The Best Cheek Palette

Buying Guide

Blush is an important part of a face full of makeup. But there’s an art to finding a shade of blush that accentuates your features rather than distracts from them. Skin undertones are an important part of tracking down a compatible blush, and they’re also important to getting the right foundation and powder.

But you don’t need an expert to determine your own unique undertones. Traditionally, there have been three major undertones: warm, cool and neutral. Here are some ways to find your own undertones:

• Look at your veins. Greenish veins indicate warm undertones, blue or purple veins indicate cooler undertones and colorless veins are a sign of neutral undertones.
• Consider your jewelry preferences. If you find you gravitate toward yellow gold because it looks good on you, you likely have warm undertones. Silver, platinum and rose gold look best on those with cooler undertones, and all types of jewelry look good on those with neutral undertones.
• Take a look at your closet. If you wear a lot of white or black, you might have cool undertones. If your closet is packed with off white or brown clothing, you probably have warmer undertones. Neutral tones look good across the entire color palette.

Once you’ve pinpointed your undertones, it’s time to match your makeup. For blush, your choice depends on the effect you’re trying to achieve. If you’re looking to blend your blush to your undertones, look for colors with undertones that match. Cooler undertones look better in pinks, plums, russets and reds. Warmer undertones should go for peaches, bronzes and corals. As with other matching efforts, those with neutral undertones can have their pick.

You’ll also need to choose between creams and powders. Both have their benefits, so you might want to experiment to see which works best for you. Some last longer than others, and some go on smoother than others. You can find palettes that include blush and eyeshadow combined, with the combination designed to match, to give you a little extra convenience.

• Consider whether you’re trying to achieve a consistent look or you’ll want to switch your look up every day. You can find palettes that build in multiple shades to give you the variety you crave.
• If you like a little sparkle on your face, look for blushes that build some iridescence in to give you that glow. You can also buy separate highlighting powder that will catch the light.
• If you need a portable blush, look for one that comes in a lightweight compact that will make it easy to pack into your purse or luggage.
• Blushes and eyeshadows can have scents, as well. Check into this to ensure it won’t overpower your other fragrances. If you’re sensitive to certain perfumes and dyes, you’ll also want to check the ingredient list carefully before buying.
• To accentuate your cheekbones, use multiple shades. A lighter highlighting shade will go on your cheekbone with a shade darker than your skin in the hallows of each cheek. You’ll then blend them. It might take practice, but once you’ve perfected it, you can have a well-defined cheekbone.
• For blushes you plan to take on the go with you, make sure you have a mirror. You can choose a blush that includes a mirror in the compact.
• Experts typically like to match a person’s lipstick and blush, creating an overall color scheme. You can find creamy blushes that can also be used as a lipstick to ensure you’re getting that match. Creamy blushes can be a little more dramatic, though, so be aware that a little goes a long way.
• The formula plays a direct role in how a blush attaches to the skin. Blushes made from lightweight powders like talcum tend to be less prone to clumping. If you go for a creamy blush, look for one with oils that will provide the hydration you need. Many today are built with natural oils that leave chemicals and dyes out of the equation.