether.
We asked a professional makeup artist how people with deep skin tones should ease into adding blush to their routines.

With the cosmetics industry seemingly rolling out new products on a daily basis, it feels like the average makeup consumer would have every product under the sun for a full face of makeup. However, there seems to be one particular product that is still being intentionally left out of some routines: blush.

Arguments surrounding the necessity of blush have been circulating in the Black community in particular for quite some time. Many people with deep skin tones have said that they intentionally skip blush in their makeup routines due to things like acne scars, simply not thinking it makes a difference, or just plain not knowing what colors to wear. Blush has even been touted to some as something that was not a part of a makeup routine for deep skin tones. But blush can be one of the best secret weapons in your makeup arsenal. "Blush is such a versatile product," Jaleesa Jaikaran, makeup artist and host of The Life of a Makeup Artist podcast, told POPSUGAR. "It can be added on the cheeks, lips, temples, nose, and eyes. Depending on the shade, it can also add dimension to the face alongside a bit of warmth as well."

Whatever your stance on the matter is, we know the use of blush is subjective. However, because we truly don't think anyone should ever have to live without experiencing the glory of a good blush, we decided to ask Jaikaran the best ways to incorporate it into a makeup routine. From product recommendations to application techniques, read ahead to fully step into your Marie Antoinette era.

Beginner-Friendly Blushes: Creams

Common complaints about blushes are that there are simply too many options, and some people just don't know where to start. But there are some formulas that are particularly beginner-friendly: creams. "You can apply [them] with your fingers or a brush and easily blend, much easier than you could with a powder," Jaikaran said.

However, if you do feel like you've applied too much when using a cream, don't worry, there's an easy fix. "Just use your foundation brush [with any leftover product on it] to help blend the extra blush in."

If You Don't Like Cream Blush, Try a Liquid

If the thought of using a cream blush makes you want to run for the hills, you have options. For more coverage from a blush, Jaikaran said to opt for a powder or liquid. Because powder formulas can be a bit more pigmented than creams, they tend to show up a little easier on deep skin tones. If you have oily skin or just love matte makeup, powder blush would be perfect for you.

If you want a bit of dew but still prefer massive color payoff, liquid blushes may be the go-to formula. Liquid blush "gives such a beautiful, fresh, flushed look to the skin," makeup artist Shannon Pezzetta previously told POPSUGAR. The artist, who has worked with clients like Marsai Martin, said that her favorite liquid blush to use on the star is Nars Liquid Blush in Dolce Vita ($30). "That is the best blush, especially for darker tones," she said.

Nars Liquid Blush in Dolce Vita

From

$30

Best Blush Colors to Use on Deep Skin Tones

Baby pink isn't the only blush option available on the market. "There are so many gorgeous shades for deeper skin tones," Jaikaran said. "Berries complement deeper skin tones beautifully." One of her favorites? The Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick in Quickie ($20).

If berries aren't your thing, Jaikaran also loves orange blushes on deep skin tones. From bright, true-to-color oranges to more pinky-coral hues, the variations of this shade feel endless. Of all the oranges she's used, she said the Mary Kay Chromafusion Blush ($14) remains the one to beat.

The Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick in Quickie

From

$20

Mary Kay Chromafusion Blush

From

$14