Women have been engaged in an ongoing love affair with blush for centuries and although ingredients, application and trends come and go, the desire to add that perfect flush to the cheeks remains steadfast in women today. So what are the latest tips and tricks and what sort of blusher should you buy?

FORMULA FAVE
Blush generally falls into three categories: powder, creme and liquid. Which one is right for you? Although it mostly comes down to personal preference, your skin type also comes into play, says Revlon’s professional make-up artist, Jo Brodie. “A normal/combination or oily skin suits a powder finish, as it blends easily onto the skin, whereas dry skin suits a creme finish, as it won’t settle into fine lines.” As a general rule, a powder blush works well on a lightly powdered face and a cream looks great applied to a light, dewy make-up look. If you’re after a blush with staying power, L’Oreal Paris NZ Make-up Director Lisa Matson recommends a cheek stain. “Liquid blush tends to be the most durable. It has a lovely matte finish and can look very natural,” she says.

ACING THE APPLICATION
Once you’re armed with the right formula, it’s time to get those cheeks looking as if you’re just back from a brisk power walk. Gone are the days of angled racing stipes that screech up your cheeks. When it comes to correct blush application, the most important rule is to keep the colour confined to the cheek area rather than taking it up the entire length of your cheekbone. Still not convinced on the right area to target? Use this helpful hint from Lisa: “When applying your blush, smile.” Smiling makes the apples pop out a little and this will guide you in the right direction. Sweep a light dusting on your cheeks, then you can build up to an intensity you are happy with.

BRUSHING UP
It’s not uncommon for blusher compacts to come with a small, token-size brush, but these should be reserved for emergencies only. “A round, full brush will give better control, colour intensity and finish to your blush,” says Lisa. Choosing a larger brush means the blush is spread over a larger area, resulting in a more natural dispersion of colour. And, says Jo, an important hint to remember is to tap the base of the brush after coating it in the blush as this will help the product settle into the bristles for a more even application. “For creme and liquid blushers,” she adds, “try using a kabuki brush (a densely packed brush which offers a better coverage of product) as this will buff the blusher onto the skin without letting it settle into fine lines.”

1. Benefit Benetint Rose Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain, $%7.
2. The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain, $25.
3. Covergirl Cheekers Blush, $15.
4. Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush in Flushed, $30.
5. Nars Kabuki Brush, $104.
6. Revlon Blush Brush, $56.
7. Phoenix Blusher Brush, $65.
8. MAC 129 Powder/Blush Brush, $85.
9. Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in Bloom, $48.
10. Chanel Le Blush Creme de Chanel in Inspiration, $100.
11. L’Oreal Paris True Match Blush in Rosewood, $38.
12. MAC Cremeblend Blush in Pony, $48.
13. The Body Shop Baked Cheek Colour in Petal, $38.
14. Inika Creme Colour in Dusty Rose, $40.
15. Max Factor Creamy Miracle Blush, $26.