Everything You Need to Know About Applying Blush

Aug 04, 2014

Let’s talk blush! We’re all aware of its role in the makeup world as the finishing touch on any freshly done up face, and for lots of ladies, that’s the breadth of their grasp on getting rosy cheeked. But there’s actually a lot more to this little compact that meets the eye! So consider this post the way to boost your 101 knowledge. From types of blush to go-to shades to how to apply it to suit your face shape, scroll down for a deep dive into blush basics.

Powder VS Cream VS Stain
Three types of blushes, three (or more!) ways to use ‘em:
Powder Blush: This should be your go-to blush for daily wear. It’s light on your skin and easy to apply — invest in a solid brush like Paula Dorf’s Perfect Cheek Brush ($31) to help make the blending process easier.
Cream Blush: Cream blush is synonymous with longevity, especially on days or at occasions when you’re outdoors. The formula is extra hydrating — a bonus feature you’ll love in dryer conditions — apply it with tinted moisturizer for an even more nourishing boost. Apply this blush with your fingers and seal it with a matching powder blush to make sure it’s color doesn’t fade.
Stain: Cheek stain is formulated to oxidize when it hits your skin and blend into your natural undertones, creating a fresh-faced, rosy look. Plus, this product pulls double duty as a lip color as well! To create the best depth, apply with your fingers (or a brush if it comes with one!) and then add a similar hued power on top.
Choosing Your Color
Real talk: This topic is completely up for debate. There are many makeup artists and experts out there who believe wholeheartedly that there is THE blush for you. And while *I* agree that everyone has a preference for what color looks best on their skin tone, I mostly firmly believe that just about anyone can wear just about any color blush… if applied correctly and in the right balance with the rest of the makeup they’re wearing. More on this when we move into a more advanced approach ;) But so you can see the differences, I’ll apply three totally different colors of blush and then you decide when and where to wear ’em on yourself.
Orange: Applying an orange-tinted blush gives you a bronzy complexion like you’ve been soaking up the sun for days. Sport this natural-looking color at the office with a subtle smokey eye so your skin will glow even indoors.
Purple: One word: Drama! Rock this shade on your cheeks with just a touch of mascara to strike the perfect balance. This look would stun on a night out with the girls.
Pink: Look at how those cheeks pop! Wear this bright color with a cute cat eye to every wedding you’ll attend this summer.
The Right Place to Apply For Your Face Shape
The bad news: You’re probably applying your blush COMPLETELY wrong. You’d think a brush across your general cheekbone area would cut it, but actually there are different zones on each different face shape where blush looks the best. The good news: We’re breaking down the proper places for blush application right here. The better news: Our blush beauty tips come in the form of a printable cheat sheet that you can keep on your vanity until you master your look! DL and find your face shape below:
Oval Face: This long and lean face shape is the most versatile for blush application. But as a general rule of thumb, apply to the apples of your cheeks and sweep back towards your temples.
Round Face: Apply blush slightly below the apples of your cheeks and sweep it back toward your earlobes — this will help to help elongate your face.
Square Face: Gals with a square face should apply their blush directly to your cheekbones, and sweep it toward your ears to make a thick horizontal line. The angular application will soften the angle of your face.
Heart Face: Apply blush just below the apples of your cheeks and blend it downward towards your ears and your jawline to give your face a stronger angle.
Oblong Face: This elongated face shape generally has a little more room to go heavier with your blush application. Apply it directly to the apples of your cheeks and blend in a circular motion towards the outside of your face to refine your features.
Remember, you can always apply more or less blush to suit your situation — for daytime wear, stick with less pigmented blushes to keep your look refined, and when the sun goes down, any shade’s fair game!

So what blush basics are you brushed up on? Which shades are your favorite for day wear, for nights out or for special occasions? Share any of your blush or makeup tips in the comments below.

24 Cozy 'Gilmore Girls' Gifts For Anyone Who'd Rather Be In Stars Hollow

If there's one thing about Gilmore Girls fans you can count on, it's their passion. They love the quirky one liners, memorable moments, and are usually either Team Jess or Team Logan (sorry Dean...). Give any Gilmore Girls lover in your life the chance to transport themselves to Stars Hollow this holiday season — without having to make the trek to Washington, Connecticut or the Warner Bros. stage in Hollywood. These Gilmore Girls gift ideas are fun, thoughtful, and very cozy, which are also three hallmarks of the series itself! From a coffee mug that Luke Danes would approve of to the perfect gifts for Taylor Swift fans, this Gilmore Girlsgift guide will make you say "Oy with the poodles already!"

Keep reading for 24 Gilmore Girls-themed gift ideas for 2024.

Amazon

The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir

Get all the behind the scenes info you could ever dream of when you pick up Kelly Bishop's new memoir!

Hot Topic

Loungefly Gilmore Girls Icons Mini Backpack

I was absolutely gagged the first time I saw this backpack. Tiny pizza slices, both the Luke's Diner and Chilton logos, AND the gazebo? I need this, like, right now.

