Putting I on- Blush

Apply cream blushes with sponges or fingertips. For powder blushes, use a professional blush brush, which is soft and rounded. Brushes that come with blushes seldom blend as well, they are usually to small and squared shaped, which is how you get those war paint stripes. In a pinch, powder blushes may be applied with a cotton ball.

To apply either cream or powder blushes: smile and place color at the apple of your cheeks, using a circular motion. Blending upward and outward until there are no lines to indicate where blush begins or ends.

Blush is a matter of balance. There should never be a concentration of color anywhere. The objective is to achieve a gentle overall glow.

Too much color? no problem. Dust on a layer of loose or pressed powder to take off the edge.

Be careful not to get blush in your hair ( blondes often have this problem). Before applying blush, dust sides of hair with loose powder and brush away when finished.

If you're feeling pale, add a touch of blush to temples, forehead and chin. Once again, blend into nothingness.

Putting it on- Powder

Powder sets whatever it's put on- including mistakes. Before applying look to make sure you don't have any lines or creases, especially on the eyelids.

Always use the least possible amount of powder. Remember, you're never supposed to actually see it, Only its effects.

Distribute powder lightly and evenly. You don't want skin to look patchy.

When using a brush, always give it a flick to shake off excess powder.

When using a puff, lightly press on face and roll. If you don't have a puff, you can use a cotton ball.

For the sheerest powder possible, use a make up sponge. Since it doesn't hold much powder, it gives a barely - there application. Another perk: The sponges clean edge lets you get in close to the lashline.

If face is very moist, blot with a tissue before using powder. Otherwise, powder may clump.

Five reasons to take a powder.

1. It Finishes a bare face.

Even if you skip foundation and/or concealer, a quick powder will give skin a matte, polished appearance.

2. It blends and corrects make up.

Powder unifies texture and takes the edge off everything. If needed, you can lighten too- heavy blush or eye shadow by simply adding powder.

3. It sets make up.

Powder makes everything stay put. It’s especially important for cream based products that slip and slide, such as foundation, concealer and pencils.

4. It promotes longevity.

Make up lasts noticeably longer with powder than without.

5. It stops shine.

The ultimate absorber,powder blots unwanted moistness. Don’t go overboard. Remember, healthy skin is supposed to have some sheen.