Scared of Blush Because You Have Rosacea? We've Got You

The other day, I was describing my everyday makeup routine to a skin-care professional. "Tinted SPF 50, concealer, bronzer, cream blush, and mascara," I listed. She replied, "Blush? You still wear it even when you have rosacea?" As someone who has always loved cream blush, forgoing it because I have rosacea is something that had never really occurred to me. But it makes total sense.

One of the most common symptoms of rosacea is facial flushing and redness, so why on earth would I add even more redness to my face? In my opinion, my makeup just isn't complete without a dab of my favorite trusty cream blush. But it did have me thinking about the many other people out there too scared to dip their toes into the world of blush because of their skin condition. So, I spoke with Chanel makeup artist Zoë Taylor to get the lowdown on all of the tips you could possibly want about wearing blush if you have rosacea.

Taylor is the perfect person to chat with about all things facial flushing because she experienced frequent rosacea flare-ups throughout her 20s. "I never thought that blush could be an option for me," she tells POPSUGAR. "After all, my face seemed so red already. Then I discovered concealer." She explains that before even picking up blush, you've got to get your concealer right first — but even before concealer, you've got to prep your base.

"Make sure your skin is hydrated before you begin any makeup because dryness is a common symptom of rosacea," Taylor says. Now, onto concealer. "Lightly [conceal] the areas you need to and remember you don't need to block everything out, just aim to even out the skin tone." For this, she suggests a long-wearing yet comfortable and moisturizing concealer, like the Le Correcteur de Chanel ($43).

Le Correcteur de Chanel

From

$43

$43 at Ulta

One of the main misconceptions around wearing blush when you have rosacea is that it sounds counterintuitive to add red to your face. But Taylor reassures us that "the right shade in the right place can actually help balance out redness." For this reason, she suggests going for blush that has a taupe or peachy undertone to counteract redness. She loves the Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk ($18) and N°1 De Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Healthy Pink ($45). I personally also love Kjaer Weis Cream Blush ($32).

Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk

From

$18

$18 at Glossier

N°1 De Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Healthy Pink

From

$45

$45 at Chanel

Kjaer Weis Cream Blush

From

$32

$32 at Nordstrom

As previously mentioned, people with rosacea tend to be on the drier side when it comes to their skin type. For that reason, Taylor recommends trying a cream blush instead of jumping straight into a powder. However, as with everything when it comes to beauty, it's down to personal preference. She suggests starting with a cream blush and then "lightly setting with a small amount of translucent powder to keep everything in place."

Another key symptom of rosacea is sensitive skin. Because of this, it's important to be gentle when applying makeup. "I prefer to use a Beautyblender ($20) to apply blush because the product stays put," Taylor says. "However, whether it's a sponge or soft brush you use, make sure you clean them frequently to avoid irritation."

Beautyblender

From

$20

$20 at Sephora

As with all makeup looks and techniques, there is an element of trial and error. The same goes with blush and rosacea. That's why Taylor recommends experimenting with both shades and placement. "Don't be afraid to experiment with different areas of placement on the face; apply onto the apples of the cheek for a fresh flush and along cheekbones for some natural contouring."