Reader Entwined posed a question to me in my review of NARS blushes below.
if you don’t mind me asking, why does one need so many variants of blusher? I’m still a newbie at this whole make-up scene, so i’m genuinely curious! isn’t one that suits your skin colour and give you a natural look enough?
Well Entwined, my simple answer is:
“Yes, you are absolutely correct. One blush that suits your skin colour and makes you look natural could be all that you need.”
However, much depends on whether you always use one particular look when doing your makeup. I like to play with colours and sometimes, I do overall warm tones and sometimes, I do cool tones. I found that some colours of blushes worked better with certain combinations than others.
For example, if I do green eyeshadow, I find that a peach or peach pink blush goes better on an overall look. A straight pink, whilst looking cute may not go as well with the green. However, when I do blue or grey/silver eyeshadow, I like using pink on the cheeks as this brings out the overall colour for a more pulled together look.
I also found that different blush colours help me achieve different looks on a day to day basis. Having a variety of colours helps me do this.
On some days, I might want stronger coloured cheeks with muted eyes and lips. On days like this, I use NARS Taos (brick red). I use it very very lightly and end up with cheeks that looked barely flushed red. I always seem to get compliments when I use this.
On other days, I may want something that is just barely there. I may then use NARS Orgasm or Torrid. If I’m feeling flirty, I do something pink like NARS Desire. It gives me cute kawaii anime cheeks. I have learnt though that straight cool pink isn’t for me as I look weird in them. So, NARS Angelika and Chanel Turbulent aren’t so suitable for my skintone.
The other variation in blushes is texture. Some of my blushes have shimmer while others are matt, again to achieve different looks. Some people have a variation because they use a darker shade to contour and sculpt their cheeks to give the illusion of high cheekbones.
The final reason why I have so many colours and variations of blushes is simply because I like it. I suppose I could be deemed a blush addict but I’m trying to curb it now by weeding my collection of duplicate shades and colours. Some have been given away to better homes where I know they will be more appreciated. 😉
In summary, I would actually suggest that everyone should have at least 2 blushes. One warmer toned and one cooler toned. Warm tones usually have hints of peach or brown in them and cool tones usually have hints of pink or plum. Most people can handle a modicum of warm or cool tones and its a matter of finding a shade that works. Shimmer is optional as some people don’t like having shimmer on their faces.
I on the other hand, love my blushes so I suppose I’m not really the best person to ask why I have so many blushes! 🙂 I hope I answered your question, Entwined!
