Blush, Bronze and Everything In Between

Confession: I haven’t always worn blush.  My makeup routine for a long time consisted of foundation, eyeliner, mascara and some lipstick.  I didn’t even consider anything else, and to be honest the makeup scene back then was quite different than it is now.

I don’t know about you, but when I was growing up, the only way to learn to do make up was through your friends (and the Girlfriend and Vogue magazines), or your mum (or our friend’s mum!).  And the quality of products available wasn’t amazing either.

Now it’s a completely different ball game.  The internet and social media has meant learning to apply makeup is something that’s accessible to everyone, and makeup and skincare technology has come in leaps and bounds as well.

These days, what used to only be powder, comes in crème and liquid form too, and where we would only have blush before, we now see bronze, contour, highlighter, translucent powder, and illuminator in everyday makeup ranges.

If you’re anything like me, it’s hard to see a need for ALL of these things, and quite possible, the truth is you DON’T need them all.  So to help you make a decision about what’s right for your makeup routine, I have put together a smart explanation of what each is and when you might use them:

Blush

Just as the name suggests, blush is used to add colour to your cheeks to give them a bit of warmth after creating a ‘blank slate’ with foundation.  It can come in either powder, liquid or crème foundation and they’re usually heavily pigmented, so a little goes a long way!  Here’s my favourite blush to use and the best way to apply it.

Bronzer

Bronzer is used to give your skin a ‘sun-kissed look’, and they can be brown or gold-toned.  But unlike blush that is just used on your cheeks and cheekbones, bronzer can be used on your cheekbones, brow, jawline and other contours on your face.  Bronzer is great to use for events and evening makeup looks, but it’s also good to add a bit of definition to a simple day look.

Contour

Contouring is used to add dimension and shadow to your face so you’ll usually find it coms in earthy, neutral, brown tones.  And because bronzer also comes in similar shades, and it gets used in the same places, as long as it’s a matte bronzer, the two can generally be interchanged.

Contouring will look different on different face shapes, so before you start it’s a good idea to know your face shape first.  But the general rule it to make a number 3 shape on your face (forehead, cheekbones and jawline).

Highlighter

While contouring is used to give definition to your face, highlighter ‘highlights’ the highest point where the light hits; places like the top of your cheekbones, brow bones, forehead and the bridge of your nose.  And because it’s used in conjunction with contouring, it placed strategically according to your face shape.

Illuminator/Pearliser

The last, but maybe not the least of the these face-enhancing products is illuminator (or sometimes called Pearliser).

You can either use it on its own to give your face a perfect, no-makeup look, or you can mix it with foundation or tinted moisturizer for that extra glow.  It does also come in a spray bottle so you can spritz over your makeup at the end.

Phew! So many options these days to enhance your makeup after you’ve achieved a blank cancas with your foundation.  I know it can be a little confusing sometimes though, so I got you!  I’m passionate about helping women live their best life, and feel good doing it.  Make sure you sign up to my email for your weekly dose of encouragement, empowerment, and beauty and style advice.

Remember, beautiful friend, you were born to stand out.  Keep shining!