Choosing the perfect blush shade can be a game-changer for your makeup routine.
Using the right blush for your undertone, skin type, and skin tone can enhance your natural beauty and add a touch of color that can transform your look from dull to dazzling. But with thousands of blush colors that come in various formulas, finding the right blush for you can be quite an overwhelming experience.
This guide from Glam.ph will help you find the ideal blush for you.
Getting to Know Your Skin Tone and Undertone
While the process of trial and error in choosing a blush shade is possible, it will take you a lot of time to find the right blush for you. Our tip for narrowing down the perfect blush shade for you? Find out what your skin tone and undertones are. These are the foundation for selecting shades that naturally complement your complexion.
According to the Fitzpatrick scale, there are six skin types. Your skin can fall into any of the following categories:
- Light, pale white: Very fair skin that burns easily.
- White, fair: Fair skin that burns with initial sun exposure but tans minimally.
- Medium, white to olive: Light to medium skin that tans gradually and burns moderately.
- Olive, moderate brown: Medium to tan skin with golden undertones, tans easily.
- Brown, dark brown: Deep brown skin that tans easily and rarely burns.
- Black, very dark brown to black: Dark to very dark skin that is deeply pigmented and never burns.
Undertones, on the other hand, are the subtle hues of colors beneath the surface of your skin, which heavily affect which colors look best on you. There are four main types of undertones:
- Cool undertones: Cool undertones have hints of pink, red, or blue. People with this undertone often look best in silver jewelry, and their veins appear blue or purple.
- Neutral undertones: Neutral undertones are a balanced mix of both cool and warm tones, without leaning too heavily in either direction. This undertone suits a wide range of colors, and both gold and silver jewelry look flattering.
- Warm undertones: Warm undertones have golden, yellow, or peachy hues. Those with warm undertones typically look best in gold jewelry, and their veins appear greenish.
- Olive undertones: Olive undertones are a mix of neutral and warm tones, often with a slight greenish or ashen hue. This undertone can range from light to deep and often gives the skin a natural tan appearance.
How to Choose the Right Blush Shade
There are different factors you can consider when choosing the best blush shade for you. Remember to consider your skin tone and the kind of effect you want to achieve when choosing a shade. You should also think about the formulation of the blush that you choose because these can play a factor in choosing the right shade for you.
Here are some guidelines:
Skin Tones
Choosing the right blush for your skin tone is key to enhancing your natural complexion. If it’s too far from your natural skin tone, and it may look unnatural or mismatched.
Light, Pale White Skin
For very light or pale skin, softer shades work best to avoid an overpowering effect. Look for blushes in delicate pinks, soft peaches, or light corals. These shades add a natural, subtle flush that enhances your complexion without looking too harsh or intense.
Recommended product: Pixi Beauty’s On-the-Glow Blush in Fleur for a naturally rosy look.
White, Fair Skin
Fair skin tones are versatile but still need soft, warm shades to add a gentle hint of color. Opt for light pinks, soft peaches, or subtle apricots. These colors provide a natural blush that brightens the complexion and adds a youthful glow.
Recommended product: BLK Cosmetics’ Creamy All Over Paint in Summer Sorbet – a blendable product perfect for cheeks, lips, and lids.
People with fair skin will find their match with BLK Cosmetics’ Creamy All Over Paint in Summer Sorbet for an easy to blend product that’s perfect for your cheeks, lips, and lids.
Medium, White to Olive Skin
Medium skin tones with a white to olive range look great with more vibrant, warm shades that add depth. Shades like rosy pinks, apricots, and warm peachy tones enhance the skin's natural warmth and create a sun-kissed effect.
Recommended product: Pixi Beauty’s On-the-Glow Blush in Juicy, a hydrating peach-toned blush perfect for medium skin tones.
Olive, Moderate Brown Skin
For olive or moderate brown skin, opt for blushes with a hint of orange, copper, or deep apricot. Warm, earthy tones create a flattering contrast that brightens the complexion. These shades help to highlight the skin's natural undertone and provide a healthy, glowing finish.
Recommended product: Vice Cosmetics’ Aura Blush in Manyika, a warm apricot blush that gives a radiant glow.
