Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Flawless Face Easily Achieved: LAYER YOUR BLUSH!

I'm a huge fan of *CC Creams, tinted moisturizers, and creamy foundations....they leave skin even-toned, luminescent and hydrated. The problem is that for many, especially those of us with oilier skin, these products can leave a less-than-desirable shiny residue, making us look like we've just walked out of a steam room!  Luminescent skin...GOOD.  Greasy glow...NOT SO GOOD.

The remedy? Upon applying your foundation of choice, use your fingers to dab a creamy rose-colored rouge to the apples of your cheeks.  Always ALWAYS apply powder to set these products in. Without a light dusting of powder, your face will appear shiny and your  foundation will not set properly.  But here's the trick: Always use a quality sable-hair fluffy brush in conjunction with a PRESSED powder, not loose. Pressed powders offer more control when loading your brush with product....you never want to use too much powder. Lightly swirl your brush into your pressed powder of choice and gently swipe the product onto your skin, brushing downward to follow your vellus hair growth.... this technique will set your make-up beautifully. You may need to add a bit more onto the 
t-zone to control the oil.....and do not forget your jawline and neck! You want to make sure to blend your foundation and powder into your jawline, for a seamless finish.  


I love this creamy cheek color from Bobbie Brown ($38 NORSTROM)..it comes in several shades and the pigment stays put after you've powdered it in. The best part? I can use it on my lips as well, how fantastic!

Another Tip:  Always layer your blush. Using a light touch, tap the creamy blush onto the apples of your cheeks after you've applied your foundation and concealer. Next, apply a light dusting of powder to set it all in. Lastly, add an additional (light dusting) of POWDER BLUSH to the cheekbones, using a sable hair blush-brush. It seems like a lot of rouge, but this technique will add dimension and just enough color to your cheeks, the key is to set your foundation and cream rouge with powder. 

I love this concentrated powder rouge from NARS ($30 Bloomingdales). It comes in a several shades and is incredibly long lasting. The best part? A little goes a long way, so you don't need much. 

For added dimension, add a swipe of bronzer onto the CONTOUR of the cheekbones. Emphasizing the contour will allow your cheekbones to standout and emphasize your facial curves. Finish-off your look with a shimmery cheek-highlighter to the TOP of the cheekbone (the area just below your eye socket).  These multi-steps may seem like an a lot of color I know. The key is to apply these products using a light touch, and blot your skin as needed, with a tissue, in between layers, to tone down the color if you've added too much. A layering technique like this works really well at creating a bright fresh glow, perfect for spring. 

At this point you may want to finish off your entire look with a final light dusting of powder to set it ALL in.  Trust me when I say that layering blush adds a depth and dimension that you CANNOT achieve from just one cheek product. 

A powdered contour color like this Amazonian Clay from Tarte, works great!


This shimmery highlight from Physicians Formula is one of my favorites :) 


How to layer your cheek color:

Step 1: Creamy Rouge applied to the APPLES of your cheeks.
Step 2:  Set your foundation and cream rouge with a dusting of powder.
Step 3:  Swipe a dusting of powder-blush to the cheekbones. 
Step 4: Add a bronzing powder to the contour, and swipe the remaining residue from your brush, onto your forehead and jawline. 
Step 5:  Add a bit of shimmery highlight to small area just above the cheek-bone. 

Additional Tip:  With the remaining residue from your blush brush, swipe your upper lids, to infuse color and dimension on the eyelids as well. 

The layering blush affect, coupled with your shine-controlling powder will give your skin an even-toned, luminescent glow!  How great is that?

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--Ciao for now ;)

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