Understanding Your Skin Type
Recognising your skin type is the first crucial step in achieving long-lasting powder blush. There are predominantly four skin types: normal, dry, oily, and combination. Each of these skin types experiences different reactions to cosmetics because of their distinct natures. For instance, dry skin may cause your blush to patch or flake off, while oily skin may make it disappear within hours of application. Combination skin requires strategic application as different areas of your face may behave differently towards the cosmetic. Therefore, gaining a correct understanding of your skin type will guide you on how best to prepare your facial canvas to maximise the durability of your blush.
Prepping Your Skin Before Application
The steps you take before applying your blush play a significant role in determining how long it will last. Start by thoroughly cleansing your skin to remove any residual makeup, oil, or impurities. Follow this up with a toner to balance your skin's pH level and smoothen its texture. Next, apply a lightweight, quickly absorbable moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated. Allowing your skin to absorb the moisturiser for a few minutes before moving on to the next step will improve the blush's durability.
Choosing the Right Consistency of Blush
The consistency or formula of your blush is another factor that determines your blush's durability throughout the day. Powder blushes are an excellent option for oily and combination skin types due to their capability to absorb excess oil, ensuring your cheek colour stays in place for longer. On the other hand, cream-based formulas are more appropriate for drier skin types, as they offer hydration and a longer staying power than their powder counterparts. Selecting the right formula based on your specific skin needs is vital for attaining all-day wear.
Proper Application Techniques for Longevity
A powerful technique for long-lasting blush application is layering. Start with a creamy blush as your base, then follow up with a powder blush to lock it in. Apply the blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your hairline for a natural, flushed look. It's also advisable to use a blush brush for application; a brush with densely packed bristles will help deposit the colour evenly and ensure a smooth blend. Remember to tap off any excess from your brush before application to prevent product wastage and over application.
Setting Your Blush to Last
To keep your blush vibrant and in place throughout the day, you need to set it properly. After completing your makeup application, lightly brush a translucent powder on your cheeks to set the blush. The translucent powder acts as a lockdown layer, keeping your blush from budging during the day. You can also use a setting spray to further enhance the life span of your blush. These sprays are usually formulated to make your makeup resistant to factors like heat, humidity, and transfer, ensuring your blush maintains its fresh and vibrant look all day long.
Touch-up Techniques Throughout the Day
Even with the perfect application technique and product, your blush might need a quick touch-up during the day. Carry with you a compact blush with a built-in mirror for convenient on-the-go touch-ups. When touching up, let your skin's natural oils absorb the product to maximise the blush's staying power. Apply the blush to the areas that fade the most throughout the day. And as always, remember to blend for a harmonious merge with the skin. The goal should always be to have a natural and glowing look.
Protecting Your Blush From External Factors
External factors such as humidity, heat and sweat can cause your blush to fade or evaporate faster. To combat these elements, it's prudent to choose a blush that is both heat and humidity-resistant. Using a sweat-resistant setting spray is another practical step you can take. Furthermore, maintaining a blotting paper in your beauty kit can help absorb any excess oil or sweat throughout the day, preventing it from smearing or streaking your blush. This paper works without disturbing the makeup underneath, thus preserving your blush.