Blush is an easy way to freshen up your complexion. Adding a little blush to the apples of your cheeks can make your skin look more youthful. However, one wrong stroke and blush can add years to your face. Click to find out if you're making blush mistakes that are making you look older.
[Image: ImaxTree]
You're Using The Wrong Shade
According to Elle, many women do not wear a shade of blush that adds youthfulness to their face. They either pick a color that is too dark, which looks muddy and dull. Other women choose a product that's too soft in color, which washes them out and ages them.
The Fix: To find the right shade, Elle suggests pinching your cheeks and trying to match the natural color that you get when you actually blush.
[Image: Shutterstock]
You're Using A Powder Blush
If you have dry skin, powder blush can exacerbate any dry patches. Dry skin has the tendency to look flakey and older. Powder blush can also settle into wrinkles, making them more prominent.
The Fix: Instead of using powder blush, use a cream formula. Cream blushes tend to look more natural and give you healthy glow. Simply use your fingers apply a little cream blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend outward.
rms beauty Lip2Cheek ($36)
You're Applying It In The Wrong Place
Avoiding applying blush too far below the cheekbone. Real Simple points out that this can visually pull down the face, "making you look jowly." When you apply blush, you want to place it high on your cheekbones to define your face and lift your features.
The Fix: When applying blush, Real Simple suggests lighting brushing the product up along the cheekbone. The upward sweep gives the occlusion of pulling your face upward, creating a slimming effect.
[Image: Keiko Lynn]
You're Using Too Much Shimmer
Shimmery blushes aren't flattering on everyone. Celebrity makeup artist Min Min Ma to Byrdie, "Anything shimmery will accentuate the skin's irregularities, making them more prominent than they really are."
The Fix: Use a matte blush instead. A matte blush will also give you a more natural glow, while shimmery products tend to skew on the younger side.
[Image: Shutterstock]
You're Applying Too Much
Being too heavy-handed with your blush can instantly age you. Heavy blush use tends to be a marker of age (i.e. when your grandma applies too much "rouge").
The Fix: Less is more when it comes to blush. Using a brush, lightly dip your brush in the product. Tap off the excess before lightly sweeping it onto your cheekbones. Pro tip: If you apply too much blush, blend it out using a beautyblender.
[Image: Shutterstock]