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Wearing bright blush is more popular than ever — but some of us might be a little too into it.
If you’ve never heard of the term “makeup blindness,” it refers to one’s inability to see mistakes in their own makeup application. And beyond that, there are subcategories — particularly “blush blindness,” which can make it seem like you’ve applied your blush in a dark room, during a solar eclipse or inside a circus tent.
Makeup artists see this lack of awareness all the time, and they’re ready to help you discover if you’ve fallen victim to blush blindness and need to get your makeup routine back in balance.
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This is your face on blush.
When blush is applied too heavily, “it overwhelms the rest of the makeup, creating an imbalanced look,” said Kelly Zhang, a makeup artist and founder of Kelly Zhang Makeup.
Makeup artist Deanna Melluso warned that you might be adding years, not a healthy glow. “When your blush is too strong, it can overwhelm your face and look dated or older,” she said.
And Charlie Riddle, makeup artist and global beauty director of Stila Cosmetics, pointed out the possible impact of heavy-handed blush: “It could potentially make your skin look red, irritated or flushed, and it could also lessen dimension and contour. When you can’t see the natural shadows and highlights of the skin, it makes your features look flatter.”
Some of your fave celebs may be blush blind.
Even though it’s been a laughable, meme-able part of social media for a while now, blush blindness turns up more than you might realize. The experts we spoke to mentioned the extreme-level blush of Margot Robbie’s makeup for “I, Tonya,” as well as the red carpet and even everyday looks of Chrissy Teigen, Joanna Gaines and Sabrina Carpenter.
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But blush blindness can truly be in the eye of the beholder. For example, Autumn Estelle, Benefit Cosmetics’ U.S. national brow and beauty authority, cited Carpenter’s “super blush-y looks,” noting that while they may not be right for everyone, “I think it suits her because her cheeks are not the only dramatic part of her makeup. She also has bold, intense brows and a pouty lined lip, so her signature bright blush helps tie together her entire look.”
But what looks great at an arena concert isn’t the right plan for a day at the office, so we talked to experts to hear more about how to ensure you aren’t overdoing it in less glitzy settings.
How to tell if you’re blush blind — and one quick fix for it.
The camera never lies, say the experts, which is why Estelle reaches for her camera when in doubt. “After many moments of realizing I, too, can fall victim to blush blindness, I now will often take a photo of myself, one with flash and one without, to ensure I’m happy with my level of blush before I step out,” she said.
If your camera reveals some issues, you may want to start by improving your lighting. “Over-application can happen if you’re getting ready in dim lighting, where you can’t actually see the true color,” Riddle said.
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Makeup artist Tarryn Feldman, host of the beauty podcast ”The Touchup,” said you may need to buy more wattage instead of buying new blush. “I suggest installing lighting where you get ready, so you can always see how much bronzer and blush you’ve applied,” she said.
Once your bathroom is brighter, you can still check up on things while you’re on the go. “I travel with a tiny handheld mirror that has warm, cool and a natural lighting setting,” Estelle said. “This helps whenever I’m in a pinch and have no natural lighting available.”
These pro techniques can really help.
These makeup artists had plenty of smart ideas to get you back on track. First, there’s the issue of which shade to select. “Choosing the right blush shade is crucial,” Zhang said. “Warmer skin tones look best with peachy or coral blushes, while cooler tones shine with pinks and mauves. For a monochromatic look, I recommend a lip-and-cheek duo to ensure the blush blends well with the rest of the makeup.
“And always remember, less is more,” she added. “You can build up the intensity, but it’s much harder to tone it down once it’s over-applied.”
Next, it’s time to decide on liquid, powder or cream formulations. Many of the experts suggested cream-based products. “For people who don’t have a lot of time in the morning or aren’t great at their own makeup, I suggest using a cream blush,” Feldman said. “Get a soft natural color, then apply and blend it with the same tool you used to put on your foundation. That way, you blend and underpaint a little at the same time.”
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Riddle is also a fan of cream products. “I love to teach clients to underpaint with cream blush, because it gives more of that lit-from-within healthy glow,” he said. For the blush blind, there’s another advantage, he noted: “Cream formulas are great because they’re easier to blend out if you apply too much.”