Sunday Best

Sunday Best Peggy Sweater

Consider this white cable knit sweaterthe Rory Gilmore sweater for the season. I cannot stop wearing mine. It's super soft and the perfect medium weight (meaning you won't be cold but you also won't feel weighed down). It's also not itchy at all. I love wearing it with jeans, or tucked into trousers or a skirt.

Amazon

Cotton Baseball Hat

For a more subtle nod to the fashion on the show, a blue baseball cap gives major Luke Danes vibes without having to walk around wearing Gilmore Girls merchandise. Wear it with a crewneck and oversized coat now (hello '90s "It" girl!) and a tee shirt come spring.

Book of the Month

Book of the Month

Channel your inner Rory with the Book of the Month subscription service. The cool part about someone else picking out the books is that you'll find titles — and authors — you didn't even know to look for.

Nordstrom

Espresso Martini Statement Earrings

It wouldn't be an episode of Gilmore Girls without a cup of coffee, or a martini at one of Richard and Emily's Friday night dinners. Combine the two iconic beverages with these statement earrings! They're bold, they're quirky, and they'll be the talk of all your holiday parties.

Etsy

Stars Hollow "Autumn Festival" Travel Poster

Nothing screams Stars Hollow like a festival, and this autumnal poster celebrates the best parts of small town life. Whether you choose to display it in a gallery wall or on a bookshelf, you'll feel like you're coming home every time you look at it.

Etsy

Luke's Diner Mug

With a Luke's Diner mug, you can pretend you really are in Stars Hollow. Bonus points if you're also having a big stack of pancakes!

Etsy

Gilmore Iced Coffee Glass Cup

If you're more of an iced coffee fan, even in the winter (I wonder what Luke would have to say about that?), grab a glass with a super cute design. Not only do I love that Rory and Lorelai are featured in the design, but the color palette is beautiful, too!

Maisonette

Gina White Poodle

Getting your little into the Gilmore Girls spirit? They definitely need a lovable stuffed dog. Again I say, "Oy with the poodles already!"

Handker Bandanas

Colorful Bandana

For another low-key nod to the ultimate BFF's, grab a bandana in your favorite color (like this one that uses untreated, non-GMO cotton!). In true Y2K fashion, Sookie and Lorelai wear bandanas throughout the show, so this is a super fun way to incorporate their style into your own closet this winter.

Etsy

Dragonfly Necklace

A delicate dragonfly necklace is a beautiful layering piece that will add summer cheer to the dreariest of winter days and remind you of Dragonfly Inn at the same time. The fact that dragonflies represent new beginnings is just the cherry on top.

Etsy

Gilmore Girl Eras Shirt

Have you been binging Gilmore Girls during the day and watching Eras Tour TikTok livestreams at night? This T-shirt has your name written all over it. My personal favorite detail is that Kirk is in the debut square.

Etsy

Stars Hollow Christmas Festival Sweatshirt

There's nothing like layering a turtleneck, a crewneck, and a bunch of jewelry for a trip to your corner coffee shop, so swap your go-to crewneck for this festive Stars Hollow one! The gazebo is instantly recognizable for Gilmore Girls fans and just looking at the design makes me want to say, "I smell snow."

Walmart

Gilmore Girls: Complete Series Collection

One of my favorite Christmas presents in recent years was the full Gilmore Girls DVD set. This 42-disc DVD set has every single episode and even more hours of unaired clips, behind the scenes features, and episode commentaries. I'm geeking out just thinking about it.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook

Gilmore Girls recipes are always delicious, and always pretty easy (after all, Lorelai and Rory basically only eat takeout and Luke's!). The official cookbook will let you put your own spin on the food you seen onscreen, and then you can have a truly meta experience by eating your meal while you watch the Gilmores eat theirs.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: Trivia Deck and Episode Guide

Tried-and-true Gilmore Girls fans will love diving into this trivia book. Because this game (which features 200 questions) has an 88-page episode guide and goes through every. Single. Episode. Worth it!

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: At Home in Stars Hollow

TBH, I think kids books are great for book lovers of any age. The art and simple storytelling really get my creative juices flowing. At Home In Stars Hollow will make you (or a family member or friend) love Gilmore Girls in a whole new way!

Cande Craft Company

Stars Hollow Scented Candle

This all-natural soy candle has every scent a Gilmore Girls fan will love: coffee, sweet cream, and vanilla. It's cozy and balances sweet and bitter in a really intoxicating way.

Amazon

Lorelai and Rory Gilmore Plush

Okay, I'll be honest. I want these plushes for myself! The design is a hilarious nod to the season one episode "The Lorelais' First Day At Chilton" and even features a tiny coffee mug and tiny book!

Rock Em Socks

Gilmore Girls Socks

Now that we're in knee-high boot season (which I FINALLY bought), I like to wear super fun, colorful, and chaotic socks. Grab a pack of Gilmore Girls socks to take some Stars Hollow magic with you no matter where you go.

Etsy

Gilmore Girls Themed Blind Date with a Book

For this bookish blind date, you'll receive a Rory-themed read, a tea bag, a bookmark, and stickers. You really can't go wrong.

