The best blusher for every complexion

This season it’s fair to say fashion gave good blush. The catwalks were awash not with bare faces, but those that looked wind-whipped with a barely detectable suggestive flush. The brief was clear: either pull inspiration from the 80s and theatrically carve out cheekbones by winging it up to your temples as we saw at Rabens Saloner. Or opt for low-key hydrated glowing skin, where blush gently warms up the complexion to mimic a rush of blood to the face.

Hailing from ancient Egypt, where women would add red pigment from berries to their cheeks, blush is hardly a new concept. But it's back in a big way after playing second fiddle to contouring and highlighting over the past five years or so. Given a new post-pandemic mood is blowing in, its suggestion of robust health is what’s seriously driving the current blusher boom. The other less scientific reason? Blusher is fun, it’s flirtatious and surely a little flush of excitement is exactly what’s called for right now after months of social distancing. Which is why, when it comes to blusher placement, there are no hard and fast rules.

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“What we’ve been seeing on the recent runways is a more pigmented approach to blusher,” observes Danish-born make-up artist and founder of her own eponymous organic beauty line, Kirsten Kjaer Weis. “It’s more of a statement with a saturated application that reaches onto the temples and hairline in some cases. The look’s not for everybody, but it oozes a much-needed playfulness and joy.” Weis still leans on the more classic technique of buffing a cream or powder blush onto the apples of the cheeks. “I love blusher to look like an inner glow and this is naturally where we flush after a brisk walk or a sun-kissed holiday. Blusher can also be applied further up on the cheekbones for a more elongated lift.”

As for texture, it pays to take the finish into consideration, says Weis. “Do you want a more dewy finish? Then use your fingers to tap on a cream blusher and, if your skin is on the oily side, apply a little translucent powder on the T-zone. If you prefer a matte finish choose a powder blush.” Blemish-prone skin may also want to avoid shimmer, which can highlight bumps on the skin. The key then is to buff and blend for a natural, melt-in-the-skin effect.

Of course, the importance of finding the right shade for your skin tone should never be underestimated. From powders to creams, shop the best blushers below:

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“Soft rosy blushers with a pink or beige undertone are flattering,” says Weis. Steer clear of anything too warm or coral as it can look muddy on the skin.

While blue undertones flatter pale skin, they are too ‘cool’ for medium and olive skin. “Choose pinks that have a warm reddish tone,” says Weis, whose Cream Blush in Blushing is an excellent raspberry shade for the job. Orange-y peaches can also work wonders if your skin is a little on the sallow side.

“Bright pinks, corals and deep burgundies all give a wonderful pop of colour to darker skin tones,” says Weis.