Why cream blush ROCKS!

Ahhh, blush. Now there's a product you can simply throw on that will INSTANTLY make you look:

1. Healthier: that glow that lets everyone knows you're fit and fab!
2. Younger: want that slight flush that a baby's cheek has? Blush will do it!
3. Brighter: it brightens up your face, giving you that 'alive vibe'.
4. Smarter: OK, maybe I'm pushing it a little here...but you have to admit that using the right shade is pretty brilliant!

As a make up artist here in Hollywood, I always want my actresses to look their absolute best. I achieve this by following these simple principles:

Use cream blush
It gives the skin a dewy, younger look. I like that it's not flat or just sitting on the face. It absorbs into the skin giving it a 'lit from within' look. It's easy to blend so there's a seamlessness that I just love. It tends to look more like a real healthy glow. It closer replicates the look of actually blushing. We forget that that's what we're trying to do with blush, to recreate the first glow of happiness and health.

Avoid cream blush if...
I would say oilier skins have a harder time with cream blushes. The sebum in the face breaks down the subtle formulation of the product. Oilier skin does well with stains. They may be a bit tricky to work with the first time, but like riding a bike, you'll get used to it. I'm a huge fan of stains/tints. Benefit Cosmetics' Benetint is the mother of all stains/tints! It's a universally flattering shade and leaves just the most beautiful finish! Check it out!

Use powder blush
YES! I actually use powder blush, too. Sometimes I use a combination of both. I'll 'stain' the skin with a cream blush then layer a bit of powder on top. I'll do this to insure longer wear. If you're headed down the red carpet or out for a long day of running around, this is a great trick to keep your cheeks looking flawless. Cream blush gives that moist highlight on the apple of the cheek when you smile... that is just so priceless. You can replicate the look with powder blush, but that's and upcoming blog I'll do, so stay tuned!

Choose the right shade
I tend toward juicy, healthy shades. Colors that flatter the skin and colors that most look like the kind of tones that are actually found in the best looking skin. Glowing pinks, apricots, peaches are always great standby's. You really want something to brighten the face. Depending on your skin tones, I will sometimes use a bronzier or more subtle plummy shade. But not often, and usually more for evening. I can't stand mauve or too brown tones. They just 'sit' on the face and tend to actually suck the life out of your skin. This is a HUGE mistake women make. Check your make up bag...is it time to edit. No worries, I'll give you some suggestions of colors in this entry.

So what products do I use?
That is the one question I get all the time. It's never "What does Brett LIKE"?... it's what do I USE. Well, here ya' go, gals:

Stila's Convertible Color in shade 'Petunia'
You're gonna think I'm nuts! Yes, it's bright... but trust me it goes on so sheer and radiant! I've used this on everyone from Kirsten Dunst to Mariah Carey.

NARS' The Multiple in shade 'Orgasm'
A beautiful peachy/pink that looks great on everyone. Added bonus, can be used on eyes, lips and cheeks! I've used this on everyone from Reba McEntire to Vanessa Hudgens.

Almay's Touch-Pad Blush in shade 'Natural'
This may be the easiest to use since it features a spongy pad that holds the pigment... oh, and it's oil free! I've used this on everyone from Catherine Heigel to Sela Ward.

So there you have it in a nutshell, all my favorite cream blushes. If you've never tried them before, why not play with them a bit. I'm confident that after your first try, you'll be getting great feedback!

Enjoy Pretty,

Brett

VANITYMARK Cosmetics