So how do you figure out which blush to use? Simple, read on.

Similar to finding the right foundation, in addition to picking the right color for blush, you must also choose the right formula. Here’s a quick guide:

Dry Skin: Creme blushes tend to be more hydrating and flattering.

Oily/Combination Skin: Powder blushes work best as any other consistency can tend to slide off on oily skin.

Normal Skin: almost any blush formula works including liquid and gel formulas.

As far as finishes are concerned, shimmer is good for a youthful glow however, matte is more forgiving on all skin types. Take care when using shimmer as it can make not-so-tiny pores seem larger than they appear.

After choosing the right formula, find the right color. Your most flattering shade of blush will be the color your cheeks turn after working out or you can pinch your cheeks and see what color they turn. I’ve created a handy guide for colors based on skin tones; pick a celeb below whose skin tone closely matches yours and try the shades I’ve suggested.

1. MAC Blush in Well Dressed $18 at MAC 2. NARS Blush in Orgasm $25 at narscosmetics.com 3. NARS Blush in Outlaw $25 at narscosmetics.com 4. NARS Blush in Lovejoy $25 at narscosmetics.com 5. NARS Blush in Taos $25 at narscosmetics.com 6. MAC Blush in Raizin $18 at MAC 7. NARS Blush in Taj Mahal $25 at narscosmetics.com 8. NARS Blush in Exhibit A $25 at narscosmetics.com

You can apply blush either before you put on foundation (for a natural look), or after foundation but before powder or even after foundation and powder–it’s up to you and your routine. To get the longest lasting blush, apply finishing powder on cheeks first, then blush, and then another thin layer of blush. For maximum color payoff (and to help blush last longer), first apply a creme blush first and then a powder blush in the same color on top.

Using an angled brush like MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush, smile and lightly sweep the blush on the apples of your cheeks and the top of your cheekbones. If you’re using a creme blush, apply with your middle finger and lightly tap your cheekbones and tops of your cheekbones then blend with your ring finger. Then follow with a light dusting of finishing powder.

Applying blush first before eye and lip color can help to determine how much eye and lip makeup you need. Often times you can get away with just wearing blush!

And there you have it, a quick and dirty guide on blush. No longer should you be afraid of blush! Keep it as a part of your normal beauty routine and your face will thank you

Click the pic to vote for me:

So how do you figure out which blush to use? Simple, read on.

Similar to finding the right foundation, in addition to picking the right color for blush, you must also choose the right formula. Here’s a quick guide:

Dry Skin: Creme blushes tend to be more hydrating and flattering.

Oily/Combination Skin: Powder blushes work best as any other consistency can tend to slide off on oily skin.

Normal Skin: almost any blush formula works including liquid and gel formulas.

As far as finishes are concerned, shimmer is good for a youthful glow however, matte is more forgiving on all skin types. Take care when using shimmer as it can make not-so-tiny pores seem larger than they appear.

After choosing the right formula, find the right color. Your most flattering shade of blush will be the color your cheeks turn after working out or you can pinch your cheeks and see what color they turn. I’ve created a handy guide for colors based on skin tones; pick a celeb below whose skin tone closely matches yours and try the shades I’ve suggested.

1. MAC Blush in Well Dressed $18 at MAC 2. NARS Blush in Orgasm $25 at narscosmetics.com 3. NARS Blush in Outlaw $25 at narscosmetics.com 4. NARS Blush in Lovejoy $25 at narscosmetics.com 5. NARS Blush in Taos $25 at narscosmetics.com 6. MAC Blush in Raizin $18 at MAC 7. NARS Blush in Taj Mahal $25 at narscosmetics.com 8. NARS Blush in Exhibit A $25 at narscosmetics.com

You can apply blush either before you put on foundation (for a natural look), or after foundation but before powder or even after foundation and powder–it’s up to you and your routine. To get the longest lasting blush, apply finishing powder on cheeks first, then blush, and then another thin layer of blush. For maximum color payoff (and to help blush last longer), first apply a creme blush first and then a powder blush in the same color on top.

Using an angled brush like MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush, smile and lightly sweep the blush on the apples of your cheeks and the top of your cheekbones. If you’re using a creme blush, apply with your middle finger and lightly tap your cheekbones and tops of your cheekbones then blend with your ring finger. Then follow with a light dusting of finishing powder.

Applying blush first before eye and lip color can help to determine how much eye and lip makeup you need. Often times you can get away with just wearing blush!

And there you have it, a quick and dirty guide on blush. No longer should you be afraid of blush! Keep it as a part of your normal beauty routine and your face will thank you

I honestly should have stock in NARS seeing as how their products infiltrate both my blog and my makeup kit. But honestly, if you’ve used their blushes before then you know of what I speak.

Well, those geniuses have totally amped up their legendary shade to bring you even more golden sparkle in their best-selling peachy-pink blush and have affectionately called the new shade Super Orgasm ($25 at Sephora). I got two today (one for me, one for my kit) and I am absolutely in love! Moreso because as a makeup artist, both me and my aching back appreciate products that can be used on a wide variety of skin tones. So if I can use Super Orgasm on every tone from porcelain to ebony, than heck, then my day is just complete now isn’t it?

Have a blush-phobia? Check out our Blush 101 post for the 411.

Other helpful blush posts:
Blush Application from Make Up For Ever
Urban Glamour Beauty Tip

Seriously, you NEED to own at least one NARS Blush. First, with shade names like Orgasm and Deep Throat how could you not resist? Second, every single shade is your connection to that beautiful glow that all the women in Hollywood seem to have stock in. Third, the high pigmentation ensures that you get great color payoff that lasts throughout the day yet doesn’t give you that 80s cheek look.

If you’re familiar with MAC foundations, I’m about an NW47 and wear the following shades: Crazed, Dolce Vita, Exhibit A, Gilda, Mata Hari, Orgasm, Outlaw, Sin, Taj Mahal, Taos, and Torrid—goes to show you how versatile this line is!

I’m gonna get each and every one of you wearing blush even if I have to type about all its glory until my fingers bleed!

P.S. Don’t forget to enter in this week’s Urban Glamour Summer Beauty SUPER Giveaway! One lucky reader will win Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream! Entries must be in by Friday, August 22nd at 11:59 P.M. EST. The winner will be announced on Saturday right here on myurbanglamour.blogspot.com! Stay tuned!