#theSOproject Blusher

Hi guys, I decided to follow on from my previous posts with another collection photo as these have proven quite popular so far.  Please let me know in the comments below if you would like me to continue with these in upcoming weeks!  Luckily, I was in the right place at the right time when a good friend of mine was having a big clear out - all but 2 of the MAC blushes came from her. Needless to say, on that day I was more excited than a kid in a candy store!

Blusher is a make-up product that I enjoy wearing and I tend to look washed out without it.  If you watch Mr Selfridge, you may have noticed them discussing the first few cosmetics that were widely used back in the Edwardian times, and blush, or rouge, was one of them.  It was even used as long ago as the Egyptian times! 

I apply it to the apples of my cheeks then upwards over the top of my cheekbones.  Even though I have oily skin, and used to think it wouldn't work so well on me, I prefer cream blusher to powder.  I just like the dewiness of it that I wear alongside a more matte foundation/powder finish and highlighter.  I find this combo works well for me as I can't seem to pull off the all-over dewy look without ending up a shiny mess.  Again, remember to start with a subtle application as it is much easier to add more than remove and none of us want to end up looking like a clown!

TEXTURES
Blusher usually comes in stain, cream or powder form.  Cheek stains are most often found in a tube; the pen versions being more for lips.  Creams can be pressed in a pot or stick, or more liquidy in a tube.  Powders can be pressed or loose - the former being the easiest to apply without making a mess.  Both powders and creams can be matte or shimmery in finish, sometimes with a touch of glitter.

1. Stain   2. Liquid Cream   3. Stick Cream   4. Pressed Cream   5. Pressed Shimmer Cream  
6. Pressed Powder   7. Pressed Shimmer Powder   8. Loose Mineral Powder

COLOURS
I like to use a range of colours for my blusher, rather than sticking to the 'use the colour of your natural flush' rule.  The more orangey tones work well with a tan; pinky tones when my skin is paler or for a more girly look; reddish tones complement a red lipstick and I use darker hues, such as MAC's Harmony, for contour.

TOOLS
Although I think fingers work amazingly for applying a smooth foundation base and cream highlighter, I always use a brush for blusher.  My favourites are both from Real Techniques - the Blush Brush for powder and the Stippling Brush for cream. 

FAVOURITES
My all-time favourite blush is Cactus Flower by NARS.  It has a hint of shimmer and dewiness along with a beautiful orangey red tone that can be subtle or built up.  In terms of powder, I like the MAC Fleur Power for a pretty pink.  For a cheaper option, the Topshop blush stick in Acting Up was reduced to £1 in the recent sale and is a really gorgeous coral shade (it looks more orange in this pic though).

What is your favourite blush?

If you have done a blusher post, leave your links!