More NARS…

From the comments some of you left on my Facebook Fan NARS Giveaway (which by the way ends tonight at 11:59 PM EST), there’s a population of you cuties who haven’t tried a NARS Blush yet. I hate to be all dramatic and what not, but I’m about to be all dramatic and what not: YOU’RE MISSING OUT!!! LOL. If a phobia of blush is what’s stopping you, stop it right now and read Blush 101 for some tips. If not being familar with the line is giving you pause, then I’ve put together a list of blushes perfect for every skin tone. What I love most about the NARS line is that it contains super pretty, super pigmented, and totally wearable shades (many of which come in matte finishes so those with skin texture issues can find a blush that doesn’t highlight their imperfections) for every single woman on earth. Every one. And I’m willing to place a bet on that claim, too…lol.

Even if you’re a beauty on a budget, set aside $5 a week for a month and when the end of the month comes at least walk out with Orgasm, the line’s award winning shade that looks good on damn near everybody whether you’re Nicole Kidman or Alek Wek.

Most skin tones can blindly pick a shade of NARS Blush and it will look great. I myself switch between Taos, Exhibit A, Mata Hari, Mounia, Gina, Gilda, Sin, Orgasm, Outlaw (which seems to be sadly discontinued), Taj Mahal, Amour, Desire, Dolce Vita, and Torrid and I’m a MAC NW47. And a blush fiend as it seems.

Anyway, here are some suggestions below on what to try first for your skintone. You may find that you can wear additional shades that aren’t listed below (because that’s what’s so great about NARS Blush) so feel free to check out Blush 101 for tips on how to find your perfect shade of blush.

Tips on using this guide:
1. I would never get a single post completed in a timely manner if I were to list each and every beautiful shade we women come in, plus some colors work on a multitude of skin ton variations. When looking through this guide, go for the skin tone category that closely matches your skin. If you’re still stuck, contact me.
2. If NARS isn’t in your budget, still use this guide to help you decide which colors look best on your skin tone so you know what to look for with other brands.

Fair skin (Nicole Kidman) Orgasm, Oasis, Zen, Nico, Madly, Dolce Vita, Gina

Medium Skin (Sarah Jessica Parker) Deep Throat, Orgasm, Desire, Ninotchka, Oasis, Sin, Torrid, Sertao, Mata Hari

Light Olive Skin (Kim Kardashian) Orgasm, Deep Throat, Torrid, Desire, Sin, Silvana, Madly, Angelika, Gina

Olive Skin (Padma Lakshmi) Amour, Exhibit A, Gilda, Gina, Lovejoy, Taj Mahal, Taos, Dolce Vita, Mounia, Orgasm, Torrid

Tan/Golden Skin (Jennifer Lopez to Beyonce) Lovejoy, Luster, Orgasm, Mata Hari, Desire, Dolce Vita, Angelika, Torrid, Sin, Taj Mahal

Caramel Skin (Halle Berry to Queen Latifah) Orgasm, Taj Mahal, Exhibit A, Torrid, Taos, Dolce Vita, Desire, Mounia, Lovejoy, Gilda

Dark Skin (Nia Long to Gabrielle Union) Exhibit A, Mounia, Taj Mahal, Orgasm, Dolce Vita, Desire, Gina, Taos, Torrid, Amour

Deep Skin (Kelly Rowland to Alek Wek) Orgasm, Exhibit A, Taj Mahal, Mounia, Taos, Desire

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