Favorite Child

Stars Hollow Books Tote Bag

Carrying your favorite books in a tote bag with the Stars Hollow Books logo feels like it's meant to be.

Amazon

Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember

Lauren Graham's collection of essays will give you a glimpse behind the curtain as she offers thoughtful stories about life, aging, and the industry.

Which gifts from this Gilmore Girls gift guide will you be buying for your friends (or yourself)? Let us know in the comments!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Angelina Jolie Finally Opened Up About Her "Extremely Private" Kids & Motherhood

Angelina Jolie has always been mother — but she's also a literal mother to six kids whom she clearly cares about fiercely. Since she first adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax to giving birth to Vivienne and Knox, it's always been evident that her children are her entire world. While she rarely talks about her children (especially given her highly contested divorce at the moment), Angelina shared a little slice of her feelings on motherhood, insights on her children, and more with Good Morning America.

Here's what Angelina Jolie had to say about her kids — including which one of them is the most private!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Angelina opened up about her feelings for her family while chatting about her new movie Maria with Good Morning Americaon November 21, 2024. Host Michael Strahan asked Angie about if there's anything she loves as much as her character loves singing, and she replied that it's her "motherhood."

"It’s my happiness. You can take everything else away from me," she said. "I could — nothing else matters."

When asked about her sons' involvement in Maria, Angelina explained that despite their involvement behind the scenes, they're very uninterested in a life in the spotlight. She said, "None of my children want to be in front of the camera. They're quite private."

Angelina elaborated, "Shiloh's extremely private. They weren't born with privacy, so I hope they can have that."

This interview comes after Angelina and Knox attended the Governor's Awards with her on November 18, 2024. His rare appearance shocked so many — including Brad. Daily Mail reported that Pitt found the timing "suspicious."

The source said, "'She is trying to get under his skin after his recent win and using Knox to do so is odd. Knox wants nothing to do with Hollywood and has no communication with Brad."

Despite the weirdness, the source also said, "He [Brad] believes that, in time, his children will come back into his life."

How many kids does Angelina Jolie have?

Angelina Jolie has six children. She adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax, and later gave birth to Vivienne and Shiloh. She shares her children with Brad Pitt, most of whom aren't on good terms with him at the moment.

Looking for more celebrity news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

celebrities entertainment celebrity news

Holiday Gifting Made Easy with These 41 'EveryGirl' Essentials

The 'EveryGirl' is the sort of girl who loves the simple, classic, and essential. She loves timeless silhouettes, effortless style, and laid-back elegance. Some love their accessories, some love trying new flavors, and some are all about fashion finds. We've rounded up the top 41 essentials that you need to buy this year for the EveryGirl on your gift list (including yourself).

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

This Gorgeous Gold Pendant Is a Staple

Amazon

This stunning pendant can be worn and styled all the time with everything in anyone's closet. The necklace is a classic piece that's effortless and easy and offers a little elegance to any 'fit.

Everything You Need to Know About Applying Blush

Powder VS Cream VS Stain

Choosing Your Color

The Right Place to Apply For Your Face Shape

Keep reading for 24 Gilmore Girls-themed gift ideas for 2024.

Here's what Angelina Jolie had to say about her kids — including which one of them is the most private!

How many kids does Angelina Jolie have?

This Gorgeous Gold Pendant Is a Staple

A Cleanser Made With Natural Ingredients

You Can Style These Flats With Anything

Finish Any Meal With a Drizzle of This Oil

This Electric Kettle Is a Stylish Essential

This Scrub Is a Dream for Their Skin

Get a Clean, Fresh Face WIth These Starface Patches

This Bathtub Tray Helps Them Relax

This Chunky Choker Is a Bold Spin on a Classic

These Hair Clips Won't Mess Up Your Style

This Phone Case Is Classic and Simple

This Stumptown Coffee Is a Winner

This Beautiful Rug Brings a Room Together

This Pore Cleaning Toner Works Hard

This Nylon Bag Is an Affordable Version of the Viral Sensation

This Cream Offers Deep Hydration

The Breville Espresso Machine Was Made for Coffee Lovers

This Body Wash Smells Fantastic

This Square Neck Top Is a Classic

This Poster Adds Joy to Any Space

This Matcha Powder Is Delicious and Smooth

Say Goodbye to Pores With This Foundation

This Makeup Bag Is Fun and Spacious

These Loafers Are Essential

This Concealer Is Professional-Quality

Your EveryGirl Will Love This Highlighter Set

This Ribbed Top Is a Classic Style

This Tote Bag Is So Much Fun

This Pour-Over Maker Is Easy to Use

These Prints Add a Pop of Color

This Oversized Tee Is Trendy and Classic

This Cottagecore Comforter Set Makes Sleeping a Dream

Layer Up With This Beautiful Necklace Stack

This Loungewear Set Is Slimming

This Oversized Tee Is Always a Good Idea

This Set of Sheets Is Made to Last

Enjoy a Peel Without Any Irritation With This Mask

This Large Tote Has All the Space You Need

Keep Them Warm in This Oversized Cardigan

This Clock Is Timeless

This Mockneck Sweater Is So Stylish