How to Avoid Splotchy Blush | Makeup.com

How to Avoid Splotchy Blush | Makeup.com

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A little flush is all you were really going for ... and somehow you ended up with patchy, streaky blush. What in the world is that all about? While blush can do wonders for your complexion, a botched blush job can make you look a little ridiculous, are we right? If you're having some serious issues getting your blush to behave, here's what you need to do!

Exfoliate Your Skin

A HUGE factor in getting your makeup to apply smoothly and stay on is your skin's texture. If it's dry and flaky, your blush - or anything else for that matter - will look streaky, uneven and come right off. Lightly exfoliate once or twice a week with a gentle enzyme scrub like Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub to remove dead skin cells and flakes that could be messing with your makeup.

Prep & Prime First

How do you expect your blush to sit tight and look even when your foundation can't? First, be sure to moisturize because we know that dry skin and makeup do not mesh well. Allow your moisturizer to sink into your skin and then use a pea-sized amount of primer like Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion for a smooth and even foundation application that won't budge.

RELATED: How to Apply Primer Like a Pro

Lay Down Your Foundation

Once you've applied your foundation, use a beauty blender or foundation brush like Lancôme Foundation Brush #2 and blend like there's no tomorrow! If your foundation is thicker in some areas than others, this will effect your blush application as well. If skin is oily, be sure to use a mattifying primer or oil-absorbing foundation, as the natural oils in your skin will cause your cream or powder blush to come out splotchy and streaky.

It's All in the Blush Brush

Any old brush won't do! We get it - you already have some other brush that you think works fine, and in some cases, this may be true. But, not when it comes to the matter of blush. There's a strategic reason as to why the bristles are packed the way they are - to ensure a splotch-free application! Packed tightly, with just the right amount of fluff, blush brushes are usually slightly tapered or angled for precise distribution of product and a naturally blended look.

Blend, Blend & Blend Again

We cannot stress how important this step is! Simply dabbing a hint of blush on the apples of your cheeks will not do. Without blending, your blush will come out looking patchy and unnatural. Using your brush or even a beauty blender (if blush is cream-based), blend from the apples of your cheeks and out toward your cheekbones. A natural flush should essentially melt into your skin and leave people guessing, what it should not do is sit on top of your foundation and look, well ... clownish.

RELATED: Best Blush for Skin Tone

Set It!

As the day wears on, your blush tends to wear out. Once the pinkish flush fades away, it can start to look splotchy as the pigment breaks down. After blending your foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush - everything - it's time to set your makeup. Using a translucent powder like NYX Studio Finishing Powder, apply a light veil over skin using a kabuki brush to keep everything in place.

Other Splotchy Blush Factors


Dirty Brush:
If your blush brush hasn't been cleaned in a while, all the excess makeup and even oil from your skin will build up on the bristles and keep your blush application from going on smoothly. Be sure to wash your brushes every two weeks to one month!
Are the bristles on your brush looking a little ... overused? While we know it's hard to let go of a brush that's been there for us on countless occasions, it's really keeping you from blending properly. If the density and shape of your brush has changed over time, a new one is in order.

Wrong Formula:
If your skin is as dry as a bone and you're using a powder blush - or as oily as can be and you're using a cream-based blush - it's no wonder your application is coming out splotchy! Using the right formula (along with the right primer and foundation) for your skin type will allow your blush to effortlessly blend right in. For dry skin, try a blendable, air-whipped mouse like YSL Kiss and Blush. And for oily skin, try a lightweight, fade-free formula like Maybelline Fit Me Blush.

Blushing beauty - we've got some more makeup tips and tutorials for you right here!

Photo: iStock

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