Blush and highlighter are the unsung heroes of a great makeup look. They can give you that dewy, radiant finish everyone’s obsessed with when used correctly. But when you mess them up? Let’s just say your face can end up looking like a train wreck or a disco ball. So, let’s get real and fix these common mistakes before they ruin your glow.
1. Blush on Your Cheeks? Try Your Temples
Ever notice that weird, flushed look when you put blush on the apples of your cheeks? It can make you look like you’re in the middle of a jog. Instead, sweep blush towards your temples. This elongates the face and gives a more natural, lifted appearance. Plus, it avoids that “I’m still in high school” look.
2. Too Much Shimmer? You’re Not a Disco Ball
We get it—highlighter can make you look like you’ve been kissed by the sun. But too much shimmer? You’ll look like you’re auditioning for a role in “Disco Fever.” Use a light hand, applying highlighter only to the high points of your face: cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose.
3. Don’t Just Swipe, Blend
Blush that’s applied but not blended is like a bad relationship—awkward and noticeable. A harsh line is a dead giveaway. Blend, blend, blend! Use a brush or a damp sponge to seamlessly merge the color with your foundation for a natural flush.
4. Highlighting Everywhere, No
Highlighting your entire face is a rookie mistake. Save the spotlight for the high points—cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and the bridge of your nose. Applying highlighters everywhere makes you look oily and overdone, not radiant.
5. Rocking the Wrong Shade of Blush
Blush should complement your skin tone. A blush too dark will make you look like you’ve got a sunburn, while a shade too light will be barely noticeable. Test out a few shades to find the one that gives you a natural, healthy glow.
6. Forgetting to Contour
Blush and highlighter look best when they’re part of a balanced makeup look. Without contouring, your face can look flat. Contour adds depth and dimension, allowing your blush and highlighter to pop.
7. Applying Highlighter Before Setting Powder
Applying a highlighter before setting powder can result in a splotchy mess. Your highlighter will get absorbed into the powder, losing its luminosity. Apply setting powder first to ensure a smooth canvas, then apply your highlighter for that extra glow.
8. Step Away from Matte Blush
Matte blushes can be chic, but overdoing them can make your face look flat and lifeless. Mix it up with a touch of shimmer, or use a cream blush for a more dewy finish that adds a bit of life to your cheeks.
9. Red Blushes Can Look Like a Rash
Bright red blush might be trendy, but if it’s too intense, you’ll look like you’ve got a rash. Stick to softer, more natural shades that enhance your complexion rather than overpower it.
10. Highlighter Without Foundation? Again, No.
Applying highlighter directly onto bare skin is a no-go. It’ll cling to every imperfection and make you look patchy. Apply your foundation and concealer first to create a smooth base for the highlighter to adhere to.
11. Don’t Skip Blush Altogether
A full face of makeup without blush is like a cake without frosting—just plain wrong. Blush adds a pop of color and dimension that’s crucial for a balanced look. Don’t skip it!
12. Blush Applied in a Line? Not the Look You’re Going For…
Applying blush in a straight line across your cheeks can look harsh and unnatural. Instead, apply it circularly or diagonally to create a more blended, seamless finish.
3. Highlighter Too Glittery? We’re Not in the 80s
Glittery highlighters might have been a hit in the ‘80s, but in 2024, they’re a fashion faux pas. Opt for a more subtle shimmer that enhances your features without making you look like a walking craft project.
14. Blush Too High or Low? Placement is Key
Blush placement is crucial for enhancing your face shape. Applying it too high can make you look older, while too low can make your face look droopy. The ideal spot is on the apples of your cheeks, blended upward.
15. Ignoring Face Shape When Applying Blush
Your face shape should guide where you apply blush. For example, if you have a round face, apply blush slightly above the apples of your cheeks to elongate your face. Tailoring your blush application to your face shape can make a huge difference.