Besides sunscreen, which we technically consider to be skincare as we use it every single day (as should you!), blush is the MVP of your summer makeup bag. Forget concealer, forget highlighter and kick foundation to the curb because blush is where it’s at.
We’re a big fan of makeup products that are multipurpose and we love a little multi-use moment with blush specifically because it’s so damn versatile. Before you begin to question our thought process on this, hear us out.
The epitome of summer skin is to achieve glow without looking sweaty, right? But, given how hot it gets here in Australia, highlighter isn’t really a necessary product because, in all honesty, your sweat is working harder. Swapping out your highlighter for blotting papers is a better move in the hot weather.
You also don’t need a lot of coverage in the hotter months, as you ideally want your skin to shine through and have a chance to breathe, so say goodbye to concealer and foundation. In fact, the next time you head away for a summer getaway, empty the contents of your makeup bag and just include blush, mascara and brow products for the ultimate pared-back kit.
As for the type of blush to use in summer, we recommend a creamy one. A cream blush lends itself a little better to the multi-use purposes and works with the dewy vibe of your summer skin. But, if you’re skin is on the oilier side and you prefer a powder blush, you do you!
Blush as blush
We’re not reinventing the wheel with this one obviously but swiping on a little blush across the apples of your cheeks gives you a healthy flush. On your summer holiday, forgo base products and simply pop on a little blush instead.
Blush as eyeshadow
When you want to free up space in your makeup bag, leave behind your eyeshadow palettes and pots in favour of your blush. Simply use your finger to swipe a little blush on your eyelids to create a subtle look. If you have a cream highlighting product handy, pop a smidge of this on top to create a glowy summer eye.
Blush as a lip stain
In this case, you can’t use a powder product because, well, that would feel awful and look a little off, so opt for cream blush. Just as you would with a lip stain, blot some cream blush on your lips for a pretty your-lips-but-better colour moment.
Blush on your nose
Now, this is one of the more wild uses of blush but it’s a good one. Remember back in the day when your nose would get a little pink after being in the sun for a bit too long? This doesn’t happen to us anymore thanks to our dedicated application of SPF, but rocking a light flush on your nose sends off sunkissed vibes.
To replicate this in a healthy way, you can simply swipe a tiny bit of blush to the tip of your nose. Coined “sunburn blush”, when applied correctly, it should simply amp up your summery look rather than look like you’ve been roasted in the sun.
If you’re in the market for a new blush, these are some of our favourites that carry us through all seasons but particularly shine come summer.
RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek, $58 at MECCA
The natural and blendable formula of the RMS Beauty blush makes it a winner for both lips and cheeks (and your eyes and nose!). It comes in nine shades to cater for a variety of skin tones and the addition of coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa seeds means the rich formula melts into the skin easily and provides a burst of hydration.
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick, $80 at MECCA
The formula of this Blush Stick by Westman Atelier is creamy and buildable, while product packaging allows you to swipe the blush straight on your cheeks, lips, eyelids and nose. Formulated with organic jojoba oil and berryflux vita, this product also helps to firm and nourish the skin.