Brown, Dark Brown Skin
Deep brown skin tones look best with richly pigmented blushes that offer a strong contrast. Shades like deep plums, rich terracottas, and warm berry hues can help you put your best fact forward. These colors add a striking flush and enhance the skin's warm undertones.
Recommended product: Pixi Beauty’s Ruby On-the-Glow Blush, a berry blush that’s a buildable and hydrating blush, ideal for Morenas.
Black, Very Brown to Black Skin
For very deep skin tones, choose bold, vibrant colors like dark berries, deep reds, and wine shades. These intense colors stand out against the skin, adding warmth and vibrancy without looking washed out. Bold blush shades create a beautiful contrast, giving the skin a luminous finish.
Recommended product: Colourette’s Cherry Colourtint - a highly pigmented red tint that can also be used for cheeks, eyes, and lips.
Blush Formula
Using the right formula for your blush can be one of the best steps you can do for your makeup routine. Local brands formulate their products for the specific country where they’re based.
For example, Filipino makeup brands have specially formulated blushes that are suited for warmer climates that are very humid. These brands also consider the different skin types their users may have for their blush formulations.
Blush formulas vary in textures, finishes, and staying power. To help you choose the right blush for your skin type, here are some of the best blush formulas that will work well for different skin types:
Powder Blush
Ideal for normal, oily, or combination skin. Powder blush provides a matte finish, helping control oiliness and offering long-lasting wear. Powder blushes are often less pigmented than their cream or liquid counterparts, making them ideal for beginners who want a more subtle look.
Best for people with oily skin who want a matte look.
Cream Blush
Offers a natural, dewy finish that leaves skin looking hydrated and plump. This formula is best for dry or mature skin. While not as long-lasting as powder blush, it provides intense color because it can be layered for a bolder look. Cream blushes are great for creating a youthful, glowing look, especially on dry or textured skin because they don’t settle into fine lines or dry patches.
Best for individuals with dry or mature skin looking for a fresh, youthful glow.
Liquid Blush
Suitable for all skin types, liquid blush provides a natural, flushed look with a lightweight feel. It’s long-wearing and buildable, allowing for easy color customization. Liquid blushes can be used to create a more dramatic look, and they work well for people who want a dewy finish without the heaviness of a cream blush.
Best for anyone seeking a natural, long-lasting flush.
Stick Blush
Best for normal or oily skin, stick blushes are convenient and easy to use, making them perfect for mid-day touchups. They usually have matte or satin finishes and are long-wearing. Stick blushes offer precise application and are ideal for those who want a no-fuss blush that can be quickly applied without tools.
Best for quick on-the-go application with buildable coverage.
Gel Blush
Gel blushes provide a natural, dewy finish and are suitable for normal, oily, or combination skin. Long-wearing and easy to blend, they offer a subtle, natural-looking flush. They are often water-based, which makes them perfect for hot climates, as they won’t feel heavy or sticky.
Best for a dewy finish with long-lasting wear.
Tint Blush
Ideal for all skin types, tint blushes offer a sheer, buildable color that easily blends into the skin. They provide a naturally flushed look that lasts all day. Tints are perfect for people who want a minimal, no-makeup look or who prefer a lightweight formula that doesn’t sit on the skin.
Best for a low-maintenance, long-wearing blush that gives a natural glow.
Occasion
When choosing a blush shade, consider the occasion. For daytime wear, opt for softer, more neutral shades that enhance your natural beauty without overpowering your look. For evening events or special occasions, feel free to experiment with bolder, more vibrant colors that add drama and dimension to your face. Some settings, like evening events, may call for bolder colors, while professional environments might require more muted, neutral tones.
Achieving Your Blush Goals
Choosing the perfect blush shade not only enhances your natural beauty but also boosts your confidence. A blush that complements your skin tone can leave you looking fresh-faced and glowing. By understanding your skin tone, skin type, and undertone, you can select a blush that gives you a flawless finish for any occasion.
Make sure to experiment with different shades and formulas to find what suits your unique skin best. Remember, makeup is about self-expression, so don't be afraid to try new colors and styles. If you're ready to start looking for your next holy grail for blushes, you can start your search here at Glam.ph.