Melluso recommended using two products together as a cream-and-powder combo: “I coach my clients to first apply a cream color, making a dime-size dot on the cheekbone, then blending in a circular motion on the high cheekbone. Next, use powder blush in a similar color to lightly dust over the cream. Take some blush you just used and dip it into a translucent powder and blend to help soften the color. If the blush is heavy, lightly blend with your concealer brush.”
Using powder blush? Hold your brush the right way for better results.
It’s easier to over-apply powder blush, but Estelle had application suggestions. “First, I recommend holding your brush at the middle or end of its handle, versus holding it at the very top,” she said. “When you hold your brush at the very top near its bristles, you’re more prone to adding extra product because you have a tighter grip and apply more pressure to your cheeks.”
“If you hold your brush toward the end of its handle, you can quickly tap any excess product off the brush before application,” Estelle said. “And it will be easier to lightly diffuse the product across your cheeks.”
Finally, she offered this pep talk from a pro: “Remember that makeup is a form of artistry and self-expression. Suggestions are just that, and there truly is no one-size-fits-all. I believe you should always opt for what makes you feel the most confident and most beautiful.”
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Want a gorgeous cream blush? Try these makeup-artist favorites.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Sephora
Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed
Want to try out a creamy blush but prefer a matte look? Then you're in luck, because this blush does it all. According to makeup artist Abby Lauren, it starts as a creamy balm and turns into a powder finish once it sets. She also loves using it on her clients' lips. It's formulated with skin-loving ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid, so you know it'll make your skin feel as good as it looks. It's available in seven colors.
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Amazon
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take créme and powder blush
If you're feeling a bit nervous about transitioning to a cream blush entirely, then baby step your way in with this gorgeous duo from Patrick Ta, which offers both a cream and powder formulation in a single palette. This highly-rated blush is a staple in my rotation, and I can honestly report that I use the creamy formulation far more than the powder option. It's highly pigmented, stays put all day long and has a beautiful, rich texture that doesn't slide off or mess with foundation. I have several of these, and on more than one occasion I have mysteriously found them in my wife's makeup bags. Depending on which retailer you shop, this duo is available in a wide range of lovely shades.
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Sephora
Wander Beauty On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator
Lauren loves this dual-ended stick so much that she keeps it in her purse! She told HuffPost that it is "super easy to use and also has a highlighter on the other end of the stick. I use the blush on my lips and cheeks and then the highlight on my eyes too when I'm in a rush." It's available in two different color combinations.
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Sephora
Ilia Multi-Stick Cream Blush + Highlighter + Lip Tint
Don't you love a multitasking product? I'm a huge fan of this cult-fave cream stick from Ilia. It gives you a beautiful glow without feeling overly dramatic. It's perfect for someone who prefers a more subtle, romantic vibe. It's available in 12 colors.
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Sephora
Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream blush stick
Don't be fooled by Milk Makeup's popularity among the young crowd, this versatile cream blush is a must in anyone's repertoire, regardless of age. It has a super hydrating formula that blends beautifully and adds a lovely pop of color with ease. I have used it for years, and find it easy to blend with a makeup brush or my fingers. It's available in 12 colors.
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Nordstrom
RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek
Lauren shared her love for the iconic RMS Lip2Cheek. Not only does it leave a gorgeous glow, but it is chock-full of healthy skin ingredients. I've had these in my makeup bag for decades and can attest that they'll never go out of style. They're blendable, hydrating and look utterly fabulous. They're available in six colors, though Illusive is my go-to for a dramatic look.
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Jones Road
Jones Road Miracle Balm
I don't know anyone over the age of 45 who doesn't love the Jones Road Miracle Balm, including my own mother. She explained that "since I have very dry skin, I needed a blush that would make my skin feel hydrated and look dewy. I love that it has nutrients for the skin and the light shimmer." It's available in 12 different colors, all of which have that highly-coveted light-reflecting, moisturizing prowess.
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Sephora
Merit Flush Balm cream blush
There are eight Merit Beauty blush shades to choose from, which feels like an impossible task given how lovely they all are. I have about three different colors, each of which get routinely used. This super hydrating and soft blush feels like wearing nothing but gives your skin just the right amount of soft, moisturizing flush. It's buildable and natural-looking, easy to use and blend. What more could you want?
